I have 4 pistols, and the Tomcat is still my favorite carry piece. It is tiny, doesn't print, and has basically zero recoil while still sending a serious bullet out fast enough to get the job done. And with practice, it is accurate enough to put 7 rounds into a playing card at 10 yards at a rate of fire that some would mistake for a machine gun.
@@sergionascimentobordalo202 I have both. They both function flawlessly so far. The 21a was finicky with ammo at first but fiocchi seems to work well. The 3032 has eaten everything. I love them. Both are also used with suppressors and they perform flawlessly suppressed as well. Hope after 7 months this helps!
@@birminghammusicexchange9614 Thank you very much. The Tomcat seems ideal for self-defense, and the cost of ammo would not weigh heavily for a few training sessions plus an actual use (which we allways hope will never be needed). The Bobcat on the other hand would provide many hours of practice and plinking through out the years at a low cost, however it carries a small (ok, very small) probability of failure to fire due to the nature and quality of the cartridge (not really a fault of the excellent Beretta engineering). The thing is that albeit the low probability of failure (which can be conpensated with good ammo) with the Bobcat, the fact that we have the Tomcat available at similar buying cost and technology puts a bias on my perspetive. I understand that the recoil may be an issue for some people, so I see that there is a good niche of market for the Bobcat too, specially considering the added benefit of the low cost of the 22lr ammo. I'm just sorry that I cannot get my hands on any of those where I'm living abroad. Thanks again for your kind generosity in answering my question. All the best.
I’ve got one and love it! No frame cracks so far on my wide slide version...have to wait and see! Mine wears after market ivory grips. Tried to install them myself and screwed it up! Gun was inoperative and couldn’t even be reassembled by me anyway! Called Beretta and sent it to them. They assembled it properly, installed my ivory grips, test fired it and returned it to me at no charge! They even paid for the return shipping! Best customer service ever!
Changing the grips on the Tomcat is tricky. In order to do it, you pretty much have to remove the safety. There's a tiny little spring that will shoot across the room never to be found again if you don't do it just right.
You got the thin slide or wide slide.. I found a brandnew thin slide about 7months ago, maybe fired 4 shots out of it.. I dont wanna break the frame, it's so much nicer than the wide slide as far as size and look
I have the Tomcat and love it. Mine wears bonded ivory after market grips which after a badly failed attempt on my part left the pistol in pieces and inoperative. I called Beretta and they said to ship it to them. They fixed the little pistol and installed my new grips and test fired it for functionality. They did all this at no charge to me and even paid the return shipping! Kudos to Beretta for exceptional customer service! Mine is the Wide Slide version and no cracks thus far! Unkei
Rafael Bucio Jr. Yeah Rafael, I think that’s what happened. My hands are very arthritic and I just couldn’t get the darn thing back together, so after a failed attempt by my gunsmith, I sent it off to Beretta who were kind enough to reassemble it in working order with the new grips at no charge. They even test fired it and paid the shipping back to me! Good people! Cheers, Unkei
Unkei69 wow! What kind of gunsmith do you have. I mean I posses pretty good common sense and I’m no gunsmith, but I got it done in like 3 minutes. After some thinking of course.
Rafael Bucio Jr. Hi Rafael...he’s just one of the guys at our local gun store/range who is supposed to be an experienced gunsmith. Evidently not...but all’s well that ends well, or so I’ve learned in my 72+ years. Needless to say though...I will from this point on..go there to shoot and buy guns...but NOT to have them worked on. Cheers, Unkei (David)
25acp single action late 70s early 80s 8+1 and was stolen from my wife's car 93 and I replaced it with the double/single action 25 acp with a great after market mag 9+1. I shoot IPSC 85 ,USPSA and IDPA until now and always carry a full size glock 40 cal 17+1 with six 15rds mags in a go bag. So why 25acp you can put it in your hand and then inside a cup 🥤 and carry ready in bad places and I have. I preform CT scans on trauma patients and have seen hundreds of GSW'S so I like the knock down power of the 40cal however any part of a human can easily be destroyed by a 25 acp and 10 chance in a carry anywhere pistol is just another tool that's great. I have always wanted the 32 acp because back to preforming CT scans it's a very capable round much more than the 25 acp. Thanks for an awesome video!
My understanding is that Beretta recommends NOT using ammo generating more than 130ft lbs of energy. Exceeding this has caused original black framed pistols to develop cracks. Whether or not the Inox model Beretta 3032 Tomcat (which I have) allows higher power ammo, I stick to standard pressure. I like them more than this fellow seems to& if I'm after more power there are plenty of .380's fairly comparable sizewise.
I love this pistol. I used to have one, it was incredible even to 50 yards. I never had slide bite, lol, learned my lesson on a Jennings .380 on that one before I shot the tomcat
I have the 21a. Love it. Extremely reliable with minimags. Just use it as a range toy though. Walked it out to approximately 45 yards and was getting hits on a 10 inch plate the majority of the time so it’s more accurate than realistically expectable with the trashy sights. The tomcat with its decent sights would make a great ccw if you practice
So, are the 22lr minimags as reliable as the .32acp, considering that the first are rimfire and the second are centerfire? How about the price range of both? Thanks.
@@sergionascimentobordalo202 I dont have the tomcat. Have the 21a. 22lr will never be as reliable as 32. The beretta 21 has never choked on me. Had 2 dud minimags yesterday in my tx22 competition though. Price is comparable. Oh and if I was to carry the beretta I would check out federal punch 22lr since it has come out. Looks promising..
