I have a Beretta Cougar 8045, which I LOVE, but I'm considering a mini-Cougar 8040 for carrying... anyone have one of these or have any experience with one? I held one once, and the size was kind of annoying - I think I will have to get one of those grip extensions, because I don't like my pinky just hanging there. Any thoughts?
Beretta mini-Cougar - ?
- Thread starter Ladybug
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Handy
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If you use a grip extension, how much smaller will the "mini" be than the 8045 you already have?
I don't know your preferences in CCW, but it seems too wide for my tastes. IIRC, your recently applied for your CHL, so I assume that is the application.
With the finger rest, it is still shorter than the full sized Cougar, but I always liked a thin gun for carry use.
With the finger rest, it is still shorter than the full sized Cougar, but I always liked a thin gun for carry use.
blades67
Member
Shoot one first, if you haven't already, because many compacts handle much differently than the full size. Often the muzzle flip is more pronounced because of the timing differences with the shorter barrel.
I do plan on shooting one, if I can find one (we have no ranges where I live!) Hmm, it is a lot smaller than my full-sized Cougar, but I didn't really think about how fat it is. I have major issues with grip comfort (like, I can't hit a house at close range with a Glock) which is why I've always owned Berettas. I loved my .380 best of all, but it's about the same size as the .45. Something about the Beretta grips feel like they're made for my hand. The only other gun that's come close was a CZ I saw at a gun show (but it was kinda big too). Do you guys have any other suggestions for a small carry gun which I might like? As soon as I move out of range-free hell, I'll go play with some more guns to try them out.
Walther P99
Member
I believe with the grip extension, the mini- is the same height as the regular Cougar. Which leads to the dilemma: I found the mini- grip to be too short and the regular grip to be too large. There's hope in the 8000L which has a grip between the two, but it's currently only available in 9mm. :banghead:
notbubba
Member
Beretta Cougar full size is a fine gun.
I owned a mini, the only differance between a full & a mini is the length of the grip.
It would be OK if the extension mags fit smoothly with the grip, but they don't.
The extension mags are thinner and narrower than the grip.
To me they are dang uncomfortable.
If you want recomendations just say the work and you'll get plenty.
I owned a mini, the only differance between a full & a mini is the length of the grip.
It would be OK if the extension mags fit smoothly with the grip, but they don't.
The extension mags are thinner and narrower than the grip.
To me they are dang uncomfortable.
If you want recomendations just say the work and you'll get plenty.
10-Ring
Member
I am not a fan of pistols w/ short grips. That said, I would stay away from the mini & try to find a more effective mode to carry your Cougar or find other options.
Do you dislike the Glocks because the grips feels too chunky? Are guns other than Beretta's and CZ's out because they are too small? I also like the Beretta Cougars, but not for carry.
I like the Browning HiPower with thin grips for carry. While it is thicker at the grips, the rest is thin (and yes, I know the hardest part to conceal is the grips). It is still narrower than the CZ or Beretta, yet gives a full length grip that is comfortable for most hands.
The Beretta Compact L, Type M is a single stack 9 mm that feels good in the hands. The only reason I did not buy one when I had the opportunity is that it had the Inox finish, with the same colored sights.
The Sig 220 and various 1911 models are thin, full sized choises that can be had in all calibers. For the 1911, I like a Commander-sized (4" to 4-1/4" barrel) models for carry and home defence. The 1911's are easier to carry with smooth grips. Smooth and thin grips are also available.
The Kahr models and Sig 239 are also smaller, more compact choises that offer me (YMMV) a reasonable grip).
I like the Browning HiPower with thin grips for carry. While it is thicker at the grips, the rest is thin (and yes, I know the hardest part to conceal is the grips). It is still narrower than the CZ or Beretta, yet gives a full length grip that is comfortable for most hands.
The Beretta Compact L, Type M is a single stack 9 mm that feels good in the hands. The only reason I did not buy one when I had the opportunity is that it had the Inox finish, with the same colored sights.
The Sig 220 and various 1911 models are thin, full sized choises that can be had in all calibers. For the 1911, I like a Commander-sized (4" to 4-1/4" barrel) models for carry and home defence. The 1911's are easier to carry with smooth grips. Smooth and thin grips are also available.
The Kahr models and Sig 239 are also smaller, more compact choises that offer me (YMMV) a reasonable grip).
I don't really know why certain guns feel really comfortable and others feel really awkward, but I think it mostly has to do with the shape of the grip... Beretta and CZ have a curve that seems to fit my hand really well. The Glocks have a really square grip, which I can't seem to be able to get around. I know it's not size, because I swore my Beretta had a smaller grip than my father-in-law's Wilson, but when we compared them, mine was actually bigger. I am trying to find the smallest possible carry gun that is still useful, accurate, and comfortable to shoot. I'll check out the ones people have mentioned, and also go try to shoot some. I do love my Cougar, but it's just mighty big for a girl to conceal in Arkansas summer weather!
XavierBreath
Member
I have a Beretta 8040. I consider it to be a fine pistol. It is not a target pistol, however. It does give reasonable accuracy for defense. The shorter grip is the cause. With the extended magazine, it is the same size as the regular Cougar, and just as accurate and easy to handle. The short magazine makes it a viable concealed weapon with a IWB holster. I carried mine before I swapped over to a USPc. The Mini-Cougar is not a light pistol, about the same as a regular Cougar I suppose. Nor is it skinny. It IS, however reliable, and will take a good deal of neglect.
In all honesty, before you purchase a Mini-Cougar, you should take a look at the Kahrs. You just might like what you find there.
In all honesty, before you purchase a Mini-Cougar, you should take a look at the Kahrs. You just might like what you find there.
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