This year I had the opportunity to attend an invitational Beretta range day prior to SHOT Show 2025. During this event Beretta had guests cycle through several stations to try a variety of guns under the supervision of various sponsored shooters, and other SMEs. From high end break-action shotguns to tricked out 92 pistols, there was something for everyone. Here are some of the guns that stood out to me during this event.
Beretta 80X Cheetah .32ACP
Last year I spent some time with the Beretta 80X Cheetah in .380ACP. Since then myself and a few others have been pestering Beretta to release a version of the Cheetah in the Lord’s caliber, .32ACP. Well our voices were heard, and a new version of the 80X was announced this past weekend! For details on the gun itself, check out last year’s review HERE.
If you’re familiar with the 80X Cheetah, then you’ll understand this new variation. We’re still dealing with an alloy frame, DA/SA, compact pistol. Due to the geometry of .32’s rims, magazine capacity sits squarely at 12 rounds, for a total of 12+1. Shooters can also expect conversion kits for their .380 Cheetah’s to come down the pipe later this year.
Pricing and release dates for the .32ACP Cheetah is to be announced as of this writing. Expect MSRP to be in line with the .380 version of the 80X.
20X Bobcat
If you’re a fan of classic spy films, then you’re probably a fan of the old Beretta 21A Bobcat. I’ve had an old original for a few years now, and while it’s iconic, I’m always a little overly gentle with my classic guns. Luckily Beretta has reintroduced the Bobcat under the 20X moniker, bringing the design into the 21st century.
The 20X Bobcat is an ultra compact .22LR pistol featuring an 8+1 capacity, modernized controls, and a variety of configuration packages. The tip-up barrel now pops up via a button just under the slide rather than the original lever. Now the magazine release can be found in the “normal” location for most pistols rather than near the heel of the pistol. Safeties and sights are enlarged for ease of use, and grips are made from G10 with more user friendly shaping.
Much like last year’s updates to the Tomcat line, shooters have the option for suppressor height sights, threaded barrels, optic mounts, and more.
MSRP on the 20X Bobcat line starts at $549.
Beretta BRX1
While the BRX1 series of rifles isn’t new for 2025, this was my first time getting to handle them in person. The BRX1 is a straight-pull bolt action rifle coming in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308WIN, and .300WIN Mag. With a focus on hunting, these rifles are relatively handy at 7.3 pounds with 22-inch threaded barrels. One of the more interesting features I saw was the tool-less takedown, which allowed me to swap the bolt handle and ejection from left to right side. This process took less than a minute, using only a cartridge to press a few pieces into place.
The example I shot was chambered in 6.5CM, topped with a Burris Fullfield 4-16x scope, and a suppressor. With the guidance of a Beretta spotter, I was able to make multiple hits on a reduced size IPSC torso past 975 yards off of a bipod. Recoil was light, and the action was incredibly smooth despite a day’s worth of shooting on the gun.
MSRP on the Beretta BRX1 starts at $1,599, with guns currently available to purchase.
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Chisel Stock
If you weren’t aware, I’m a big fan of the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. I put one through its paces back in 2023, and have been loving it ever since then. One of the typically mentioned shortcomings of the A300 series is the inability to use aftermarket stocks due to its recoil system. Luckily all is no longer lost.
Chisel Manufacturing has been putting out high quality pistol-grip stocks for Beretta, Mossberg, and Remington shotguns for the past several years. As a credit to their design and quality, Chisel’s products are virtually the ONLY pistol-grip stocks I see recommended by folks like Steve Fisher, the Haughts, and others. Now Beretta A300 users can add a chisel stock to their guns.
I was really impressed with the Chisel stock in terms of comfort in general handling and under recoil. The KICK-EEZ recoil pad does a fantastic job at absorbing the recoil of 12 gauge without grabbing onto clothing during the mount. Grips are easily swappable to most any AR style pistol grip to suit user preference.
The Chisel Manufacturing stock for Beretta 1301 is currently available through Chisel with an MSRP of $400. Expect to see a package deal from Beretta in Q3 of this year.
As an Aside
One of the experts during the Beretta Range day helping us out was Olympic champion Kim Rhode. She spent time at the Premium Range, showing off some of Beretta’s high-end break-action guns, and giving shooters tips on how to improve their clay busting game. While I didn’t get the chance to spend time with Kim, I did get to listen in on her helping out another shooter. It’s not often that you get to meet someone of her caliber (pun intended), and it was awesome to see her in her element.
Shooting 5-Stand, along with some informal clays on the tactical shotgun bay was fun, but seeing folks like Kim and others is one of the things that makes SHOT unique.
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