I own one. I used to have a pair and used the second one as my “New York mag change” which is nothing more than pulling the second pistol out and continuing to fire. Someone broke the firing pins in both of them while He was going to show them to His adult brother and I could hear Him firing them like cap pistols. Kinda pissed me off but it was too late. I took them to the only gunsmith available. I’m thinking the guy at the counter thought He could do the job and got both of them back in firing condition but the safety was really difficult to use on one. The other one was absolutely unable to move the safety. I ended up selling it to the younger adult child’s Dad. Of course after I explained the circumstances. He was okay with it because He carries it loaded chamber but double action first shot, which is still safe! I love how it hides so well but is still a chunk in Your hand. I’d like a larger caliber but for what it is, I’m not complaining. Great little pocket gun and it’s a Beretta so it’s gonna be good.
Love my Tomcat and Beretta. I pocket carry mine for up close and personal self defense. I do not think this is a violent shooter at all as the felt recoil is minimal. It's good for new shooters and those with weaker hands as you do not have to rack the slide. Additionally, Beretta suggests using ammo for the Tomcat that has a Muzzle Energy of 130 ft lbs or less to prevent premature wear. Enjoyed your video.
0:30 Brian, the 21A bobcat was discontinued in 2014 but Beretta reintroduced it 6-18 mos ago as inox 22lr only. Pre 2014 choice of 25acp or 22lr. 21A is da/sa and it's predecessor is the sa 950 bs in 25acp or 22S. These and 3032 Tomcat all tip-up barrel design. Your Tomcat in vid referred to as a wide slide. Early Tomcats particularly the blue could develop frame cracks which didn't hamper function but owners understandably weren't happy. Don't recall if Beretta replaced frames, entire pistols, or offered discount on replacement models with the wide slide which eliminated frame stress which caused cracks. Not many owners get slide bite more than once, that's a quick lesson. Just like (most) dogs only get their nose smacked by cat claws once.
I just got a new one. My first two were many years ago and both had cracked frames from minimal shooting. I disagree that trouble racking the slide means inexperience with guns. I have 45 years with guns. But arthritis makes racking the slide painful so I carry a small revolver.
I prefer the old, thin-slide versions. The “frame crack” is really not a cracked frame. It’s a crack in a thin piece of aluminum that lays over the trigger mechanism. The crack is only a problem if it goes un-addressed. Use a Dremel or small file and make a relief cut where the crack is. That way the crack will not buckle up and interfere with the slide action. Otherwise, the gun operates fine.
This gun is ALWAYS ready to shoot. You NEVER have to rack the slide. Because the first shot has a 5 pound trigger, this makes it safe to carry. The trigger pull after the first shot is about a half pound. The first shot trigger pull can be a half pound if you pull back the hammer. This gun can come with a fantastic circle front sight. 32 cal. Hollow point ammo works well for defense with this gun.
@@Subtlenimbus After 40 years of using and carrying (in my jobs as well) guns, I would like to know what the heck you mean? The Beretta is double action and with a flip up barrel, NEVER needs to be racked!
yeah. just got one for my girlfriend hers is the newer version with the mag release up high .... 1911 like. she wanted my 950B but it is single action and old now. and 25 auto... But the main reason is the tilt up barrel. For two reasons.. one is that she never need to work the slide to load/unload it which is also the other reason... besides easier to use it is safer... WAY safer in my opinion For unloading just tip up the barrel and pluck out the round... if you snap the barrel back it is still safe cause the chamber is empty... dropping the hammer is safe even dry firing. But loading is the deal If you have to use the slide to chamber a round then the gun is cocked... My PPK has a decocker but a lot of em don't so now you have a round in the chamber but have to somehow lower the hammer ....on a loaded chamber. easy to make a mistake.
Not having an extractor is an issue, especially with the Beretta 21A in .22 rimfire. Try to perform immediate action after a misfire. Can't imagine employing the fine motor skills needed to manually extract the bad round, single round load the barrel and close the barrel just to get back into the shooting mode.
Thank you for the video. I have been looking for this handgun (CA compliant) daily via the internet for almost a month now. No luck thus far, but I will continue to do a daily search. Most reviews I have read, indicate this is an outstanding pocket auto handgun. Again, thank you for the outstanding video!
@@ITFDBLA I am in Pollock Pines, near Placerville. None available around here and insofar as the internet, I have been looking everywhere, including Orange County.
Surprising, I have a Taurus PT22 that still works if you know what ammo to use like CCI mini mags 40 grain target. With these types you can't be playing around with the ammos FPS.
Paint the front sight with some bright orange paint... I fired quite a few lightweight polymer 380 pocket pistols and believe me they are much snappier recoil than the tomcat 32..
Found one at my LGS for $400 and yeah, he said they are hard to find. It's going to be my workplace gun and a BUG when not at work. Also, Underwood standard pressure penetrates 14.5" with a hollowpoint-like wound track the entire distance. That ammo is pretty much the only reason I considered this for carry.
Just subscribed. Great video. I iust ordered one from buds gun shop. Beretta has $150 rebate too! Can this gun be dry fired. Once you tip up the barrel remove the round and remove the mag can you dry fire it to decock the hammer?
