About the Handgun:
The Cheeta is a medium frame blowback operated pistol. It features an open slide design similar to the model 92 which is intended to increase the reliability of the firearm. Other freatures include a reversable magazine release, an aluminum alloy frame and an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety. Early models were made with rounded trigger guards while later models have combat style trigger guards.
About the Manufacturer:
The ancestory of this Italian company dates back to 1526. The Beretta family began in the firearms business as barrel makers. Soon after, they began manufacturing their own sporting shoulder arms. The first Beretta pistols were made in 1915, and by the end of the 20th century Beretta had become one of the world's major premier handgun manufacturers.
In 1977 Beretta-USA was established, with a manufacturing facility located in Accokeek, Maryland. In 1985 the US armed forces adopted Beretta's Model 92 pistol as their standard sidearm.
About the Cartridge:
Designed by John Browning and introduced by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium, this cartridge has achieved world-wide acceptance and has even been adopted as the standard pistol cartridge by several governments. One reason for the round's success is that it is the largest practical cartridge that can be easily adapted to small automatic pocket pistols. Ballistics fall far short of even the 9mm Luger, but still prove adequate for most self-defense situations. The round has established quite a niche position in this role, often being chosen over more traditional small calibers such as the .25 and .32 Autos.
