Does Anyone Have A Beretta Tomcat That They Actually Like ?

M

Mike H

New member
I have long favored the Tomcat in .32 ACP as a carry option (even though I can't carry anything more dangerous than a Swiss army penknife here) particularly where circumstance prevents anything larger being carried. It is a little larger and a lot heavier than most other "pocket rockets" in .32 which suits me fine. Trouble is I read time and time again that the gun is a POS that cannot take more than a thousand rounds without blowing out its extractor of suffering terminal trigger linkage failure. So do those of you who own or have experience of this weapon agree or is it still a worthy contender ?

Regards,

Mike H
 
I must have an odd one. Mine is well past the 1000 rnd mark (about 1800 I believe) and it is still strong and sturdy with little sign of wear. After about 100 rounds of dry-slide break in it became nearly perfect in the reliability department also.

I have other guns that suit me better for that type of carry so I don't take it out much anymore. My wife, however, has taken a liking to it and has been carrying it everywhere for the last couple of months.

Judging from other reports we've heard on this gun, I’d hesitate to recommend it as a "contender," but I've sure been pleased with mine.
 
I had two -- but they were EARLY versions. Beretta has probably cleaned up its act since then, and the new stainless ones are probably stronger. (Emphasis on HAD. The first was replaced under warranty, and the second failed enough times that I lost confidence in it. Both were great shooting guns, and very accurate. And after 1000 rounds or so, the triggers became quite nice.) I traded it in on a Kel-Tec P-11, and that has recently been replaced by a Star Firestar Plus.

That said, I've given up on .32s for personal defense. But if you feel a .32 is necessary (and there may be situations where nothing else is suitable), then I'd go the Kel-Tec P-32 route. Much smaller, lighter, with locked breech (allowing the use of Plus P ammo). Less expensive, too.


[This message has been edited by Walt Sherrill (edited October 05, 2000).]
 
Yes, I have had mine for about 6 mo now. The first few boxes of ammo I had a lot of problems with. (Fiocchi 60 gn JHP.) I had the entire spring assembly come apart on me the first day at the range. And more feed jams then I knew what to do with. Since then I've moved to Fiocchi FMJ's and have had no problem. The slide pull is a lot smoother now and it always goes bang when I pull the trigger. There is a little wear on the lower part where the slide stops, and the blueing is comming off on the saftey. I have NEVER had a FTF or any problem with the first shot and I attribute the feed problems with the flatnose of the Fiocchi JHP and a limp wrist.

Now to be honest with you I'd probably get a Guardian or a P-32 now, But that's only because of size and price. But right now I'm well into my Cat for another $100 or so on mags and holsters so it's my gun.

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"Take your weapon with reluctance. Draw it with dread. Grieve for those who fall to your bullets. But make every shot count."-Robert Shea
 
A guy at work ordered a blue one and shot it once or twice. Then he asked me, without comment, to take it and shoot it. I did and it was reliable, but it had the absolute worst trigger I have ever seen, DA or SA, in my 50 years. I hope they fix that nasty, crunchy, creepy, heavy POS for him, but still can't believe this is the same company that makes such nice shotguns. John
 
The one I know is a P.O.S. - It will be traded ASAP.

But if you really want one, don't let me stop ya... Would love to hear ya got a good one.

YMMV...
 
I've had mine since early 1997. A small burr at the firing pin hole on the breech face caused a few feeding problems when I first shot it. Polishing the breech face with a hard Arkansas stone fixed that problem. I haven't experienced any other problems since. It feeds and shoots everything I load in it. I've fitted mine with Pearce grips. I can hit targets out to 50 yards with it. Mine has been reliable performer.

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/s/ Shawn Dodson
Firearms Tactical Institute
http://www.firearmstactical.com
 
I've said for a long time I must have the only decent one on this board. It is what I carry when I'm not carrying. I've shot USA and Gold Dots in it with less than five malfunctions. It will bite the piss out of your hand. I do prefer my *&* 442.
 
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