LTT Beretta 80X Cheetah .32 ACP Review: Small Caliber, Big Performance

Most modern concealed-carry pistols follow a common recipe. The majority are striker-fired pistols chambered in 9mm, and virtually all of them have polymer frames.

But Langdon Tactical took a completely different approach when it developed the Beretta 80X Cheetah in .32 ACP. There is very little about this pistol that is commonplace, and that is what makes it such a compelling carry option.

Hook & Barrel previously covered the pistol in our first look at the LTT 80X Cheetah .32 ACP. Now we have taken it to the range to see how it performs.

LTT Beretta 80X Cheetah Review: Quick Takeaways

• Overall score: 32/35
• Best feature: Langdon Tactical’s refined DA/SA trigger
• Trigger pull: 6 pounds in double-action and 4 pounds in single-action
• Accuracy: Five-shot groups of approximately 1 inch or less at 15 yards with Remington UMC 71-grain FMJ ammunition
• Recoil: Minimal, thanks to the .32 ACP chambering and aluminum frame
• Weight: 25.1 ounces unloaded
• Capacity: 12+1 rounds
• Optics: Available with a low-mounted Holosun EPS Carry cut
• Best suited for: Shooters looking for a refined, low-recoil concealed-carry pistol that is comfortable to shoot
• Main drawbacks: Premium pricing and the higher cost and limited availability of .32 ACP ammunition

The LTT Beretta 80X Cheetah is accurate, exceptionally soft-shooting and equipped with one of the strongest DA/SA triggers available on a .32 ACP pistol. It is expensive, but the trigger work, handling and custom features distinguish it from more conventional carry guns.

LTT Beretta 80X Cheetah Chambering, Design and Trigger

Let’s begin with the chambering. Over the last few years, 9mm has dominated the concealed-carry market. A handful of new .45 ACP and .380 ACP pistols hit the market each year, and revolver fans still swear by the classic .38 Special. But you don’t see many .32 ACP pistols, which is rather surprising.

The .32 ACP, or .32 Auto, was designed by John Browning specifically for pocket carry, and multiple self-defense loads are available. The .32 ACP is rather light for personal protection, but its modest recoil and minimal muzzle rise allow for fast, accurate shooting.

The LTT pistol is based on Beretta’s 80X Cheetah, which is effectively a scaled-down Beretta 92. Lest we forget, the 92 served as the military sidearm in this country, replacing the M1911, which was no easy task. The 92 proved to be a rugged, reliable and accurate pistol, and the same can be said of the 80X Cheetah. Like its larger cousin, the 80X is a double-action/single-action design.

Like other DA/SA pistols, the 80X .32 by LTT offers a heavier initial trigger pull followed by lighter subsequent pulls.

Langdon Tactical’s trigger job on the LTT makes an already good trigger pull even better. In DA mode, the test pistol had a trigger pull weight of 6 pounds. In SA mode, that weight dropped to 4 pounds—a quarter-pound lighter than Langdon Tactical lists in its specifications.

The trigger has substantial take-up, but it’s light and even, with a well-defined wall and a clean break. It’s certainly one of the best DA/SA triggers ever found on a .32 ACP pistol.

Aluminum Frame and Minimal Recoil

You won’t find a polymer frame on the LTT pistol. Instead, it features a forged 7075-T6 aluminum frame.

That adds a bit of weight, but the overall unloaded weight of the Langdon Tactical 80X .32 is just 25 ounces, which makes it very manageable to carry every day.

Having that extra weight in the frame further helps keep the gun planted, making this one of the softest-shooting semi-auto self-defense pistols available today.

Holosun EPS Carry Optic Cut

Modern shooters want red-dot sights, so Langdon Tactical offers an optional slide cut for Holosun’s EPS Carry.

That’s a great optic for concealed carry, and the slide cut allows the optic to ride 0.15 inches lower than the Beretta factory option. The Holosun’s wide window and easy-to-use controls make it a natural fit for this pistol.

LTT Beretta 80X Accuracy at the Range

The red-dot also helps with accuracy, and the 80X by LTT proved to be quite the shooter.

With Remington UMC 71-grain FMJ ammunition, it printed five-shot groups at or under 1 inch at 15 yards.

That’s better accuracy than is required of a concealed-carry pistol, but no one ever faulted their EDC gun for shooting too well. It’s also a testament to the workmanship and quality you can expect from a Langdon Tactical gun.

RELATED: LTT Beretta PX4 Compact Carry 2 Review: Specs, Price and Range Test

Colors and Carry-Bevel Options

The 80X is available in all black or with a bronze frame and black slide, both of which look great.

You can also choose the carry-bevel option, which includes a dehorned frame and slide.

No matter how you spec out your 80X .32 LTT pistol, you’re going to love the way this pistol feels and shoots.

LTT Beretta 80X .32 ACP Specifications

The H&B Bottom Line

The H&B Bottom Line is a rating system based on seven criteria. Each category is worth five points—or ampersands—for a maximum total score of 35.

Ergonomics and Handling: 5&

The grip is large enough, and the oversized beavertail works well. There’s ample room on the frame for a thumbs-forward grip.

Recoil: 4&

As you would likely expect from an aluminum-frame pistol shooting .32 Auto loads, the recoil for this pistol is minimal.

Action and Reloading: 5&

The action is extremely reliable, and the blowback design works flawlessly.

The mag release is well-positioned, but with relatively small magazines and no flare on the mag well, you’ll need to practice to make fast, efficient reloads.

Sight-Mounting Ease: 5&

The Holosun EPS cut is a great addition, and this optic-and-pistol combination works well together.

Intended Purpose: 5&

Most .32 carry pistols are too small and have miniaturized controls, making them very little fun to shoot at the range.

The LTT is large enough to shoot for long periods, yet small and reliable enough to make it the best .32 carry option.

Overall Versatility: 4&

The superb control layout and excellent trigger make this gun easy to shoot, and the rail is a nice touch.

But .32 ammo can be scarce and expensive.

Value and Price Point: 4&

The LTT isn’t cheap, but you won’t find a gun with these custom touches and features for less.

Overall Score: 32/35

Federal Ammo That Pairs Well With the LTT Beretta 80X Cheetah .32 ACP

The compact 80X .32 LTT pairs nicely with Federal’s Hydra-Shok Deep self-defense load. The 68-grain bullet features an enhanced center post for deeper penetration and reliable performance from .32 pistols.

With specially formulated propellants and reliable primers, you can expect consistent performance from your LTT pistol.

MSRP: $39.99 per 20-round box

Learn more from Federal Premium.