Beretta Cougar Rotating Barrel - Opinions wanted.

jwong

New member
I've been reading some of the Beretta Cougar related threads and I am looking for opinions on the rotating barrel action of the Cougar line... I would think that because of the rotating action, it would be more susceptible to jamming if the action got dirty. I am also inclined to think that since the barrel is rotating and traveling in a linear motion, it would undergo more wear. What are your opinions on this action? Also interested in hearing how well/consistent the slide and barrel lock-up, i.e. accuracy... Thanks in advance...
 
The rotating barrel does two things...

1) Reduces felt recoil
2) Increases accuracy


Beretta Cougars do not jam, at least none of the ones that I've shot have.
 
Just bought a Cougar .45 and took it to the range on Thursday.

I'm happy.

The rotating barrel really cuts down on recoil; the Cougar had only slightly more recoil than the 9mm CZ I had with me.

As far as accuracy, the point and shoot was near perfect. Just quickly snapping off double taps from chest height at 7 yards yielded center torso scores every time. The gun felt like an extension of my right arm.

Aimed shots were not quite as accurate as other weapons I've fired. Of course, this was my first 100 rounds through the gun and I was trying to find an ammo that it liked. My best 10 yard groups were with 185 Winchester Silvertips and the tightest group measured 2.5". Heavier loads measured an inch broader. I normally shoot better than that with my 9mm; however, this was my first experience with the .45ACP and the gun is brand new. I figure that as I break it in, the spreads will get tighter.

The Cougar fired 185JHP Silvertips, 230JHP Hydroshoks, 230FMJ Magtechs, and 165JHP Federals without a hitch. No failures to feed, no stove pipes, no jams.

A very reliable weapon with instinctive accuracy that facilitates putting big holes in the middle of the target and minimal felt recoil that allows a quick second shot. To me, that's the very definition of a carry gun.

Count me solidly among the Cougar's fans. This is one I don't anticipate ever trading away...



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Triggers exist to be pulled... again and again.
 
I have both the 8040 and 8045. I use the 8040
for carry and shoot it frequently. No problems what so ever. I've been pleased with it.


Happy Shooting
smile.gif


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

Just out of interest why do you carry the 8040 instead of the 8045, is there a significant difference in size or do you value the extra 2 shots ?

If you had to assess the relative merits of each gun against the other, which would you choose and why. Finally, how does the .40 compare to the .45 in terms of recoil.

Regards,

Mike H
 
I owned a Beretta cougar in 40 and It was a very reliable gun however I was not able to shoot it to its potential due to a very poor trigger so I sold the gun for a huge loss. I may try again when the cougar comes out in 357 sig.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
Mike, I bought the 8040 used LNIB,The 8045 I bought as the Cat Pak for a collector. I probably will not fire the 45 to keep as NIB.
The 8040 serves my purpose and is a good shooter. I may eventualy buy another 45 as a shooter. I am a big fan of the Cougar series and hope to get the 9mm version also
smile.gif


Way to many guns and not enough money
smile.gif


Happy Shooting
smile.gif


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

[This message has been edited by loknload (edited April 24, 2000).]
 
I liked the 8040's grip shape and angle, which is why I bought one, but shooting it was another matter. It had a heavy trigger, in both double and single action. The tiny ejection port made malfunction clearance drills harder, and doing a low-light chamber check was essentially impossible. The sharp-edged safety levers made type 1 and type 3 malfunction clearance drills a living hell. I also sold mine at a loss.
 
I don't own one, but I work in a gun shop and have had occasion to hold/shoot the Cougar 45 Compact.
I REALLY like the grip extension on one of the magazines.
It's like having two guns in one.
With the grip extension mag. the gun is perfect for duty or home defense.
Without it, it's ideal for concealed carry.

Like the others stated, recoil seemed alot lighter than a 1911A1.
-Kframe
 
I believe the .357 Sig Cougar is now available, I have seen at least one site advertising them for sale,

Mike H
 
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