Beretta Tomcat..?

[SterlingBullet]

Been thinking that as I age and with the arthritis in my wrists a tip up auto might be a good idea.
Any thoughts on the Beretta Tomcat version? I see them mostly in 32 acp out there.

Try a S&W EZ 380, very easy to rack the slide, or for the easiest slide of all pistols, the Ruger LCP II Lite-Rack 22lr.

 

[JERRY]

The lack of an extractor was really not an issue, and the newer guns have a stouter frame. They're fun for grits and shins.
Moon

The newer guns have the same frame. Beretta changed the slide to try to minimize the chances of cracking the frame.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The newer guns have the same frame. Beretta changed the slide to try to minimize the chances of cracking the frame.

I think he may be referring to the just-released 30X model. The frame is still aluminum, but it's a whole new mold line and is beefier in the trigger bar opening where the older 3032 models cracked. Time will tell if it really mitigates the problem.

 

[Pistolay]

Try a S&W EZ 380, very easy to rack the slide,

To anyone with arthritis and hand strength issues, I'd recommend shooting this gun before purchasing. It wasn't reliable for me. My guess was that it was a combination of my weak grip and the upside-down grip safety, which demands a high and tight hold.

 

[JERRY]

I think he may be referring to the just-released 30X model. The frame is still aluminum, but it's a whole new mold line and is beefier in the trigger bar opening where the older 3032 models cracked. Time will tell if it really mitigates the problem.

If that's the case I stand corrected.

 

[berettaprofessor]

3rd endorsement of the S&W 380 EZ. I have lots of 32's but dumped my Tomcat; bulky, heavy for its caliber. If you want a tipup, a Beretta 86 (pricey) or its newer Girsan clone might work, but they're heavy. If I were staying in 32's and wanted less bite, an older Beretta model 70 series would be my choice. Or a Colt 1903

 

[halfmoonclip]

The newer guns have the same frame

Full disclosure, it's some time since I parted with my second one, so now I'm not sure.
Guessing the issue is the same with many blowback pistols; the slide comes to an abrupt stop against the frame, and that can break something..
Not so big a problem in blowback carbines, as there's more room, and more mass to the bolt. Sometimes there's a buffer.
Moon

 

[JERRY]

Full disclosure, it's some time since I parted with my second one, so now I'm not sure.
Guessing the issue is the same with many blowback pistols; the slide comes to an abrupt stop against the frame, and that can break something..
Not so big a problem in blowback carbines, as there's more room, and more mass to the bolt. Sometimes there's a buffer.
Moon

No problem bud. I was clued in that the 30X is redesigned and not susceptible to the same concerns.

 

[Ray P]

Just a correction: my S&W j frame in 32 H&R Magnum is a model 431PD. My dyslexia struck again.

 

[paul harm]

Rimrock with any semi-auto, just shoot FMJ. they're a little bit longer and you'll never get rimlock. You gonna shoot hollow points, then that's all you want in the gun. Don't mix HPs and FMJ in the same magazine. All my handguns have DA/SA triggers. My Browning Black label in 380, Sig 938 Legion in 9 MM, Kimber 45, and Beretta 21 Bobcat and Tomcat 30X in 22 and 32 all can be shot SA, and it's what I do because I like a short, light trigger. The Beretta 30X solved the frame cracking, has a lighter trigger pull than the 2032. Guess I've been lucky - never had a FTF or a FTE with my 30X.

 

[Outpost75]

The newer guns have the same frame. Beretta changed the slide to try to minimize the chances of cracking the frame.

My original Tomcat failed from frame crack at the trigger pivot in less than 500 rounds of RWS 73-grain FMJ. The INOX heavy slide version they replaced it with failed at about 2 years and 2000 rounds of the same Euro-CIP ammo. Much better, but still not adequate for high volume training use.

I sold the cracked frame 3032 and spare mags for gunsmith parts. I used the proceeds to buy an original version Ruger LCP, which replaced the Tomcat for deep cover NPE carry. The LCP has logged over 2000 rounds with zero issues firing Winchester 95-grain FMJ flatnosed ammo.

 

[TTv2]

I have had a Beretta Tomcat since the 90s. It is a nice enough gun, and has always been reliable. The question is, why would you carry it? It is heavier than many 380 autos, and is bulky in the pocket (thick). 32 ACP is outclassed easily by 380 auto. 32 ACP also has the potential for rim lock, which I have never experienced, so maybe that is more of a theoretical concern, but its not a problem with 380.

All things considered, the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 and the Ruger LCP II Max are both better choices for daily pocket carry. Lighter, same recoil, 380 instead of 32, and more ammo capacity.

I'd want to carry a small .32 for the same reason I got the P32: less recoil. Problem is, outside of something like the P32, every .32 I've seen is straight blowback and that's not good for reducing recoil, so that out the window what the Beretta Tomcat has is a nice trigger and a DA/SA action with second strike capability and better sights than any of the NAA Guardians or even the P32. There are downsides to it, it's thick, heavy, and has issues with cracking and I find those to outweigh the positives of it.

If I want a pocket gun, I'll go for the P32, but if this is meant to be a nightstand gun for someone with hand issues, then I'd say Ruger Sercurity .380, it legit has the recoil of a .32, but it's a .380

 

[Pistolay]

I'd want to carry a small .32 for the same reason I got the P32: less recoil. Problem is, outside of something like the P32, every .32 I've seen is straight blowback and that's not good for reducing recoil...

My Walther PPKs are more pleasant for me to shoot than my P32s. I think weight is as big a factor as the type of action.

 

[TTv2]

My Walther PPKs are more pleasant for me to shoot than my P32s. I think weight is as big a factor as the type of action.

Herp derp, of course weight and grip size/shape play a factor, but I'm not compared a P32 to a PPKs, I'm comparing a P32 to something like Seecamp or the Beretta Tomcat.

 

[Pistolay]

Herp derp, of course weight and grip size/shape play a factor, but I'm not compared a P32 to a PPKs, I'm comparing a P32 to something like Seecamp or the Beretta Tomcat.

That's an interesting comparison, given that both of those pistols weigh significantly more than the P32.

 

[TTv2]

That's an interesting comparison, given that both of those pistols weigh significantly more than the P32.

Now you're getting why the P32 is preferred over them then.