Anyone tried a Stoeger 8000?

dgray64 · 12-28-2007, 02:13 PM

Its a pistol that used to be made with the Beretta name, then Beretta shifted the mfg to Turkey and changed the name. It looks like a great pistol.

Dave

dgray64 · 01-03-2008, 02:26 PM

I ran into a Beretta Cougar today at my favorite pawn shop. It was a .40 cal and nice. I could see the evidence of the "roll lock" barrel. Pretty neat. Uses a hammer, but is DA only. My only issue was that the grip was too large to be comfortable in my hands...about like my Glock G22. Nice, accurate, shoots any ammo, but it's so large in my hand that it's uncomfortable. Anyway the Cougar and the Stoeger are the same gun.

Dave

neophyte · 01-04-2008, 05:44 AM

dgray64: I have researched the Stoeger Cougar 8000
for months now. Stoeger is going to have a problem venturing into handguns. Stoeger is shotgun.
Beretta move there mess to Turkey; they too mismanaged the Beretta model 8000 that is why they are trying to reintroduce this model.
Based on my research; outstanding unit, accurate, priced way below market and quality value. I've had one on my short list since the beginning.

9mmfan · 01-04-2008, 06:12 PM

Does anyone have any experance with a Beretta Model 9000 ? I saw one used at my local gun for around $250. It seems to be in great condition. I thought it was a good deal, but I would like to talk to someone who owns one, thanks.

raveneap · 01-06-2008, 02:29 PM

I couldn't find a Beretta Cougar so bought a Stoeger. Very well made; smooth shooting, light recoil, mine's in 40 cal. Cost was far less than the Beretta and it's actually the exact same gun as the Beretta with the exception of the name & logo.

neophyte · 01-06-2008, 05:35 PM

raveneap: Sir; would you do a report?

All reports have been positive. I would like your opinion.

Redundant; my question Yes sir'eee

Oppy · 02-05-2008, 08:56 PM

I am interested in trying out a Stoeger Cougar 8000 or CZ75 at the range. I have narrowed down a wish list to these two based on what I have read. Anyone have experience to compare the two? Or perhaps you can suggest a comparable option I should consider?

Also heard any repair/warranty for Stoeger is handled by Beretta. True?

Comments appreciated.

PS Nice Pic Raveneap.

Seven© · 03-04-2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neophyte

raveneap: Sir; would you do a report?

All reports have been positive. I would like your opinion.

Redundant; my question Yes sir'eee

Finally got out to shoot mine yesterday. I'll give you a short report. I'm not a writer, but I'll do what I can.

Stoeger Cougar .40...

Picture sucks, but we know what they look like. Sorry.
Price I paid: $385 otd. Not good, not bad. Fair IMO.

Anyways, I ran 50 rounds of CCI Blazer Brass 180gr. FMJ through it yesterday. No problems.

My thoughts. YMMV.

Accuracy: I've read reports of 2" groups at 25 yards. I believe it now. It's another case of "this gun is more accurate than I am."

Trigger: Excellent. The first DA shot is surprisingly smooth. I was actually caught off guard when it fired the first time I shot it. It doesn't have the usual "catches" that most DA pistols I've shot had. I'd go as far as saying the pull was as smooth as my wife's striker-fire Ruger SR9. Longer and heavier (naturally) but just as smooth.
On the following SA shots, I felt the trigger was OK. I would guess slightly >6lbs. Keep in mind, I'm a 1911 fan so I'm critical of SA trigger pull.

Slide: Excellent. Smooth out of the box. It is heavy to chamber the first round. Really. The slide grooves are small and shallow, and the springs are stiff. But, I guessing that will lighten up with some more use. Should anyways.

Sights: Easy to acquire. But, I like the 3 dot deal and I'm familiar with it. Again, YMMV.

Feel: Ergonomically one of the best I've held. Balance is great. No excellent! This gun feels like a compact to me. It feels lighter and smaller than it really is. After you hold it and shoot it, you just go "Wow!"

Recoil: Not what I expected at all. I anticipated the normal "snappy" .40. It wasn't bad at all. I'd equate it to a 5" 1911. It kicks, but it don't pound. It recoils, it doesn't flip. If that makes sense.

Finish: I'd read on boards it wasn't good. I can't find a single flaw in mine. No tooling marks. Nothing.

Grip: It is large, but well rounded. Again, this pistol handles and feels smaller than it is. I don't care at all for the plastic grip panels. Too smooth. I ordered wooden panels from Hogue to the tune of $47 shipped. Rubber replacements are cheaper. I just prefer wood. That's how I roll.

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgray64

Uses a hammer, but is DA only.

