Stoeger Cougar 8000 is an Underrated Gun You Should Try
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ม.ค. 2025
- Today we take a look at one of the most underrated guns we've ever put hands on, the Stoeger Cougar 8000. There isn't a ton of fan fare surrounding this gun but we'd like to see that change as there are a number of features that make it an outstanding defensive pistol.
I came across this gun on a random YT Short today. Now I'm searching all related videos about. There's just something about this that vibes with me.
Same here, never heard of this but now I'm quite interested if I can find a good deal on one I may pick it up
@@jh5131 hardest one to find is the Inox / White version… there are some used ones circulating anywhere between $250 - $600.
this is me now, I love my px4 and now I went down a metal frame version
The 8000 Ft has a superior aesthetic compared to its newer Px4 sibling.
if you ever play an old classic, The House of the Dead. Cougar is the main gun, it is pretty vibes i suppose.
I am retired LE officer and my weapon for over 21 years was the Beretta Cougar 8000. The one thing I really never enjoyed was reassembling the weapon. The rotating barrel had to be just in the right spot and not move. Eventually I got mastered it, but it was such a pain.
Other than that, I would never get rid of my Cougar.
Thanks for the great video!
I have a Stoeger Cougar and i think they redesigned the barrel, guide rod for just that reason.
With mine, you just drop in the barrel, rotate it until it stops, then the guide rod and block just snap into place.
Mine is actually very easy .
I purchased a Couger 8000 12 years ago and have shot it regularly for many years and its still my favorite 9mm and its practical rapid fire accuracy is tough to beat. I tested this pistol against Glocks and other famous 9mm and found rapid fire combat shooting was superior due to the rotating barrel design. The Cougars design is really well thought out and mechanically very strong the guns function is flawless and shows no sign of wear even after numerous rounds fired. Its a real shame that this design is overlooked nowadays.
Yes,yes,yes
ALL other pistols I tried at the range misfired or jammed when shooting more than a few dozen rounds that were more than 10 years old. The Cougar did not fail even once. Ran through everything put through it like it was nothing. I love this gun.
I've had my
Stoeger cougar 9mm for more than 20 years. Great reliable pistol
This was my first pistol and everything you said has been my experience. I love mine and it was the pistol I used for my concealed carry permit in North Carolina. It’s super easy to shoot and very accurate. I have large hands so the trigger distance isn’t an issue. It fits me perfectly. Very underrated.
Best review in TH-cam. I'm gonna buy one of them. In here (Turkey) it's alike imported guns with domestic price. Beretta quality for affordable price.
Aynen öyle 👏👏👏
Aldınız mı?
Yok bi sabıka durumum var. Ceza davasının sonlanmasını bekliyorum.
My first Beretta was a Italian police surplus model 51 manufactured in the mid 70's. It's great. I now have a couple of model 96's which are great but a bit large for concealed carry. If I can find a 40 cougar I will grab it with out hesitation.
I have a Beretta 8045 DAO (at the time of purchase my police department only allowed DAO pistols). Out of all my 45 ACP pistols including Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson and Springfield my 8045 is the smoothest, softest and most accurate of all of them. I love it.
"i first tried the cougars back in the early 90s"
me too bro, me too lololol
I have an early stoeger 8000 F no pic rail, absolutely love it, and I have several guns from budget to rare
I have the 40S&W version. My most reliable handgun I own
I still have the same pistol since 2008 , the most reliable pistol
Stoeger , cz, and iwi are my go to manufacturers.
Found one several years ago at Academy for three hundred, had to have it. Am envious of your stainless with a rail. Didn't think these were still made.
These things are full of secrets.
-You can transform it into a decocker only instead of decock/safety by simply removing one part. All that is required is to drive out a single pin first.
-All hammers across the Beretta 92 series, Beretta 8000 Cougar (Stoeger is a subsidiary of Beretta), and Beretta PX4 exchange. The only exception is the Match hammer because it will not reset in single action, however, I may have found a solution for that which is mechanically sound. Need to test it more.
-Dimensions of sight dovetails are identical to 92 series, any for that will work on the Cougar
-Literally the exact same magazine body as the 92, however Beretta cruelty decided that the cutouts for the magazine release shall be slightly higher. It is relatively easy to modify 92 mags to fit with a Dremel.
Thank you for the information, that decocker conversion tip convinced me to get one.
Very similar to the Beretta PX4 Storm ....
Hey man, any update on that hammer change out?
@@jakemccoy2226 Yes, there are two ways to do it. One is just correctly fitting the match hammer to the particular gun in the same way it is fitted to a 92: There is a flat inner surface on the hammer that the trigger bar contacts when the hammer is cocked and the trigger is not currently being pressed by the user. This surface is there to prevent the trigger shoe from going all the way to the front of it's travel as if it was decocked in double action, which would be pointless. The space between this surface and the trigger bar is what determines the length of pre-travel in single action. On the match hammer this surface has more material, so the trigger bar cannot come back as far when the trigger is not being depressed. The result is a dramatic reduction in single action pre-travel. However, in order for the trigger to reset in single action, this surface needs to be far enough away for the trigger bar to clear both the sear and firing pin block lever. Much of the time material will need to be removed from that surface for it to have sufficient clearance of those 2 parts or it will be unable to reset after the first shot. That is on purpose. It is intended to be hand fit.
