Beretta Tomcat (.32) for CC "All the time?"

[rocktot]

I was looking into the 22 Bobcat, but the .32 is the same size. The LCP with laser seems like a good 'emergency backup' choice also, with minimum ammo size for good CC. It would go in the fanny pack, and thus would be with me all the time, as opposed to the Sig .40, which (will need a shoulder holster, and most likely a coat). Anyone have one? The big benefit is that its DA/SA, so if your jittery, your not janking all over the place.

http://www.adjunct.diodon349.com/Attack_on_USA/32_cal_Beretta_Tomcat_semi_auto_Pistol.htm

[Clint45]

The Beretta 21A Bobcat .22s have had feeding and extraction issues. The .32 ACP Tomcat has almost as much power as a .380, and I prefer it's trigger and exposed hammer to the polymer .380s that are so popular nowadays. Some guys have had issues with them, and they are a little heavy, but they seem to be pretty good guns. Personally, I'd go with an alloy framed Bersa in .380 instead.

[Bailey Guns]

The .32 ACP Tomcat has almost as much power as a .380 ...

Not doggin' on ya, man...that just sounded funny when I read it!

I have a Jetfire (.25ACP from the mid-60s, I think) and one of the Beretta .22 pistols. They both work flawlessly.

I frequently carry the Jetfire in a vest pocket when I'm riding the bike. I don't really worry about all the caliber wars and such. It shoots well and it's very small and easy to carry/conceal. They do have their downsides but almost everything is a compromise in one way or the other.

I think the Beretta .32 would be a fine choice for a small pocket gun.

[sneakerd]

Not if you are left-handed (FYI). Those small Berettas have the mag release in the left grip, and if you're a lefty, you will release the mag when you squeeze the gun tightly during stressfire drills.

[Bailey Guns]

Lefty, schmefty... Learn to shoot right-handed like normal people!

[Coffee]

[sneakerd]

Fartknocker.

[Bailey Guns]

Fartknocker.

That made me laugh. A lost reminder of my childhood. We called each that all the time. I rarely hear it these days.

[sneakerd]

It's a decent tease word. Not too nasty.[Coffee]

[Clint45]

I used to own a Jetfire and sold it to fund another purchase . . . one of the few guns I regret selling. It is only a .25 ACP (about half the power of the .32 ACP) and SAO, but it holds 9 rounds which can be empted in a little over a second with no recoil and it will never jam. These guns are about as reliable as a Makarov. They are a far better choice than a Bobcat or a Minx. I know some guys have been very happy with their Bobcats, but there are dozens of complaints about them breaking and jamming on various forums so it is not a perfect design. As a lefty myself, I've never had an issue accidentally engaging the mag release on a Jetfire. If it is an issue for you, you can buy a set of thicker wood or polymer grips which will eliminate this problem -- although it will widen the pistol by about a third of an inch.

[rocktot]

I used to own a Jetfire and sold it to fund another purchase . . . one of the few guns I regret selling. It is only a .25 ACP (about half the power of the .32 ACP) and SAO, but it holds 9 rounds which can be empted in a little over a second with no recoil and it will never jam. These guns are about as reliable as a Makarov. They are a far better choice than a Bobcat or a Minx. I know some guys have been very happy with their Bobcats, but there are dozens of complaints about them breaking and jamming on various forums so it is not a perfect design. As a lefty myself, I've never had an issue accidentally engaging the mag release on a Jetfire. If it is an issue for you, you can buy a set of thicker wood or polymer grips which will eliminate this problem -- although it will widen the pistol by about a third of an inch.

Maybe its a matter of finding the right ammo. They make a Titanium model Tomcat. Whats the diff from a 'jetfire', they looks the same.

[Bailey Guns]

I don't know all the differences but they are substantially smaller than the Tomcat. Same basic design, though.

[rocktot]

Are you sure? The Tomcat and Bobcat are the same size. Looking at forums, some people have issues with cracking cases. Supposed to be under 130 grain load, some people are using 32+P [Luck]

Bersa Thunder is same size as Sig 232. My point is that you may as well carry 40 cal 239, its only .5 inch taller and 10 lbs heavier. 232 would about fit in a good fanny pack for all time carry, so thats something to look into.

Them also say that Tomcat has heavy trigger pull for DA, (can't you cock it back?) I guess nothing is perfect, the way to go for true reliability is to get 2 of them. People also complain they are 'heavy' which means metal, (go with titanium then buck)

I think the Sig 239 is probably also good just for knocking someone out with it by hitting them, it would be like a small truck right there.

Nothing Special did a youtube .22 review, and he shot through like 3 phone books. Not that thats what you want, but I would not want to get hit with 3 or 4 .22's.

[kidicarus13]

Whats the diff from a 'jetfire', they looks the same.

Was wondering same thing.

I feel it's better to be undergunned than to have no gun at all. So if you carry it everyday and you wouldn't carry a full size everyday, well...

[Clint45]

Maybe its a matter of finding the right ammo. They make a Titanium model Tomcat. Whats the diff from a 'jetfire', they looks the same.

Tomcat, Bobcat, and Jetfire are all similar but different. They are all subcompact Berettas with tip-up barrels.

Jetfire is 25ACP, SAO, and the thinnest, lightest, and most reliable of the three. The triggerguard looks funky because it is the mainspring.

Bobcat is available in .22LR or .25ACP and is DA/SA. It is thicker and heavier, but triggerguard looks cleaner because it is part of the frame. DA is nice, but there have been issues with breakage on some guns. If you ever have a choice between a 25ACP or a 22LR in a subcompact automatic, ALWAYS choose the 25 for maximum reliability.

Tomcat is a slightly larger and heavier version of the Bobcat chambered for .32 ACP.

[sneakerd]

As a lefty, I was able to press the mag release when I squeezed very tightly on the gun on both a .25 Jetfire and the .22 Model 21A. I assumed it was no different on the .32, as it has the same mag release location. That's why I never bothered to buy one and wring it out.