Beretta 87 Target Instruction Manual

							3Le illustrazioni e descrizioni di questo opuscolo si intendono fornite a titolo indicativo.La Casa si riserva pertanto il
diritto di apportare ai suoi modelli, in qualsiasi momento e senza preavviso, quelle modifiche che ritenesse utili per
migliorarli o per qualsiasi esigenza di carattere costruttivo e commerciale.
The illustrations and descriptions given in this brochure are intended as a general guide only, and must not be
taken as binding. The Company, therefore, reserves the right to make, at any moment and without notice, any
changes it thinks necessary to improve its models or to meet any requirements of manufacturing or commercial
nature.
Les illustrations et les descriptions contenues dans ce prospectus ne sont données qu’à titre indicatif.La Maison
se réserve le droit de modifier, à tout moment et sans préavis, ses modèles pour les améliorer ou pour n’importe
quelle exigence de caractère constructif et commercial.Printed in Italy
batan - Gardone V.T.Beretta Pubblicità - C61189
12/996810121411131579 
						

							54CONTENTSPage
BASIC SAFETY RULES6
DESCRIPTION11
lGENERAL OPERATION
TECHNICAL DATA12
LOADING AND FIRING12
lLOADING THE MAGAZINE
lLOADING THE PISTOL AND THE CARTRIDGE
CHAMBER
lFIRING
lUNLOADING THE PISTOL AND
THE CARTRIDGE CHAMBER
lUNLOADING THE MAGAZINE
lADJUSTING THE REAR SIGHT AND
REPLACING THE FRONT SIGHT
MAINTENANCE15
lFIELD STRIPPING
lCLEANING AND LUBRICATION
lASSEMBLY
MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSES AND REMEDIES17ENGLISHIllustrations on pages 3, 10 and 18WARNING:Always ensure that the safety is fully engaged until ready to fire. A
safety is fully engaged only when the safety cannot move further into the safe
position. A safety which is not fully engaged will not prevent firearm discharge.NOTICE: The Manufacturer and/or its Local Official Distributors assume no
responsibility for product malfunction or for physical injury or property damage
resulting in whole or in part from criminal or negligent use of the product,
improper or careless handling, unauthorized modifications, use of defective,
improper, hand-loaded, reloaded or remanufactured ammunition, customer
abuse or neglect of the product, or other influences beyond manufacturer’s
direct and immediate control.WARNING: READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING
THIS FIREARM. MAKE SURE THAT ANY PERSON USING OR HAVING
ACCESS TO THIS FIREARM READS AND UNDERSTANDS ALL OF THIS
MANUAL PRIOR TO USE OR ACCESS.WARNING: ALL FIREARMS HAVE LETHAL POTENTIAL. READ THE BASIC
SAFETY RULES CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND THEM FULLY BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS FIREARM.In addition to the Basic Safety Rules, there are other Safety Rules pertaining to the
loading, unloading, disassembly, assembly and use of this firearm located throughout
this manual. 
						

							763. STORE YOUR FIREARM SO THAT CHILDREN CANNOT GAIN ACCESS TO
IT.
3. It is your responsibility to insure that children under the age of 18 or other
unauthorized persons do not gain access to your firearm. To reduce the risk of
accidents involving children, unload your firearm, lock it and store the
ammunition in a separate locked location.Please note that devices intended toprevent accidents - for example, cable locks, chamber plugs, etc, - may not
prevent use or misuse of your firearm by  a determined person. Steel gun safes
may be more appropriate to reduce the likelihood of intentional misuse of a firearm
by an unauthorized child or person.4. NEVER SHOOT AT WATER OR AT A HARD
SURFACE.
4. Shooting at the surface of water or at a rock or
other hard surface increases the chance of
ricochets or fragmentation of the bullet or shot,
which can result in the projectile striking an
unintended or peripheral target.5. KNOW THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING, BUT
REMEMBER: SAFETY DEVICES ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFE
HANDLING PROCEDURES.
5. Never rely solely on a safety device to prevent an accident. It is imperative that you
know and use the safety features of the particular firearm you are handling, but
accidents can  best be prevented by following the safe handling procedures
described in these safety rules and elsewhere in the product manual. To further
familiarize yourself with the proper use of this or other firearms, take a Firearms
Safety Course taught by an expert in firearms use and safety procedures.BASIC SAFETY RULES1. NEVER POINT A FIREARM AT SOMETHING THAT IS NOT SAFE TO SHOOT.