I have a Beretta 950 BS and the draw from a BACK pocket is not a problem with the Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I never carry it in the front pocket as it is a BUG for me and almost never my main SDW.
SIR YOU ARE Incorrect! I just went on the Beretta website they still make the 21-A bobcat in .22 long rifle both in the Inox stainless steel version and the new covert version with the threaded barrel .. the only model bobcat that was discontinued was the blued version. & The 21-A Bobcat in 25 ACP was discontinued
I just purchased a NEW Tomcat . Went to range today with 5 boxes of ammo , 5 different brands : American Eagle , Magtech , Remington green & white , Winchester white & red and Blazer ; all 71gr FMJ . I fired 2 mags of all 5 brands . With EACH mag , I had either 2 or 3 Failure To Feeds. I was wondering , what range ammo are people having the least problems with ? And do you think my high # of Failure To Feeds was ammo related or some other problem ?
I had one years ago but the machining on the slide was different. There were reliefs machined on both sides of the barrel. Looks like only one side on your gun is machined.
Where did u find that deal? Just got one for 450 on buds to deliver to Cali.. + 30 in taxes I didn’t mind the price cuz there were no more semi auto hand guns on buds that wasn’t .22 .. picking it up next Monday (10 day wait) look forward to it it’s beautiful!!
I mean, there are lots of .22LR pocket pistols out there (including the bobcat mentioned in this video). If you’re looking for a .32, the only one I have experience with is this one. The only .32 I could think of that *might* shoot softer would be a Kel-Tec P-32 as it does have a locking breech. I have no experience with that firearm, though I will say that I’ve found the Tomcat to be far more shootable than any of Keltec’s pocket pistols.
@@leonarddaneman810 You’re right. The Beretta model 86 is a .380 with a tip up barrel and some people do refer to it as a Cheetah, although I do not think that is correct.The Beretta 81FS in .32 model 84FS and 85FS in .380 are the ones listed as Cheetah on Beretta’s website. www.berettaweb.com/Beretta%2080/Beretta%2086. www.beretta.com/en/serie-80/
Thinman I've got two, the black,& the Inox stainless model. Both very accurate, feel good in the hand, trouble free&no harsh recoil. I wouldn't part with them. I've got bigger caliber handguns but I feel no less secure with only the Tomcat.
I’m not sure if I should get this or Taurus 946 snub nose 8 shot 22 magnum revolver. Is the tomcat reliable? I know it’s a 32acp and you get 7+1 shots but the 946 is an 8 shot 22 magnum and it’s a revolver so it won’t ever jam or fte or ftf or any of that.
Just because it is .32 doesn't mean it has to be blowback. Keltec p32 isn't. The problem with this gun is the history of cracked slides. Some with less than 50 rounds. I thought about getting one but I think the Keltec is actually a better gun than the Beretta (hard to believe) and I love Beretta but for .32 I go Keltec.
Documents included with Tomcats warns that the owner should never use +P ammo that exceeds 130 FT/LBs muzzle energy. Some (but not all) of the recommended ammunition for the Beretta Tomcat 3032 that remains at or under the 130 FT/LB limitation would be: Federal Premium Personal Defense 65gr Hydra-Shok JHP (950 Feet/Sec and 130 FT/LBs) Winchester Super-X Silver Tip 60gr JHP (970 Feet/Sec and 125 FT/LBs) Speer Gold Dot JHP (960 Feet/Sec and 123 FT/LBs) Prvi-Partisn 71gr FMJ (902 Feet/Sec and 129 FT/LBs) Remington UMC 71gr FMJ (905 Feet/Sec and 129 FT/LBs) CCI Blazer 71gr FMJ (900 Feet/Sec and 128 FT/LBs) Note that while purchasing ammunition, it is possible with some of the retail shelf personal defense ammunition to find ammunition that can nearly double that of the allowed 130 FT/LB muzzle energy. Care should be taken to research your ammunition for this pistol prior to purchasing it or firing it with the weapon.
Actually, Beretta had a 3rd gun in the series, the 950 Jetfire/Minx which was available in .25ACP or .22Short respectively. Clearing the chamber sans extractor can be a challenge when the gun is dirty, and clearing bad cartridges as in a malfunction becomes quite problematic.
clearing bad cartridge not really problematic just not convenient rack of slide as you can with all the other autos that do have an extractor. Granted it IS embarrassing (& relies too much on universal sense of fair play) to holler for a timeout in middle of confrontation to tip barrel and dig out the dud, reload fresh round. Hate when that happens.
Two very important reasons - better control and accuracy. Actually, the only reason not to establish a two-handed grip on a handgun is an extremely short distance, or one of the hands is occupied with something or is not functional (injury).
@@TacticalPerformanceCenter My philosophy on practicing is, if you can practice and hit your target with one hand, then you can easily hit it with two hands. It is not the same the other way around. I practice with one hand. Either strong hand or off hand.😉
Dude less than a minute in gives us multiple wrong info A. Not the only 2 tip ups, there's 4 others The cheetah 86fs The 20A The 950 jetfire The 950 minx Followed by, they continue to make the bobcat and matter of fact a new version is just about to be released. Looks awesome. Why are you spewing incorrect info man? Why say it at all? I dont get it
Good shooting Brian. I carry one in the summer when shorts and a t-shirt limit me to smaller guns. What self defense ammo do you recommend for the Tomcat?
