I got my two modified 84 magazines from Robertson's and checked them for function and they worked fine, until you get to the last round. The small square button molded into the follower which actuates the slide lock engages after the 13th round, leaving the last round in the magazine. Not cool. I compared it to the stock magazine and found that the button is angled so I just used a razor knife to trim the top edge off the button so that is is level. Works perfectly now.
I have included a picture showing how much I trimmed off. Took a trip to the range yesterday and boy was I pleased. Shot 4 of my 32's, Bersa Firestorm, Savage 1907, Beretta 81 and my new CZ 50 which I got with the Beretta from Classic 'cause I couldn't pass on it for $220. The Savage had an issue(slam fire) , fortunately it happened down range, so back in the bag it went. Found the problem when I got home and broke it down, it's missing a part. Everything else functioned perfectly until I was running some S/D rounds in the CZ and I had a rimlock with the Hornady ammo. The Beretta ran perfectly with all ammo and all three magazines. It was also the most accurate and easiest to shoot, very comfortable for a blowback design.
Thanks for the review of the Robertson's mags; I've done business with them and they have been good. And particularly, thanks for the details on fixing the mag. I'm going to order some now, I can't see a better price coming along anytime soon.
My experience shooting the 81 is similar to yours; I also have a Savage 1907, some CZ 27s, a pair of Mauser 1914's, and a FEG AP7.
There's really no comparison; the Beretta is a superior gun to these across the board.
I have accuracy issues with the Savage (due to the grip, not the gun itself); I just can't shoot it for anything. Braced firmly on a bench it groups well, but standing offhand I'm lucky to get 1 ft groups at 7 yds
The CZs and Mausers have reliability issues after a couple of mags, and one of the Mausers requires me to press the magazine upwards into the magwell as I shoot to actuate the striker. Otherwise it won't shoot. I've swapped mags back and forth, doesn't matter.
The FEG is superior to the antiques, but the design and grip remain uncomfortable to shoot. I have the same gun in 9x18 Makarov, the .32 isn't as sharp a recoil, but still jolts the hand.
The Beretta 81 handles, aims, and shoots very similar to a good fullsize 9mm, downscaled. Minimal recoil impulse, bullets go where you want (I had tight groups at 10 yds easily), and it's the only one I'd feel comfortable trying to hit a 1 ft target at say, 20 yds or so.