The Beretta Model 86 Cheetah, produced from 1991 to 2004, was a mid-size .380 semi-automatic pistol with an eight-round capacity. It shared the unique tip-up barrel feature found on Beretta’s Bobcat and Tomcat mini pistols that didn’t require users to rack the slide when loading or clearing a live round. The Model 86 Cheetah was a great option for concealed carry or home defense, especially for those with limited hand strength.

Despite its innovative design, the Cheetah’s high price, limited magazine capacity and concerns over the less-powerful .380 ammunition option hindered the handgun’s popularity. Fortunately, the Girsan MC 14 is a modernized homage to the Beretta Model 86 that revitalizes the tip-up barrel concept.

Manufactured by the Turkish firm Girsan, the MC 14T X Tip-Up offers significant updates. These include a sleek black-blue finish, a 13-round double-stack magazine, and an aluminum frame with Picatinny rail. Enhanced composite grips, a lanyard ring, and an accessible price tag — MSRP starting at just $514 — make this pistol a standout. The Girsan MC 14 not only honors the legacy of the Beretta Cheetah but improves upon it with modern features and affordability

About the Girsan MC 14

The original Beretta design has been thoughtfully upgraded by Girsan, though it is still only suited to low-pressure blowback action loads. To offset the less powerful caliber, Girsan increased the single-stack eight-round magazine to a 13-round double-stack.

All of the MC 14T X controls are easily operated. The ambidextrous safeties, activated by pushing up and de-activated by pushing down, can be easily reached by either thumb. The extended single slide release, barrel release lever on the right side of the frame and magazine release are also all easily reached.

Girsan’s MC 14 has a traditional double-action/single-action trigger system. It’s double-action trigger pull is smoother than I remember the Beretta Cheetah’s trigger being. According to my Wheeler trigger gauge, it measured 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and had no takeup. The single-action pull weight measured 4 pounds, 7 ounces with about ¼ inch of takeup. I believe the MC 14T X would be perfectly safe to carry with the safety off and the trigger in double-action if the user prefers.

Girsan MC 14T X Specifications

Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity:
13+1
Barrel length:
5 inches
Overall length:
7.3 inches
Weight:
22.4 ounces
Safety:
Ambidextrous
Sights:
Low-profile 3-dot

The frame-mounted manual safety system on the MC 14 series has no de-cocking feature. To carry the MC 14T X cocked and locked like a 1911, the hammer must be lowered manually. However, lowering the hammer is much simpler and safer because of the tip-up barrel system. To clear a cocked and locked Girsan MC 14T X, start by leaving the safety engaged. Push down the barrel release lever on the right side of the frame to tip up the barrel. Remove the live round from the chamber, and with the barrel still tipped up, remove the magazine. To safely drop the hammer, ensure the magazine is removed and the chamber is clear, then disengage the safety, press the trigger while controlling the hammer with your thumb and lower it gently. Finally, lock the barrel back into place, or leave it tipped up if storing the pistol. For added safety, re-engage the manual safety.

Shooting the Girsan Tip-Up Pistol

My test of the MC 14T X took place inside my friend’s barn range after some Ohio winter weather. Being overcast outside, it was very dark inside. I used a Sreamlight Strion to illuminate the B-27E PROS target.

I started with 13 rounds of Federal 90-grain Hydra-Shok JHP ammunition. A self-defense favorite since the 1980s, the Hydra-Shok features a central expansion post that ensures threat-stopping damage. Muzzle velocity is listed as being 1,000 feet per second with 200 foot-pounds of energy.

It was difficult to make out the three-dot sights in the barn; however, the outline of the sights was fairly visible when held against the orange X-ring. From 21 feet, my initial shot hit dead center. It had a very smooth double-action first-shot stroke. My first two follow-up single action shots strayed to the right. Aside from those, the 11 total rounds were a 1½-inch group within the X-ring. Recoil was light, and shooting was comfortable.

I then tested SIG Sauer’s FMJ practice load, the 100-grain Elite Ball ammo, with a velocity of 910 feet per second and 184 foot-pounds of energy. Moving my point of aim to the head zone, my sights were completely washed out. I managed to keep the shots in the head with a 4½-inch group.

Testing ended with 10 rounds of SIG Sauer 90-grain V-Crown JHP self-defense ammo, which has a muzzle velocity of 980 feet per second and muzzle energy of 192 foot-pounds. I aimed for the scoring chart at the top right of the target where the sights were more visible. All 10 rounds ended in a 2-inch group. There was no powder blow back or malfunctions with any of the loads used.

Should You Buy the Girsan MC 14T X?

With its 5-inch barrel, the Girsan MC 14T X maximizes the effectiveness of the .380 ACP. This handgun could work well for concealed carry and home defense as well as a training and recreation gun. It should also be able to handle a suppressor well. Girsan has several firearms in the MC 14 lineup that would make great additions to any firearm collection.

Sources

Girsan: EAACorp.com
Federal: FederalPremium.com
SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com