Beretta 85 Cheetah Review: A Complete Guide

The Beretta 85 Cheetah is a compact, all-metal semi-automatic chambered in .380 ACP (9×17 mm). Built on an aluminum-frame, steel-slide architecture and featuring a DA/SA blowback action with an ambidextrous safety/decocker, the Cheetah was designed as a durable, controllable compact sidearm for civilian self-defense and law-enforcement backup.

Its reputation rests on precision machining, comfortable ergonomics for a metal pistol, and predictable handling—attributes that continue to make the 85 series relevant for collectors and shooters who prefer full-metal small pistols.

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The Beretta 85 Cheetah represents a deliberate engineering choice: retain metal construction and mechanical simplicity while packaging those qualities into a compact defensive pistol. Introduced in the early 1980s and refined through the 85F and 85FS iterations, the Cheetah is the compact member of Beretta’s Cheetah family (81, 82, 84, 85 and others).

Unlike many modern micro-compacts that favor polymer frames and maximum concealability, the 85 keeps a steel slide and aluminum alloy frame—trading a few ounces for improved balance, reduced perceived recoil, and longevity.

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. has a long history of blending precision engineering with pragmatic ergonomics. The Cheetah was aimed squarely at civilians needing a concealable, shootable pistol and at professionals seeking a reliable backup. Over its production run Beretta refined the materials and controls (culminating in the 85FS with Bruniton finish and ambidextrous safety) without changing the platform’s fundamental intent: a durable, accurate compact .380 that points naturally and shoots predictably.

Intended mission profiles: pocket or belt concealed carry, plainclothes/duty backup, and ownership for collectors or shooters who desire a full-metal compact with classic controls.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Specifications

Item	Spec
Caliber	.380 ACP (9×17 mm / 9 mm Short)
Action	Blowback-operated, double/single-action (DA/SA)
Barrel length	3.82 in (97 mm)
Overall length	6.77 in (172 mm)
Height	4.8 in (122 mm)
Width	1.18 in (30 mm)
Weight (unloaded)	21.9 oz (620 g)
Frame/Slide	Aluminum alloy frame; steel slide
Magazine capacity	8 + 1 rounds (single-stack)
Sights	Fixed front, fixed rear (dovetail); 4.9" sight radius
Safety / Decocker	Ambidextrous manual safety lever that functions as decocker; firing pin and magazine safeties
Finish	Bruniton on FS models (corrosion-resistant)
Variants	85BB, 85F, 85FS (final), Inox/stainless variants; related Cheetah family models

The above specs are representative of the late-generation 85FS configuration, which is most commonly encountered in surplus and dealer inventories today.

Design & build quality of the Beretta 85 Cheetah

Materials and General Construction

Beretta engineered the 85 as a small, full-metal pistol: an aluminum alloy frame reduces weight relative to a full steel frame, while a steel slide and barrel maintain durability and provide the mass that moderates recoil.

Fit and finish on the Cheetah series are consistently high; the slide-to-frame fit is tight, machining marks are minimal, and the Bruniton finish on FS models provides a corrosion-resistant surface layer comparable to better modern finishes.

Ergonomics, Grip Texture, and Angle

Ergonomically the 85 is designed for natural pointing. The grip geometry and slightly rounded backstrap allow the pistol to index quickly to the shooter's line of sight.

The grip is thin by modern standards, which helps concealment and gives a good purchase for most hand sizes—though very large hands will find the grip short for four-finger holds. Texturing is modest but effective: enough to control the pistol under recoil without being abrasive for extended dry fire or slow practice.

The grip angle is in the classic Beretta family orientation: neutral and intuitive. Controls fall to hand well; the ambidextrous safety is reachable by the thumb without excessive shifting, and the rounded trigger guard facilitates a high hand position.

Controls: Safety, Mag Release, Slide Stop

The 85’s defining control is the ambidextrous manual safety that also operates as a decocker — a conservative arrangement favored by many who want a clear mechanical block when holstered.

The manual safety decocks the hammer and, when engaged, physically prevents the gun from firing. For carriers used to DA/SA pistols, this provides a known manual-of-arms: first long DA pull (or cocked SA if carried with the hammer down/cocked via slide manipulation), then subsequent short SA pulls.

Magazine release and slide stop operate conventionally. The magazine release is a heel or button release depending on market and model; later FS versions generally have a more accessible release than earliest versions. The slide stop is straightforward and durable; some users report it can be a bit stubby on earlier models but functional.

Accessory Compatibility

The 85 series was conceived before accessory rails and micro-dots became common on compacts.

There is no factory accessory rail and no optics-ready slide. Threaded barrels are available only on specific niche or “Covert” variants in some markets. For those wanting to add lights, modern adaptation requires creative holster or light mounting (pocket/handheld or suppressor on threaded variants).