Once you get smaller in caliber than 9x19mm, you have a choice between projectile expansion or penetration (but can’t get both). My opinion is that I’d rather have a small wound channel that will definitely make it into important organs rather than a larger wound channel that might not reach far enough. I’ve found Aguila and PMC Bronze 71gr RN are both reliable. I shoot this gun fairly often (for a pocket gun) and haven’t had an issue in ~300 rounds of each brand.
@@anthonybluhm4724 thanks for some reason mines won't rack unless I have one bullet in the magazine but I haven't shot it yet might need to break it in first
I would never recommend a semi auto pistol to be pocket carried without a holster but if there was one the Tomcat would be it. Just keep the safety on and keep it decocked so it’s DA and make sure you don’t have anything in the pocket with it. You should be fine...should be. 😏
I have a cracked frame also. Used blazer aluminum. Called beretta and they told me to buy another one. What a joke. They said it was my fault and I should retire the pistol. Don't buy beretta!
Useless other than as a toy, the tip up is a gimmick, So you pull the trigger and it does not go bang, not uncommon with 22LR. You do immediate action and wrack the slide and guess what, nothing happens, no extractor. Tip up the barrel and pry the bad round out with your finger nail while you ask the bad guy for a time out. Ruger LCR II does not have these issues and is easy for someone with weak hands to rack. This can also be an issue with center fire rounds.
Yes, there is. Putting aside the lint and pocket junk that may eventually pose a problem, a gun will rotate in your pocket. Without a pocket holster the butt of the gun will not be readily available to your hand, and this could -- shall we say-- pose a problem. Further, a pocket holster is designed to not allow the gun to print through and be evident to an observer .You are in error.
Me personally, I don't need a pocket holster for the tomcat. Plus, your not supposed to have anything else in your pocket. Furthermore, I'm not worried about printing. The tomcat doesn't really print that much unless you wear really thin clothing. But anyways, it's really up to the individual. Thanks for the insight though. My other pistols definitely print, but the tomcat is awesome!!!
I have 4 pistols, and the Tomcat is still my favorite carry piece. It is tiny, doesn't print, and has basically zero recoil while still sending a serious bullet out fast enough to get the job done. And with practice, it is accurate enough to put 7 rounds into a playing card at 10 yards at a rate of fire that some would mistake for a machine gun.
Would you please comment on the centerfire (32 Tomcat) vs the rimfire (22lr Bobcat)? Thanks.
@@sergionascimentobordalo202 I have both. They both function flawlessly so far. The 21a was finicky with ammo at first but fiocchi seems to work well. The 3032 has eaten everything. I love them. Both are also used with suppressors and they perform flawlessly suppressed as well. Hope after 7 months this helps!
@@birminghammusicexchange9614 Thank you very much. The Tomcat seems ideal for self-defense, and the cost of ammo would not weigh heavily for a few training sessions plus an actual use (which we allways hope will never be needed). The Bobcat on the other hand would provide many hours of practice and plinking through out the years at a low cost, however it carries a small (ok, very small) probability of failure to fire due to the nature and quality of the cartridge (not really a fault of the excellent Beretta engineering). The thing is that albeit the low probability of failure (which can be conpensated with good ammo) with the Bobcat, the fact that we have the Tomcat available at similar buying cost and technology puts a bias on my perspetive. I understand that the recoil may be an issue for some people, so I see that there is a good niche of market for the Bobcat too, specially considering the added benefit of the low cost of the 22lr ammo. I'm just sorry that I cannot get my hands on any of those where I'm living abroad. Thanks again for your kind generosity in answering my question. All the best.
I’ve got one and love it! No frame cracks so far on my wide slide version...have to wait and see! Mine wears after market ivory grips. Tried to install them myself and screwed it up! Gun was inoperative and couldn’t even be reassembled by me anyway! Called Beretta and sent it to them. They assembled it properly, installed my ivory grips, test fired it and
returned it to me at no charge! They even paid for the return shipping! Best customer service ever!
Changing the grips on the Tomcat is tricky. In order to do it, you pretty much have to remove the safety. There's a tiny little spring that will shoot across the room never to be found again if you don't do it just right.
I have one and love how it shoots and so comfortable in pocket with Desantis pocket holster or iwb holster. It's just so easy.
You got the thin slide or wide slide.. I found a brandnew thin slide about 7months ago, maybe fired 4 shots out of it.. I dont wanna break the frame, it's so much nicer than the wide slide as far as size and look
I have the Tomcat and love it. Mine wears bonded ivory after market grips which after a badly failed attempt on my part left the pistol in pieces and inoperative. I called Beretta and they said to ship it to them. They fixed the little pistol and installed my new grips and test fired it for functionality. They did all this at no charge to me and even paid the return shipping! Kudos to Beretta for exceptional customer service! Mine is the Wide Slide version and no cracks thus far!
Unkei
Unkei69 let me guess, the thumb safety retention spring flew out, right? It could be pretty difficult to change the left grip, but it’s doable.
Rafael Bucio Jr.
Yeah Rafael, I think that’s what happened. My hands are very arthritic and I just couldn’t get the darn thing back together, so after a failed attempt by my gunsmith, I sent it off to Beretta who were kind enough to reassemble it in working order with the new grips at no charge. They even test fired it and paid the shipping back to me! Good people!
