10-Ring
Member
I had a chance to shoot a Tomcat over the weekend & made the mistake of liking it. Now, I'm trying to justify buying one. Somebody make the case for or against.
Help!
Help!
I have a Jetfire, do I need a Tomcat?
- Thread starter 10-Ring
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QuarterBoreGunner
Member
Does the trigger still break right at the frame?
That was my problem with the Tomcat; i really wanted to like this pistol... but just couldn't warm up to it.
I ended up buying a NAA 32 Guardian.
Plus the Tomcat seems really thick for what it is.
That was my problem with the Tomcat; i really wanted to like this pistol... but just couldn't warm up to it.
I ended up buying a NAA 32 Guardian.
Plus the Tomcat seems really thick for what it is.
Nick96
Member
My biggest issue with the Tomcat is the way my finger folds around the trigger at the first joint. That is, the flesh on both sides of the joint prevent the trigger from going all the way back to release the hammer. In other words, I'd have to consciencely make sure I pulled the trigger with the first pad of the trigger finger. Not good in a high stress situation.
Issue #2 - the Tomcat is really pretty big, heavy & fat for a "mouse gun". Weight and dimentions are approaching that of Kahr 9MM's.
Issue #3 - I know there will be some arguement here, but I don't see a huge ballistic advantage of a .32 over a .25 in an ultra close range, short barreled gun.
In a really small & light .32, I'd have to say the Kel-Tec P-32 is the best of the bunch. But, I've heard too many problem / failure stories with these to really trust them to work properly all the time. So for now anyway - the .25 Beretta Jetfire is my prefered mouse gun.
Now, if Beretta would produce a .32 of similar size & weight - and the same operating system of the .25 Jetfire - that would get my attention.
Issue #2 - the Tomcat is really pretty big, heavy & fat for a "mouse gun". Weight and dimentions are approaching that of Kahr 9MM's.
Issue #3 - I know there will be some arguement here, but I don't see a huge ballistic advantage of a .32 over a .25 in an ultra close range, short barreled gun.
In a really small & light .32, I'd have to say the Kel-Tec P-32 is the best of the bunch. But, I've heard too many problem / failure stories with these to really trust them to work properly all the time. So for now anyway - the .25 Beretta Jetfire is my prefered mouse gun.
Now, if Beretta would produce a .32 of similar size & weight - and the same operating system of the .25 Jetfire - that would get my attention.
Question for you guys: is the Jetfire a SA, a DA/SA, or a DAO?
I'm thinking about getting a Tomcat, for 2 reasons:
#1: I don't like the P32
#2: It's the only pocket-gun sized .32 I've seen that wasn't DAO. I'm not a DAO fan, I prefer DA/SA...
I'm thinking about getting a Tomcat, for 2 reasons:
#1: I don't like the P32
#2: It's the only pocket-gun sized .32 I've seen that wasn't DAO. I'm not a DAO fan, I prefer DA/SA...
tiberius
Member
Dave,
The Jefire is SA.
I thought exactly as you did and purchased a Tomcat a few years back. I only wanted a gun that could be cocked and fire SA if needed. After a trip back to Maryland to fix FTF and self disassembly problems the gun has worked very well. Its a nice shooter and reasonably accurate, but not as accurate as my M-20, which I love. As long as its clean and lubed it has been 100%.
I finally broke down a few month's back and picked up a KT P-32, I haven't carried the Berettas since. I found that for the intended purpose of the mouse gun, the DA only trigger is no hinderence to accurate shooting. The P-32 has a long but light trigger pull that is actually easier to master than the Berreta's. The P-32 is so much lighter and thinner than the Tomcat that it really can be an AMEX gun no matter what you are wearing.
The bottom line is that the Tomcat is a fine gun, but for the intended purpose, the P-32 is better in every way.
The Jefire is SA.
I thought exactly as you did and purchased a Tomcat a few years back. I only wanted a gun that could be cocked and fire SA if needed. After a trip back to Maryland to fix FTF and self disassembly problems the gun has worked very well. Its a nice shooter and reasonably accurate, but not as accurate as my M-20, which I love. As long as its clean and lubed it has been 100%.
I finally broke down a few month's back and picked up a KT P-32, I haven't carried the Berettas since. I found that for the intended purpose of the mouse gun, the DA only trigger is no hinderence to accurate shooting. The P-32 has a long but light trigger pull that is actually easier to master than the Berreta's. The P-32 is so much lighter and thinner than the Tomcat that it really can be an AMEX gun no matter what you are wearing.
The bottom line is that the Tomcat is a fine gun, but for the intended purpose, the P-32 is better in every way.
10-Ring
Member
Okay, the Tomcat is a nice gun, but is th jump from 25 to 32 enough tojustify owning both? Would I be better jumping up to a tiny Kahr 9mm?
tiberius
Member
OK, I THINK that it is DEFINITLY worth "upgrading" from a 950 to a P-32 becase you get a more powerful weapon in a similar size/weight package.
