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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Tell me about the Beretta 81 (Page 2 of 4)

Posted: 8/16/2019 4:47:04 PM EDT

[#1]

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I ordered one in standard grade because select grade was sold out. Now I see select grade are available again. Any chance I can send you guys the $20 difference and you upgrade me to select? Thanks.

@Bryan_Aim

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we had some canceled orders, it was only a few

Posted: 8/17/2019 8:39:46 AM EDT

[#2]

AIM was out of stock when I decided to jump, so I ordered one from DK.

I don’t really plan on using it as a defensive gun, I got it more as a companion for my VZ.61 Skorpion SBR. I like the 32 ACP much better than the 380. I wish there were more small 32 pistols available in current production.

I bought a case of that Geco 32 ACP that was available from Midway USA a couple of months ago for $8/box. So, feeding the little beast won’t be an issue.

Posted: 8/17/2019 10:13:35 AM EDT

[#3]

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It was good enough to kill Hitler.

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32ACP pretty worthless.

It was good enough to kill Hitler.

Common misconception that.45 won WW2, it was actually .32!

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Anybody have a source to get G10 grips for these?

Allegheny has some in the works. But they aren't available or listed on website yet. Saw a post by them about them on the Beretta forum.

G10 grips

G10’s are available starting today but you have to call in to order.

Posted: 8/17/2019 11:55:51 AM EDT

[#4]

I saw them and was tempted but I didn’t want to have to buy 32 ammo. Plus extra magazines are crazy expensive

Posted: 8/17/2019 6:12:57 PM EDT

[#5]

For those that may be new to the 7.65 Browning (.32 ACP) cartridge, I'll give my experience with currently available ammo for them. I own several .32s, some kinda new, and most pre WW2. They can be picky eaters for sure. That said the two ammo brands I've never had issues with in any of my pistols are S&B and GECO. The S&B is subjectively the hotter of the two, and is the one I would use if I had to press my 32s into a self defense role. They both have been 100% for me in all my little blasters.

As far as the rest go... I have had issues with Fiocchi, PMC, Remington, and Winchester in all my pistols save the Savage 1907 French Contract, and it still malfed with the Fiocchi and PMC.

As with all older designs, they as a group tend to be ammo sensitive, but the S&B and GECO are totally GTG.

I do want to try some Prvi, as they tend to load hot, and have a good grasp on European pistol needs.

Posted: 8/17/2019 10:29:54 PM EDT

[#6]

Part of the reason for the ammo sensitivity is likely due to the fact that the majority of early 20th century pistols did not really use a set standard for chamber or bore dimensions. I have measured bores from the correct .311 down to the south end of .308 and chamber specifications seem to be all over the place as well. I’ve made a fair number of .32 barrels at this point and it really seems that while bore is critical to accuracy, the chamber is where reliability is made and lost.

Posted: 8/17/2019 10:51:55 PM EDT

[#7]

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Part of the reason for the ammo sensitivity is likely due to the fact that the majority of early 20th century pistols did not really use a set standard for chamber or bore dimensions. I have measured bores from the correct .311 down to the south end of .308 and chamber specifications seem to be all over the place as well. I've made a fair number of .32 barrels at this point and it really seems that while bore is critical to accuracy, the chamber is where reliability is made and lost.

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The age of the recoil and hammer springs are also a likely issue, especially since many of these guns are a century or so old and people rarely change springs like they should. A weak recoil spring will cause obvious issues with feeding, but the hammer spring on hammer-fired guns also plays an often-overlooked (and deceptively important) part in retarding the slide speed. Spend the $5-$10 on those two springs to properly maintain your poor pistols.

100+ year old springs should be replaced, people!

Posted: 8/18/2019 12:58:28 AM EDT

[#8]

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Quoted:
The age of the recoil and hammer springs are also a likely issue, especially since many of these guns are a century or so old and people rarely change springs like they should. A weak recoil spring will cause obvious issues with feeding, but the hammer spring on hammer-fired guns also plays an often-overlooked (and deceptively important) part in retarding the slide speed. Spend the $5-$10 on those two springs to properly maintain your poor pistols.

100+ year old springs should be replaced, people!

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Except the hammer spring on a P6...those damn things will NEVER wear out.

Not even in a hundred years!!!!

Posted: 8/18/2019 1:56:43 PM EDT

[#9]

Both of the above statements are factual. Most all of the subcompact pistol malfunctions I see are because of weak springs. The worst part is that folks don’t realize how much damage they’re doing to their guns by just ignoring the problem. I have a bunch of .32’s but my favorites are my silenced Beretta 84F with .32 threaded barrel and my 1927 Colt ‘03 pocket hammerless. Both run flawlessly and are an absolute joy to punch holes with but the first thing I did when I got each one was to swap the spring sets.