Cheers,
Unkei
Unkei69 wow! What kind of gunsmith do you have. I mean I posses pretty good common sense and I’m no gunsmith, but I got it done in like 3 minutes. After some thinking of course.
Rafael Bucio Jr.
Hi Rafael...he’s just one of the guys at our local gun store/range who is supposed to be an experienced gunsmith. Evidently not...but all’s well that ends well, or so I’ve learned in my 72+ years. Needless to say though...I will from this point on..go there to shoot and buy guns...but NOT to have them worked on.
Cheers,
Unkei (David)
This is one of the best 3032 review videos I've seen so far. Thanks for the info and perspective!
Glad it was helpful!
I have one and I love it. Beretta is a great company with great service.
Bobcat and Tomcat currently in production in Tennessee.
This is the best review I have seen for this firearm.
25acp single action late 70s early 80s 8+1 and was stolen from my wife's car 93 and I replaced it with the double/single action 25 acp with a great after market mag 9+1. I shoot IPSC 85 ,USPSA and IDPA until now and always carry a full size glock 40 cal 17+1 with six 15rds mags in a go bag. So why 25acp you can put it in your hand and then inside a cup 🥤 and carry ready in bad places and I have. I preform CT scans on trauma patients and have seen hundreds of GSW'S so I like the knock down power of the 40cal however any part of a human can easily be destroyed by a 25 acp and 10 chance in a carry anywhere pistol is just another tool that's great. I have always wanted the 32 acp because back to preforming CT scans it's a very capable round much more than the 25 acp. Thanks for an awesome video!
My understanding is that Beretta recommends NOT using ammo generating more than 130ft lbs of energy. Exceeding this has caused original black framed pistols to develop cracks. Whether or not the Inox model Beretta 3032 Tomcat (which I have) allows higher power ammo, I stick to standard pressure. I like them more than this fellow seems to& if I'm after more power there are plenty of .380's fairly comparable sizewise.
I love this pistol. I used to have one, it was incredible even to 50 yards. I never had slide bite, lol, learned my lesson on a Jennings .380 on that one before I shot the tomcat
I have the 21a. Love it. Extremely reliable with minimags. Just use it as a range toy though. Walked it out to approximately 45 yards and was getting hits on a 10 inch plate the majority of the time so it’s more accurate than realistically expectable with the trashy sights. The tomcat with its decent sights would make a great ccw if you practice
So, are the 22lr minimags as reliable as the .32acp, considering that the first are rimfire and the second are centerfire? How about the price range of both? Thanks.
@@sergionascimentobordalo202 I dont have the tomcat. Have the 21a. 22lr will never be as reliable as 32. The beretta 21 has never choked on me. Had 2 dud minimags yesterday in my tx22 competition though. Price is comparable.
Oh and if I was to carry the beretta I would check out federal punch 22lr since it has come out. Looks promising..
I own one. I used to have a pair and used the second one as my “New York mag change” which is nothing more than pulling the second pistol out and continuing to fire. Someone broke the firing pins in both of them while He was going to show them to His adult brother and I could hear Him firing them like cap pistols. Kinda pissed me off but it was too late. I took them to the only gunsmith available. I’m thinking the guy at the counter thought He could do the job and got both of them back in firing condition but the safety was really difficult to use on one. The other one was absolutely unable to move the safety. I ended up selling it to the younger adult child’s Dad. Of course after I explained the circumstances. He was okay with it because He carries it loaded chamber but double action first shot, which is still safe! I love how it hides so well but is still a chunk in Your hand. I’d like a larger caliber but for what it is, I’m not complaining. Great little pocket gun and it’s a Beretta so it’s gonna be good.
Love my Tomcat and Beretta. I pocket carry mine for up close and personal self defense.
I do not think this is a violent shooter at all as the felt recoil is minimal. It's good for new shooters and those with weaker hands as you do not have to rack the slide.
Additionally, Beretta suggests using ammo for the Tomcat that has a Muzzle Energy of 130 ft lbs or less to prevent premature wear. Enjoyed your video.
0:30 Brian, the 21A bobcat was discontinued in 2014 but Beretta reintroduced it
6-18 mos ago as inox 22lr only. Pre 2014 choice of 25acp or 22lr. 21A is da/sa
and it's predecessor is the sa 950 bs in 25acp or 22S. These and 3032 Tomcat
all tip-up barrel design. Your Tomcat in vid referred to as a wide slide. Early
Tomcats particularly the blue could develop frame cracks which didn't hamper
function but owners understandably weren't happy. Don't recall if Beretta replaced
frames, entire pistols, or offered discount on replacement models with the wide slide
which eliminated frame stress which caused cracks.
Not many owners get slide bite more than once, that's a quick lesson.
Just like (most) dogs only get their nose smacked by cat claws once.
Underwood has a phenomenal round in 32acp. I love my Tomcat.
I just got a new one. My first two were many years ago and both had cracked frames from minimal shooting. I disagree that trouble racking the slide means inexperience with guns. I have 45 years with guns. But arthritis makes racking the slide painful so I carry a small revolver.
I prefer the old, thin-slide versions. The “frame crack” is really not a cracked frame. It’s a crack in a thin piece of aluminum that lays over the trigger mechanism. The crack is only a problem if it goes un-addressed. Use a Dremel or small file and make a relief cut where the crack is. That way the crack will not buckle up and interfere with the slide action. Otherwise, the gun operates fine.
One of my favorite guns.
