I've come across some unexpected funds, and am wanting to treat myself to a really classy 22. handgun. I've always desired a 87, but never could justify the healthy asking price. With that being said owning one could become a reality for me in the near future, and I'm curious as to if any of you enjoy, or dislike these pistols. It's one of those items I'd like to own for the sake of owning one, not to mention I put a lot of lead down range with a rimfire handgun, and believe I'd like owning one of the gems for plinking, and general leisurely shooting. What's the quality like on the newer models ?
Beretta 87 Cheetah
- Thread starter whetrock
- Start date
- Status
hemiram
Member
I can't say much about the 87. I shot one a long time ago, and it had no issues, but I only put like 25 rounds through it. I love the 84 and it's "cousin" the Browning BDA380, but my experiences with the .22lr pistols I have owned can be summed up in one word: BAD. But I was looking for a BUG, not a range toy, and I soon gave up on carrying a .22lr gun as a backup. I went to a Beretta 950 .25 for that, and bought an 84 and a BDA for range toys and carry for work as a security guard.
Shear_stress
Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 2,728
One of my favorite pistols. I can't speak for the quality of the newer ones as all mine were built in the 90s. If you can, try to find one used.
If you can find one for a decent price, get it. They are the best "service style" .22LR pistols available. They are very difficult to find, and command high prices, and I doubt they will ever go down in price, so you can always get your money back of you don't like it. However, I guarantee you will like it.
usp9
Member
Just to offer an alternative... The older Beretta 70s or even the 948 are cut from the same cloth. Very respected and reliable quality .22s are expensive. The older Berettas can be found for $300-500.
I agree that whichever model you choose, it will hold value and give many years of service.
I agree that whichever model you choose, it will hold value and give many years of service.
browningguy
Member
The 87 is a very nice gun, I also have the model 76 and it is a superb target pistol, very accurate with an excellent trigger. As for the Model 70S I also have one of those and it's not quite in the same league as far as accuracy.
If you can't find an M87, or don't want to spend quite that much, consider a CZ Kadet .22 pistol. I believe they are discontinued now, but do pop up used. The Kadet Kit .22LR conversion is still being offered, but you need a host gun, but if you want or have a CZ-75 based pistol it is great. I have one and really enjoy shooting it on my 75B, and 75D PCR.
The Kadet Kit is a bit larger than the M87, as it is basically a 75 with the .22 slide.
The Kadet Kit is a bit larger than the M87, as it is basically a 75 with the .22 slide.
I've had a Beretta M87 22LR (the one that resembles the M85) since about 1993 and it hasn't bobbled once - no failures to fire or eject.
Its DA trigger pull is nice and smooth, while the SA is fine for its type, though it isn't a target trigger. There's a knob on the back of the trigger to prevent over-travel, but isn't quite high enough, so I had a 'smith add to it and improve both the DA and SA; now it's close to perfect.
The slide-on-frame action is smooth.
About the only issue with the pistol is the slight difficulty in reassembling after field stripping it. It's tight, and stays tight over the years, but after doing it a few times you pick up a few tricks for aligning parts that makes it easier.
It's a great piece and I like it a lot. It's not a target pistol, but it feels great and is great for practice.
Its DA trigger pull is nice and smooth, while the SA is fine for its type, though it isn't a target trigger. There's a knob on the back of the trigger to prevent over-travel, but isn't quite high enough, so I had a 'smith add to it and improve both the DA and SA; now it's close to perfect.
The slide-on-frame action is smooth.
About the only issue with the pistol is the slight difficulty in reassembling after field stripping it. It's tight, and stays tight over the years, but after doing it a few times you pick up a few tricks for aligning parts that makes it easier.
It's a great piece and I like it a lot. It's not a target pistol, but it feels great and is great for practice.
Last edited:
Are the CZs easy to find and/or much cheaper? I thought they were pretty close in availability and price
Sounds like a fine handgun so far. The 87 has a sort of old school look to it, kinda reminiscent of CZ's quality. I'm really thinking about getting one, and remember seeing them in stock at Bud's a couple of months ago, but I guess they aren't mass produced to the same extent as say the Neos, or the model 92. Finding one might turn out to be a chore. Typically I'm fond of buying used, but I'd like for this to be a new gun if possible. I'm thinking maybe I should breakdown and get a Bersa Thunder 22 (heck even those are hard to find all of a sudden) and use the rest of the cash for something else.
Yes it does, and it works on the compact P-01 also. The SP-01, and P-01 are similar to other CZ-75 based pistols. It does not work on the polymer P-07, or P-09.
Kadet Kits can be ordered on line and come straight to your door. No FFL transfer required as it is just an upper, not a serialized gun. Yes, like everything else right now, CZ's and Kadet Kits are scarce.
Someone else mentioned the Bersa .22. I think that would also be a good alternative in the M87 class of pistol.
Orion8472
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2008
- Messages
- 3,638
Thanks Pilot. My brother was thinking that it would only work on the 75 model, and would require FFL transfers [because the serial number is on the slide of the 9mm pistols]. I was thinking he was wrong on both counts.
I may have to search out a Kadet then.
I may have to search out a Kadet then.
I see Kadet dedicated pistols from time to time in gun stores or online for $500 - $600 used, but mint condition. I see 75B's for $499, and Kadet Kits go another $350. So, yes, they are not that far of from the 87. As far as availability, I do see 75B's around much more than Kadets, but they do pop up from time to time. If you have money at the ready, I am sure you could get either in a month or two. Anything that expands the parameters of your search should yield something, but if you really want an 87, keep looking a grab one when it is available.
Shear_stress
Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 2,728
Quality
That's what you feel when you handle it I have about 6 handguns and had many more but the 87 feels the best I had the hole gun N-P3 at Robar It runs perfict exept for ocasonal problems with ammo but never the gun I had the best blueing I ever saw and I should have just done the internals with the N-P-3 Mags are expensive I got a Mag for the Target model and it holds a extra round but all mags are about $50.00 best 22
That's what you feel when you handle it I have about 6 handguns and had many more but the 87 feels the best I had the hole gun N-P3 at Robar It runs perfict exept for ocasonal problems with ammo but never the gun I had the best blueing I ever saw and I should have just done the internals with the N-P-3 Mags are expensive I got a Mag for the Target model and it holds a extra round but all mags are about $50.00 best 22
Mike OTDP
Member
The 87s are very nice. Concur with the comment about the 70s and 948s - they are real sleepers that can be bought for the price of a Walther P22...but are a much better gun.
In addition to my current M87 .22, I used to own a M70, with both the 4" and 6" barrels. IIRC the M70 was a little smoother than the M87, and it had a steel frame. (I think the M70 was the firearm used my the Israeli Mossad, FWIW.)
The action and trigger were fine, but I didn't much care for the sculpted grips grips on the 70, and its somewhat weird looks wore on me a bit.
If those things don't bother you it would be a really solid pick.
The action and trigger were fine, but I didn't much care for the sculpted grips grips on the 70, and its somewhat weird looks wore on me a bit.
If those things don't bother you it would be a really solid pick.
- Status