Posted: 8/18/2019 9:25:03 PM EDT

[#10]

I suspect that these will have been carried daily, and fired once a year at qualification, if that.

Unless someone knows about the ins and outs of the Italian prison system, and that they're all heavily trained marksmen.

Posted: 8/19/2019 11:51:46 AM EDT

[#11]

I initially balked about adding another caliber, but berettas seem to call my name.

I think this might be a good trainer for my wife. She likes revolvers but is very apprehensive about semi autos. She has not been a fan of the 9mm pistons I've had her try so far. I'm thinking this might be a good entry point above 22.

Posted: 8/19/2019 11:52:02 AM EDT

[#12]

Double tap.

Posted: 8/19/2019 11:59:38 AM EDT

[#13]

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these are from Italy

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Any Model 82's on the horizon?

Posted: 8/19/2019 11:44:09 PM EDT

[#14]

i don't know that there were ever really that many 82's in circulation to be brought in. I got tired of looking and just snagged a nice 85 and swapped in a .32 barrel. Mags and springs are the same among the single stacks and it seems to work just fine.

Posted: 8/20/2019 11:49:54 AM EDT

[#15]

How are the .32 autos with a 9mm suppressor?

Being a fixed barrel and factory standard loads are subsonic it would be a good suppressor host.

Posted: 8/20/2019 12:28:47 PM EDT

[#16]

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Quoted:

If AIM says it's a select grade, it's probably gonna be a good one.

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I don't know about that. I ordered a select grade from AIM and it wasn't that great. Not terrible but not great. Slide has some chips and some scratches and some high edge wear, same with the frame too. Comparatively, I also ordered a standard grade from Classic without hand select, because I don't trust Classics hand select. The standard grade from Classic was much better than the Select grade from AIM.

Posted: 8/20/2019 4:56:11 PM EDT

[#17]

I enjoy shooting mine suppressed.

Posted: 8/20/2019 5:26:28 PM EDT

[#18]

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I enjoy shooting mine suppressed. https://i.imgur.com/Mh0vlvn.jpg

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Sweet!

What barrel did you use? Btw in case your interested in some suppressor sights the link below may help get you some.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/I-couldn-t-resist-Beretta-Model-81/5-2246573/&page=4&anc=80529334#i80529334

Posted: 8/20/2019 6:16:26 PM EDT

[#19]

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Sweet!

What barrel did you use? Btw in case your interested in some suppressor sights the link below may help get you some.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/I-couldn-t-resist-Beretta-Model-81/5-2246573/&page=4&anc=80529334#i80529334

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The barrel is from Allegheny Arms.

Posted: 8/20/2019 6:34:51 PM EDT

[#20]

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I enjoy shooting mine suppressed. https://i.imgur.com/Mh0vlvn.jpg

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Nice! Makes me want to get the threaded barrel and throw on a 9mm suppressor. The smaller Berettas with a can just look so good!

Posted: 8/20/2019 7:03:22 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
i don't know that there were ever really that many 82's in circulation to be brought in. I got tired of looking and just snagged a nice 85 and swapped in a .32 barrel. Mags and springs are the same among the single stacks and it seems to work just fine.

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Good to know.

Posted: 8/20/2019 7:28:59 PM EDT

[#22]

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The barrel is from Allegheny Arms.

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I am beginning to reallllly like this company. They friggen' think like we do!!!!!!!

Posted: 8/20/2019 7:59:25 PM EDT

[#23]

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I am beginning to reallllly like this company. They friggen' think like we do!!!!!!!

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Solid company for sure. They do some amazing stuff!

Posted: 8/20/2019 8:02:12 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
How are the .32 autos with a 9mm suppressor?

Being a fixed barrel and factory standard loads are subsonic it would be a good suppressor host.

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This is the very first test fire of the prototype of the barrel posted above. Can is a Gemtech Tundra 9mm with no ablative.

VIDEO HERE

Posted: 8/21/2019 6:29:52 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:

This is the very first test fire of the prototype of the barrel posted above. Can is a Gemtech Tundra 9mm with no ablative.

VIDEO HERE

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Thanks for sharing - Seems very quiet - especially that its is indoors.

This inexpensive gun purchase is turning into a bigger NFA project now

Posted: 8/21/2019 10:17:20 AM EDT

[#26]

Yeah they are relatively quiet, almost surprisingly so considering they are blow-back. Not that expensive either, really unless you don't already have a 9mm can. The barrels are like $185 so those could be worse for sure.

