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Beretta Model 81
Scale To:
Gun Dimensions		Width:	1.4-in
Length:	6.8-in	Height:	4.8-in
Barrel:	3.8-in	Weight:	24.1-oz
Variant 2 of 2

Gun Rankings
Power Factor (71 grain bullet)63545 Recoil Factor (71 grain bullet)1.14 ft-lb Total Capacity13 rounds ConcealabilityGood Defense Factor58%

Gun Specifications
Type:	Pistol
Caliber:	.32 Auto
Action:	blowback operated semi-auto
Trigger:	double-action (DA/SA)
Safety:	slide mounted ambi safety
Magazine:	12-round
Frame:	aluminum alloy
Grip:	smooth walnut
Sights:	3-dot
Notes:

Manufacturer
	Fabbrica D' Armi Pietro Beretta SpA More Info

About the Gun

Compact double-stack DA/SA blowback pistol with an alloy frame and an open-top slide. Exposed hammer and an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety with no decock lever. Early guns use a curved trigger guard. This model is offered with black composite grips or smooth walnut.

Production

Production ran from 1976 through 1984.

Market value

Last updated: 9/21/2026

MSRP at production was around $350. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $350–$550.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.32 Automatic
Alias:	7.65 mm Browning
More Info

Ballistics for This Gun
Selected Bullet Mass:		71 grains
MV:	895 ft/sec	ME:	126 ft-lbs

Analysis

Beretta introduced Series 81 in 1976 as a medium-frame blowback companion to the then-new 92. The Model 81 is the .32 Auto double-stack gun from that first run. Base pistols used a rounded trigger guard and a frame safety. Used 81s follow .32 Auto demand more than 84/85 prices. Clean Italian-marked examples with original magazines sit at the top of the range; walnut-grip guns usually sell a little higher.

User Rating

3	User Ratings
2	User Comments

User Comments

Hidden Gem
By pebbycree on 04 Mar 2020
Purchased a law enforcement surplus model. Condition and function are excellent. Had to replace two grip panel screws...less than $10. Slide racking takes some effort. Two stovepipes in first 250 rounds appear to be from weak ammo. Recoil is minimal. DA trigger is a bit heavy but SA trigger is excellent. Takedown is extremely simple. This is one well made firearm.

Great surplus pistol
By chrismorris100 on 08 Sep 2019
The Beretta model is a great surplus pistol. The pistol is a great shooter,will hardly any recoil ,very accurate.and light. The pistol strips down easy with no tools any easy to clean. Can't beat the price on the surplus market. I would recommend this pistol to anyone.