Clearing Beretta Tomcat Malfunction

In helping out with Women On Target, some of the older ladies have really taken to the Beretta Tomcat due to the small size, minimal recoil, and tip up barrel that negates the need to rack the slide. This video looks at malfunctions - induced for the purposes of the video - and how the Tomcat is much harder to clear than other semi-auto handguns. It is something to consider for those with limited hand strength when it comes to choosing a handgun.

[@127AFS]

As someone who owns a Tomcat, this is definitely a valid concern to bring up. That being said, in all the times I've fired mine I think I've only ever had two issues. One was a magazine feeding issue and the other was a stove pipe that wasn't difficult to clear. In my experience, .32 ammo, especially the defense-oriented ones, tend to be VERY reliable. But if I ever did have a failure to fire, ejecting the round would be as simple as holding the pistol level and clicking the barrel release. As long as the barrel is properly maintained and not gummed up with 100s of rounds worth of fowling, the snap caps I mix in with my live rounds ALWAYS tumble away easily. Then all I have to do is click the barrel back down and rack the slide. If I've already been firing the gun, the hammer is already back and racking the slide isn't that hard at all. Yes, getting this quirky process down to a reflex takes a bit of practice, but it isn't impossible. The only times this clearing process wouldn't work is if you got a double feed while firing, or if somehow a spent case expanded to the point where it got stuck in the barrel. But these particular malfunctions can be tricky to clear in almost ANY firearm, not just the Tomcat. To me though, if you use good ammo, maintain your piece, and load your magazines carefully, these problems should be all but nonexistent.

[@ronquixote1739]

It is more of an issue with the Bobcat than Tomcat due to the fact that 22lr is the least reliable ammunition while 32 ACP is a centerfire cartridge. Remember that one of the big selling points is that the shooter doesn't need to rack the slide, which I've found to be a major consideration for some of the older ladies at Women On Target. If a round doesn't fire (bad primer, snap cap, just doesn't feed for some reason, etc), the shooter has to pop the barrel, clear the failed round or recognize the chamber is empty, push the barrel back into position, and then rack the slide - likely after trying before realizing that the hammer is down - that they bought the gun specifically to not have to rack. All under the stress of whatever caused them to start shooting to begin with. The other option is to drop the magazine, strip the top round out of the magazine (harder than with most magazines), re-insert the magazine, pop the barrel up, drop in the loose round, close the barrel and then get back to shooting. My point isn't that the Tomcat (or even Bobcat) are bad guns or bad carry options. The simplicity angle doesn't hold up if there is a failure. As I point out in the video, a 22 mag LCR makes it a much easier process--just pull the trigger again. I don't have a Shield EZ but that would also be in the easier to clear category.

[@talltimbot]

For my Beretta Tomcat I use only PMC full metal jacket 71 grain 32acp.... 16+ boxes (50 cartridges each) since 2019 and perfect feed every time

[@ronquixote1739]

I don't see feeding as being a problem so much as a problem with the round itself. If it goes click when it should go bang, the traditional clearing method (slap-rack-roll) is much more difficult given the limited surface area of the Tomcat/Bobcat. If the dud round does eject when the barrel is tipped up, the user then has to manually cycle the pistol (again, more difficult than other pistols) or remove the magazine, strip off the top round, drop it into the chamber, re-insert the magazine, lock down the barrel....and only then get back to defending herself.

[@jimp7010]

This is a very confusing video. He's talking about a tomcat then a bobcat, .32ACP then .22. They are totaly different calibers and guns. Also, jaming in a fired case that is expanded to the bore diameter will always be a problem in any gun.

[@ronquixote1739]

Sorry for the confusion. I'm talking about the Tomcat (which is in the video) and Bobcat (22, not in the video) because they function the same. The Bobcat's rimfire ammo is less reliable than the centerfire 32 ACP ammo the Tomcat uses. Both guns have the same operating system - as does the newly released 30x and Girsan 14T - so that is why I am speaking of both in the video. The reason I inserted a fired case is to show that the lack of extractor means that a failure to extract a fired case is much harder to clear than in a typical semi-auto handgun. Interestingly, I saw in the latest American Rifleman issue an ad for a Girsan 14T magazine with a spare round held at the bottom of the baseplate. Why? Because if the gun malfunctions the shooter can tip up the barrel - just like with the Tomcat - and strip the spare round from the bottom of the magazine baseplate to drop into the barrel. Girsan is responding to problems people have had with malfunctions. For the Berettas you'd have to carry a spare round in a pocket to avoid the overly laborious clearing process needed for the Tomcat/Bobcat....and still take so much more time than would be spent clearing a malfunction in, say, a Smith & Wesson EZ.

