Beretta Cheetah ?

[IrvJr]

I'm interested in getting a beretta 85 Cheetah pistol. I've read references to Beretta's type "85F" and type "85FS" pistols.

Is there a difference between a model "F" pistol and a model "FS" pistol or are these the same? If so, can someone summarize these differences? The Beretta USA website lists the pistol as "FS" but I've read other references to the (older?) model "F" pistol. Note that I'm familiar with what the differences between the "BB" and "F" models are.

Also, how can I determine whether the model that I'm about to purchase is an "F" or "FS" model?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sodbuster]

AFAIK the F indicates a standard black Bruniton finish, FS indicates a nickel finish

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks!

By George, I think you're right!

Thanks.

 

[George Hill]

Neat handguns. Every time I pick one up I am soo tempted to not put it back down!

 

[BerettaNut92]

What Reorge said!

 

[James Bondrock]

I have a Model 86, which although of different design than the 84/85 (it has a tip-up barrel), is still called a Cheetah. A very fun gun to shoot, although the springs in the magazines that came with it (it was used) fatigued very quickly.

 

[Shmackey]

One of the prettiest guns anywhere.

 

[BerettaNut92]

One of the prettiest guns anywhere.

It needs to have its slide chromed.

Seriously do they even come in blued or just that silly matte black?

Me want wood grips and blued finish. Retrotactical

 

[Kamicosmos]

On all the other berreta's the F and S don't mean anything in regards to the finish. At least on the 92/96 series, the FS has the slide retention devices to keep the slide from leaving the frame in the event of slide breakage. The older F models didn't have that feature. Basically all new berretas since about 1985 or so are FS models.

But I could be wrong, I always wondered why my 96FS manual only says 96F...maybe it is the finish....I'll have to check.

 

[XLMiguel]

I had an 85f. sweet shooter, sorry I traded it. It is a classic. A bit big for a .380 by contemporary standards, but the extra barrel length with modern loads makes it more of a real SD choice. FWIW