The 85 is most comfortable as a mechanically simple, iron-sight pistol rather than a modern accessory platform.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Variants & Model Differences

The 85 family evolved through minor but meaningful refinements:

• 85BB – earlier model with rounded trigger guard and original control layout.

• 85F – introduced improved safety geometry and more refined finishes.

• 85FS – the mature variant most commonly available: Bruniton finish, ambidextrous safety, improved ergonomics.

• Inox / Stainless – some markets received stainless slide/barrel options for corrosion resistance.

• Covert / Threaded variants – rare and market-specific; allow suppressor use.

Compared to larger relatives like the 84 (double-stack .380), the 85FS is thinner and more concealment-focused but carries two fewer rounds.

Compared to modern polymer micro-compacts the 85 is heavier but offers a more robust metal construction and a more controllable recoil impulse—important factors if ease of shooting and durability are prioritized.

What Are Beretta 85 Cheetah Competitors?

Direct competitors to the Beretta 85 Cheetah include the Walther PPK, Bersa Thunder 380, and Tisas Fatih 13. These .380 ACP pistols mirror the Cheetah's compact dimensions (around 6-7 inches long, under 22 oz), DA/SA trigger system, and blowback operation, making them ideal for concealed carry with manageable recoil.

Gun owners and enthusiasts should care as these alternatives provide comparable performance and reliability at lower costs—often under $500 for Bersa and Tisas compared to the Beretta's higher price—while offering choices like the PPK's steel frame for durability or modern ergonomics.

This variety supports better matching to budgets, collection goals, or preferences in the pocket pistol category.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Performance

Accuracy

Real-world accuracy reports and range tests consistently show the 85 to be a precise compact pistol.

The 3.82-inch barrel and stable metal frame yield groups that are very respectable at defensive distances (3–15 yards). Multiple user reports describe the 85 as “tack-driver” accurate for a compact, with repeatable POI and consistent elevation at typical engagement distances.

Expect practical accuracy suitable for defensive tasks rather than precision target work beyond 25 yards.

Recoil Management and Rapid Fire

While .380 ACP is a modest defensive cartridge, recoil impulse in compact blowback pistols can be sharp.

The 85’s frame mass and steel slide temper the impulse; shooters report a firm but controllable recoil with quick sight-recovery for follow-ups. Rapid strings are achievable with good technique.

That said, some shooters characterize the impulse as “snappy” during extended rapid fire—typical of blowback .380s—but this is less severe than comparable polymer micro-compacts because of the metal slide weight.

Reliability

The Cheetah’s reputation for reliability is well documented in owner communities. Most users report flawless cycling with a range of factory loads and even some reloaded rounds.

The platform’s simple, robust blowback operation and quality feeds ramping contribute to consistent functioning. The caveat—relevant in practice tests—is ammunition sensitivity: while most modern defensive .380 JHPs function reliably, some marginal or very light loads may not provide ideal ejection force in every sample.

For carry, verify your chosen defensive load in your specific pistol before relying on it.

Trigger Quality

DA/SA operation gives two distinct trigger experiences. The double-action first pull is long and relatively heavy—intended as a safe first-strike mode.

The single-action pull is a shorter, cleaner break, and many owners praise the SA break for its predictability and contribution to accuracy.

Reset is not unusually short but is positive and tactile; overall, the trigger package is well-tuned for a compact metal pistol and is a big part of why many compare the 85 favorably to other compact blowback designs.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Ammunition Compatibility

Ideal Weights and Loads

The 85 performs well across common .380 grain weights. Typical range and practice loads in 85–95 gr FMJ and 90–100 gr JHP patterns are suitable.

Defensive JHPs in the 85–95 grain range offer reasonable terminal performance with manageable recoil. Because the 85 relies on blowback energy, choose reputable defensive loads and test them for reliable feeding and extraction.

+P and Pressure Considerations

Most modern .380 loads are within the design envelope for the 85; however, high-pressure or +P-designated .380 loads should be approached cautiously.

While many 85 owners run reported higher-pressure defensive ammo without immediate problems, long-term use of hot loads may accelerate wear on extractor and recoil surfaces. Test any defensive load for reliability and consider service intervals accordingly.

Known Feeding/Extraction Notes

Some anecdotal reports indicate the 85 can be picky with certain hollow-point profiles—particularly those with extreme noses or profiles that don’t ramp cleanly from magazine to chamber.

These are not widespread failures; rather, they emphasize the importance of ammunition validation for defensive carry. Extraction is generally reliable thanks to the robust slide mass, but as with any blowback compact, underpowered or non-standard rounds can produce ejection anomalies.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Use-Case Suitability

Concealed Carry / Self-Defense

The 85FS is primarily a concealed-carry tool. Its thin single-stack grip and compact dimensions make it comfortable for waist-or pocket-carry with the right holster.

