Beretta 3032 Tomcat: The Full Review

An in depth review on my second Tomcat.

[@keithandrews1307]

I'm with the earlier commenter. This gun, along with the Bobcat, the Cheetah, and the 92, are guns for the ages. If I could only have four pistols it would be the before mentioned Berettas. Hands down, no question about it. There's just something about them that draws you to their design. They are, in fact, the only guns I could not do without. DA/SA, all metal, and solid. Nothing on the market quite compares, and no collection would be complete without them. So yeah, call me a fan.

[@user-kb2tf2bf1p]

Correct on third degree from CS even under warranty. Yet I own multiple Berettas cause big ones Rock. Great review.

[@LB-kk3kw]

Have the stainless inox and love it!

[@FL-Kman]

6’5” lefty here. I usually carry a hk p2000, but the summers are hot here in fl. Just picked up one of these, if i am wearing really light clothing its perfect. Also a good back up to my hk p2k in normal attire. I had a p938 and it jammed a lot, slide would get stuck racking the rounds, no matter how much i cleaned. Tomcat hasnt let me down yet.

[@roguetrooper2138]

I love this gun😀. Everything is right about it. The only reason I give it an ?, is because it comes with 1 mag. Tip up barrel is perfect. People do get arthritis.

[@mikepreslar8686]

It also makes it a much safer tool to clear, check and gives you 1 more round.

[@saramuniz9058]

Pretty cool gun as soon as l can lm going to get me one

[@scott2228]

I picked 1 of these up a few months ago. It’s in FDE and has a treaded barrel. Looks like a baby M9A4. Which I have. So it’s funny to show side by side. Beretta just offered a huge discount on them bc they launched the 30X at Shotshow 2024. Picked up my 3032 Tomcat for $250 brand new. Couldn’t pass that up. Currently suppressor shopping for it. Just because.

[@jonboz2577]

Well, your video came at just the right time for me. I'm seriously considering the Tomcat, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger (bad pun) due to the problem with firing pins breaking, as well as the frame breaks. I think the 3032 is absolutely gorgeous, and I'll probably end up getting one. I guess the take home is: do NOT dry fire it and use rounds that are not overpowered. BTW, I've also got an Italian made 92FS, and M9_22 and a 101_22 and love all of them. Thanks for the review.

[@billredding2000]

I have 2 of them, but both are the "inox" (stainless-steel) versions. NO issues with cracked frames with the inox guns. That frame-cracking stuff was YEARS ago and has been addressed. Regardless, get an inox Tomcat if you're still concerned... -- BR

[@johnscreekmark]

I prefer the old, thin-slide version. The “frame crack” is not actually a crack in the frame. It’s a crack in the thin, aluminum cover over the trigger mechanism. All you have to do is make a slight relief cut over the crack and there will be no slide operation issues.

[@ollielarsen3538]

I like mine. I conceal carry it in warmer weather due to it's size for comfort. During cold weather I carry my 9mm under my jacket. The Tomcat is a little heavy but it feels nice in my hands and is so quick to get back on target.

[@jagpilotohio]

Larry Olsen same here. Tomcat in summer in pocket holster, p365 in winter IWB.

[@Chief2Moon]

Happy to say I agree with you guys, it's one of my favorites (right up there with my other favorites), accurate, no jams, no stovepipes, no failure to feed, no complaint whatsoever....On second thought I love it!

[@rcbishop7580]

Tomcat in summer, ppk/s or pps in winter

[@lynnkramer1211]

The tip up barrel is good, unless there is a misfire. The gun will not eject a dud. Even if you can rack the slide, the dud round will not come out you will double feed. You will need to pop up the barrel and likely need to ramp the dud out the breach with a dowel or a pencil. If you are in a defense situation, you are fucked my friend. Also the gun many times ejects a live round from the mag along with the previous spent shell. This happens with new guns especially. Never carry a new Tomcat for CCW until you have maybe 100 rounds through the gun.

