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Beretta .32 Tomcat

rjc
I am contemplating the purchase of a Beretta Tomcat. I have heard of some problems with these in the past. I would like to hear from any of you who have had experiences with these guns, good or bad. Thanks.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • rjc
    Can someone tell me the differences between the INOX stainless Tomcat and a blued Tomcat? Why will the Crimson Trace grips only fit the blued model? Does anyone that owns one of these have any comments about it, good or bad? Thanks.
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  • GuvamintCheese
    .32 is an enemic caliber, I would go for the .380 in the new taurus or the ruger lcp, they are about the same size.
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  • moonshine
    I have one,it has fed and fired everything I put in it.
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  • nmyers
    Have you held one in your hand? It is surprisingly big & heavy for a small caliber pistol. There are several 9mm's that would make a better choice.

    Neal
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  • 5mmgunguy
    rjc welcome to the forum. Like already said the 32 ACP isn't really a good choice, I would go with a Kahr PM9.
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  • rjc
    Thanks for all your ideas guys. I have 2 SIG P239's and love them. I also have a J frame Centennial. I am looking for someting super small. I like the .32 better than the .25 or .22 choices out there. If the gun starts to get to the size of the SIG or J frame, I might as well just use them. If I empty a .32 in an assailant's face and turn around and run, I have to believe it will be effective. Maybe I'm wrong. It would be carried when I would consider myself in a low threat situation.
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  • Bamavol
    I have fired the Tomcat. The recoil is rather sharp for a 32. I like the Kel-tec better. However the ability to load with the tip-up barrel is a big plus, and the shape fits my hand. Don't worry about the 32 power, it will do what needs to be done. You will not be shooting goats at 200 yards.
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  • beantownshootah
    In my opinion, with the advent of small light guns in 380ACP, 32ACP is now obsolete.

    As in there is NO reason to buy a new gun in that caliber; the 380 guns are just as small and light (if not smaller and lighter) and significantly more powerful.
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  • Bill DeShivs
    .32 ACP is FAR from obsolete. Some people don't want their hand or wrist hurting every time they shoot. .380 and .32 are pretty comparable in power, but the .32 has less recoil and holds more ammunition.
    Because a (little) more powerful caliber is available in a slightly larger platform does not mean that everyone wants one.
    The Beretta is a bit larger than the Keltec .32 and it does recoil more, because it is a blowback.
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  • dcs shooters
    I got a rare Alley-Cat when they first came out. It feeds everything put thriugh it. I carry Silvertips in mine. Haven't found a better 32ACP HP for carry.
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by Bill DeShivs
    .32 ACP is FAR from obsolete. Some people don't want their hand or wrist hurting every time they shoot. .380 and .32 are pretty comparable in power, but the .32 has less recoil and holds more ammunition.
    Because a (little) more powerful caliber is available in a slightly larger platform does not mean that everyone wants one.
    The Beretta is a bit larger than the Keltec .32 and it does recoil more, because it is a blowback.

    Well, I won't get into an argument about what constitutes an "obsolete" firearm. I'd still rather have the .32 than nothing, and I'll concede that the tip-up feature makes it good for someone who has physical difficulty racking a small slide.

    But I have to disagree with your assessment on relative power and size.

    The numbers don't lie. Here are standard ballistic data:

    .380 acp = 90 grain .355 bullet @ 1000 fps for 200 ft-lbs muzzle energy.

    .32 acp = 65 grain .309 bullet @ 925 fps for 123 ft-lbs energy.


    In short, the .380 fires a bullet that is 38% heavier, punches a hole that is 31% bigger, yields 49% more momentum (ie "power factor") and over 60% more kinetic energy.

    Its not even close, and most authorities consider the .380 ITSELF to be marginal.

    If the .32 ACP were a hunting round, it would be inadequate for hunting 50 lb animals, yet its supposed to work for self defense against potentially intoxicated 200 lb humans?

    In terms of size, as mentioned, the Beretta Tomcat actually isn't all that small or light compared to a number of other "pocket" type pistols. It weighs 14 ounces, and is 125 mm long.

    Compare to the airweight Smith Centennial (model 642) at 15 ounces and 162mm long as a reasonable size benchmark.

    If you can't handle the recoil of a .380 and want something smaller, then so be it, though I question the plausibility of this scenario. .380 itself is pretty anemic, and I think most adults can handle it just fine.

    Since the author of the original question indicated that he's fine with the Sig 239 and Smith Centennial, I don't think recoil would be a limiting factor here.

    Again, there are a number of .380 guns of the same overall size as the Beretta, and considerably less weight. There are also smaller .32s available (eg Kel-Tec and Seecamp).

    If you're considering the .32 Beretta, this chart is a really good overall comparison of similar size small caliber pocket guns detailing all relevant specs with good images:

    http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf
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