The metal construction gives better felt recoil control and faster follow-ups than many smaller polymer micro-compacts. Capacity (8+1) is modest by modern standards; carriers must weigh that against the platform’s shootability and reliability.

For users prioritizing control and a full-metal feel in a compact package, the Cheetah is a strong candidate.

Home Defense and Duty Backup

As a backup or home-defense weapon, the 85 is competent. The stability and controllability make it reliable in short-range defensive scenarios.

Larger duty assignments may prefer higher capacity platforms, but for a vest-or ankle-mounted backup, the 85’s rugged construction and manual safety/decocker give professional users predictable mechanical behavior.

Competition and Training

The 85 was not designed as a competition pistol, but its accuracy and SA break reward practiced shooters in accuracy drills and local accuracy matches.

It’s better suited for precision or defensive training than speed-shooting competition formats that favor high capacity and optics.

Outdoors and Other Roles

The 85’s full-metal construction and Bruniton finish (FS) handle exposure better than many small steel/polymers, so occasional outdoor carry is feasible. It’s not a hunting sidearm, and its role remains defensive and backup.

Range Toy or Workhorse?

Dependable enough to be a practical defensive tool; refined enough to satisfy an enthusiast. The Cheetah functions both as a capable range pistol and as a serious carry gun for those who accept its capacity tradeoff.

Best Holsters for Beretta 85 Cheetah

The 85’s compact dimensions change holster selection. The Beretta 85 Cheetah Holsters below are commonly recommended by owners:

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

A low-profile IWB holster molded specifically for thin, metal framed compacts is a solid choice for 85 owners. Look for a shell cut to the 85’s footprint, breathable backing, and adjustable retention.

A properly fitted IWB allows deep concealment with minimal printing while retaining a consistent draw stroke.

Chest Holster

For hands-free field carry or when a belt isn’t practical, a chest rig designed to hold small pistols keeps the 85 accessible and secure.

Choose a chest holster with adjustable straps and a retention strap that prevents movement during activity; the 85’s compact size makes it stable in a sternum-mounted pouch.

OWB Paddle Holster

For range work and open carry, an OWB paddle holster provides rapid on/off and straightforward presentation.

Ensure the paddle has positive retention and covers the trigger guard fully; a snug molded Polymer contour prevents the small frame from shifting during dynamic movement.

Drop Leg Holster

Less common for a pocket-sized pistol, a drop leg rig is useful for specific tactical setups. If you use larger clothing or gear where waist access is restricted, a thigh holster that secures the Cheetah 85 provides reliable access without printing on the torso.

Hook & Loop Holster

Soft hook-and-loop holsters are practical for pocket or purse carry. They secure the pistol while allowing a fast index and draw.

For the 85, pick a design with reinforced muzzle coverage and internal retention to avoid movement in a bag or pocket.

Beretta 85 Cheetah Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full-metal construction with durable finish—robust and long-lasting.

• Excellent ergonomics and natural pointability for a compact pistol.

• Controllable recoil and accurate performance at defensive distances.

• Ambidextrous manual safety/decocker provides conservative mechanical security.

• Well-tuned SA break contributes to accuracy.

Cons

• Modest magazine capacity (8+1) by modern standards.

• Larger footprint than some modern micro-compact .380 or 9 mm pistols.

• No accessory rail or optics provision in factory configuration.

• Parts, magazines and holsters are becoming less common than mainstream polymer platforms.

• Blowback design can be sensitive to marginal ammunition; validate defensive rounds.

Final verdict

The Beretta 85 Cheetah is a technical, well-executed compact pistol that rewards shooters who value mechanical integrity, shootability, and long-term durability. It is not intended to chase maximum capacity or accessory modularity—rather it is an engineered compromise: compact size, full-metal construction, and conservative mechanical safeties.

Who should buy it

• Shooters who prefer metal-framed compacts and prioritize shootability over maximum capacity.

• Collectors and enthusiasts who value Beretta heritage and mechanical refinement.

• Those seeking a reliable backup or concealed carry pistol with predictable DA/SA mechanics.

Who should look elsewhere

• Buyers who prioritize high magazine capacity, minimal weight, or factory accessory rails and optics.

• Shooters unwilling to test carry loads for reliability or who demand plug-and-play compatibility with wide aftermarket ecosystems.

Value and ownership: The 85 provides strong value where build quality and a refined trigger system are more important than raw capacity. Long-term ownership is straightforward: maintain it, use quality magazines, validate defensive ammunition, and the pistol will serve reliably.

Parts and magazines are not as ubiquitous as Glock-pattern items, so sourcing spares at purchase time is prudent.