My first experience with the .40 S & amp; W; round by using the Beretta 8040 pistol. The 8040 Cougar is a relatively compact .40 caliber pistol that uses a rotating barrel locking system. Instead of tilting the barrel as in a traditional 1911 pistol, the barrel maintains its axis line as it rotates through the slide action. The manufacturer claims that this is intended to scare people away.
I tried the pistol once or twice in a couple of Metronactis magazines. The humility of several fingers is also beneficial. I had to raise the front sight noticeably above the rear sight notch to get the Cougar to fire straight. The excess was quite firm in my opinion. It seems that 40 S & W; round puts more stress on guns than 9mm and .45 loadings.
The trigger guard has sharp edges and uncomfortable friction against the shooting finger on the trigger. This experience may be unique to the particular size of my hands. The grip is comfortable, more like a full size Beretta 92fs for me anyway.
Cougars are made with loadings in 9mm, .357 Sig, .40S&W;, and .45 acp. The 8040 .40 cal model tested has an 11 round magazine. Barrel length is 3.6 inches. Total weight is about 900 lbs.
I can’t say for sure why the pistols wobble even under proper cleaning and lubrication. Some would say that the rotating barrel system is not as reliable as the stationary action. The pistol I was using was brand new and I may have had some breakage in use but I believe the pistol is more reliable than this out of the box. It is possible that the pistol tolerances are tighter than they should be or it is possible that the model tested was a lemon. All of these factors could also play a role.
It was tested in 3 different types of ammunition and the performance was the same. When the pistol was working, and if the front sight was raised enough, it was accurate with the schools. 40 In S & W; round unlike a 9mm or .45. The .40 recoil has the most throat effect on this pistol, since the 9mm is more stock and the 45 is pulsed. These are my experiences and may differ from each other.
The layout of the pistols was not too different than other pistol designs. However, the barrel rotation system may require extra care and cleaning for proper operation. The action of the barrel revolver is in the restraining insert of the spring guide. In my opinion the 1911 type of action is less susceptible to jammed system debris.
Cougars are relatively expensive for what they offer. The plans were also introduced a little earlier in 1994. This is not to say that these models are outdated by any means, but for more you may look at modern designs such as XD, Smith & amp; Wesson M&P;, or newer edition Glocks if you are looking for newer designs.
If the Cougar has a range then try it. I am perhaps happier for you than I am. If you can definitely find one in that cheap range where you design, then it may be the right choice for you. If you’ve had similar experiences, then you’ll see why Beretta isn’t selling these things like they used to.