This gun is ALWAYS ready to shoot. You NEVER have to rack the slide. Because the first shot has a 5 pound trigger, this makes it safe to carry. The trigger pull after the first shot is about a half pound. The first shot trigger pull can be a half pound if you pull back the hammer. This gun can come with a fantastic circle front sight. 32 cal. Hollow point ammo works well for defense with this gun.
The double-action trigger pull is closer to ten pounds, and the single-action pull is about five pounds. A half pound trigger is basically unusable.
@@Subtlenimbus After 40 years of using and carrying (in my jobs as well) guns, I would like to know what the heck you mean? The Beretta is double action and with a flip up barrel, NEVER needs to be racked!
yeah. just got one for my girlfriend hers is the newer version with the mag release up high .... 1911 like. she wanted my 950B but it is single action and old now. and 25 auto... But the main reason is the tilt up barrel. For two reasons.. one is that she never need to work the slide to load/unload it which is also the other reason... besides easier to use it is safer... WAY safer in my opinion For unloading just tip up the barrel and pluck out the round... if you snap the barrel back it is still safe cause the chamber is empty... dropping the hammer is safe even dry firing. But loading is the deal If you have to use the slide to chamber a round then the gun is cocked... My PPK has a decocker but a lot of em don't so now you have a round in the chamber but have to somehow lower the hammer ....on a loaded chamber. easy to make a mistake.
Not having an extractor is an issue, especially with the Beretta 21A in .22 rimfire. Try to perform immediate action after a misfire. Can't imagine employing the fine motor skills needed to manually extract the bad round, single round load the barrel and close the barrel just to get back into the shooting mode.
Great little gun! Liked and subscribed!
I found mine about a week ago at a pawnshop, and I just shot it three days ago. It’s different but I loved it!
Thank you for the video. I have been looking for this handgun (CA compliant) daily via the internet for almost a month now. No luck thus far, but I will continue to do a daily search. Most reviews I have read, indicate this is an outstanding pocket auto handgun. Again, thank you for the outstanding video!
I’m getting one this Sat in the OC and I saw one avail in store in So Cal. Not sure where u are located.
@@ITFDBLA I am in Pollock Pines, near Placerville. None available around here and insofar as the internet, I have been looking everywhere, including Orange County.
Sportsman’s Guide has them in stock now
@@TM-ey5py Thank you!
@@TM-ey5py Actually, the one at Sportsman's Guide is not CA compliant, so I can't buy this one. Thank you anyway.
Great review
Thank you!
Love mine. Inspired me to purchase Beretta model 81 .32 acp Never scofflaw the round. 🙀😾
They are great pistols
I own one I love it
Wish they'd bring the Alley Cat back, with the factory tritium night sights.. a threaded barrel would be a nice add on as well..
Things a tack driver if you can run it effectively. Love mine.
Surprising, I have a Taurus PT22 that still works if you know what ammo to use like CCI mini mags 40 grain target. With these types you can't be playing around with the ammos FPS.
Paint the front sight with some bright orange paint... I fired quite a few lightweight polymer 380 pocket pistols and believe me they are much snappier recoil than the tomcat 32..
Found one at my LGS for $400 and yeah, he said they are hard to find. It's going to be my workplace gun and a BUG when not at work. Also, Underwood standard pressure penetrates 14.5" with a hollowpoint-like wound track the entire distance. That ammo is pretty much the only reason I considered this for carry.
I second that. Mine is loaded with Underwood as we speak and it’s my go to when my HK USP 40C needs to stay home.
this pistol is anything but violent. it is a fine shooting handgun, weight in hand feels great and is a smooth shooter
The bobcat(21a) .22lr is not out of production, actually Beretta makes 4 models of bobcat that are available.
Just subscribed. Great video. I iust ordered one from buds gun shop. Beretta has $150 rebate too! Can this gun be dry fired. Once you tip up the barrel remove the round and remove the mag can you dry fire it to decock the hammer?
What is your concern?
I have a Bobcat and the Tomcat inox 22lr which i bought almost 2 years ago.
Had a .25. If you use the proper ammo, it will never fail
I have a Beretta 950 BS and the draw from a BACK pocket is not a problem with the Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I never carry it in the front pocket as it is a BUG for me and almost never my main SDW.
I use a inexpensive DeSantis
" Superfly" pocket holster with velcro on flap to prevent the gun from printing in my right front pocket..
Yes, it's critical to use at least a trigger guard cover! That is essential safety! Everything else is just comfort and functionality.
5/8” mag extension would be very useful.
Mag extensions are useful for any sub-compact gun
The “kick” or report is very mild compared to a Seecamp in .32 or worse, .380!😱
Nice . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! !
Thanks!
I got mine at the crossroad gun show
SIR YOU ARE Incorrect! I just went on the Beretta website they still make the 21-A bobcat in .22 long rifle both in the Inox stainless steel version and the new covert version with the threaded barrel .. the only model bobcat that was discontinued was the blued version. & The 21-A Bobcat in 25 ACP was discontinued
I did not like my 3032 Tomcat and sold it. I think it was too bulky for a pocket pistol. I prefer my more compact 950 BS 25, my current EDC pistol.
They made another tip up barrel pocket pistol, the Jetfire. That one is no longer made.
@@christopherjackson3455 Bond's original pistol was the Beretta 418. It is 25 ACP. Its also striker fired and doesn't have the tip up barrel.
