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This is the Series 70 of the second generation, in the uncommon .32 caliber target variation. This specimen has adjustable sights on the back of the slide to complement a long barrel. Note the magazine release at the lower rear of the left grip panel, a signature Beretta feature for the period.

The Beretta 84 was and is a substantial .380. There are a lot of .380s that are smaller. Hell, there are 9mm and even .40 S&W pistols that are smaller. With this in mind, Beretta introduced the Model 85 a few years later with a slim single-stack magazine that held eight .380 cartridges, allowing a proportionally slimmer grip frame.

The 85’s slender grip frame and magazine size were retained for the Model 86, which is my personal favorite Beretta .380. The dust cover (the forward part of the frame) was extended to allow for a tip-up barrel a’ la the 950 series. While the lever that pops the barrel up is located on the left side of a 950’s frame and requires only a short arc of movement, the one on the .380 is on the right side and demands a full 180 degrees before the mechanism tilts the barrel upward.