Introduced in 1994, the Beretta 8000 pistol, which was also known as the Beretta Cougar, was marketed as a handgun to bridge the gap between full-size duty pistols and compact concealed carry firearms.
Chambered in 9mm, the Cougar design utilized a rotating barrel short-recoil system, which was a major departure from the tilting barrel system seen in most semi-automatics of the time. This rotating barrel mechanism was designed to reduce felt recoil and improve accuracy through smoother cycling.
At the heart of the Cougar’s design is its rotating barrel locking system. When fired, the barrel rotates approximately 30 degrees to unlock from the slide. This mechanism results in a more direct recoil path, improving shooter control and reducing muzzle flip.
The Cougar 8000 utilized a double-stack magazine that would hold a total of 15+1 rounds.
The Cougar series was available in two action styles:
Cougar Type F
The F model of the Cougar was the basic configuration that was a traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA), with an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety and decocker.
Cougar Type D
The D model was a double action with only a spurless hammer and no decocker or safety switch.
Cougar Type G
The G model was a double-action/single-action version with a decocking lever but no safety. This version had an exposed hammer with ambi decocking levers on each side of the slide.
Cougar Type T
Around 2000, Beretta began offering some of the Cougar models with a light rail to attach a light or laser under the barrel. These models were designated as Type T.
Between these four styles, the Type F version was the most popular and common version on the market.
Calibers & Capacity
The success of the model 8000 in 9mm led Beretta to expand the Cougar series with the following calibers:
8040
In 1995, Beretta introduced the Beretta Cougar 8040, which was chambered in .40 S&W. The 8040 had a magazine capacity of 11+1.
8045
In 1998, Beretta introduced the Cougar 8045, which was chambered in .45 ACP. The 8045 utilized a double-stock magazine with a capacity of 8=1.
8357
In 1996, Beretta introduced the Cougar 8357 chambered in .357 Sig. At that time, the .357 Sig caliber was gaining traction as a law enforcement round, so Beretta introduced this model for potential law enforcement adoption. The Los Angeles Police Department adopted this model as their duty weapon for a few years.
Although all four calibers were popular, the original 8000 in 9mm was the best-selling caliber. Based on sales info, the 8357 in .357 Sig was the least popular model.
In addition to those calibers, Beretta also offered models for Europe that were chambered in .41 Action Express (41 AE) and 9x21mm.
Cougar Variants
The success of the original Cougar series led Beretta to introduce several variants into the Cougar line, including the following:
Beretta 8000L
The 8000L was a slightly more compact version of the full-size 8000. The L version had a slightly shorter barrel and slightly shorter grip compared to the 8000. The L was only chambered in 9mm and featured a capacity of 13+1 (compared to the 15+1 capacity of the 8000)
The L version wasn’t a great seller as it was only slightly more compact than the full-size Cougar model.
Inox
Some of the Cougar models were offered with a stainless steel slide, barrel, and internal components. These models were called Inox models. The Inox versions are less common than the blued versions.
Mini Cougar
Beretta also offered a scaled-down version of the full-size Cougar pistols, known as the Mini Cougar. The Mini Cougar models utilized the same slide and barrel found on the full-size models, but the grip was shortened by almost an inch (25mm). The Mini models typically had a reduced capacity of 2-3 rounds, but that varied by caliber.
The Mini models were only available in Type D and Type F configurations.
Transition to Stoeger
In 2004, Beretta ceased production of the Cougar line and transferred ownership of the Cougar pistol line over to the Stoeger brand of firearms. Stoeger Firearms is a subsidiary brand owned by Beretta.
The pistol series was rebranded as the Stoeger Cougar and offered in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. These models maintain the Cougar’s quality and design but were offered at a more accessible price point.
Stoeger stopped offering the Cougar series in 2017 in favor of their STR pistol line.
Beretta Cougar Holsters
Since the Cougar pistols were offered in several different calibers, some of that series require a specific and unique holster fit.
Holster Fit By Cougar Model
To further clarify, the Cougar 8000, 8040, and 8357 have similar dimensions and will all fit into a holster made for the Beretta 8000.
However, the 8045 was built in a different frame so it will not fit into a gun holster made for the 8000. The 8045 model requires a holster made specifically for the larger frame of the 45 ACP.
Holster Fit by Type Configuration
With the alphabetical type of version (such as a Type F, Type D, etc.), the type F, type G, and type D will fit into the same holster model unless the holster has a thumb break or retention strap. If the holster has a thumb break or retention strap, then the configuration type can impact the holster fit.
For example, all the Cougars in a type D configuration have a spurless hammer, while types G and F feature a full hammer. Only the D and F models will fit into a holster with a retention strap. The type D configurations will require a specific fit for any holster with a retention strap.
Pistols configured with a type T will also require a specific holster made to fit a Cougar pistol with an accessory rail. Any holster that fits a Cougar model without an accessory rail will not accommodate a Type T pistol.
Holster Fit for Cougar Variants
Some of the Cougar variants can also pose a challenge when buying a holster.
Beretta Mini Cougar Holsters
Since the only difference between the Mini Cougar models and the full-size models is the pistol grip length, the Mini Cougar models will fit into a holster made for a full-size model.
This also includes the 8045 Mini Cougar, as it will only fit into a holster made for a traditional 8045 Cougar.
Beretta Inox Holsters
While the Inox models have a stainless steel frame, they are basically the exact dimensions as the traditional Cougar pistols. As such, the Inox version of the Cougar fit into a holster made for the standard Cougar pistols (except for the .45 ACP version)
Stoeger Cougar Holsters
For the most part, the Stoeger Cougars have the same dimensions as the original Beretta versions of these pistols. So, a Stoeger Cougar will likely fit into a gun holster made for a Beretta Cougar.
However, some of the Stoeger Cougar models included an accessory rail so it’s important to understand if your Stoeger has a rail or not. If you look at the Stoeger pistol image up towards the top of the page, you’ll see an example of a Stoeger Cougar with a rail built into the frame.
If your Stoeger Cougar is equipped with an accessory rail, those models will require a holster made to fit an Cougar pistol with a rail. A holster made for a non-railed Cougar model will not fit one of the Stoeger Cougar models with a rail.
I spent nearly 10 years working in law enforcement full time, followed by another 5 years as a reserve officer. After my LEO career, I transitioned into corporate security, where I spent 7 years doing corporate investigations and executive protection at one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world. After that, I started a gun holster company called Gunner’s Alley. I’ve been involved in the gun holster industry since 2002, so I have over 20 years of experience with holsters.