The issue usually isn't actually the trigger bar not coming back far enough for the sear to reset, but not coming back far enough for for the firing pin block to reset. The trigger bar will clear the sear before it clears the firing pin block lever. I mention this because once enough material has been removed it will go from being unable to go back and then suddenly be able to go back several millimeters. That sudden change is because the trigger bar contacts the firing pin block lever before the sear. More material still needs to be taken off even after that is achieved to acommodate the expanding of matter when hot. Hence Beretta advises it generally should be fit by a gunsmith.
I ended up discovering another method by coincidence. I have a Turkish Girsan Regard, a licensed copy of the Beretta 92 that shares most parts dimensions with the actual Beretta 92. I had noticed the single action resetpn the Girsan was shorter than on the Beretta 92. Since those 2 have a lot of parts commonality and I knew the cougar had a lot of parts commonality with the 92 as well I was curious which parts cf the the Girsan Regard could fit in and apparently function. When I put in the Girsan Regard firing pin block lever suddenly the single action reset was shorter. Turns out there are very tiny differences on the Girsan Regard firing pin block lever dimensions. The surface it contacts the trigger bar at is a bit shorter lengthwise then the Beretta one, so it simply naturally did that. Because the Cougar and Beretta 92 share the same firing pin block lever (Exact same factory part number) I decided to try it in the Cougar. I'll be damned, it did shorten the reset. To double check, placing the Beretta 92 or the Stoeger Cougar firing pin block lever (Again, they are identical) in the Girsan Regard resulted in a longer reset, that lever actually was doing that. Placing a trigger bar for a Beretta 92 in the Girsan made no problems with either lever, and so we can isolate it to the lever.
In addition, because this was a Girsan Regard Gen 4 (essentially a premium competition version) I double checked to make sure the Gen 4 wasn't using a unique firing pin block lever, and it wasn't. Exact same Girsan factory part number as the rest of their Girsan Regard line.
However, that is essentially a useless solution for most people unless they happen to have a Girsan Regard. You are not going to find a Girsan Regard firing pin block lever for sale on it's own, and believe me I tried. Buying an entire gun just to take one part out of it for use in another gun is not practical.
@@RocketPropelledGuy wow man, thank you for such a long and detailed response!! I appreciate it. That’s a lot of info.
I own one of these. Have had it 15 plus years and have every confidence in it. You are correct when talking about accuracy and reliability.
I am right there with you on that. All I would add, from my perspective, is I find the weapon a bit too heavy for anything but a belt holster.
I am like you however and prefer appendix carry so the Cougar is not an edc for me. As a house defense and range weapon, however, I find it perfect.
Ok , I have a question. The Stoeger you have has s rail. Many I see do not. I want a Stoeger Cougar 8000 or 8040 type F with a rail. What year did the rail underneath happen ?
At the time i bought mine, Stoeger was talking about coming out with a new Cougar compact, that had a rail. I held off buying one until the railed model came out, but after over a year of waiting and still no compact model i gave up and bought the full sized, non rail model.
Anyone know where I can find one of these? Either the Stoeger or the Beretta? Want one of these bad!
Great review, & a very handsome firearm.
I have a Berretta 8040 F, but I also have converted it to a 8000 F with new parts I got on line. Now I have the best of both worlds, love the Cougars. I have all the mags and holster made specifically for the Cougar back in the 90's (OTW and Shoulder holster)
I’ve ALWAYS wanted one! The PX4s are making a comeback and these are essentially the same gun just all steel frame.
Where can i get one? I search the internet and no luck
The Cougar is so unsung. Great review
The .40S&W cougar variant is the softest shooting pistol I’ve got for that caliber. Underrated bargain.
Softer than a compensator or ported barrel?
Greetings from Turkey. Is there a brand/model of fiber optic rear sight that you would recommend for the Stoeger Cougar 8000?
That gun is friggin beautiful
I bought my stoeger cougar in 40 call. I don't remember what year but I still love it today. But I have been thinking about a 9mm for my edc
Great review
I LIKE THE ROTATING BARREL STYLE
Great review. You didn't mention it, but you showed how short the trigger reset is, which is quite short. I love that.
I've heard that when the military trains on the Beretta M9's, they teach the operator to swipe down on the safety as they reach for it while holstered, which is WAY more natural than swiping up on an unholstered pistol.
I would never buy a PX4 Storm, but I'm curious about this Stoeger because I came across one used for $400.
I'm a collector of Hammer-fired full-metal 9's, especially DA/SA.
Having a decocker and light rail makes me want it even more. Thanks for this.
What do u think about the Bersas?
@@jeffwinkler1137 I have absolutely no experience with any Bersas, but I've been really interested in the Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact Pro.
It ticks off many boxes of what I personally look for in a pistol:
1. All metal (alloy frame makes it lighter)
2. Hammer-fired
3. Has a decocker
4. DA/SA
5. Hi-cap (13+1) for its size
6. Controls seem easy to reach
7. Easy field-stripping
If the trigger is any good, I don't see why not. Do you have one?
