You’ll find the Beretta 87 operates as a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol utilizing straight blowback action with Beretta’s signature open-top slide geometry. It features a 10+1 round capacity, anodized aluminum frame, and weighs 570g unloaded. You can expect to pay $550-$750 new or $350-$500 used. The Target variant offers a 5.9-inch barrel for enhanced accuracy. It’s sensitive to ammunition specifications and requires consistent maintenance for optimal cycling. The comprehensive specifications and performance analysis below reveal additional critical details.
Key Takeaways
- The Beretta 87 is a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol using straight blowback action with 10+1 round capacity.
- New models range $550-$750 from dealers, while used variants sell for $350-$500 depending on condition.
- Target variant features extended 5.9-inch barrel compared to standard 3.8-inch for improved accuracy and performance.
- Requires standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition for reliable cycling, as high-velocity rounds may cause extraction issues.
- Complete disassembly needed for cleaning with regular maintenance of firing pin, extractor, and magazine springs recommended.
Description
The Beretta 87 operates as a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol utilizing a straight blowback action system with a 10+1 round capacity.
You’ll find models are chambered exclusively for .22 LR ammunition, featuring a 5.9-inch barrel length. The frame mounted controls integrate seamlessly with the trigger guard assembly.
Available configurations include Target variants with extended slides and both walnut or plastic grip options.
Price Range
Market pricing for Beretta 87 pistols varies considerably based on condition, configuration, and source. You’ll find the double stack Beretta Cheetah commanding premium prices in the United States collector market.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New (Authorized Dealer) | $550-$750 |
| Used/Good Condition | $350-$500 |
| Secondary Market | $400-$600 |
| Rare/Limited Variants | $800+ |
Specifications
You’ll find the Beretta 87’s specifications reflect its precision engineering and practical design philosophy. The pistol’s technical parameters demonstrate careful consideration of balance, accuracy, and reliability for target shooting applications. These specifications establish the 87’s position as a dedicated rimfire platform built to exacting standards.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chambering & Capacity | .22 LR / 10+1 rounds |
| Barrel & Overall Length | 5.9″ barrel / 172mm overall |
| Action & Construction | Blowback operation / Anodized aluminum frame |
Weight
Consistently weighing 570 grams unloaded, Beretta’s Model 87 ranks among the lightest pistols in the Cheetah series lineup. The polymer frame construction reduces overall mass while maintaining structural integrity.
This weight specification enhances ease of use during extended shooting sessions, promotes recoil reduction for improved control, and facilitates faster target acquisition. The Target variant increases weight to 610 grams unloaded.
Barrel Length
The Beretta 87 Target features a 5.9-inch barrel that significantly extends beyond the standard model’s configuration. This extended barrel length enhances recoil management through increased weight distribution and improved shooting accuracy via extended sight radius.
You’ll achieve optimal muzzle velocity with the longer barrel, as it allows complete powder burn before projectile exit, maximizing ballistic performance.
Material Made Out Of
Construction materials define the Beretta 87’s durability and performance characteristics through carefully selected components.
You’ll find the slide and frame feature precision-machined alloy composition optimized for .22 LR chambering requirements. The heat treatment process enhances structural integrity while maintaining dimensional stability.
An anodized black surface coating provides corrosion resistance and wear protection, ensuring consistent operational reliability throughout extended firing cycles.
Chambered In
Chambered exclusively in .22 Long Rifle cartridge, the Beretta 87 delivers precise ballistic performance through its optimized bore specifications.
You’ll find this caliber choice prioritizes ammunition compatibility with standard .22 LR rounds while maintaining excellent recoil management at 0.59 ft-lb. Though caliber versatility isn’t offered, the dedicated .22 LR chambering ensures consistent feeding and reliable extraction throughout its 8-round capacity.
Capacity
Magazine specifications establish the Beretta 87’s feeding capacity at 10+1 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition, providing substantial firepower within its compact semi-automatic platform.
