Stoeger Cougar

[Lance39]

Anyone with opinions - pro or con - on the 9mm and .40 Cougars?
Thinking of buying one.

[rollin thunder]

IMO, they fall along the same lines as Bersa does, under rated but, becoming recognized for the value. They also have similar functions to the Bersa.

[Group17]

Reliable inexpensive weapon made by a subsidiary of Beretta. I have the 9mm version. Couldn't be happier with it.

[Reginald Carstairs]

They are excellent guns, very well built. In side by side independent testing (unbiased non industry report) they won with honors.

The Stoeger 8000 9mm was best in class for 2008

And the great news for Bersa is........

The Bersa T.380 (Firestorm) also won best in class for 2008 for the .380's

[Majsharan]

It has the same rotating barrel design as the px-storm!

[Vman]

I have a Beretta Mini Cougar. Purchased about 11 years ago, don't know when they gave it over to Stoeger but I haven't heard anything bad about them. Mine is a .40 cal. Field strips basically the same as my Bersa 9. I haven't run alot of ammo through it but I've never had a jam or FTF with any brand. The only "downside" to mine is that it's a DAO so the trigger pull is long and hard (That's what she said!)- sorry, couldn't resist, too much Office. The plus is with the DAO trigger you have to fully intend to pull the trigger every time, very difficult to have an "accidental discharge". And no safety to worry about under a stressful situation. FWIW.

[Majsharan]

Berretta still makes cougars under their name I think. I just saw one the other day NIB for $450. Around here the stoegers go for like $325ish.

[bcrtops]

They are excellent guns, very well built. In side by side independent testing (unbiased non industry report) they won with honors.

The Stoeger 8000 9mm was best in class for 2008

What RC says!
Haven't owned one but sure been tempted == with that rotating barrel design you have some inherent accuracy that takes some good tuning to obtain with the tilting barrel types.

[boatme99]

I want one! LGS has them in stock. Nice to fondle. (Twss.) Again with nods to The Office.

[taz4509]

I've got my carry weapon.... the .45 UC, but I'm in the market for a bedside pistol. The cougar is a very nice weapon and I like the rotating barrel, however I think the longer barrel length of the Bersa would probably win my selection since I probably won't be carrying it.

[Point_Well_Taken]

I purchased the Stoeger Cougar 8000 (9mm) just over a year ago. It is the sweetest shooting nine that I've ever shot, and I put 2,300 rounds through it while I had it. No, I didn't sell it. But since I have other 9mm pistols to enjoy (and my son had no pistols at all), I gave the Stoeger to him on the premise that he'd give it back if I ever asked for it. I don't foresee doing that... (He really loves that weapon!!)

Based on my experience with the Stoeger, if I were in the market for a 9mm, I'd get the Stoeger Cougar without a moment's hesitation. I've gotten so that I really enjoy shooting .40 and I'm considering getting the Stoeger in .40 S&W...

Point_Well_Taken

[WVwheelgunner]

I bought a Stoeger Cougar in .40 S&W a couple weeks ago, fired about 100 rounds, and I really like the gun. All metal, single/double action trigger like a Bersa, great fit & finish. Very little recoil compared to my poly guns, like my Walther P99. The Walther kicks a lot more. The Cougar has a thick grip which soaks up recoil. If you have small hands, you may not like the Cougar. The Couger is very accurate, very easy to hit with. They don't cost much, either.

[Group17]

The Cougar is a keeper. Totally reliable and they have come out with different color finish combos to choose from.
They look real nice in silver. You won't be disappointed.

[GYPSY]

I purchased a used 40 caliber Cougar last year and was pleased with its accuracy and recoil. This year,I purchased a 40 caliber Sig 229 with night sights and a LaserMax with internal laser sight. I love both of them but I carry the Sig more because of its reputation. I was surprised to realize that they both fit my Galco N3 IWB holster.

Bersa Thunder Plus
Firestorm 22
Walther P38
Charter Arms 38

[mrpsctt]

It's an excellent firearm. It's really a Beretta with a different name for half the price. I own a Cougar 8040 and a Bersa 380 Thunder CC as well. You can tell the Cougar has a much better quality and it's more reliable. It is made in Turkey. Same building, machines, design, employees where Beretta produced its handguns, including the 92FS back in the 90s. When Beretta bought Benelli, they sold this plant to Stoeger.
I'm not so sure you can say Bersa has the same relationship to Beretta, except for having one of its founders (Montini) working for Beretta back in the 50s.
As far as shooting, I can tell you I get a sore web in my hand - from recoil - after 100 rds with the little Bersa. The recoil on the Cougar is almost unnoticeable and has an extremely comfortable grip. Highly recommended.