I found this at a local gun shop a few days ago. Actually thought ir was overpriced and left the shop. That night I did some research and discovered it was a rather rare Beretta and was considered an improved version of the Model 950, .25 acp. I called the dealer that night and picked it up the next day. I also found that the Beretta 950 .25acp magazines work in the Model 20 so I ordered several more. I actually already have several new Beretta 950 mags that went with my Model 950 that I have had for several years.

I also ordered a spare set of OEM grips since no one seems to make aftermarket ones for this gun.

This gun was only made in the USA from 1983 to 1985 and is considered by some to be of much better design than the model 21A’s.







Looking forward to some range time with this little jewel.

Any comments or information will be appreciated.

Trooper Joe

I picked up a 950BS a few years ago and it was never fired in the box with papers and all, still in the plastic bag. I wish I'd found one like you just picked up so I would feel good about shooting the little thing. I really don't know about the different models like your Mod 20, the 21A, 950B which I've heard called the Jetfire, my frame or box doesn't say Jetfire anywhere. I do like the trigger configuration of the 950 series. Look forward to a range report Trooper Joe.

My older brother has something of a 25 auto addiction, owning a dozen or more. You can usually find a model 21 in 25 auto in his pocket. He even reloads the cartridge. He is a notorious cheapskate and 25 ammo is pretty expensive for what it is. Handling the tiny cases and bullets can be challenging. His RCBS powder measure can’t be set low enough for the tiny powder charge ( something like 1.3 grains of bullseye as I recall) so he made a tiny little powder dipper from a cut off 22 rimfire shell with a handle soldered on. His reloads run perfectly. Fun guns to shoot, but recovering brass mixed in with the piles of 22 rimfire you find at ranges proves another challenge

Always wanted one

Never found one

I've owned one since the early 1980s. Whenever I close the tip-up barrel, I feel like it was fitted by Wilson Combat. Mine seems very well made and is very accurate for such a small pistol. It has always functioned flawlessly.

One word of caution. Don't drop it!
Back in the mid-1980s, my ex decided (without my knowledge) to drop it in her purse before leaving for work as an RN at a major hospital. She arrived at the Nurse's station and went to the small bathroom several yards away. She placed her purse on the sink and the pistol fell out and discharged. Luckily, it was late at night and the only one who heard the shot was her close co-worker and a very elderly patient walking down the hall. He told her he heard a shot and she replied "Oh no man, you're crazy" and went about her business.

quote:

Originally posted by Jupiter:
I've owned one since the early 1980s. Whenever I close the tip-up barrel, I feel like it was fitted by Wilson Combat. Mine seems very well made and is very accurate for such a small pistol. It has always functioned flawlessly.

One word of caution. Don't drop it!
Back in the mid-1980s, my ex decided (without my knowledge) to drop it in her purse before leaving for work as an RN at a major hospital. She arrived at the Nurse's station and went to the small bathroom several yards away. She placed her purse on the sink and the pistol fell out and discharged. Luckily, it was late at night and the only one who heard the shot was her close co-worker and a very elderly patient walking down the hall. He told her he heard a shot and she replied "Oh no man, you're crazy" and went about her business.

Did it break the grips when she dropped it?

Nope. Not a scratch.

Nice find. Well done..

Very cool. Looks like a lot of fun!

How is better than a 21A? I've not heard that and own a ton of Beretta examples. I use a 21a in 25acp for pocket carry in the woods

I have several of these Beretta tip ups in 22 short, 22LR, 25acp, 32acp. I love them. The 950 and 21 in 25acp are my favorites. I really like the 25 acp caliber.

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
How is better than a 21A? I've not heard that and own a ton of Beretta examples. I use a 21a in 25acp for pocket carry in the woods

It is smaller. The 21A has a larger grip.

quote:

Originally posted by lechiffre:

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
How is better than a 21A? I've not heard that and own a ton of Beretta examples. I use a 21a in 25acp for pocket carry in the woods

It is smaller. The 21A has a larger grip.

I had a Taurus PT-25 that fed everything. When I found a Beretta 21A, 25 cal, it was not near as smooth and would not feed some of the “defense” ammo. Also, I have a 22 cal 21A that works great and has a beautiful finish. The 25 cal Beretta was a rather dull finish.

My Beretta 20 seems to be a much more refined gun. I really liked my 950 BS, .25 cal. and the model 20 is a nice step forward. Too bad they only made them for the US market for a couple of years.

Trooper Joe

IIRC the 21A was offered in a Matte and Blue Finish in the early 1990's.

not seen one in the wild,

bought and sold a pile of 950's and similar


carried a 950 until I got a seecamp LWS-32