You’ll find the magazine capacity delivers eleven total rounds when you’ve loaded ten cartridges into the detachable magazine plus one chambered round. This ammunition capacity optimizes the pistol’s round count for target shooting applications.
Trigger Pull
The Beretta 87’s trigger mechanism delivers a pull weight ranging from 5 to 6 pounds, engineered to balance precision shooting requirements with reliable ignition characteristics.
You’ll experience exceptional trigger consistency throughout the entire stroke, featuring a crisp break with positive feedback. The short trigger reset enables rapid follow-up shots, while the durable design ensures reliable performance across target shooting and defensive applications.
Safety?
Beyond trigger performance, safety mechanisms form the operational foundation of the Beretta 87’s design architecture. You’ll find a frame-mounted ambidextrous design safety lever accommodating both left and right-handed operators.
The exposed hammer provides tactile feedback for visual confirmation of cocked status. Additionally, the integrated magazine disconnect prevents discharge when the magazine is removed from the frame.
Action
Operating through a straight blowback mechanism, the Beretta 87’s action harnesses propellant gas pressure to drive the slide rearward without requiring a locked breech system. The slide’s mass and recoil spring strength control timing while the fixed barrel configuration enhances accuracy potential through consistent lockup.
This design produces predictable recoil behavior and offers customization options for trigger modifications.
Optic Ready?
Unlike many contemporary pistol designs, the Beretta 87 doesn’t feature factory optics-ready capabilities and lacks integrated mounting provisions for red dot sights or other optical systems. The fixed barrel and unmilled slide require aftermarket modifications for optic installation.
While third party support exists through custom gunsmithing services, mounting options remain limited without manufacturer-endorsed solutions or direct factory support.
Review
You’ll find the Beretta 87’s blowback operation delivers consistent cycling with standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition, though high-velocity rounds may cause extraction issues. The pistol’s accuracy benefits from its 5.9-inch barrel and fixed sights, but you’ll notice the trigger pull lacks the crispness expected in precision shooting applications.
Your shooting experience will depend heavily on ammunition selection, as the 87 demonstrates sensitivity to cartridge specifications that can affect both reliability and ejection patterns.
Pros
When examining the Beretta 87’s performance characteristics, you’ll find its fixed barrel configuration delivers exceptional accuracy through consistent bore alignment and reduced mechanical variables during firing cycles. The lightweight aluminum alloy frame enhances ease of use while minimizing fatigue. Low recoil characteristics optimize control for rapid follow-up shots, establishing superior target suitability.
| Feature | Specification | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Blowback Semi-Auto | Simplified Operation |
| Capacity | 10+1 Rounds | Extended Shooting |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Lever | Universal Access |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy | Weight Reduction |
| Barrel Length | 3.8″ / 5.9″ Target | Ballistic Optimization |
Cons
Despite the Beretta 87’s notable strengths, several design limitations impact its overall performance profile. You’ll encounter reliability issues with feeding and ejection mechanisms, while the exposed hammer design may feel outdated compared to striker-fired alternatives. The plastic grip panels lack premium tactile qualities, and the 97mm barrel compromises .22 LR ballistic optimization despite the pistol’s substantial 1,160g weight.
| Performance Issue | Technical Impact |
|---|---|
| Feeding/Ejection Problems | Interrupted shooting sessions |
| Short 97mm Barrel | Reduced velocity potential |
| High 1,160g Weight | Decreased portability factor |
Reliability
How does the Beretta 87’s field performance measure against its documented specifications? You’ll find dependable construction that withstands rigorous testing across diverse .22 LR ammunition types.
The blowback action requires optimal lubrication due to tight tolerances, but proper maintenance ensures consistent cycling. Independent evaluations confirm reliability through thousands of rounds, with minimal malfunctions reported during extended shooting sessions.
Similar Models
Several Beretta models share design characteristics and operational principles with the Model 87, forming a cohesive family of semi-automatic pistols.
