Beretta 83
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1976
Also known as: Beretta Model 83, Beretta 83 Cheetah, Model 83
Overview
The Beretta 83 is a compact, blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, part of Beretta's 80-series Cheetah family introduced in 1976. It is essentially a longer-barreled variant of the single-stack Model 85, fitting a four-inch barrel and feeding from a slim seven-round magazine for improved concealability and pointing characteristics. Like its siblings it uses a traditional double-action/single-action trigger with an exposed hammer and an alloy frame, giving a lightweight, reliable pocket-and-holster pistol popular with civilian shooters and some European police and security users. The Model 83 was never widely marketed in the United States, making it one of the rarer members of the Cheetah line.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 640 g (22.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 122 mm (4.80") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Da Sa |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Single Stack Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 291 m/s (955 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 261 J (193 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Double Action Single Action Trigger, Exposed Hammer, Fixed Sights, Single Stack Magazine, Magazine Safety
Production
Production years: 1976-1990s
Lower-volume member of the Cheetah series; not officially imported to the US market
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
The Model 83 differs from the otherwise similar Model 85 chiefly in its longer four-inch barrel and seven-round single-stack magazine. Part of the blowback .380 ACP 80-series alongside the Models 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 and 87.
Background
The 80-series earned the Cheetah name for its quick-handling compact size; Beretta has manufactured firearms continuously since 1526, making it one of the oldest industrial firms in the world.