Posted: 8/21/2019 3:44:33 PM EDT

[#27]

Just got the call from my FFL mine arrived from CLassic (Std Grade) He said it was rusty on the slide - maybe pitted.

I was hoping for better condition. I guess I better get my rust blue and polishing gear out. I can KG gunkote the Aluminum frame

Posted: 8/21/2019 4:48:40 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just got the call from my FFL mine arrived from CLassic (Std Grade) He said it was rusty on the slide - maybe pitted.

I was hoping for better condition. I guess I better get my rust blue and polishing gear out. I can KG gunkote the Aluminum frame

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I beginning to regret ordering my second one from Classic instead of DK when AIM ran out.

Posted: 8/21/2019 5:04:51 PM EDT

[#29]

Just FYI, guys. I just got some info that there were around 3-3500 of these guns in this batch. Just some gee whiz if anyone is interested.

Posted: 8/21/2019 5:57:06 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just got the call from my FFL mine arrived from CLassic (Std Grade) He said it was rusty on the slide - maybe pitted.

I was hoping for better condition. I guess I better get my rust blue and polishing gear out. I can KG gunkote the Aluminum frame

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You should be thankful, sweaty ben must've selected it himself,usually that would be an extra fee.

Posted: 8/21/2019 6:33:39 PM EDT

[#31]

It's not a big deal - I've been collecting mil-surps since the 80s and sometimes I do well and other times not - I've learned how to refinish firearms that could use TLC. Sometimes I enjoy the TLC. Rust Blue, spray and bakes like KG Gunkote or Molyresin, and parkerizing. So not much can't be redone if its solid.

Posted: 8/22/2019 12:02:04 AM EDT

[#32]

Posting this in pertinent threads:

Just a head's up guys: some of these may be real tight....but that is NOT a bad thing.

I had to carefully prise the locking lever down ( made sure it was not obstructed by the button ) and then mallet the slide off of the frame with a hard plastic mallet. The barrels on these are super tight to the frame.

To re-assemble: make sure the recoil guide rod is dead center on the barrel. Carefully push the slide barrel assembly onto the frame (after cleaning and lightly oiling ) until the barrel is fully seated. This may require force but should be smooth. Make sure it doesn't come out of the breech face of the slide.

Now, while you do this make sure the recoil guide rod snaps or slides right in front of the locking lever recess and into the frame. You may have t wiggle the guide rod a bit. If you do this correctly, the lever will now snap up correctly.

The 84 has the same gremlins...but once you get good at it, it is a breeze.

To learn the fitment, you can put the barrel on the frame without the slide the then install the recoil rod, paying attention on how the button end needs to slide past the clearance notch on the take down lever and how it needs to seat into the frame.

Posted: 8/22/2019 12:35:54 AM EDT

[#33]

Keep in mind that on high use guns and especially in the .380 models if the recoil spring has excessive wear or if they have seen a lot of shooting, the slide can actually peen the frame slightly into the barrel tongue and this can cause issues taking the barrel and slide off as well.

Posted: 8/22/2019 12:42:58 PM EDT

[#34]

I picked up my Hand Select gun from DK today. It looks quite nice:

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Posted: 8/22/2019 8:51:08 PM EDT

[#35]

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I picked up my Hand Select gun from DK today. It looks quite nice:

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/14564/361C4B8D-B336-4F62-8ACF-59D4646AD801_jpeg-1063349.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/14564/719EDAEB-59A3-417F-A41B-7E6A88A2BCCB_jpeg-1063350.JPG

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Looks AWESOME!!!!!!

Posted: 8/22/2019 10:14:18 PM EDT

[#36]

Mine.

Externally, not as bad as it looks on camera. Internally....nearly brand new.

I am gonna try to get pics of my friend's pistol. Her's looked brand new!!!!

Posted: 8/23/2019 7:12:06 PM EDT

[#37]

FYI
There is a new listing on AIM for a 81BB Model. I just ordered a Select Grade which is still in stock.
https://aimsurplus..com/beretta-model-81bb-32-auto-pistol-select-grade/. My Classic order still hasn't shipped.

Just arrived! Italian made Beretta Model 81BB .32acp pistols. The "BB" version of the Beretta 81 is the later updated model with several feature enhancements including: more substantial 2-Dot fixed sights, a wider serration pattern on the slide, Front and Rear vertical grip strap serrations and sturdy redesigned slide. These Select Grade pistols represent the best of our one and only 81BB shipment. The Beretta 'Cheetah' design is one of Beretta's finest..