[@lynnkramer1211]

@@ronquixote1739 Whenever I hear "Most People", I stop listening right then and there. I am not Most People. You need to use your own brain, you are not a sheep, or are you? You are not helping people who may be less able than you are, so you can just move on or blow it out your backside.🖕

[@ronquixote1739]

@@lynnkramer1211 Too bad. Had you listened to the end of the sentence you'd have heard references to some much higher profile gun-tubers who have shown 32 ACP is better than most people believe.

[@contractki11er]

I've had several FTEs with the Tomcat/Bobcat, I gave the chamber a light polishing and that seems to have remedied that issue as well as increased feed reliability, about 400 rounds into the Bobcat since and it's been pretty happy. Most range days with the Bobcat has been an exercise in clearing malfunctions but hopefully no longer!

[@ronquixote1739]

With the Bobcat the bigger issue to me is the unreliability of rimfire ammunition compared to centerfire ammunition used by the Tomcat. A bad round can lead to a much more complicated clearing operation than a standard pistol like a Ruger LCP in 22--slap, rack, and roll.

[@contractki11er]

@@ronquixote1739 That's very true!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Ive had my 3032 Tomcat Inox model now for few years. It great pistol price of it has gone up some since i purchased mine.

[@ronquixote1739]

When Beretta had the 30x in development they had a $150 rebate and I was seeing online prices of $400. Add shipping, maybe tax, transfer fee and that still doesn't hit $500. Then deduct the rebate and the total cost was running about $350--great deal. I didn't do the video to bash the Tomcat but rather to show a potential issue I hadn't seen highlighted anywhere. Since I did the video I saw that Girsan sells a magazine with a spare round clipped to the bottom of the magazine of their tip of 380--presumably to sidestep the problem of clearing a malfunction and then needing to get a round into the barrel without manually cycling the action.

[@NomadicHacker.]

The tomcat doesn't have an extractor so its not going to extract without pressure in the barrel Excellent points to consider. I was actually thinking about a tomcat for my wife(have tried many different firearms and have had difficulty finding one she can carry regularly) with good ammo I wouldn't be too worried about carrying a tomcat but definitely something to keep in mind. Thanks for the very informative video Keep up the good work!

[@ronquixote1739]

Glad you found it useful. I hadn't seen a video addressing malfunctions in the pistol. I'd be much more concerned about the Bobcat, given rimfire ammo has more issues than centerfire, but a bad primer could really be a problem with the Tomcat as well. If you can get your hands on one, you might have her take a look at a Colt 1903--very slim, no sharp corners, a manual safety with grip safety. The only downsides are the heel magazine release and dismal sights but @TFBTV did a video on a 1903 he inherited and sent off to have milled for a red dot....which means it is possible to have better sights installed if you don't want to go the red dot route.

[@NomadicHacker.]

@@ronquixote1739 I was also considering a North American arms guardian in 32 they don't have good factory sights, however you can get it milled for better sights including tritium through their custom shop (although they are currently not taking orders due to demand) my wife currently has a glock 43 and finds it to long so the 1903 probably would be as well. I watched that video last night it was quite interesting. Thanks for the reply and great reporting. Keep up the good work

[@ronquixote1739]

@@NomadicHacker. Have you looked at the Kel-Tec P32? I did a video with it and the Tomcat. The sights aren't great but better than the 1903. It is about the length/length as the Tomcat or Guardian but with the width as the 1903.

[@NomadicHacker.]

@@ronquixote1739 I've owned a keltec pf9 (emphasis on owned lol) I had to contact the factory multiple times and finally send it to to even get it running. It rather ruined them for me. As a concept I love the p32, only 7oz and super thin, I want one for myself as a deep carry option but it's hard to trust that it would run

[@ronquixote1739]

@@NomadicHacker. KelTec has issues, to be sure. Honest Outlaw had a KS7 shotgun come apart in his hands while doing a review, for example. The P32 is the exception--works very well and I've never heard of them having issues--mine has been 100% reliable. I do understand swearing off gun companies whose products failed you though.