Galco has a nice leather pocket holster
Shouldn't your right thumb be underneath your left? Not that you have to, but it makes for a good grip and you have a smaller chance at slide bite.
I just purchased a NEW Tomcat . Went to range today with 5 boxes of ammo , 5 different brands : American Eagle , Magtech , Remington green & white , Winchester white & red and Blazer ; all 71gr FMJ . I fired 2 mags of all 5 brands . With EACH mag , I had either 2 or 3 Failure To Feeds. I was wondering , what range ammo are people having the least problems with ? And do you think my high # of Failure To Feeds was ammo related or some other problem ?
I'd Really Like To Know If You Were Able To Resolve The Problem You're Having . . .
I use hornady. No problems at all. these little autos require high performance ammo to cycle the slide.
I had one years ago but the machining on the slide was different. There were reliefs machined on both sides of the barrel. Looks like only one side on your gun is machined.
They made 3 versions, a 25acp also
Is $350 for a brand new one in California a good deal?
Where did u find that deal? Just got one for 450 on buds to deliver to Cali.. + 30 in taxes I didn’t mind the price cuz there were no more semi auto hand guns on buds that wasn’t .22 .. picking it up next Monday (10 day wait) look forward to it it’s beautiful!!
@@Horsesnot Believe it or not it was in SoCal at Discount Gun Mart. However, I missed it as I had to wait 30 days from buying another handgun.
Thanks
Great Video. What would you recommend for a pocket carry with the least recoil?
I will ask Brian for his take on it. -- Ken N.
I mean, there are lots of .22LR pocket pistols out there (including the bobcat mentioned in this video).
If you’re looking for a .32, the only one I have experience with is this one. The only .32 I could think of that *might* shoot softer would be a Kel-Tec P-32 as it does have a locking breech. I have no experience with that firearm, though I will say that I’ve found the Tomcat to be far more shootable than any of Keltec’s pocket pistols.
Good video but the music at the end isn't needed.
The 21A also came in .25, and the Cheetah 'tip up' was in .380.
The .380 Cheetah's barrel does not tip up.
I second that. You are referring to the 84 and 85? LOVE those pistols.
@@FuckPedophileBiden I looked it up and it seems you are right. I'm scratching my head, cuz I was certain the tip up also came in .380.
@@leonarddaneman810 You’re right. The Beretta model 86 is a .380 with a tip up barrel and some people do refer to it as a Cheetah, although I do not think that is correct.The Beretta 81FS in .32 model 84FS and 85FS in .380 are the ones listed as Cheetah on Beretta’s website. www.berettaweb.com/Beretta%2080/Beretta%2086. www.beretta.com/en/serie-80/
I have always thought the Tomcat looked like a great concealment pistol. Looks like they shoot well, too.
Thinman I've got two, the black,& the Inox stainless model. Both very accurate, feel good in the hand, trouble free&no harsh recoil. I wouldn't part with them. I've got bigger caliber handguns but I feel no less secure with only the Tomcat.
Use to have many problems cracking
I’m not sure if I should get this or Taurus 946 snub nose 8 shot 22 magnum revolver. Is the tomcat reliable? I know it’s a 32acp and you get 7+1 shots but the 946 is an 8 shot 22 magnum and it’s a revolver so it won’t ever jam or fte or ftf or any of that.
"I have big hands" says the guy with 7" hands lmao.
Just because it is .32 doesn't mean it has to be blowback. Keltec p32 isn't. The problem with this gun is the history of cracked slides. Some with less than 50 rounds. I thought about getting one but I think the Keltec is actually a better gun than the Beretta (hard to believe) and I love Beretta but for .32 I go Keltec.
It was the 92 that had the cracked slide problem. The 3032 frames were cracking on the right side slide rail, inline with the trigger.
Follow to ammo restrictions Beretta has listed and frame crack is NOT and issue....
Vito Gulotta You are correct. Cracked frames.
Documents included with Tomcats warns that the owner should never use +P ammo that exceeds 130 FT/LBs muzzle energy. Some (but not all) of the recommended ammunition for the Beretta Tomcat 3032 that remains at or under the 130 FT/LB limitation would be:
Federal Premium Personal Defense 65gr Hydra-Shok JHP (950 Feet/Sec and 130 FT/LBs)
Winchester Super-X Silver Tip 60gr JHP (970 Feet/Sec and 125 FT/LBs)
Speer Gold Dot JHP (960 Feet/Sec and 123 FT/LBs)
Prvi-Partisn 71gr FMJ (902 Feet/Sec and 129 FT/LBs)
Remington UMC 71gr FMJ (905 Feet/Sec and 129 FT/LBs)
CCI Blazer 71gr FMJ (900 Feet/Sec and 128 FT/LBs)
Note that while purchasing ammunition, it is possible with some of the retail shelf personal defense ammunition to find ammunition that can nearly double that of the allowed 130 FT/LB muzzle energy. Care should be taken to research your ammunition for this pistol prior to purchasing it or firing it with the weapon.
Too funny! Keltec is shit.
Actually, Beretta had a 3rd gun in the series, the 950 Jetfire/Minx which was available in .25ACP or .22Short respectively. Clearing the chamber sans extractor can be a challenge when the gun is dirty, and clearing bad cartridges as in a malfunction becomes quite problematic.
thanks!
says a
clearing bad cartridge not really problematic just not convenient rack of
slide as you can with all the other autos that do have an extractor.