It's not DA "only." When the first round is chambered, the only way to put the safety on is to use the de-cocker. But, you can take the safety off and thumb cock it for a SA first shot. It ain't a 1911 that can be carried C1, but it isn't "DA only."

NEGATIVES: One word. Accessories. Holsters, grips, magazines. They aren't everywhere, and when you find them; YOU PAY for them. Stoeger Cougars come with two factory mags. Mine were flawless. I got lucky and picked up a Fist holster and a Galco Fletch holster off feeBay. $25 and $40 respectively. I haven't tried to find any mags on the nets, I'm happy with two. The holsters and grips are the worst. Hogue is the only place I could find grips.

OVERALL: For the money, this is the best damn purchase I've made in a long, long time. Quality pistol. Money well spent.

DISCLAIMER: YMMV. Just one man's opinion.

dilagaf2 · 03-11-2008, 04:18 PM

great review ,i cant wait to pick mine up out of layaway

raveneap · 04-04-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neophyte

raveneap: Sir; would you do a report?

All reports have been positive. I would like your opinion.

Redundant; my question Yes sir'eee

Really sorry for the late response. I find nothing to complain about in my .40 Stoeger Cougar. It's smooth, accurate (for what it's meant to be) and perceived recoil in not bad. Constructon is flawless, finish is good. Let's face it, it's a Beretta. And I replaced the grips with Beretta wood grips that fit perfectly. A great little gun and a good buy.

BigSkiff · 05-28-2008, 08:38 PM

I just found this thread and thought I'd add to it. The paragraph below is a copy of the post I made on Stoeger's forum.

I purchased my Cougar last week more or less on a whim. I was looking for another carry gun in 9mm and wasn't sure what I wanted. I looked at the usual offerings at several shops and eventually settled on a Stoger 8000. I took it to the range and ran 300 rounds through it. My reaction could best be described as "WOW!" It shoots tight groups, it has almost no felt recoil, easily shoots double taps, and is very well balanced. Another feature of this gun that I've not seen mentioned anywhere is it's natural pointability. (Is that a word?) When you train to shoot defensively, one of the things you need to learn is "point shooting" rather than aiming through the sights. Sometimes in a self defense scenario you may not get the time to aim and shoot, all you will have is a quick close quarters shot, off hand. This gun fits very well in the hand, lines up naturally with the forearm, and easily points where you look. I came home from the range grinning from ear to ear. This is now my new carry gun. I have been carrying a Glock G21 for the past several months. The .45 acp is a good self defense round and the Glock is very dependable, but with shot placement being most critical, the Stoger Cougar 8000, is a better choice. At least it's a better choice for me. You need confidence in your weapon and after two trips to the range this week and 750 rounds through the gun without any failures of any type, I'm ready to make the switch. I feel like a kid who just found a treasure! I can't remember when a gun impressed me like this gun has. I've been shooting every week for the past 41 years. Thanks Stoeger, for a great experience and a really great pistol!

I've since run another 500 plus rounds through my Cougar without any failures. The rotating barrel really helps to control muzzle flip and the gun gets more accurate as it wears in. It is difficult to find accessories for this gun but not impossible. I purchased a set of Trijicon night sites for it. Holsters are not a problem. Most of the major holster makers make holsters for the Beretta Cougar. The Stoeger is identical, in fact it's made on the same machinery that Beretta used to make the Cougar in Italy. Beretta owns Stoeger and move the Cougar operation to Turkey and began making the gun again under the Stoeger name. I bought extra mags from Midway USA. (Beretta Cougar 8000 mags). They cost me about the same as the mags for my S&W 9mm. I have not changed the grips as I like them as they are. I have big hands and they fit me perfectly. One other interesting note on this gun. Because the corners are rounded off all around on this gun it actually draws pretty easily from a pocket holster. That surprised me. I usually carry a Keltec P-11 in the front pocket of my cargo pants in a Nemesis holster. I never expected the Cougar to work in a pocket but much to my surprise, it draws without snagging very easily. So, I ordered a Desantis Super Fly pocket holster for it. It fits in the front pocket of my pants, draws easily, and if I put the cover pad from the holster in the pouch pocket that is sewn on top of the deep pocket, the gun does not print at all. Finally this gun will shoot +P ammo with out difficulty. I haven't been this excited about a new gun in many years.

