Beretta Model 87 (.22 LR)
Kim du Toit
March 22, 2003
12:00 AM CDT
To my mind, Beretta makes some of the best-engineered handguns available—and why not? they’ve been making guns ever since guns were first invented. I’ve never had a chance to shoot the single-action Model 87, but Longtime Reader Ed “What The Heck"man has, and so here’s his appraisal of the piece:
“I picked up this sweet shooter as my Christmas present on Christmas Eve this past year. The big blocky front end is certainly not its most attractive feature, but it sure lets you add whatever extras you desire. In this case, I have a Bushnell HOLOsight on it.
“This thing shoots like a dream. The trigger is as crisp as an excellent potato chip and it’s extremely accurate. At first I thought the grip would be a problem because it’s quite narrow and I have very large hands (XL gloves just barely fit). It has proven to be extremely comfortable to shoot for long periods. And even my pre-teen children and wife can handle this one with ease.
“This past Tuesday I finally had an opportunity to take it to an outdoor range and shoot it from 25 yards. The enclosed target pictures are the two best targets from that shoot.”
“Both targets received 10 rounds. If you ignore the single flyers—which I’m convinced were my fault—the groups each fit in a 23 mm and 24 mm circle. The only reason the groups are so high on the target is that I have the sight adjusted for 50 feet, and I didn’t bother adjusting it because I was shooting for group size to test various ammo. One was with Lapua Master M and one was with Lapua Pistol King. Amazingly enough, I’ve also had similar results with Remington Thunderbolt and Wolf Target [cheap ammo].
“Yes, this was from a bench rest. I’m not that good. 
“Oh, and these pistols go for about $600.”
Kim’s comment: Bloody hell. Those would be respectable groups fired from a
rifle. Looks like I might have to try this one out—purely as a public service to my Readers, of course, just to make sure Ed isn’t lying. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
Oh, and Ed, next time please use good old ‘Murkin measurements instead of that French metric crap, willya?
Thanks, buddy—looks like I’ll have to try out that Lapua .22 ammo too.
Gratuitous Gun Pics
