Beretta Cougar

The Beretta Cougar series is also known under the name Beretta 8000. While Beretta's 92 model is a powerful handgun, it did not offer much scope for concealment and general portability. Thanks to its small size and power-packed features, the Beretta Cougar is basically an undercover handgun. It consists of six compact, recoil-operated semiautomatic handguns chambered for different calibers of ammunition. Additionally, it comes in either the 'F' or 'D' configuration. The basic F line features a double action trigger system, a protruding hammer and ambidextrous safety levers provided on the slide, while the 'D' line is double action only (DAO), does not feature safety and decocking levers and has a spurless hammer.

Keeping in mind that the name Cougar applied to all of them - the Beretta 8000 chambers 9 x 19 mm rounds and its magazine accommodates 15 rounds. The Beretta 8000L is a lighter and more compact version that chambers 9 x 19 mm rounds and features a magazine that holds 13 rounds. The Beretta 8000L Type P is also a lighter version and chambers 9 x 19 mm rounds, with a 15-round magazine. The Beretta 8357 chambers .357 SIG ammunition and its magazine holds 11 rounds. The Beretta 8040 chambers .40 S&W rounds and has an 11-round magazine capacity. Finally, the larger Beretta 8045 chambers .45 ACP ammunition and its single-stack magazine holds 8 rounds. All calibers other than the .45 employ double-stack magazines.

The standard-sized Beretta Cougar measures 180 mm in length, with a barrel length of 92 mm, while the 8045 model measures 183 mm, with a barrel length of 94 mm. It weighs between 800 and 900 grams, depending on the version in question. The frame is crafted in aluminium alloy. The recoil-based action in the Beretta Cougar uses the force of recoil to provide the energy to cycle the action. This handgun has carved a niche for itself among the world's more reliable and potent pistols. It has extremely handy ergonomics and the recoil is low enough to make it eminently suitable for law enforcement purposes. This is thanks to its unique rotating barrel, which reduces felt recoil and therefore promotes increased accuracy and stability. That is why an increasing number of police officers prefer it as their official duty sidearm.

The Beretta Cougar is certified by NATO and is extremely durable. According to tests, it continues to perform flawlessly even after as much as 30,000 shots have been fired from it. It features very accurate 3-dot sights that can be replaced by titrium night sights if so preferred and applicable. The F models also incorporate superior safety features such as an ambidextrous safety de-cocking lever, a rotating firing pin striker, an automatic firing pin block and a chamber-loaded indicator. It fits extremely well into any shooter's hand, even if that hand happens to be small. The checkered grips lend superior grip traction but can be changed to walnut grips if so desired for aesthetic and better portability purposes.

The trigger guard is of the classic combat style, which means that it can accommodate two index fingers for two-handed shooting. In fact, it is large enough for use with gloves. The black matte, non-reflective finish cuts down glare in sunlight. The F Inox model - a se additionally features an alloy frame that s anodized to merge aesthetically with the stainless steel slide and barrel. The 8000 Cougar L has a shortened grip frame to accommodate the 13-round magazine. All models incorporate beveled or rounded edges, and this is a major plus as far as concealment and quick retrieval from concealment are concerned. The Mini Cougar is an option in the 8000, 8040 and 8045 models of the F configurations - it is approximately 1450 grams less in weight and the barrel is also around 25 mm shorter.