Selected Handgun Detail

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. The BB adds extra slide serrations, dotted sights, and a firing-pin block. Safety remains an ambidextrous frame-mounted lever with no decocker. Checkered walnut grips with a PB medallion are common; plastic panels were also used.

Production

Production ran from 1982 through the early 1990s.

Market value

MSRP at production was around $400. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $400–$600.

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

Analysis

Beretta introduced the BB update on Series 81 in 1982. On the Model 81 it is the mid-run .32 Auto double-stack gun: same blowback lockwork as the base 81, with a stronger recoil assembly, more slide serrations, and white-dot sights. Italian production ran through the early 1990s before the F/FS slide-decocker guns. Corpo Forestale dello Stato marked 81BB pistols show up from 1980s issue lots. Used BB guns sit above a plain early 81 when the finish and original magazines are intact. Walnut-medallion examples usually bring the higher end of the range.