My new Tomcat mousegun

[huaco]

I went to a gunshow last weekend intending to buy a pocket pistol. I had every intention to buy a Kel-Tec P-32 which was going for $209. I own a KT P-11 and it's been reliable but a bit large for a pocket gun and tough to shoot accurately with the long trigger pull. Not far from the P-32 was a Beretta Tomcat for $269. I had not researched the Tomcat but it really caught my attention since it has an external hammer, manual safety, and the double or single action trigger. The fit and finish looked good and I ended up taking it home with me. During the last week I have taken it apart a few times, fondled it a lot and become aware of the utility of the flip-up barrel and the fact that racking the slide is never necessary. When I started researching it on the web I found mixed opinions but the likes seemed to outnumber the dislikes. I was disturbed by the term "thousand round gun" so I hope they have worked out the bugs since it's been around for awhile.

I took it to the range this morning and put a box of ammo through it. It did just fine all 50 times. Seems to shoot a bit low and to the left but groups better than I expected for such a small pistol. I know a 32 is a marginal self defence round but a 32 that's available is better than a more respectable caliber that's out of reach. I've tried but my body shape and the way I dress just doesn't make IWB an option most of the time. I think this little guy is going to be close to me a lot.

The one thing I noticed is that there were some dings on the front edge of the spent brass and I found at least one that was a bit out of round. Rounds fit loosely in the chamber, actually rattling around just a bit. I've only used UMC ammo so far. Does any of this suggest a problem?

 

[Marko Kloos]

A Beretta Tomcat is my wife's primary handgun. I've owned three now, and never had an issue with reliability. Like a friend says, it feels and shoots like a much bigger gun, and it actually has useable sights. The only issue with our Tomcats have been the grip panel screws loosening under recoil, but that's easily fixed with Loctite.

 

[denfoote]

I might have to get one of these, after I get my next G19!!!!!

 

[10-Ring]

I know 3 people that own the Tomcat. They seem to be really satisfied owners.

 

[David4516]

I have been eyeballing the tomcat .32 for some time now. I'll probably buy myself one as soon as I have the cash. The funny thing is that this "back up gun" is going to cost me more than my primary did (Makarov)...

I'd like a pistol that I can stuff into my pocket for those times when carrying IWB is not convenient. I also like the DA/SA idea, all the other .32 pocket guns I've seen are DAO. I HATE the tigger pull on the Kel Tec P32, it is very long, and must be like 20 lb, I have to use 2 fingers on the darn thing.

I also like the idea of the tip-up barrel. I'd rather not rack the slide and then de-cock if I can avoid it. I noticed that on some pistols, the round you "de-cocked" on will often have a small dent in the primer. Seems like that wouldn't be something to worry about with the Tomcat...