The Beretta 8040 Cougar F and Beretta 8040 Cougar F Inox are semi_automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta.

History

First appearing in 1994, the Beretta 8040 Cougar F is a first generation Cougar, based on the Beretta 8000 Cougar F Inox. It was designed as a more compact alternative to the quite large Beretta 96. It uses a rotating barrel lockup that allows for a straight recoiling barrel which enhances accuracy and reliability.

Specifications

The Beretta Cougar was designed for law enforcement and self defense use. The frame is made out of aluminium alloy. The barrel bore is hard chromed for reduced wear and ease of maintenance. The slide is made out of carbon or stainless steel. The slide of the non stainless version is covered with Bruniton.

Intended market

The Beretta 8040 Cougar F is a service pistol designed for law enforcement and the US concealed carry market.

Design advantages

The combination of front barrel bushing plus straight recoiling barrel enables the Cougar to achieve good accuracy out of a compact package. Like the Beretta 96, Cougar Fs are fitted with a decoking safety, that disables the trigger and makes the pistol safe to handle, clean and carry. The Cougar series closed slide provides better protection from dust and dirt compared to a Beretta 96 series. The rotating barrel lockup reduces the recoil to a surprisingly low level and is very strong. Overall the Cougars are very reliable pistols.

Limitations

The Cougar series is not as capable at feeding different types of ammunition then the Beretta 96 series. The Cougar disassembly is somewhat more complex than the disassembly of a Beretta 96 series. The Cougars do not use Beretta 96 series magazines, which makes them less attractive to those that already own Beretta 96s. The closed slide does not enable the barrel to cool down as quickly as on a Beretta 96. The Cougars are heavy for their size. On the non stainless model, the Bruniton inside the slide wears off and increases slide to frame play.

Technical data

• Type: Beretta 8040 Cougar F/Cougar F Inox
• Trigger system: Single-action or double-action
• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Capacity: 10-11 rounds depending on magazine
• Frame material: Aluminium light alloy
• Slide and barrel material: Carbon or stainless steel
• Grip material: Plastic or wood
• Barrel length: 92 mm
• Length: 180 mm
• Height: 140 mm
• Width: 38 mm
• Mass: 920 g
• Safeties: Slide mounted combined safety and decocking levers. Loaded chamber indicator. Firing-pin safety. Slide retention device.
• Magazine release: Lower trigger guard.
• Production years: 1994 - present day.
• Production locations: Beretta Italy

See also

• Beretta 8000 Models
• Beretta 8000 Cougar F Inox

External links

• View of the Beretta 8000 Cougars (http://www.beretta.com/frame_tabellaprodotti_2002.asp?sgmt=21&Model=Cougar#)