Hands-On with Beretta's Latest Feline: The .32 ACP 80X Cheetah Makes Its Mark at SHOT 2025

At SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, we had the privilege of getting intimate with Beretta's latest addition to their legendary lineup. During our exclusive hands-on session at the Beretta booth, we put the new .32 ACP 80X Cheetah through its paces. The smooth cycling action and negligible recoil left a lasting impression, particularly when comparing it side-by-side with its .380 ACP sibling. The expert Beretta staff walked us through every feature, demonstrating why this revival of a classic caliber makes perfect sense in today's market.

The .32 ACP cartridge has quite a story to tell. Since its creation by John Browning and FN's introduction in 1899, this compact round has survived and thrived through 125 years of firearms evolution. Now, Beretta breathes new life into this heritage cartridge with their sophisticated 80X Cheetah platform.

This expansion of the 80X Cheetah family isn't just another variant – it's a thoughtful return to the platform's origins. The original Cheetah Models 81 and 82 found their sweet spot with the .32 ACP, and this modern interpretation brings that legacy into the contemporary era with enhanced features and improved engineering.

Beretta's approach to commonality deserves special mention. The new .32 ACP version mirrors its .380 ACP counterpart in external dimensions, with the sole exception of barrel diameter. Even more intriguing is Beretta's forthcoming conversion kit, allowing current .380 ACP owners to switch between calibers with minimal investment.

The modernized design retains the distinctive Cheetah DNA while incorporating contemporary must-haves. The signature open-top slide remains, complemented by practical updates including enhanced grip texturing, an optics-ready slide cut, and a refined safety-decocker mechanism. The skeletonized hammer adds both visual appeal and performance benefits.

Where this pistol truly shines is in its shooting characteristics. The .32 ACP chambering delivers notably softer recoil than its .380 counterpart, creating an exceptionally manageable shooting experience. This makes it particularly appealing for newer shooters, those who prefer lighter recoil, or anyone seeking a fast-handling compact carry option.

Compatibility with original Beretta 81 magazines (12-round capacity) shows thoughtful consideration for existing Cheetah owners. While pricing and exact availability remain under wraps, Beretta has confirmed a 2025 release window for this exciting addition to their lineup.