Beretta is at it again, proving that you can, in fact, teach an old cat new tricks. The latest offering, the 80X Cheetah Tactical Desert, shows the brand's willingness to re-imagine a classic. While we all love the sleek lines of the original, this new variant takes the already updated 80X platform and gives it a bit of a dusty makeover. It’s like the Cheetah decided to go on a vacation to the Southwest and never came back.

The company made a splash at SHOT Show in 2023 with the initial rebirth of the Cheetah. The original redesign, the 80X Cheetah, was a modern interpretation of a beloved platform. It brought the classic .380 ACP pistol into the 21st century with features like a slim, Vertec-style grip, a Picatinny rail, and an optics-ready slide. To top it off, it introduced a new, adjustable X-treme S double/single action trigger that promised a user experience as smooth as a fresh jar of peanut butter.

However, the gun gods (and probably some very persistent customers) demanded more. Beretta responded with the 80X Cheetah Tactical, which took the already enhanced platform and cranked the volume to 11. This version came out with a suppressor-ready threaded barrel and magazines that held a surprising 15 rounds of .380. For a pistol with a lineage tracing back to a much more petite profile, this capacity was a significant jump. It was a clear signal that Beretta wasn't just bringing back a pretty face; they were building a real workhorse.

For those who found the original all-black tactical model a bit too...well, tactical, Beretta now has you covered. The new Tactical Desert colorway offers the same impressive feature set but with a flat dark earth finish. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants to blend in with a sandy landscape or, you know, just prefers their firearms to be in a more fashionable color. Think of it as the pistol equivalent of khaki pants—versatile, a little rugged, and always in style.

What makes this particular cat so compelling are the details. The ½” x 28 threaded barrel comes ready for a suppressor right out of the box, making it an ideal host for a quiet range day or for those who appreciate a less concussive shooting experience. The sights are a simple three-dot configuration, providing a no-frills, reliable aiming solution that works whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out. And for the modern operator, the optics-ready slide means you can easily slap on a red dot sight, turning this little pistol into a precision tool.

The ergonomics on this pistol have also been carefully considered. The slim Vertec-style grip is a notable feature, offering a more compact profile for concealed carry while still providing a secure hold. The addition of a Picatinny rail is a welcome touch, allowing for the attachment of lights or lasers—because who doesn’t love options? It’s a thoughtful design that acknowledges the realities of everyday carry, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for capability.

Speaking of capability, the trigger on the 80X Cheetah Tactical is a genuine highlight. The X-treme S trigger features an adjustable overtravel that allows you to shorten the reset to a hair-raising 1mm. This means faster, more precise follow-up shots. Paired with the skeletonized hammer, which reduces weight and enhances lock time, the trigger pull is designed to be both light and consistent. It's a level of refinement you might not expect in a compact pistol, but it’s a detail that can make a big difference when it counts.

And let's not forget about the magazines. This is a .380, after all, and squeezing 15 rounds into a compact pistol is no small feat. The extended 15-round magazines offer a serious boost in capacity, giving you confidence that you’ll have enough rounds on tap to deal with whatever comes your way. It's a feature that helps the Cheetah punch well above its weight class, blurring the line between a traditional carry pistol and something with serious fighting potential.

Ultimately, the Beretta 80X Cheetah Tactical Desert is not just about sporting a new color; it’s a fully featured, tactical evolution of a classic. It’s a pistol that retains the elegance of its lineage while embracing modern enhancements. From its suppressor-ready barrel to its optics-ready slide, this Cheetah is clearly designed for those who want a blend of style, function, and a little bit of tactical flair. It proves that even a storied platform can find new relevance in a world of ever-changing demands.