1. Never let the muzzle of a
firearm point at any part of
your body or at another
person. This is especially
important when loading or
unloading the firearm.
When you are shooting at
a target, know what is
behind it. Some bullets can
travel over a mile. If you
miss your target or if the
bullet penetrates the
target, it is your
responsibility to ensure that the shot does not cause unintended injury or damage.2. ALWAYS TREAT  A FIREARM AS IF IT WERE
LOADED.
2. Never assume that a firearm is unloaded. The
only certain way to ensure that a firearm is
empty is to open the chamber and visually
examine the inside to see if a round is present.
Removing the magazine will not guarantee that
a pistol is unloaded or cannot fire.Shotguns
and rifles can be checked by cycling or removing
all rounds and by then opening the chamber so
that a visual inspection of the chamber for any
remaining rounds can be made. 
						

							9810. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR
JUDGMENT OR REFLEX IMPAIRING
MEDICATION WHEN SHOOTING.
10. Do not drink and shoot. If you take medication that
can impair motor reactions or judgment, do not
handle a firearm while you are under the influence of
the medication.11. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM.
11. Unload a firearm before putting it in a vehicle.
Hunters and target shooters should load their
firearm only at their destination. If you carry a
firearm for self-protection, leaving the chamber
unloaded can reduce the chance of accidental
discharge.12. LEAD WARNING.
11. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handlingammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to causebirth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury.Have
adequate ventilation at all times.Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.7. USE PROPER AMMUNITION.
7. Only use  factory-loaded, new ammunition manufactured to industry specifications:
CIP (Europe and elsewhere), SAAMI (U.S.A.). Be certain that each round you use
is in the proper caliber or gauge and type for the particular firearm. The caliber or
gauge of the firearm is clearly marked on the barrels of shotguns and on the slide
or barrel of pistols. The use of reloaded or remanufactured ammunition can
increase the likelihood of excessive cartridge pressures, casehead ruptures or
other defects in the ammunition which can cause damage to your firearm and
injury to yourself or others nearby.
8. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLASSES AND EARPLUGS WHEN
SHOOTING.
8. The chance that gas, gunpowder or metal fragments
will blow back and injure a shooter who is firing a gun
is rare, but the injury that can be sustained in such
circumstances is severe, including the possible loss of
eyesight. A shooter must always wear impact resistant
shooting glasses when firing any firearm. Earplugs
help reduce the chance of hearing damage from
shooting.9. NEVER CLIMB A TREE, FENCE OR
OBSTRUCTION WITH A LOADED FIREARM.
9. Open and empty the chamber of your firearm before
climbing or descending a tree or before climbing a
fence or jumping over a ditch or obstruction. Never
pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or
another person.6. PROPERLY MAINTAIN YOUR FIREARM.
6. Store and carry your firearm so that dirt or lint does not
accumulate in the working parts. Clean and oil your
firearm, following the instructions provided in this
manual, after each use to prevent corrosion, damage
to the barrel or accumulation of impurities which can
prevent use of the gun in an emergency. Always
check the barrel prior to loading to ensure that it is
clean and free from obstructions. Firing against an
obstruction can rupture the barrel and injure
yourself or others nearby.In case you hear an
unusual noise when shooting, stop firing immediately,
ingage the manual safety and unload the firearm.
Make sure the chamber is free from any obstruction or
possible bullet blocked inside the barrel due to
defective or improper ammunition. 
						

							1110DESCRIPTIONThe new Beretta 87 Target, caliber .22L.R., is designed for both competition shootingand range training.