Granted it IS embarrassing (& relies too much on universal sense of fair play)
to holler for a timeout in middle of confrontation to tip barrel and dig out
the dud, reload fresh round. Hate when that happens.
It's the one gun I recommend to everyone.
Why would you ever need to hold an up close personal gun with two hands?
Two very important reasons - better control and accuracy. Actually, the only reason not to establish a two-handed grip on a handgun is an extremely short distance, or one of the hands is occupied with something or is not functional (injury).
@@TacticalPerformanceCenter My philosophy on practicing is, if you can practice and hit your target with one hand, then you can easily hit it with two hands.
It is not the same the other way around.
I practice with one hand. Either strong hand or off hand.😉
Dude less than a minute in gives us multiple wrong info
A. Not the only 2 tip ups, there's 4 others
The cheetah 86fs
The 20A
The 950 jetfire
The 950 minx
Followed by, they continue to make the bobcat and matter of fact a new version is just about to be released. Looks awesome.
Why are you spewing incorrect info man? Why say it at all? I dont get it
Good shooting Brian. I carry one in the summer when shorts and a t-shirt limit me to smaller guns. What self defense ammo do you recommend for the Tomcat?
To get H.P.'s to expand is problematic. Gold Dot is available though
Once you get smaller in caliber than 9x19mm, you have a choice between projectile expansion or penetration (but can’t get both).
My opinion is that I’d rather have a small wound channel that will definitely make it into important organs rather than a larger wound channel that might not reach far enough.
I’ve found Aguila and PMC Bronze 71gr RN are both reliable. I shoot this gun fairly often (for a pocket gun) and haven’t had an issue in ~300 rounds of each brand.
Mine is loaded with Underwood’s Xtreme Defenders.
Definitely underwood xtreme defenders/cavitators or ball rounds. Keep the penetration of ball, and the better cavity of something close to a HP.
For the tomcat can you rack it to put one up in the chamber? Or is it only through the pop-up barrel. I tried racking mines and the bullet won't rack.
Yes, it should chamber a round.
@@anthonybluhm4724 thanks for some reason mines won't rack unless I have one bullet in the magazine but I haven't shot it yet might need to break it in first
I would never recommend a semi auto pistol to be pocket carried without a holster but if there was one the Tomcat would be it. Just keep the safety on and keep it decocked so it’s DA and make sure you don’t have anything in the pocket with it. You should be fine...should be. 😏
@@robp3284 Exactly. Even a $5-10 generic nylon pocket holster will cover the trigger and the safety.
You buy this for your wife, and when a guy gets fresh, it's POP GOES THE WEASEL.
In the weasel!!
Can this firearm be carried in the back pocket?
Wherever you are planning to carry make sure using at least pocket holster or trigger guard cover!
@@TacticalPerformanceCenter seecamp .380. Looks like the idea weapon for me. If I need a weapon.
what ammo did you use at the match?
PMC 71gr
I have a cracked frame also. Used blazer aluminum. Called beretta and they told me to buy another one. What a joke. They said it was my fault and I should retire the pistol. Don't buy beretta!
lolwut? You can still buy Bobcats brand new right now. They were never out of production.
ATTENTION: Anyone who wants to sell me an old, thin-slide version 3032 with a cracked slide…feel free to contact me!!
How do u keep shells from sticking in mag
Put them in properly or try a different magazine.
I figured it out was them ppu bullets some reason they wood stick in mag
@@robbiesmith9786 Okay that's great. I think Fiochi is a good brand if you want to try them out.
If you have hands then you are mot experienced? That makes no sense. And these do not recoil much.
Just a couple of corrections. Otherwise, good job.
Existe clbr 7.65.??
Tomcat nice.
Coooooool
Can it take 380 bullets?
There is absolutely no way the tomcat will ever go off if you carry it in your pocket without a holster. Even with a bunch of shit in there with it.
I think your hat is on to tight !
Obviously anybody can put a shooting team shirt on
👍✌
That thing is thick. I'd rather have a LCP 2 especially for the price.
shorten up the introduction
Thanks for the feedback 👍🏻
Why compare that to the Glock 17, that is like a grape to a watermelon
Useless other than as a toy, the tip up is a gimmick, So you pull the trigger and it does not go bang, not uncommon with 22LR. You do immediate action and wrack the slide and guess what, nothing happens, no extractor. Tip up the barrel and pry the bad round out with your finger nail while you ask the bad guy for a time out. Ruger LCR II does not have these issues and is easy for someone with weak hands to rack. This can also be an issue with center fire rounds.
LMAO this guy uses two hands on a micro and complains it cuts his hand. That gun actually looks big in your hands.
No need for pocket holster.
Yes, there is. Putting aside the lint and pocket junk that may eventually pose a problem, a gun will rotate in your pocket. Without a pocket holster the butt of the gun will not be readily available to your hand, and this could -- shall we say-- pose a problem. Further, a pocket holster is designed to not allow the gun to print through and be evident to an observer .You are in error.
Me personally, I don't need a pocket holster for the tomcat. Plus, your not supposed to have anything else in your pocket. Furthermore, I'm not worried about printing. The tomcat doesn't really print that much unless you wear really thin clothing. But anyways, it's really up to the individual. Thanks for the insight though. My other pistols definitely print, but the tomcat is awesome!!!