Beretta 80X Cheetah Tactical Bronze 380
About this product
The Beretta 80X Cheetah is a modernized entry in Beretta's long-running Cheetah series, a DA/SA .380 ACP pistol built on an alloy frame that traces its lineage back to the classic Model 84/85 line. Beretta kept the tip-up barrel feature that made the Cheetah family distinctive - a hinged barrel that lets you load the first round without racking the slide, useful for anyone with limited hand strength. This listing wears a Tactical Bronze finish, a departure from the traditional blued or nickel Cheetah look.
What is it used for?
The 80X Cheetah works well as a concealed-carry or nightstand pistol for shooters who want a .380 ACP option with an alloy-frame's manageable recoil and a classic DA/SA trigger rather than a modern polymer striker-fired design. The tip-up barrel also makes it a practical option for shooters with reduced grip or hand strength who find racking a slide difficult. It is not built as a competition or duty gun - the Cheetah line has always been a compact-carry design first.
How does it compare to the Kel-Tec P-3AT?
The Kel-Tec is smaller, lighter, and disappears more completely in a pocket, but the Beretta's alloy frame and DA/SA trigger make it noticeably more pleasant and controllable to shoot for range sessions. The tip-up barrel is a Beretta-specific feature the Kel-Tec does not offer at all. Choose the P-3AT for maximum concealment; choose the 80X Cheetah if you want a .380 that is comfortable enough to actually train with regularly.
What fits it?
Holsters built for the Beretta 84/85 series or 80X-specific models will fit, though the aftermarket is smaller than for a Glock or Sig - confirm fit before buying. Beretta and aftermarket magazines for the Cheetah/80 series platform are available; California-bound guns are configured to the state's 10-round limit. The DA/SA controls and tip-up barrel are unique to this platform, so accessories built for other .380s generally will not apply.
Who is this not for?
If you want the absolute lightest, smallest .380 for deep concealment, a pocket pistol like the Kel-Tec P-3AT does that job better. Shooters unfamiliar with a DA/SA trigger and manual decocker will need range time before this feels natural compared to a simpler striker-fired gun. It is also a pricier option than many modern polymer .380s, reflecting the alloy frame and classic Beretta construction.
Does it work in California?
Yes, through the same FFL transfer, DROS, and 10-day waiting period required for any handgun sale here, plus a Firearm Safety Certificate for first-time buyers. California-bound 80X Cheetah pistols are configured with 10-round magazines to comply with state capacity law. Confirm current roster status with us before ordering, and see our California gun laws page for the full process.
Pros & cons
What works
- Tip-up barrel simplifies loading without racking the slide
- Alloy frame tames .380 ACP recoil well
- Classic DA/SA trigger with decocker
- Distinctive Tactical Bronze finish
Trade-offs
- Smaller aftermarket than mainstream striker-fired pistols
- Not as concealable as a true pocket pistol
- Pricier than many polymer .380 options
Key attributes
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Action | DA/SA, tip-up barrel |
| Frame | Alloy |
| Finish | Tactical Bronze |
| CA Magazine | 10-round compliant |
Frequently asked questions
- What does the tip-up barrel feature do?
- It lets you hinge the barrel open to load or verify a chambered round without racking the slide, which is helpful for shooters with reduced hand or grip strength.
- Is the 80X Cheetah double-action or single-action?
- It is DA/SA - the first shot is a longer double-action pull, and subsequent shots are shorter single-action pulls after the slide cycles.
- How does .380 ACP compare to 9mm for defense?
- 380 ACP generates less recoil and works well in smaller, lighter platforms, but 9mm generally offers more stopping power and a wider range of defensive ammunition options.
- Does it have a manual safety?
- Beretta Cheetah-series pistols typically include a frame-mounted safety/decocker lever; confirm the exact control layout on this model with us before ordering.