The major characteristics are:A. It is designed to accept scope mounts.B. The zirconium-aluminum alloy, specially treated, has the strength and durability
of steel with 65% less weight.B. FRAME MADE FROM A ZIRCONIUM-ALUMINUM ALLOYFig. 1B. It is positioned on both sides of the pistol to allow easy and quick handling by
right and left-handed shooters.C. AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY LEVERFig. 1-2D.FULLY ADJUSTABLE TARGET SIGHTFig. 1-2B. The light and crisp trigger pull is factory set.B. It is interchangeable with another front sight of different thickness. The resulting
sight radius is 185 mm (7.28 in.) long.B. The matte-black finish is obtained through sand blasting and anodizing of the
light aluminum alloy parts or blueing of the steel components.E. INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT SIGHTFig. 1-2F. TRIGGER PULLFig. 1G. FINISHINGFig. 1-2A. BARREL SLEEVEFig. 1The Beretta 87 Target pistol is a semiautomatic firearm of the blow-back type.Upon firing, the pressure developed by the combustion gases recoils the slide which,during its rearward movement, extracts and ejects the fired cartridge case, cocks the
hammer and activates the recoil spring.The slide will then automatically move
forward towards the closed position, feeding the next cartridge from the magazine
into the chamber.
The slide is designed to stay open after the last round has been fired and ejected.GENERAL OPERATION354E1
I F B L
L1 E
AH1HD1
D
C1Safety engagedwith hammer loweredwith hammer in half-cock positionwith hammer cockedCDD2
ME2 
						

							1312LOADING AND FIRINGTECHNICAL DATAWARNING:Always keep your finger away from the trigger whenever you do
not intend to fire. Make sure the pistol is not already loaded. Remove the
magazine from the pistol by depressing the magazine release button (fig. 6).
Keeping your finger away from the trigger, grasp the slide serrations with
thumb and index fingers and retract the slide 2 centimeters (approx. one inch)
to verify that the chamber is empty (fig. 7).WARNING:
When sure that the chamber is empty, point the firearm in a safe
direction and holding hammer spur with thumb, completely press trigger  and
lower the hammer slowly forward to the uncocked position.WARNING: Before loading the firearm, practice the following loading
procedures without the use of ammunition.Never handle a loaded firearm until
you are fully familiar with the loading procedures.Always point the firearm in a
safe direction. (See points 1, 2 and 4 of the BASIC SAFETY RULES).LOADING THE MAGAZINEl
Hold magazine in left hand. With right hand, place a cartridge on the follower in
front of the lips, press down and slide the cartridge back under the magazine lips(fig. 8). Repeat until the magazine is fully loaded. Side slots allow visual counting ofcartridges (maximum 10).l
Push loaded magazine into pistol grip completely to insure catch engagement.
l
Grasping the slide serrations with thumb and forefinger, fully retract and quickly
release the slide to load the chamber (fig. 9).Engage the manual safety by simply rotating the safety lever (C) completely upwardsusing your thumb (fig. 10). The red warning dot will disappear (fig.5) (the red warningdot can be seen only when the manual safety is disengaged).LOADING THE PISTOL AND THE CARTRIDGE CHAMBERWARNING: Always keep your finger away from the trigger whenever you do
not intend to fire.WARNING: THE PISTOL IS NOW LOADED, COCKED AND READY TO
FIRE. Always keep fingers away from the trigger, whenever you do not intend
to fire.87 Target
Caliber.22L.R.
OperationSemi-automatic, blow-back
HammerExposed, single action
Length225 mm. (8.9 in.)
Height138 mm. (5.4 in.)
Weight (approx.)835 gr. (29.4 oz.) (with empty magazine)
Barrel length150 mm. (5.9 in.)
RiflingR.H., 6 grooves (pitch 350 mm.) - (13.8 in.)
Front sightBlade, interchangeable (2 sizes)
Rear sightV notch, adjustable for elevation and windage
Sight radius185 mm. (7.28 in.)
SafetiesAmbidextrous manual thumb safety:
it locks the sear and the slide in the closed position
MagazineStraight-line, 10 rounds
FrameLight alloy, sand blasted and anodized
SlideSteel, blued
BarrelSteel, blued
Barrel sleeveAluminum, sand blasted and anodized
Special featuresBarrel sleeve with integral scope baseNOTICE:The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any injury or
property damage resulting from improper or careless handling, intentional or
accidental discharge of the firearm.FIRINGWHEN READY TO FIRE
l
Release the manual safety by simply rotating the safety lever (C) completely
downwards using your thumb. The red warning dot can be seen when manual
safety is disengaged.
l
Aim pistol and align front and rear sight on target (fig. 15).
l
Fire by squeezing the trigger.
