So earlier this year I snagged one of those interesting surplus pistols that turn up occasionally in batches: a $200 surplus Beretta Cheetah 81. Surplus from the Italian police, I do believe. Caliber is 32ACP.

If 32 ACP is worth much from a self-defense perspective, I'm a bit doubtful. 380 ACP is probably a better idea, the pundits say. But it shoots well, and for $200, it doesn't matter much to me. Most Berettas are beautifully crafted, if perhaps a bit obsolete in the age of...

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Thank you.