You’ll find the 92 series features similar open-top slide geometry and blowback mechanisms. The discontinued 86 offered tip-up barrel functionality in .380 ACP, while the 80X provides modern accessories, enhanced market availability, and expanded customization options within the Cheetah lineage.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Various manufacturers have produced pistols that closely mirror the Beretta 87’s design philosophy and mechanical characteristics.
You’ll find Turkish manufacturers Girsan and Tisas creating direct clones of Beretta’s .380 ACP Cheetah BB variants.
Browning’s BDA 380 and FN’s 140 DA represent licensed variants with identical operating systems.
Beretta offers conversion kits enabling caliber changes between their compact pistol configurations.
Maintenance
While the Beretta 87’s robust construction ensures long-term reliability, you’ll need to establish a consistent maintenance regimen to preserve optimal performance.
The cleaning process requires complete disassembly: remove slide, barrel, recoil spring, and magazine. Apply high-quality gun oils following specific lubrication tips.
Your inspection schedule should include periodic examination of firing pin, extractor, and magazine spring for wear indicators.
History
The engineering excellence you maintain through proper care reflects Beretta’s decades of refinement that began with the Model 87’s introduction in 1986. Development focused on blowback action reliability and fixed barrel accuracy.
Beretta’s subsequent upgrades included the 87 Target variant featuring a 5.9-inch barrel versus the standard 3.8-inch configuration. Additional variants offered walnut or plastic grips with squared or curved trigger guard options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Beretta Still Make the Model 87?
You’ll find that Beretta discontinued their Model 87 semi automatic models in 2017, but they’ve recently revived the line with the 80X series in 2023.
These updated variants maintain the original’s blowback operation and magazine capacity specifications while incorporating refined trigger mechanism components.
You can now access modern iterations of this .22 LR platform through the 80X lineup, which preserves the core design architecture while implementing contemporary manufacturing standards and enhanced precision tolerances.
Why Is Beretta 92 so Expensive?
You’ll find the Beretta 92’s premium pricing stems from multiple pistol price factors including all-steel construction, military-grade specifications, and proven reliability standards. When you make a comparison to other models, polymer-framed competitors can’t match its durability metrics or service history.
Customer demand trends show enthusiasts willingly pay premiums for the 92’s reputation, military adoption status, and superior manufacturing tolerances. You’re essentially purchasing decades of proven performance data and institutional validation.
How Accurate Is the Beretta 87 Target?
You’ll find this pistol delivers exceptional accurate targeting with sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards consistently. The fixed barrel design enhances ballistic performance by eliminating barrel movement during cycling.
You’ll appreciate the trigger smoothness that contributes to precise shot placement, while the 5.9-inch barrel length optimizes velocity consistency. The blowback action’s inherent stability, combined with adjustable sights and open-top slide configuration, ensures you’ll achieve competitive-grade precision for serious target applications.
What Is Better, Glock or Beretta?
You’ll find neither brand definitively superior since both excel in different areas. Glock’s striker-fired design offers superior concealed carry performance with lighter weight and slimmer profiles.
Beretta’s DA/SA system provides enhanced recoil management features through heavier frames and ergonomic grip geometry. Your overall ergonomics comparison depends on hand size and shooting preferences—Glock’s aggressive texturing versus Beretta’s refined contours.
You should evaluate trigger mechanics, maintenance requirements, and intended application rather than declaring one universally better.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Beretta 87’s .22 LR chambering delivers exceptional accuracy with its 3.82-inch barrel achieving sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards—a 60% improvement over standard rimfire pistols. You’re investing in Italian craftsmanship that’s maintained military and law enforcement contracts for over five centuries. The 87’s single-action trigger mechanism, combined with its target-grade sights and ergonomic grip geometry, ensures consistent shot placement. You can’t overlook this platform’s proven reliability in competitive shooting disciplines.
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