Beretta Compact or Cougar for CCW?

B

BigMike

New member
I currently carry my 92 Brigadier in 9mm for ccw. I am contemplating either switching to the Compact Carry, or the fuss size Cougar for ccw. My rationale is that I will be familiar with the operation of either pistol as I am already familiar with my 92.

Also, it is my understanding that the mags for the 92 can be converted to fit the Cougar. Is this true and/or recommended? AND once modified, can the mags shoot in either pistol? Also, my buddy says that his 92 9mm mags can also shoot in his .40 92. I was further told by him that the 9mm mags will shoot .40 in the cougar(once the mag catch is converted). Though I cannot confirm or deny this, I doubt that it will feed reliably.

I would appreciate any thoughts or exoeriences about this. I am not unhappy with my Brigadier I should say, I just want something slightly heavier. From what I have (I haven't shot one yet) the Beretta 9000 may be an option for me.

Thanks, Mike
 
i personally would go with the 92 Compact L or Custom Carry. they are basically the same gun exept for the finish and the custom carry doesn't have a safety on the right side of the gun.

i have shot cougars in 9mm and .45 and 2 or 3 92 Compacts. both don't feel as good to me as my 92FS or 92G Elite but i prefer the feel of the Compact. it feels similar to a 92FS but a little stubbier and for some reason it felt a bit wider (maybe just the grips that were on it).

to make a 92 magazine work in a cougar you need to make a new cut for the mag release to go in. also you can use standard 92 15rd magazines in 92 Compacts but they hang out a bit from the bottom. 13rd Compact magazines are only about $35 (i think i saw that price for ky imports).

so if you got a Compact you could carry a 13rd mag in the gun and a 15rd mag for backup.

i would not advise using a 9mm magazine in a .40 cal gun or vise versa. it may work but it may fail you at the time you need it most.

the cougar felt weird in my hand since it has a big indentation in the top of the back of the grip. also the Cougar seems pretty big for concealed carry. i think the 92 Compact L is one of the most under rated carry guns there is.

i also prefer the open top design on the 92 series guns. but again this is a personal preferance.

get whichever gun feels the best for you or that you can shoot best. they are both great guns.
 
I love my Cougar 8040 for CCW in a big bore. Having that full grip makes a ton of difference. If you can conceal it comfortably, I would go with the Cougar.
 
Mike,

I have a Cougar in .45 and have been very happy with it. Small enough to conceal and big enough to be comfortable in the hand. It's also (IMO) a good deal more accurate than the 92.

Joe/Ga
 
I have the 8040 and love it,Good gun for the money.To me it is not an easy concealment piece unless its jacket or coat season. I've switched to a Glock 27, smaller and thinner for IWB concealment. But I still like my Berettas ;)

Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
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