Once you start talking about the Tomcat, however, you are moving to a much bulkier package. Even though the measuremens of the Tomcat look pretty good, it is MUCH bulkier that the 950 or P-32.
That being said, the Tomcat is still a true pocket pistol while the Kahr is not.
If you really like the way the Tomcat feels, IMHO, it is worth the ~$300 it costs to upgrade your pocket pistol from .25 to .32.
If you only use it as a BUG and money is an issue at all, then no I wouldn't upgrade just to get a .32.
Also, how do you carry your 950? condition 1, 2 or 3? I use condtion 1 with my 1911's but am not sure that it is a good idea with the 950 in a pocket YMMV.
Once you start talking about the Tomcat, however, you are moving to a much bulkier package. Even though the measuremens of the Tomcat look pretty good, it is MUCH bulkier that the 950 or P-32.
That being said, the Tomcat is still a true pocket pistol while the Kahr is not.
If you really like the way the Tomcat feels, IMHO, it is worth the ~$300 it costs to upgrade your pocket pistol from .25 to .32.
If you only use it as a BUG and money is an issue at all, then no I wouldn't upgrade just to get a .32.
Also, how do you carry your 950? condition 1, 2 or 3? I use condtion 1 with my 1911's but am not sure that it is a good idea with the 950 in a pocket YMMV.
bad_dad_brad
Member
I am going to recommend, if the .32 upgrade is going to be carried in the pocket, to second those who like the P32. It is incredibly light - you really have to handle one, have it float out of your hand, to understand this. And it is very very thin. The Tomcat is okay, but if I (and I did) upgrade from a .25 Jetfire to a .32, I would go with the P32.
Sportcat
Member
I was wavering between the Tomcat and the P32. The P32 won. Lighther, thinner, easier to conceal. Either way, you'll get a very high-quality pistol.
sm
member
I had a Tomcat right after they came out. Great shooter, easy to point, almost "natural". At that time some problems were occurring, an LEO buddy sent his back numerous times. Armorer said " to be carried-not shot a lot". He and I won't carry what we can't shoot( practice with) He sold his, went back to his 042. I traded mine toward another 1911 I wanted more.
I liked the gun, had the Ashley dot set up, just didn't feel comfortable with what I heard--and I really wanted the 1911. I haven't heard of any problems in awhile, mine never missed a beat. LEO missed beats due to frame cracks...probably sorted out by now.dunno.
Yes they are a bit thick, a little hefty. Depends on how small one needs a BUG or mouse gun. I have never shot the little p-32(don't know why-jsut haven't). I do like the Jetfire because of his size, trigger, and they always seem to work.
I currently do not have any little fella's, not even a micro-revo NAA 22lr.
The smallest I carry is a P-11. or model 36.
Then again a full size 1911 sometimes hasn't felt big enough either.
I liked the gun, had the Ashley dot set up, just didn't feel comfortable with what I heard--and I really wanted the 1911. I haven't heard of any problems in awhile, mine never missed a beat. LEO missed beats due to frame cracks...probably sorted out by now.dunno.
Yes they are a bit thick, a little hefty. Depends on how small one needs a BUG or mouse gun. I have never shot the little p-32(don't know why-jsut haven't). I do like the Jetfire because of his size, trigger, and they always seem to work.
I currently do not have any little fella's, not even a micro-revo NAA 22lr.
The smallest I carry is a P-11. or model 36.
Then again a full size 1911 sometimes hasn't felt big enough either.
10-Ring
Member
Thanks for the suggestions, but last I checked, the Kel Tecs aren't approved for sale in CA.
As for the mode I carry my 950. Hammer at 1/2 cock & safety on in a in-the-pocket holster.
As for the mode I carry my 950. Hammer at 1/2 cock & safety on in a in-the-pocket holster.
BerettaNut92
Member
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And I wasn't invited because?
(why not a Cheetah 85?)
tiberius
Member
Thanks, that seems like a rather slow presentation then (cocking and safety removal). It sounds like you would benefit from the DA Tomcat.
10-Ring
Member
Presentation is pretty easy & fast. In my collection currently, my nex step up is a S&W mod 60, the 950 is the mousiest mousegun that felt okay in my hand. It's proven to be very dependable.
Skunk, my bad
on the invite. Did shoot a Cheetah 85 because none of the guys I shoot w/ has one
Skunk, my bad
on the invite. Did shoot a Cheetah 85 because none of the guys I shoot w/ has one Nick96
Member
I'm with Kevlarman. Full mag, one in the chamber and hammer down. It has an inertial firing pin - so it's flush with the bolt face with the hammer down. Therefore, I wouldn't carry it half or full cock. My 950's not as old as his (mine's a late 1980's model) and it did have the safety. But I removed it since a time or two it flicked on while shooting. It did nothing more than block the trigger from releasing the sear (didn't block the firing pin or hammer). So it wasn't a reliable safety for carrying with the hammer cocked. And tilting up the barrel and removing the round from the chamber is a much safer option than lowering the hammer. In other words, just a usless appendage (IMHO) to comply with the 1968 Gun Control Act and as a defence against products liability law suits (kind of like the current built in gun lock thing).