[@apuzyr]

Honest review. My DA is light and smooth. Since I had the diminutive Jetfire model, I had to get it a friend. BTW, don’t remove the left grip, the safety/spring design is similar to a 1911 but reinstalling it is a $@#% nightmare.This is primarily due to its size and how the grip must be reinserted on an angle to hold everything in place.

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

I have one myself from Tennessee I just picked up just to put into my collection Dave from customer service at Beretta told me that if you do shoot more than 130 muzzle energy out of the gun it will crack the frame even on the new ones out of Tennessee. He said go to cheaper than dirt even if you don’t buy the ammo from them and there info will give you the muzzle energy on 32 ACP‘s. I’m thinking that a lot of people during World War II was used also an older person that can’t rack the slide so it’s easier for them to load and shoot with that cal. I personally like the Kel tec 2nd gen 32 Browning type lock up and has your hold open on the last shot. Kel tec recommend using Corbon for self defense what do you won’t have that single action capability like to tomcat if you’re into that.

[@billredding2000]

True on using only the "standard power" .32ACP ammo: There was a card in the box of my 3032 stating just that. However, the heavier slide on my inox (thicker/stainless-steel slide) version (makes the gun look "fat" if you will) also helps as it soaks up more of the recoil forces going to the fame via the slide. As I said earlier, I've NEVER heard of a inox Tomcat having any frame-cracking issues. -- BR

[@Chief2Moon]

I carry mine as you do (cocked&locked with safety on), but I just have no complaints & I'm a little surprised you had so many. Never a problem with my Tomcat, never would I get rid of it. Admittedly I shoot standard pressure rounds.& I never need to rack the slide.

[@BarnOwlProject]

The only real problem is one that i think I personally caused. Which was slowing down the slide and causing jams. The rest are minor complaints and observations lol. I like the little critter though.

[@Chief2Moon]

BarnOwl Project I liked your video, it was well done. I'm a righthanded shooter so the mag release doesn't bother me, nor do I find the barrel hard to close....but I do find it too stiff to bother racking the slide,& also firing in double action mode is tough enough that I usually carry it as I mentioned.

[@roberthill3207]

Love my 3032 shoots dead nuts. You should order a trigger return spring if you intend to leave it cock for long periods of time mine snapped. It is an easy replacement/fix. Also for shits and giggles I've learned to rack a round one handed. Excellent video have a great day.

[@FL-Kman]

How the fuck do you rack it one handed??

[@anthonyross9276]

Aww what a cute little guy! I cannot knock.32 acp. As you know the wife carries a browning 1911 in .380.

[@billredding2000]

Other "1911 style" choices would include the Sig-Sauer P238, Kimber Micro and Springfield 911 -- all 3 are "mini 1911s" if you will, and all .380ACP. Inspired by the Colt Mustang, IIRC... -- BR

[@johnnybeanz1296]

Nice vid. I have one and like it a lot. Two comments: 1. mag extenders are available which allow your pinky to fit on. No extra rounds. 2. This gun is really cool but has some issues,as you pointed out. Not a great value if all you want is a usable pocket gun. But, if you can ignore the quirks, it’s just a fun gun to have and is likely to hold its value. But maybe I’m weird but I also really like the naa pug. P.s. lucky gunner recommends finnnochi (sp?)

[@rcbishop7580]

Fiocchi*

[@lilmike3121]

I have one I had problems with the critical defense that Hornady made, i shot a pumpkin and it pieced the front and blew out all the back

[@talonsqz]

Any updated thoughts on 3032x

[@robclinton9249]

I'm having trouble with the PMC .32 ammo in both HP & FMJ. Cases are out of round after being fired. Hanging up and not ejecting reliably. PMC has a case forming or annealing problem? Looking for other ammo before sending gun in for a repair.

[@scott2228]

Interesting. I’ve got a box of each as well. Not seeing any issues. PMC is what my range carries so it’s all I’ve put through my Tomcat so far.