joseph whitney · 06-23-2008, 11:40 AM

Although this thread is regarding the Stoeger Cougar, I have a problem with my Beretta Cougar 8000f which is
the same pistol, I am told. theproblem is with the magazine that came with it. The pistol was sold to me as new with 1 10 rd magazine. Upon firing this Cougar, it would not feed more than 2 rounds from the magazine without jamming. Since I have had other Berettas in the past, I assumed it to be the magazine. I purchased two new ones (15 shot) from CDNN and found that I could not insert more than four cartridges in either one. I am going to try again today but I was hoping someone might have an answer before I travel twenty miles to where I shoot and find I still have a problem. For a little history, I have been shooting handguns for fifty years and can usually find the problem but this is new to me as all the past Berettas (92-fs and 96 models have worked fine with no problems. This is the first Cougar I have had and feel it should work better than it does. I called Beretta with the problem and was told by a very rude person that it wasn't the fault of their gun and left it at this. I have never found their customer service to be any help and wonder why they hire such people.Any how, does anyone have a suggestion on what could be the problem? I would appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks.....Joseph

BigSkiff · 06-23-2008, 08:45 PM

It does sound like a magazine problem. I've found over the years that after market magazines often do not work very well. I try to use only magazines made by the gun manuufacturer. Also, you didn't say whether your gun was a 9mm 0r a .40 cal. I'm assuming it's a 9 mm based on the 15 round mags. Try taking your mags apart and check them for burs or debris. Also make sure they're the correct ones for your gun. I know that sounds silly but I once got a 10mm magazine packaged in a .45 acp box. It would only hold ten .45 rounds and it wouldn't feed them very well either, but it did work after a fashion. It took a little bit of close inspection to discover the problem. Since the Cougar doesn't drop the breech of the barrel when the slide cycles but rotates the barrel instead; unless there is a rough feed ramp or something similary wrong with the barrel, the problem would likely be with the magazine. Does the magizine seat properly, release properly, and slide in and out of the grip without difficulty?

12-28-2007, 02:13 PM	#1
dgray64 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: central Texas Posts: 207 Trader Rating: (0)	Anyone tried a Stoeger 8000? Its a pistol that used to be made with the Beretta name, then Beretta shifted the mfg to Turkey and changed the name. It looks like a great pistol. Dave

01-04-2008, 05:44 AM	#3
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (0)	mismanaged dgray64: I have researched the Stoeger Cougar 8000 for months now. Stoeger is going to have a problem venturing into handguns. Stoeger is shotgun. Beretta move there mess to Turkey; they too mismanaged the Beretta model 8000 that is why they are trying to reintroduce this model. Based on my research; outstanding unit, accurate, priced way below market and quality value. I've had one on my short list since the beginning. __________________ Craig By the standards of most

01-06-2008, 02:29 PM	#5
raveneap Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: MAINE Posts: 121 Trader Rating: (0)	I couldn't find a Beretta Cougar so bought a Stoeger. Very well made; smooth shooting, light recoil, mine's in 40 cal. Cost was far less than the Beretta and it's actually the exact same gun as the Beretta with the exception of the name & logo. __________________ ... ed ... MAINE - The Way Life Should Be ... NRA/C&R

01-06-2008, 05:35 PM	#6
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (0)	report raveneap: Sir; would you do a report? All reports have been positive. I would like your opinion. Redundant; my question Yes sir'eee __________________ Craig By the standards of most

02-05-2008, 08:56 PM	#7
Oppy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0)	Stoegar or CZ75? I am interested in trying out a Stoeger Cougar 8000 or CZ75 at the range. I have narrowed down a wish list to these two based on what I have read. Anyone have experience to compare the two? Or perhaps you can suggest a comparable option I should consider? Also heard any repair/warranty for Stoeger is handled by Beretta. True? Comments appreciated. PS Nice Pic Raveneap.

01-03-2008, 02:26 PM	#2
dgray64 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: central Texas Posts: 207 Trader Rating: (0)	I ran into a Beretta Cougar today at my favorite pawn shop. It was a .40 cal and nice. I could see the evidence of the "roll lock" barrel. Pretty neat. Uses a hammer, but is DA only. My only issue was that the grip was too large to be comfortable in my hands...about like my Glock G22. Nice, accurate, shoots any ammo, but it's so large in my hand that it's uncomfortable. Anyway the Cougar and the Stoeger are the same gun. Dave

01-04-2008, 06:12 PM	#4
9mmfan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Anywhere The Department of Homeland Defense sends me. Tennessee, is my home. Posts: 425 Trader Rating: (0)	Does anyone have any experance with a Beretta Model 9000 ? I saw one used at my local gun for around $250. It seems to be in great condition. I thought it was a good deal, but I would like to talk to someone who owns one, thanks.

