[Greg]

Heard good things.

[TheCrow]

I think they are OK.  My personal favorite is the D model, I like anything in DAO.  What did you trade for it?

[Paco]

I traded a 20" <font color="red">post</font id="red">ban AR-15 upper for it.  []

[Legs]

The Cougars are excellent guns and the barrel systems are pretty radical compared to their classic line.  The biggest difference you'll notice is that the grip to frame angle is very "off" from most of what you own.  Close to your Glock than to your SIGs or Walther, or from the standard 1911/Browning Hi-Power angle.  It's more of a "90 degree" than an angle.  it takes wrist movement to align the sights, whereas most other guns naturally line up when you raise your arm.  The gun fires beautifully, though, and the .45 feels natural in it.  I've wanted to get one myself for a long while.  Let us know what you think.

[Harley]

Does that have a steel or alloy frame?  Personally I don't like compact .45's.  Too much muzzle flip for that heavy a cartridge.  Let us know how you like it after a box of ammo Paco.

[Basher]

I've heard good things, but will agree with Legs. I love my 96, but after having that SVI from WA for a year (and playing with it quite a bit), I'm having to retrain my muscles for a more upright grip angle. As soon as I hit 21 and can afford it, I'll be getting something with a much more natural grip angle. HOWEVER, if you ingrain the angle well enough, you'll love them from my understanding.

[Paco]

Harley,

I think it's an alloy frame.  This one is supposed to have the rotating barrel "thing" to avoid the exaggerated barrel flip and reduce recoil.  I can't wait to try it out.  I am hoping to get to Ben Avery on Saturday morning to have some fun with the 8045 and FAL.

[Legs]

You also have the full size grip, so your control doesn't suffer.  True compacts have smaller/shorter grips and allow you less purchase to control the recoil.
Basher, you should not be noticing any differences in grip to frame angle if you're used to a 96.  Beretta didn't change the angle until they released the Cougar line.

[Basher]

Legs,

Sorry. I don't think I came across to well there. What I meant to say was that the Beretta line feels good in the hand, but it's not what I'm used to. I had a WA SVI 5" Standard for a year before I sold it to Paco, so I'm used to the 11º(correct) grip angle of the 1911, not the angle of the Beretta (not sure of its angle). So, if Jason is used to something else, then he'll have to get used to the 8045 before he really likes it. []

[Legs]

The biggest difference on the feel of the 1911 versus the Beretta 96 is that of the single vs. double stack mags.  The wider grip of the beretta causes the gun to sit differently in your hand.  The grip angles themselves, though, should not feel different to you.

Sorry to hijack the thread, Jas.

[Basher]

Jason, sorry for getting things off topic. That seems to be a bad habit of mine sometimes []

Anyway, I've heard a few things about that rotating sleeve or whatever. Let us know if you think it works any or not. I'd be interested to know. []

[Legs]

Beretta bought the design for their rotating barrel from Mauser and it is outstanding.  It provides positive lockup during firing and increases accuracy.  The same design can be found in the SIG/Mauser M2 handguns and the accuracy is said to be outstanding for such a short barrel.

[Paco]

I picked one up in a trade and was curious as to the general consensus on this gun.  I haven't heard much on it.  Until I received it, I didn't even know that Beretta made a .45ACP.  Has anyone had one, or know of any reviews on it?