Beretta Model 8000

Semi-Automatic Pistol (1994)

Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter

Appearing in 1994, the Beretta 8000 went on to find few global takers including the United States and host-country Italy.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/29/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

The Beretta Model 8000 emerged from the Italian gun-maker is 1994 and was marketed as a handier version of the full-sized Beretta Model 92 series (the same handgun that became the American military "M9" sidearm). One of the detrimental characteristics of the M92 was its base dimensions which largely precluded it from use in the concealed-carry role - popular with police and security elements. Various models and chamberings were introduced to the line though global adoption was limited.

The M8000 was certainly a very different-looking pistol from its larger brethren - its length measured seven inches with a barrel of 3.5 inches long. Weight was under a pound and the internal action recoil-operated with a locked breech arrangement (double-action trigger). Iron sides were set at the rear and front of the slide in the typical fashion and serrations along the slide aided in gripping the gun for racking purposes. The frame was completed in a lightweight aluminum alloy. The usual controls were present - slide lock, magazine release, safety etc... Ammunition counts varied based on chambering used.

While the M8000 (15-round magazine of 9x19mm Parabellum) began the line, variants included the M8000F in .41 AE, the more compact M8000L with 13-round magazine, the M8000L Type P compact with 15-round magazine, the M8357 in .357 SIG with 11-round magazine, the M8040 in .40 S&W with 11-round magazine and the M8045 in .45 ACP with 8-round magazine. Local European marks supported .41 AE and 9x21mm as well.

The M8045 "Cougar" was a special model of 1998-2004. The Mini Cougar was its special compact form.

The Beretta Model 8000 was adopted by elements in Italy as well as Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Slovenia and the United States. The Los Angeles Police Department took on a stock of Beretta USA-made M8045F models with 4-inch barrels.

Specifications

Service Year

1994

Origin

Italy

Classification

Semi-Automatic Pistol

Beretta - Italy

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

Bangladesh; Italy; Kazakhstan; Slovenia; United States

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Pistol / Sidearm
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.

Overall Length

180 mm
7.09 in

Barrel Length

92 mm
3.62 in

Empty Wgt

2.04 lb
0.93 kg

Sights

Iron Front and Rear

Action

Semi-Automatic; Recoil-Operated; Locked Breech

Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

9x19mm; .357 SIG; .40 S&W; .45 ACP (model dependent)

Sample Visuals**

Graphical image of a 9mm pistol cartridge

Graphical image of a .357 SIG pistol cartridge

Graphical image of a .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson) pistol cartridge

Rounds / Feed

8-, 11-, 13- or 15-round detachable box magazine (model dependent).

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Max Eff.Range

165 ft
(50 m | 55 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

45
rds/min

Model 8000 - Base Series Designation; 9x19mm chambering with 15-round magazine.

Model 8000F - Chambered for .41 AE

Model 8000L - Compact model; 9x19mm chambering; 13-round magazine.

Model 8000L Type P - Compact model; 15-round magazine

Model 8357 - Chambered for .357 SIG; 11-round magazine

Model 8040 - .40 S&W; 11-round magazine

Model 8045 - .45 ACP; 8-round magazine

Cougar (M8045) - Special model of 1998-2004

Mini-Cougar - Compact Cougar form

Inox - Stainless steel slide assembly

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