The discharge will recoil the slide which, in turn, will extract and eject the fired
cartridge case, cock the hammer and activate the recoil spring. Then the slide will
automatically close, feeding the next cartridge from the magazine into the chamber
and the PISTOL IS READY TO FIRE AGAIN.
l
When the last round has been fired, the slide remains open (fig. 11).
l
To fire again, remove the empty magazine and insert a loaded one.
l
Press slide catch (H) to close the slide and load the chamber (fig. 12).WARNING: The Beretta 87 Target is a target pistol and therefore it is not
equippedwith a safety hammer decocking device.
For this reasonnever try to lower the hammer with a round in the chamber.WARNING: Always wear protective glasses and earplugs when shooting (see
point 8 of the BASIC SAFETY RULES).NOTICE:The figure numbers noted below refer to the photographs on pages
3, 24 and 46. 
						

							1514WARNING:The Beretta 87 Target is a target pistol and therefore it is not
equippedwith a safety hammer decocking device.
For this reason never try to lower the hammerwith a round in the chamber.WARNING:Keep fingers away from the trigger.UNLOADING THE PISTOL AND THE CARTRIDGE CHAMBERl
Engage the manual safety if not already engaged.
l
Depress magazine release button (I) to remove the magazine.
l
Point pistol in a safe direction and release manual safety.
l
Grasping the slide serrations with thumb and forefinger, fully retract the slide to
eject chambered round (fig. 13).
WHEN SURE THAT THE CHAMBER IS EMPTY AND THE CARTRIDGE HAS
BEEN EJECTED, quickly release the slide.To have the pistol in a safety condition, it is necessary to unload it.Proceed as
indicated in the following chapter.l
To unload magazine, hold it upright with front end forward. With the tip of the thumb
firmly press down on the cartridge rim and push towards the front of magazine box.
As the cartridge moves forward, tip it slightly upwards with forefinger (fig. 14).
l
Repeat until magazine is empty.UNLOADING THE MAGAZINEFRONT SIGHT REPLACEMENTThe rear sight of Beretta 87 Target pistol is factory adjusted aligning front and rear
sight (D) on the mark as shown in fig. 15.
If necessary to modify the sight adjustment, proceed as follows:
ADJUSTMENT FOR ELEVATION (UP).To raise the point of impacton target, turn
the upper screw (D1) counter-clockwise using a suitable screwdriver (follow the
arrow marked on the sight). Proceed one sector (click of the screw) at a time so that
the finest adjustment is obtained (fig. 16).ADJUSTING THE REAR SIGHT AND REPLACING THE FRONT SIGHTTo lower the point of impact,turn the screw clockwise.
ADJUSTMENT FOR WINDAGE. To move the point of impact on target to the
left, turn the side screw (D2) clockwise following the arrow marked on the right side
of sight.Proceed one sector (click of the screw) at a time so that the finestEvery time the pistol is fired, or at least once a month, cleaning and lubricating is
recommended.MAINTENANCEFIELD STRIPPINGWARNING:Make sure the pistol is unloaded. If not, unload it following the
“UNLOADING THE PISTOL” procedure.WARNING:It is recommended to wear protective glasses during the field
stripping and assembly procedures.NOTICE:It is advisable to carry out the field stripping and the assembly
operations over a table to catch components should they drop.NOTICE:Field stripping of Beretta 87 Target can be carried out only after the
counterweight slide locking screws (L1) have been loosened and the
counterweight slide (L) has been removed.l
Remove magazine by depressing magazine release button.Proceed as follows:
l
Unscrew the two counterweight slide locking screws (L1) using a 3 mm Allen key
(fig. 19) and remove the counterweight slide (L).
l
Hold pistol in the left hand, pressing with forefinger the disassembly latch release
button (M1) (fig. 20); with right thumb rotate disassembly latch (M) counter-
clockwise until it stops (fig. 21).
lPull the barrel sleeve, slide, recoil spring and spring guide assembly forwards (fig. 22).l
Pressing recoil spring guide head (caution:the recoil spring is under compression)lift the recoil spring guide and let the spring expand slowly (fig. 23).
l
Separate the slide from the barrel-barrel sleeve assembly.WARNING:THE PISTOL IS NOW LOADED, COCKED AND READY TO
FIRE AGAIN. ENGAGE THE MANUAL SAFETY IF NOT READY TO FIRE.WARNING:Point the firearm in a safe direction and holding hammer spur with
thumb, completely press trigger and lower the hammer slowly forward to the
uncocked position.The pistol is supplied with 2 interchangeable front sights of the same height but of
different thickness. The 2.5 mm front sight (E) is factory mounted and the 2 mm one
is supplied separately.
