Bobcat vs. Tomcat reliability differences

[Hoffy]

As I go through the archives of several forums (here, rimfirecentral, others), I have gotten the impression that the Beretta Bobcat is a reasonably reliable pistol, if fed high quality .22lr ammo like Mini-Mags and kept very clean.

However, I get the impression that a higher precentage have given up on the .32acp Tomcat due to its unreliability.

Are there design differences that make the Bobcat more reliable and the Tomcat less reliable? I realize that one is rimfire and the other is centerfire but the platforms do look similar to the novice.

Am I getting the wrong impression about the actual reliability differences between these two pistols from scanning the forum comments? I know that it's easy to get the wrong impression form simply scanning the forums...that's why I'm asking.

 

[4v50 Gary]

My friend, a deputy, bought his .32 Beretta the same time I did. When he experienced the firing pin popping out at him at the range, I declined shooting mine and it stayed in its box. It's good to practice with a firearm before you decide to depend on it to protect yourself.

 

[Pilot]

I can only comment on the Beretta 21A Bobcat. After the first mag, mine has been 100% reliable with good ammo like CCI Minimags or Stingers. I carry mine as a BUG. I do practice with it at the range. Its a fun little plinker too!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Good point Pilot. I carried a .22 Bobcat for years as a back-up gun. It was reliable and the Tomcat was a disappointment for my buddy (he went back to the Bobcat).

 

[iamhistory]

I purchased a lightly used Tomcat a few years ago and now I barely shoot it. I was excited to find it at a good price and I snatched it up. I wanted a nice little BUG or pocket gun.

I am a little disappointed with my Beretta and I almost never carry it now. I've had numerous malfunctions, .32 acp is getting very expensive to shoot, and the Tomcat isn't all that nice of a pocket gun and really isn't a top choice for a BUG compared to what else is available.

I have been thinking about trading it in and getting something better. I haven't decided yet though. I never like getting rid of guns.

 

[jwr_747]

I've had a 21A for lots of years.only problem I've ever had was shooting some way under powered Russian 22's,wouldn't cycle the little thing,EVERYTHING else I've put in it has worked. jwr

 

[makarovnik]

The Bobcat or Model 21 has been around for longer than the Tomcat. My personal preference would be for the Model 21 in .25acp (they don't currently make it) or better yet the slightly older 950 Jetfire (in .25acp). The model 21 in .22LR is pretty reliable for a rimfire pocket pistol.

 

[rde]

My Tomcat in INox (stainless) hasn't given me any problems as long as I use a firm grip. Having said that I only shoot about 2 mags or so through it at the range about once a month. I don't have a real high round count.

 

[DrBoomBoom]

I've got a 21A Bobcat .22lr. I didn't carry it until I found what ammo it liked and shot a hundred rounds through it without a misfire. I found either CCI Stingers or Minimags did the trick. I rarely carry it by itself, but do carry it crossdraw as a back up that I can get to quickly while driving. It accompanies either my 9mm moonclipped or .38 special snubbies. Yes, it likes to be very clean and lubed.

 

[Hoffy]

Thanks...this kind of confirms my research. I think the 21A might be my next purchase.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have 3 of the 25 auto Beretta and they are as relieable as can be. If you are going this small get the 25 auto Yes little more expansive but more relieable as center fire and a little more power. Remember most 22 numbers you see are from a rifle nor a small pistol. 25 came about because the 22 pocket pistol were troubled with jams and miss fires.
25 ball has showned to go over 12" in jell test 22LR won't reach this number from a small pistol

 

[unreal45]

A friend of mine (really a friend not me) had a bobcat fire while the safty was engaged. I know it was engaged because I was there and saw the notch in the safety. The case did not extract because the slide was locked. He was pulling it from his ankle holster and it fired through his boot and into the floor. He was not injured but I never let him hear the end of it. He sent it to Beretta and they returned it months later covered in grime and said that nothing was wrong with it. He said he would never buy another Beretta. I am not bashing Beretta but this is a true story. I am sure most Berettas are reliable and this is not normal. But the customer service of Beretta left a lot to be desired. Let the pro Beretta flames begin.

 

[Lonestar49]

No Beretta flame, but..

...

Did your friend get his trigger finger fixed as well? Or did this gun fire on its own, safety-on, and all..?


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