Beretta 87 TARGET Matte Black

Description

For target shooters and precision enthusiasts across the United States, the Beretta 87 TARGET in Matte Black offers a refined platform for developing marksmanship fundamentals or honing competitive edge. Whether you are working through a brick of .22 LR at an indoor range in Ohio or practicing slow-fire drills at a club in Texas, this single-action pistol delivers consistent accuracy without the expense or recoil of centerfire calibers. As a licensed FFL retailer serving customers nationwide, we recognize the value of a dedicated .22 LR target pistol that balances Italian craftsmanship with practical American shooting needs.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Beretta 87 TARGET is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, purpose-built for target shooting and training. It is not a compact carry piece or a defensive handgun—it is a single-action, fixed-barrel design intended for shooters who prioritize accuracy over concealability. This model suits competitive target shooters participating in bullseye or precision events, recreational plinkers who appreciate a quality trigger, and instructors who need a reliable training aid for new shooters. Collectors will also note its place in Beretta’s legacy of high-quality rimfire pistols. While it can serve as a small-game hunting sidearm, its primary role is on the range, where its ergonomics and sight radius provide distinct advantages.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Action: Single-action only
• Barrel Length: 5.9 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 9.4 inches
• Height: 5.5 inches
• Width: 1.5 inches (at the grip)
• Weight: 38.5 ounces (unloaded)
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
• Frame: Aluminum alloy with matte black finish
• Slide: Steel with matte black finish
• Barrel: Steel, fixed, with recessed crown
• Front Sight: Fixed blade with red insert
• Rear Sight: Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
• Grips: Checkered walnut with thumb rest
• Safety: Manual thumb safety and magazine disconnect
• Trigger Pull: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 pounds (factory specification)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Beretta 87 TARGET distinguishes itself from other .22 LR pistols through its fixed-barrel design, which contributes to inherent accuracy. Unlike blowback-operated pistols where the barrel tilts or moves during cycling, this model uses a delayed blowback system that keeps the barrel stationary relative to the frame. This design reduces shot-to-shot variation and allows the shooter to achieve tighter groups, particularly at distances of 25 yards or more. The 5.9-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius than most compact rimfire pistols, making it easier to align the front and rear sights precisely.

The single-action trigger is a defining characteristic of this pistol. Each press is consistent, with a clean break and minimal overtravel. This trigger system requires the shooter to manually cock the hammer for the first shot, but subsequent shots are fired with a short, crisp pull. For target shooters who value trigger control, this setup reduces the likelihood of pulling shots off target. The trigger reach is comfortable for average hand sizes, and the checkered walnut grips include a pronounced thumb rest on the left side, which helps stabilize the shooting hand during sustained fire.

Beretta designed the 87 TARGET with adjustable rear sights that allow windage and elevation corrections without tools. The rear sight blade is serrated to reduce glare, and the front sight features a red insert that improves visibility against typical range backdrops. This sight combination is well-suited for paper targets and steel plates, though it is not optimized for low-light conditions. The matte black finish on both the slide and frame minimizes reflections, which is a practical consideration for shooters who compete under variable lighting.

The aluminum alloy frame keeps the pistol’s weight manageable at 38.5 ounces, which helps absorb the mild recoil of .22 LR and promotes steady hold during extended shooting sessions. The grip angle follows Beretta’s traditional design, pointing naturally for most shooters. The magazine release is ambidextrous, located at the base of the trigger guard, and the manual thumb safety is positioned on the left side of the frame. A magazine disconnect safety prevents the pistol from firing when the magazine is removed, adding a layer of handling safety for range use.

Reliability with .22 LR ammunition can vary across different pistols, but the 87 TARGET is engineered to function with standard-velocity and high-velocity loads. The chamber is polished, and the feed ramp is designed to handle the rim profile of .22 LR cartridges without frequent malfunctions. The included 10-round magazine has a steel body and polymer follower, with witness holes for quick round counts. Loading the magazine requires some finger strength due to the stiff spring, but this is common for rimfire magazines intended to feed reliably.

Maintenance of the Beretta 87 TARGET is straightforward. The pistol disassembles without tools for routine cleaning, and the fixed barrel simplifies the process compared to tilting-barrel designs. The matte black finish is durable but not impervious to holster wear, so owners should store the pistol in a soft case or padded range bag. The checkered walnut grips can be treated with light oil to prevent drying, and the aluminum frame should be wiped clean after each range trip to remove powder residue.

Ideal Use Cases

The Beretta 87 TARGET is best suited for range shooting, competitive target events, and training new shooters. Its weight and trigger make it a strong choice for bullseye competitions where precision matters more than speed. Instructors will find it useful for teaching trigger control and sight alignment without the noise or recoil of centerfire pistols. The pistol is not designed for concealed carry due to its size and weight, nor is it optimized for home defense, where a centerfire caliber would be more appropriate. Small-game hunters may use it for squirrels or rabbits at close ranges, but the fixed sights and single-action operation require deliberate aiming.

Compatibility Notes

This pistol is chambered for .22 Long Rifle ammunition only. It will not safely fire .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum cartridges. Standard-velocity and high-velocity .22 LR rounds are both acceptable, but subsonic loads may not cycle the action reliably. Holsters designed for the Beretta 87 TARGET are available from specialty manufacturers, though many owners use a padded range bag or case for transport. Extra magazines can be purchased directly from Beretta or authorized dealers; aftermarket magazines may not offer the same fit or reliability. The pistol does not accept a red dot sight without aftermarket mounting solutions, as the rear sight is dovetailed and the slide is not pre-milled for optics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you ship the Beretta 87 TARGET to my address in the United States?
We ship to licensed FFL dealers in all 50 states where the pistol is legal. You must provide a valid FFL dealer’s address for delivery. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Once your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL’s information.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place an order, we will need your selected FFL dealer to send us a signed copy of their license. We verify the license and ship the pistol to that dealer. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check (if required by state law) before taking possession. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition does this pistol require?
The Beretta 87 TARGET is designed for .22 Long Rifle ammunition. It functions best with standard-velocity or high-velocity rounds from reputable manufacturers such as CCI, Federal, or Remington. We recommend avoiding bulk-pack ammunition with inconsistent priming, as this can cause misfires. Do not use .22 Short or .22 Magnum.

4. Does this pistol come with a manufacturer’s warranty?
Yes, Beretta provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized modifications. To make a warranty claim, contact Beretta customer service with your proof of purchase.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final due to federal regulations. If the pistol arrives with a defect or damage from shipping, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Beretta to arrange repair or replacement. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or incorrect fit.

Ordering and U.S. Shipping

This Beretta 87 TARGET Matte Black is available for purchase through our online store. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, subject to state and local laws. We do not ship to P.O. boxes or international addresses. After your order is placed, our team will coordinate with your chosen FFL to ensure a smooth transfer. If you do not have a local FFL, we can provide a list of dealers near your zip code. Contact us with any questions about availability or shipping timelines.