@@Capt_Killingfield i have owned four, still have one. Hands down safest, one of best shooting pistols ive ever had, out of literally dozens. I too love all metal hammer guns, to me polymer striker fireds are crap lol. And decocker is a must for me for edc. I prefer the UC Pro and its near identical successor TPR9C as i have smaller hands with tendon damage.
@@Capt_Killingfield last UC Pro i found in great condition at local pawn shop for only $295. Easiest takedown in industry, polished up beautifully. Two tone finish. Even brand new TPR9C can be gotten for $410. Ive been a revolver man most of my life but in last 5 yrs or so Bersa is the gun in my hand or truck 90% of time. Check one out, you wont be disappointed.
@@jeffwinkler1137 For that kind of price, there's no reason not to check one out. I'll keep my eyes open for one 👍
Very good informative video.
I don’t have a light on my Stoggy 8000. I got a great leather holster from Versacarry. I’m not in love with this gun but, for me, it’s a keeper.
Reminds me of my first handgun, S&W 4609.
Love mine, modified it with the Wilson combat extended mag release. Turned it into a decocker only and replaced the hammer spring with one from Langdon, plus every internal part has been polished and teflon coated. Its definitely a nice shot and can hold up against the Langdon PX4's
This would go nicely with my STR-9 and M3000. Thanks for the share!!
STR is also a great gun .... unfortunately I don't have one yet, perhaps in the future when it is included in Gun Roster of DOJ - CA.
Where can I buy this model, color, and design? I want one in My collection.
As far as the grip, I'm sure you know that you could probably find some sort of after market that you might be able "slide over" the existing grip?????
Thanks for the video, how does the rotating barrel compare to having a compensator?
Anyone know if the px4 parts fit into this gun? Would be nice to know for repairs or even to swap trigger bars
I had one, and loved it. I sold it one day. I need another one.
If you can find one, grab one. Definite buy. I grabbed one with a slightly ported barrel (in Canada, so we have barrel length restrictions) and it shoots great. Solid pistol. Great video. Thanks.
I'm also in Canada. Did you buy the Stoeger or Beretta version?
@@groundcontrol5365 I found the Stoeger, but it is in every way a Beretta. Same weight, same quality... Nice gun.
Are they discontinued in US? Cant find any
I have this in 40 S &W. Now i know where i can get the 9mm and 45 acp versions.
With all the imports coming in quite a few gems can be found. Just need a little polish and gun oil
I’ve black 8000 FT. It is wonderfull.
Does this fun have a trigger de- cocker like the Bersa series ?
My all time favorite
When will this be available?
Can you find original Italian made magazines anywhere for the 9mm Stoeger Cougar 8000?
Let me know. I need a couple.
Thanks
You'll have to cold call gun stores. Ask for ones that have a Beretta guy or specialize in Turkish guns.
Alien holsters makes a holster for the 8040 cougar
How can I get one
Out in the battle field is the rotaring barrel system more prone to dirt related malfunction?
I've found that the area that rotates the barrel stays very clean.
I lube it with a dab of grease and after many thousands of rounds only the blueing is gone.
I like to see the all metal frames again
I wish Beretta would of took the Cougar in the same direction of the 92 .
Beretta has a very hard time convincing people they make other guns besides the 92, not that the 92 is bad in any way
👏👏👏 evet cougar mekaniği kusursuz çalışan bir tabanca reddot,kydex kılıf ve 92fs in hak ettiği herşeyi hak ediyor
NICE MECHANISM
It’s like CZ and Beretta had a baby!🧠🤯🔫
Is this made in 38 super?
Made by the same Stoeger from Turkey?
Yes it was.
Biz Türkler için bu büyük hediye
Is this a semi auto .wt semi auto actually?
Its being replicated in Pakistan in 30 bore as well.A great looking gun!
Cougar 👑
Which 9 mm ammo she likes more?
Sevmediği bir muhumat çeşidine ben henüz rastlamadım 1500 adet cesitli marka fişeklerle sıfır hata
tabancayı yormaması adına mke almayı düşünmüyorum, diğer markalardan deneyeceğim teşekkürler@@kostenceli35tabancatufek
Out of production. But you can still buy same thing but with polymer frame from Beretta.
It's not the same, px4 sucks by comparison
It is still being produced in Turkey by Stoeger Beretta Holdings
@@lintlicker4178 bullshit
I like the older aluminium frame better
This postal fair best❤❤
I want this
Lern to shoot revolvers in DA...than you can shoot the rest
i need it
This was discontinued years ago. 🤦♂️
I've found 3 at different gun stores and pawn shops just in my town in the last month and one on a classified ad, discontinued yes but not that hard to come by, magazines are though unless you're willing to use promag
No, mine is made in 2023
@@lintlicker4178stoeger cougar olarak İstanbul'da üretilip dünyaya satışı yapılıyor
Beretta PX4 storm……….
Cougar is PX4s mom.
My only issue with these and their various family members are the damn slide mounted safety. Slide mounted is HORRIBLE, and everyone knows it.
bullshit----you dont even know how DA works
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