As for the SA operating system being quick into action - it's set up such that the hammer can be cocked safetly, securly and quickly. More likely to get an accurate first shot rather than the long pull of a DA or DAO. And simple - fewer moving parts to worry about.
As for the SA operating system being quick into action - it's set up such that the hammer can be cocked safetly, securly and quickly. More likely to get an accurate first shot rather than the long pull of a DA or DAO. And simple - fewer moving parts to worry about.
Pocket Pistol
Member
I have an Inox TOmcat.
Accurate, and nice to shoot.
I love mine.
Accurate, and nice to shoot.
I love mine.
Sounds like alot of you guys like the jetfire. I've been thinking about getting a mouse gun for some time (just haven't had the extra $ handy). I was planning on getting a tomcat, but now I'm thinking maybe a jetfire is the way to go? The main things I am looking for in a mouse gun are:
#1: Must be dependable. No jams. This is the most important factor for me
#2: Safe. Don't want the thing to go off in my pocket...
#3: Size. Small is good
#4: Caliber. This is last on my list cause no mouse gun has "stopping power" anyway...
So, what would be better for me do you think, Jetfire or Tomcat?
#1: Must be dependable. No jams. This is the most important factor for me
#2: Safe. Don't want the thing to go off in my pocket...
#3: Size. Small is good
#4: Caliber. This is last on my list cause no mouse gun has "stopping power" anyway...
So, what would be better for me do you think, Jetfire or Tomcat?
Kentucky Rifle
Member In Memoriam
I have an INOX Jetfire...
I'm going to keep it. I also went back to look at the titanium Tomcats. Gray beauties! However, yesterday the gun shop was sold out. I like them because they seem tighter. When you unlatch the barrel and put it in the "up" position, it stays tight and doesn't "wobble" around. I love the looks of the gray Ti Tomcat!
KR
I'm going to keep it. I also went back to look at the titanium Tomcats. Gray beauties! However, yesterday the gun shop was sold out. I like them because they seem tighter. When you unlatch the barrel and put it in the "up" position, it stays tight and doesn't "wobble" around. I love the looks of the gray Ti Tomcat!
KR
Nick96
Member
David 4516,
One nice thing about the 950 Jetfire is it's probably going to cost you around $100 less than a Tomcat. It's also a proven design that goes back to the 1950's (the Tomcat is a realitive new comer). Of all the .25's, the Jetfire is generally regarded as the most reliable (which I can vouch for from personal experience).
It's safe with a round in the chamber as long as you don't carry it around with the hammer cocked. The safety is useless, so don't rely on it at all.
It's much smaller than the Tomcat - and much lighter. It's also all metal if that means anything to you.
You are right about caliber. Anything under .38 +P or .380 Auto is going to be pretty weak.
There are other many good features as well. The slide design is such that it won't go out of battery if the muzzel end is pressed against something. Ergonomically the right size to get a good safe hold without being too large. Also the hammer to frame set up is such that it can be cocked quickly and safely (better first shot accuracy). Oddly enough, I don't experience "slide bite" though I have pretty large hands. Very simple & reliable innards. Single stack magazine for reliable feeding.
The only things I would change would be:
1. Offer it in .22LR (for cheap shooting).
2. Offer it in .32. Not a lot more umph - but some.
One nice thing about the 950 Jetfire is it's probably going to cost you around $100 less than a Tomcat. It's also a proven design that goes back to the 1950's (the Tomcat is a realitive new comer). Of all the .25's, the Jetfire is generally regarded as the most reliable (which I can vouch for from personal experience).
It's safe with a round in the chamber as long as you don't carry it around with the hammer cocked. The safety is useless, so don't rely on it at all.
It's much smaller than the Tomcat - and much lighter. It's also all metal if that means anything to you.
You are right about caliber. Anything under .38 +P or .380 Auto is going to be pretty weak.
There are other many good features as well. The slide design is such that it won't go out of battery if the muzzel end is pressed against something. Ergonomically the right size to get a good safe hold without being too large. Also the hammer to frame set up is such that it can be cocked quickly and safely (better first shot accuracy). Oddly enough, I don't experience "slide bite" though I have pretty large hands. Very simple & reliable innards. Single stack magazine for reliable feeding.
The only things I would change would be:
1. Offer it in .22LR (for cheap shooting).
2. Offer it in .32. Not a lot more umph - but some.
Nick96, thanks for the info. I don't mind all steel at all, I even prefer it (I carry a Makarov). . The more I hear about the jetfire the more I like it, I may have to get one. If it costs less that is also a plus, I'm a student so I don't have alot of cash...
Does it have the tip-up barrel like the Tomcat? If I got one I'd like to carry it with a round in the chamber, lowered hammer, saftey off, and the tip-up barrel would be very helpful...
Does it have the tip-up barrel like the Tomcat? If I got one I'd like to carry it with a round in the chamber, lowered hammer, saftey off, and the tip-up barrel would be very helpful...
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