Beretta Tomcat .32 Auto versus Beretta Bobcat .22 LR

J

JacRyan

Inactive
I originally posted this over at AR15.com, but as I've found similar (though not directly on point) threads and very knowledgable members at TFL, thought I'd post it here to see what you think.

Here's the link: http://forums.ar15.com/Forum3/HTML/019497.html

And the text:
Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you were considering either of the two above pocket pistols for backup carry in a CCW legal state as a private citizenn or as an LEO off-duty or deep cover gun. You'll carry bigger and better when you can, but this is the "better to have a mouse gun on you than a .45 in the car" gun. Here's a link to the Beretta homepage: http://www.berettausa.com/stainlesssteel.htm
Which would you choose and why? One argument in favor of the .22 is that you'll but able to buy a ton of cheap ammo and get very proficient with the pistol. But, as marginal as the .32 is, it's better than the .22 LR, right?

Anyone know what these pistols go for retail? Stainless steel versus standard black (aren't Beretta's done in "Bruniton," or something like that)?

Any other pistols in the <$200 price range to consider? (Not the Seecamp, thank you very much!)

TIA
 
I own both. Both are parkerized.

The LAST gun I'd consider for personal defense is a Beretta rimfire! The reason? The little Beretta guns don't have an extractor. Misfires that occur with the Beretta rimfire models are very difficult to clear. The firing pin indentation at the rim of the case effectively swages the misfired cartridge to the breech. To remove a misfired cartridge you need to either pry it out from the breech end (a small pocket knife works well) or insert a rod down the muzzle to push it out.

Misfires that occur with the small Beretta centerfire models can be cleared with ease compared to the rimfire models.

I'd choose a small Beretta in .25 ACP in preference to a small Beretta in .22 LR. I'd choose .32 ACP over .25 ACP. I own small Berettas in all three calibers.

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/s/ Shawn Dodson
Firearms Tactical Institute
http://www.firearmstactical.com
 
I wouldn't choose either of the Berettas in the situation you describe. I'd opt for a smaller and/or lighter .32, my favorite being the Keltec P32. I'd also consider the NAA Guardian, though my P32 has been more reliable than my Guardian. If I was going to carry something the size of the Tomcat, it would be my Colt Mustang Pocketlite. In addition to being the same size, it shoots a better round, the .380.
 
The Tomcat has...serious reliability/durability issues. I'm talking serious issues.

SERIOUS issues.

If I were a judgemental type, I would call the guna POS. But I'm not, and I've never owned one...I've just noted that 4 of the 5 I've seen in action were abysmal little jam monkies. Of course, the 5th was fine...I guess it just depends on how into gambling you are.

Mike

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"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein
 
I have a little tomcat in 32 and it has functioned flawlessly, only one jam and that was due to a really light load. For such a small cartridge it really packs a whalop.
I also like the tilt barrel. JMO
 
Coronach raises the issue of reliability with the Beretta .32. There is a lot of copy in the gun mags and on sites such as this about that issue. I think that much of the reliability issues have been taken care of. I speak from a sample of one. I have had my .32 for over two years, put 500 or so rounds through it and have never had a functioning problem. Having said that I would not be careful carrying this pistol as a CCW self defense piece. If the situation is a .32 a .22 or no weapon at all then I would opt for the .32 with the best ammo I could buy for it.
 
Lord! I'm glad I don't have to make my living as a keyboard typist. In my previous post read "comfortable" not careful. I would not be "comfortable" carrying a .32 as a concealed weapon. Of course I would be careful. Stupid, stupid, stupid. My apologies.
 
As long as you place the bullets well with a .22 and have good ammo, you can lay a BG down to rest.

I am getting a .22 Beretta for those summer days.

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Bling Bling
 
I chose the .25ACP Beretta Jetfire.
I practice with Fiocchi FMJ and carry it with Magsafe hollow points.
I usually have a larger caliber pistol on my hip. Magsafes are pretty devistating. The little blurb on the package says, 1750fps/150ft-lbs from a Beretta 21. I got the new stainless model. I've only had it for a few months, but it hasn't had any malfunctions.

Will
 
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