(Another) Beretta 81 question........

[montanaoffroader]

Considering spending a bit of my Xmas bonus on a Beretta 81, trying to decide between the plain 81 or the 81BB. Is there enough of a difference to matter?

It will be primarily a range toy/plinker, I have other handguns for carry/defense.

All opinions welcome.

 

[jar]

The BB has better sights and a firing pin block. The basic 81 is more rounded overall and a better "pocket" pistol.

 

[chicharrones]

The firing pin block (more drop safe) and sights with the white dot front and white line rear is why I ordered an 81BB. For me, I figured that would be worth the extra $30 in price from Classic Firearms.

The BB also has grooves in the front strap and rear strap of the grip frame, plus a slightly different contoured slide with a longer area of grip serrations, but those items didn't figure into my consideration as importantly.

 

[Waveski]

Mine is not a BB , I have what I have because I fell into the deal.
If I were ordering an 81 I would pop the extra $30 ; I think that the slight sight advantage alone would be worth it.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The BB upgrades were worth the small premium to me.

 

[Havok7416]

I wish I had bought a BB but when I picked up my 81 the BBs hadn't been offered yet. Oh well.

 

[WVsig]

If it is a plinker get the one that is in the best condition. The minor differences between the 81 and the BB are minor in that roll. Condition from one gun to the next will matter more in the long run. IMHO

 

[chicharrones]

Mine is not a BB , I have what I have because I fell into the deal.
If I were ordering an 81 I would pop the extra $30 ; I think that the slight sight advantage alone would be worth it.

Considering what it costs to upgrade sights on anything, that helped me make my decision. Of course, a dab or two of paint on a regular 81's sights would've probably worked fine, too.

 

[Waveski]

True that highlighting helps , but a highlighted 81BB front sight , being slightly taller than the 81 counterpart , would be even better.
Shown is my 81 (non-BB) front sight.
While we are at it , any good holster recommendations for the 81 , with extra mag pocket? There are a lot of older surplus items floating about , but most are single stack so the mag will not fit.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Thanks for all the info, looks like the BB is worth the extra couple of bucks. I will be ordering online, so no way to judge condition beforehand just have to rely on luck of the draw........

 

[Waveski]

The fee for all of the wisdom bestowed upon you is :
You are obligated to post at least one (1) clear well defined picture of your Beretta within 48 hours of receipt of said firearm.

 

[montanaoffroader]

I will do my best, I'm no great shakes as a photographer........

Ordered the pistol, an extra mag and 6 boxes of .32 ammo. I have a few boxes on hand for my other .32's, but one can never have too much ammo.

 

[JayZee]

Also am glad you went to the BB.

Try out some Europium paint if you want pseudo glowsights. I put a drop on the front and rear white dots.
You can swap/convert these guns between 32/380 if I have read forums and resources correctly. You can even look at a 32 variant and look at the slide and see the barrel/slide fit has a gap. Presumbably so it can accommodate the 380 barrel.

 

[Tallball]

"You can swap/convert these guns between 32/380 if I have read forums and resources correctly. You can even look at a 32 variant and look at the slide and see the barrel/slide fit has a gap. Presumably so it can accommodate the 380 barrel."

Poo. Apparently I bought one of each for no reason.

Beretta 84 And 81

• Tallball
• Oct 7, 2019

 

[JN01]

Also am glad you went to the BB.
You can swap/convert these guns between 32/380 if I have read forums and resources correctly. You can even look at a 32 variant and look at the slide and see the barrel/slide fit has a gap. Presumbably so it can accommodate the 380 barrel.

Yes, a Beretta 84 or Browning BDA .380 barrel (exact same part) will drop in. You will need a .380 magazine which is more readily available and cheaper if you go with a Mec-Gar.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Hmmmm, may have to spring for a .380 barrel and mag........

 

[montanaoffroader]

Go figure. Order the 81BB, next day the 84's show up. Just my luck, lol.

 

[jar]

Go figure. Order the 81BB, next day the 84's show up. Just my luck, lol.

I'll take an 81 over the 84s any day of the week.

 

[Waveski]

IIRC the 84 is a double stack .380 / 9mm kurz , while the 85 is the same gun and caliber but single stack.
The higher capacity has it's advantages , but I shoot my 85 better ; the thicker grip of the dbl stack variation seems a bit out of proportion.
For range and plinking the 81 in .32 is a good deal sweeter to shoot.

 

[montanaoffroader]

I will find out for myself soon enough, according to Fedex my 81BB is at the local sort facility. Probably be able to pick it up tomorrow or Saturday.

 

[chicharrones]

While we are at it , any good holster recommendations for the 81 , with extra mag pocket? There are a lot of older surplus items floating about , but most are single stack so the mag will not fit.

My 81BB plus spare mag fit into my CZ82's surplus holster. The 81's nose is a bit more snug in the holster than the 82, but it definitely fits with a spare mag.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Looks pretty nice, just a few handling marks here and there. Can't wait to get it to the range.

 

[chicharrones]

Congrats on the new pistola!

 

[Waveski]

Front sight is clearly an improvement on that of the non-BB. Very nice pistol , great deal.

Chicharrones,
Could you post a picture of your rig?
And where might one find such a holster?

 

[chicharrones]

Chicharrones,
Could you post a picture of your rig?
And where might one find such a holster?

The CZ82/CZ83 surplus holster is utilitarian and homely, but is ambidextrous. The spare mag and the pistol can be reversed internally. There are small leather partitions inside to hold the gun and spare mag in place.

PM sent.

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