To replace front sight use a 2 mm Allen key and remove, unscrewing counter-
clockwise, the screw (E1) located over the muzzle. Extract front sight from its seat
with an upward movement (fig. 18).
After replacing front sight, tighten the socket head screw without applying excessive
force. 
						

							1716CLEANING AND LUBRICATIONMAGAZINE
l
Make sure the magazine is thoroughly clean and the follower slides easily
downward if pressed.
l
If necessary lightly oil (using Beretta or a good grade gun oil) the internal and
external walls of the magazine box.
l
Run a dry patch through the box. Do not leave lubricant inside the magazine box. 
l
If the pistol is carried with the magazine loaded, it is important to periodically unload
all magazines for cartridge inspection.
BARREL
l
Spray the brush supplied with gun oil. Insert it into the barrel from the chamber end
and slide it backward and forward a few times.
l
Dry the barrel by pushing a patch through with the brush supplied.Keep changing
the patch until it emerges clean from the barrel.
l
Lightly oil the inside and outside of the barrel, using a lightly oiled patch.
l
Lightly oil guides of the barrel base.
SLIDE
l
Clean slide with an oily patch paying special attention to breech face, to guide rails
and to extractor housing; if necessary use the brush supplied.
l
Lightly oil the slide with gun oil.
RECOIL SPRING AND SPRING GUIDE
l
Lightly oil recoil spring and spring guide with gun oil. After long use it may be
necessary first to clean with gun oil and then with the soft brush supplied.WARNING:Excess oil and grease obstructing the bore even partially are very
dangerous when firing and may cause damage to the pistol and serious injury
to the shooter and bystanders.Never spray or apply oil to the cartridges.Use
lubricants properly: you are responsible for the proper care and maintenance
of your firearm.CAUTION:Do not apply excess oil: accumulation of oil attracts dirt which can
plug the barrel and interfere with the functioning and reliability of the pistol.CAUTION: No further disassembly is recommended unless done by a
competent gumsmith.ASSEMBLYAssemble following the Field Stripping procedure in reverse order.Pay attention to
the following points:
l
The barrel should rest perfectly against the slide (the extractor must lodge in itsNOTICE:Before screwing the counterweight slide locking screws (L1), make
sure that the counterweight slide (L) is in correct position and then tighten the
screws (L1) without applying excessive force.WARNING:Do not store firearms in places which are or could be accessible
by children or other persons whose unfamiliarity with firearms might lead to
unsafe use. Always store your firearms securely and unloaded, separate from
ammunition. (See point 3 of the BASIC SAFETY RULES).MALFUNCTIONPROBABLE CAUSEREMEDY
Mis-introduction of aDefective cartridgeInspect and replace
cartridge into thecartridge
chamber
Mis-fireDefective cartridgeKeep pistol muzzle in a
safe direction and pull the
trigger once more or
replace cartridge
Mis-extraction orDirty cartridge chamberClean and lubricate
defective extractioncartridge chamber
Defective or dirtyReplace or clean
ammunitioncartridges
Dirt under the extractorClean the extractor housingMALFUNCTIONS, CAUSES AND
REMEDIESCAUTION:No one should attempt to make recommended repairs without
proper knowledge or training.NOTICE:Wholesalers, dealers or gunsmiths (unless they are a Repair Station
authorized by the Manufacturer and/or by its Local Official Distributors) are not
authorized to make any Warranty repair or adjustment on behalf of the
Manufacturer.groove in the barrel).
l
The recoil spring guide head should lodge in the center of its seat in the barrel
base.
lWhen rotating disassembly latch, the slide should be in the closed position (aligned WARNING:It is recommended to wear protective glasses during the field
stripping and assembly procedures.