03-11-2008, 04:18 PM	#9
dilagaf2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: COLD TUNRA LAND Posts: 14 Trader Rating: (0)	great review ,i cant wait to pick mine up out of layaway

05-28-2008, 08:38 PM	#11
BigSkiff Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0)	I just found this thread and thought I'd add to it. The paragraph below is a copy of the post I made on Stoeger's forum. I purchased my Cougar last week more or less on a whim. I was looking for another carry gun in 9mm and wasn't sure what I wanted. I looked at the usual offerings at several shops and eventually settled on a Stoger 8000. I took it to the range and ran 300 rounds through it. My reaction could best be described as "WOW!" It shoots tight groups, it has almost no felt recoil, easily shoots double taps, and is very well balanced. Another feature of this gun that I've not seen mentioned anywhere is it's natural pointability. (Is that a word?) When you train to shoot defensively, one of the things you need to learn is "point shooting" rather than aiming through the sights. Sometimes in a self defense scenario you may not get the time to aim and shoot, all you will have is a quick close quarters shot, off hand. This gun fits very well in the hand, lines up naturally with the forearm, and easily points where you look. I came home from the range grinning from ear to ear. This is now my new carry gun. I have been carrying a Glock G21 for the past several months. The .45 acp is a good self defense round and the Glock is very dependable, but with shot placement being most critical, the Stoger Cougar 8000, is a better choice. At least it's a better choice for me. You need confidence in your weapon and after two trips to the range this week and 750 rounds through the gun without any failures of any type, I'm ready to make the switch. I feel like a kid who just found a treasure! I can't remember when a gun impressed me like this gun has. I've been shooting every week for the past 41 years. Thanks Stoeger, for a great experience and a really great pistol! I've since run another 500 plus rounds through my Cougar without any failures. The rotating barrel really helps to control muzzle flip and the gun gets more accurate as it wears in. It is difficult to find accessories for this gun but not impossible. I purchased a set of Trijicon night sites for it. Holsters are not a problem. Most of the major holster makers make holsters for the Beretta Cougar. The Stoeger is identical, in fact it's made on the same machinery that Beretta used to make the Cougar in Italy. Beretta owns Stoeger and move the Cougar operation to Turkey and began making the gun again under the Stoeger name. I bought extra mags from Midway USA. (Beretta Cougar 8000 mags). They cost me about the same as the mags for my S&W 9mm. I have not changed the grips as I like them as they are. I have big hands and they fit me perfectly. One other interesting note on this gun. Because the corners are rounded off all around on this gun it actually draws pretty easily from a pocket holster. That surprised me. I usually carry a Keltec P-11 in the front pocket of my cargo pants in a Nemesis holster. I never expected the Cougar to work in a pocket but much to my surprise, it draws without snagging very easily. So, I ordered a Desantis Super Fly pocket holster for it. It fits in the front pocket of my pants, draws easily, and if I put the cover pad from the holster in the pouch pocket that is sewn on top of the deep pocket, the gun does not print at all. Finally this gun will shoot +P ammo with out difficulty. I haven't been this excited about a new gun in many years.

06-23-2008, 11:40 AM	#12
joseph whitney Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 19 Trader Rating: (0)	beretta cougar 8000f Although this thread is regarding the Stoeger Cougar, I have a problem with my Beretta Cougar 8000f which is the same pistol, I am told. theproblem is with the magazine that came with it. The pistol was sold to me as new with 1 10 rd magazine. Upon firing this Cougar, it would not feed more than 2 rounds from the magazine without jamming. Since I have had other Berettas in the past, I assumed it to be the magazine. I purchased two new ones (15 shot) from CDNN and found that I could not insert more than four cartridges in either one. I am going to try again today but I was hoping someone might have an answer before I travel twenty miles to where I shoot and find I still have a problem. For a little history, I have been shooting handguns for fifty years and can usually find the problem but this is new to me as all the past Berettas (92-fs and 96 models have worked fine with no problems. This is the first Cougar I have had and feel it should work better than it does. I called Beretta with the problem and was told by a very rude person that it wasn't the fault of their gun and left it at this. I have never found their customer service to be any help and wonder why they hire such people.Any how, does anyone have a suggestion on what could be the problem? I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.....Joseph

06-23-2008, 08:45 PM	#13
BigSkiff Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0)	It does sound like a magazine problem. I've found over the years that after market magazines often do not work very well. I try to use only magazines made by the gun manuufacturer. Also, you didn't say whether your gun was a 9mm 0r a .40 cal. I'm assuming it's a 9 mm based on the 15 round mags. Try taking your mags apart and check them for burs or debris. Also make sure they're the correct ones for your gun. I know that sounds silly but I once got a 10mm magazine packaged in a .45 acp box. It would only hold ten .45 rounds and it wouldn't feed them very well either, but it did work after a fashion. It took a little bit of close inspection to discover the problem. Since the Cougar doesn't drop the breech of the barrel when the slide cycles but rotates the barrel instead; unless there is a rough feed ramp or something similary wrong with the barrel, the problem would likely be with the magazine. Does the magizine seat properly, release properly, and slide in and out of the grip without difficulty?