[@FatManLeather]

32acp was good enough for James Bond. I have the Taurus TCP 380 (I think I paid $150 new) for my pocket gun and use FMJ ammo in it, don't trust the hollow points.

[@BarnOwlProject]

Yessir. Them hollowpoints. Meh. I'll do more research though

[@karenstjohn6759]

@@christopherjackson3455 His Beretta was .25, his Walther was .32.

[@sidneywhite749]

Never take a knife to a gun fight.

[@rogerioalmeida4700]

Nice vídeo! One question...I'm thinking about to buy, but Beretta 21a .22 LR or Beretta 3032 .32 ACP for all finalities, CCW, backup and more, IOL? Thank you!

[@billredding2000]

@ Rogerio: IMO, it's not the caliber that matters (as much as many people think) -- it's being able to hit your target accurately, even a very SMALL target. The smaller the caliber, the better shot one has to be...it's kind of like David facing Goliath: You'd BETTER be accurate! If you are, even a .22LR will do. Larger calibers have more "wiggle room" in bullet placement -- smaller calibers don't. ;-) I have 2 Beretta 21As...they make excellent ankle-holster guns...or in a pocket -- but with a pocket holster for proper orientation at all times so you can get a proper grip and quick/smooth draw (don't be fishing for a loose gun in a pocket that could be in who knows what position). Good luck, -- BR

[@rogerioalmeida4700]

@@billredding2000 Thank you!

[@billredding2000]

@@rogerioalmeida4700 You're welcome -- FWIW. -- BR

[@keithandrews1307]

Buy both and never look back. Hell, buy a 380 Cheetah while you're at it. I literally love these guns. They are purchases you will never regret. And if you do...I'll buy em from ya.

[@22jeepmojave75]

I just ordered two more extra mags.

[@backyardblowoutsfirearmsch572]

Mine always fires and cycles fine but I have an older one

[@sidneywhite749]

Ever seen an Alley Cat?

[@WickederThanThou]

Nothing above 130 fpe. That might be a deal breaker for me.

[@sparky_-mf2cs]

Sucks . anyways im shooting watever i can get my hands on. 32 acp not easy to find

[@howardschwartz1462]

What ammunition do you recommend

[@BarnOwlProject]

Ignore me. I'm an idiot lol. Wrong video. Hornady makes a nice load. But fmj seems to be the way to go so far

[@billredding2000]

@ Howard: Get any .32ACP ammo made with Hornady's excellent XTP (HP) bullet. As for FMJs, it doesn't matter which brand as long as it feeds/functions in the gun. BTW, same advice for .380ACP and 9mm: Hornady XTP/HPs as well. "American Gunner" (Hornady) or Fiocchi "Extrema" are two good choices. -- BR

[@birage9885]

I just watched a review of this gun, and the guy said just the opposite of just about everything you complained about on this gun, interesting.

[@BarnOwlProject]

Thats whats cool about gun ownership. What works for one may not work for another. Hope ye still took something away from both.

[@birage9885]

@@BarnOwlProject I own one of these Tomcats, and I think it is a nice gun, but the width of the gun and its weight is something that should be reduced. Otherwise, it shoots nice and accurate and doesn't pocket snag for me, and I love the flip up barrel. The price is not low either. Some deterrents, but some good things as well. I agree with you, it is individualized, and I appreciate your take on it, I like to hear the bad with the good.

[@waynebernard-mc5zv]

Not sure what Tomcat they received but the one I purchased is terrible, triggle pull weight between 10.5 - 11.5#, trigger edges sharp and will bite you finger. Shot less than 3 mag's and put in back in the bag. Notified Beretta of the issue, have not heard back yet. As of now, a waste of money and the worst Beretta I have owned

[@Slinkylabcat]

Aw. She had a little baby.

[@MeanOneMeanOne]

You could have just saved us all some time, and quit the huffing and puffing, and just tell us you don't care for the pistol.Thumbs up either way.

[@BarnOwlProject]

I like the pistol. I had just come off covid and a brain injury so I apologize for the breathing issues