Posted: 8/23/2019 8:48:17 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
FYI
There is a new listing on AIM for a 81BB Model. I just ordered a Select Grade which is still in stock.
https://aimsurplus..com/beretta-model-81bb-32-auto-pistol-select-grade/. My Classic order still hasn't shipped.

Just arrived! Italian made Beretta Model 81BB .32acp pistols. The "BB" version of the Beretta 81 is the later updated model with several feature enhancements including: more substantial 2-Dot fixed sights, a wider serration pattern on the slide, Front and Rear vertical grip strap serrations and sturdy redesigned slide. These Select Grade pistols represent the best of our one and only 81BB shipment. The Beretta 'Cheetah' design is one of Beretta's finest..

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AAAAAAAAAAAARrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggggg!!!!

NOT ordering one!!!! I am done! Done, I say!

Posted: 8/23/2019 9:02:11 PM EDT

[#39]

I jumped on a select grade today when I got the AIM email, anxious to see what I get! Never had a 32 acp before, not anxious to add another caliber to the reloading setup, so we shall see. It might join my .380 Makerov, and only see factory ammo.

Posted: 8/23/2019 9:05:01 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
I jumped on a select grade today when I got the AIM email, anxious to see what I get! Never had a 32 acp before, not anxious to add another caliber to the reloading setup, so we shall see. It might join my .380 Makerov, and only see factory ammo.

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AIM will do ya right.

Posted: 8/24/2019 4:36:32 PM EDT

[#41]

My hand pick from Classic came to my FFL today, two extra mags from MGW arrived a few days earlier.

I saw the horror show that someone else got from Classic in another thread about the 81s and I was nervous.

Pleased as punch, a bit of rust in some nooks and crannies, but it came right up with a toothbrush and some oil.

Posted: 8/24/2019 6:55:37 PM EDT

[#42]

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It was good enough to kill Hitler.

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I know for a fact it works well on feral cats, and no it is not me shooting cats with it. My neighbor down the road.

Posted: 8/24/2019 6:58:18 PM EDT

[#43]

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I got one too.

So...anyone got a line on where to get some more mags?

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I purchased mine from DK Firearms and bought a hand select, very nice, mag looks brand new.

Posted: 8/24/2019 9:00:35 PM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
I purchased mine from DK Firearms and bought a hand select, very nice, mag looks brand new.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I got one too.

So...anyone got a line on where to get some more mags?

I purchased mine from DK Firearms and bought a hand select, very nice, mag looks brand new.

Thanks---I sent them an e-mail asking about extra mags.

We'll see what happens.

Posted: 8/25/2019 1:51:12 PM EDT

[#45]

I purchased one of the 81BB models from AIM. I hope magazines show up in large numbers some day soon.

Posted: 8/28/2019 7:31:21 PM EDT

[#46]

Here is my 81 from Classic. I paid the extra for hand select. I am glad I did.
I did notice that mine has white lettering then most of the others I have seen. Must be a newer one?
Other then the scratched grips it is in really great condition I think.

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Posted: 8/28/2019 9:21:39 PM EDT

[#47]

for the few days when AIM was OOS I bought one from Classic. it came rusty and slightly pitted. I called them and they said t send it back. but they did not refund shipping,, and charged me $20 EACH way, so I am out over $40.

Don't buy from Classic, buy from AIM instead.

Posted: 8/29/2019 12:53:53 PM EDT

[#48]

Mine came in from Classic today. No rust so I am happy. I did not pay for hand pick so I am not disappointed. There is some light surface freckling from rust on the slide sides but most of that cleaned up with some 0000 steel wool. Frame has almost zero scratches. Internals look unfired. Interestingly, it is missing the import mark on the trigger guard. No import mark at all.

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Posted: 8/29/2019 5:20:41 PM EDT

[#49]

That's about what mine from DK looked like, grips were bad but actually was better than AIM. My order from AIM was not hand pick and DK was, but if you took the grips off
both the DK was better. Instead of steel wool you should try copper wool, does less damage to the bluing, someone on this board told me about it a year or so ago
and that's all I use now, helps with light speckled surface rust and very little bluing loss.

Posted: 8/29/2019 5:57:08 PM EDT

[#50]

I picked up my hand select from classic today and was pleasantly surprised. Hardly any wear except on the sharp edges and no rust or pitting at all. The magazine looked brand new. I guess it's just a crap shoot with them.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Tell me about the Beretta 81 (Page 2 of 4)

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