[@Paelorian]

Thanks for a useful video! Those pop-up barrels are appealing to people with limited hand strength, but you demonstrated why they may be inappropriate, especially for self-defense. Better to get a gun with a slide specifically designed to be easy to rack, like the S&W EZ series, or a revolver. No problems overcoming a tough recoil spring with those. Good on you to also mention the heavy triggers on rimfire revolvers. I love .32s, and want to get a Kel-Tec P-32 to carry myself. But I'm highly motivated to train and practice. New shooters are often highly attracted to the guns that are easiest to carry, like small mouseguns and J-frames, but they can be the most difficult to shoot well and operate. One of the biggest factors to consider is how often the owner is going to shoot and maintain the pistol. If they're going to rarely or never shoot it, perhaps never even maintain it (maybe someone else will for them, maybe not), then they have different requirements. Like a gun that's so simple and easy to use that it will work even if they forget everything they learned about how to work it after leaving it in the sock drawer for a decade. And if they're really not going to touch it, something that will work despite a lack of maintenance is important. For someone with limited hand-strengh, I'd look at those S&W EZs and similar guns or a revolver. I don't think the EZs come in anything smaller than .380, but they're larger modern guns that are light and designed to be particularly easy to operate. Then there's a wide variety of double-action revolvers, including the Ruger LCR you mentioned or the even lighter (often too light) S&W AirLites. It's nice shooting .38s or .32s. .32 H&R could be a good choice. Ammo cost isn't relevant if the owner isn't shooting. If the gun isn't even being carried, a larger revolver could be selected like a Chiappa Rhino, which has little recoil in .38 and is an easy 9mm option. For real ease of shooting and handling, as an alternative to an .32 ACP like the Beretta Tomcat in this video, I'd suggest a .32 Long. The recoil is very light, and a .32 Long wadcutter is still potent (though I do prefer the higher velocity ones). No heavy rimfire trigger like a .22 revolver, but still very easy to shoot, and the guns are just as light. It's available in the lightest small revolvers, including the Ruger LCR (chambered for .327 Magnum) and the discontinued S&W AirLite in .32 H&R Magnum. .32 Long wadcutters aren't that hard to find, since they've got a long-standing following in target shooting.

[@ronquixote1739]

Glad you found it useful. The KelTec P32 may be a good fit for those who don't shoot regularly as it has no manual safety and the same trigger pull each time. I've done a video of the P32 and Tomcat. When size isn't an issue the Rhino and EZ pistols you mention are good options. 32 long out of a 32 H&R Mag is about as good as the recoil sensitive can expect in a revolver, though I really wish someone would make a 32 ACP version. The biggest gun store in my state has plenty of 32 ACP but only a box or two of 32 Long, no H&R or 327 Federal.

[@600miles]

LCP II 22LR Lite Rack is for sure easy to rack and lots of fun to shoot 10 rounds. Also enjoy my Tomcat and easier to carry than my Kimber Micro 9.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@600miles There are a number of small, more traditional, options and the Ruger has similar height/length (but thinner) to the Tomcat. A Kel-Tec P32 is also in that same height/length category but fires the more reliable centerfire 32 ACP. It isn't for everyone as it is DAO and the very thin grip takes getting used to an won't fit everyone's hands.

[@lynnkramer1211]

You are missing the point. .32 auto is low recoil and low muzzle rise/flip. These are pocket guns and SW Shield EZs and others are hard recoiling and hard to manage for some people. No one is going to be using this for long range shooting or bear control. These are to make a bad guy run away and leave you alone. No one, not even a crack head likes to get shot even a little. No one is going to use one for law enforcement or military purposes, although many troops had them tethered around their necks in Desert Storm. Your way of thinking gets people victimized.

[@jaybirdtapsnracks3460]

Just picked up one of these, used excellent 2005 model for $300, as an "always wanted one". Was considering pocket carrying it, got to this video with "3032 how to clear malfunctions" and realized I will NOT be carrying it. Nice addition to the collection, however. Thank you for the info.

[@ronquixote1739]

Glad you found it useful. With quality ammo it shouldn't be an issue with the Tomcat so much as the rimfire Bobcat but a bad round at the wrong time would be a nightmare to clear compared to any "normal" semi-auto. I hadn't seen that possible issue covered anywhere and did the video to show the reality of a clearance drill. As an aside, if the bad round does eject - unfired case should be easier to remove as it hasn't expanded - the options are then to manually cycle the action or remove the magazine, strip off the top round, drop that into the chamber, reinsert the magazine and only then fire.

[@robertk407]

Brought my new one to the range today. I got through only one mag without a malfunction. FTE mostly but a couple FTF as well. 100 rounds of PMC 71 grain ball low pressure as recommended by manufacturer.Held the little thing tight so no limp wristing.. It was an exhausting exercise in clearing the weapon. Going to keep shooting hoping it will break in because its a very cool little piece.

[@ronquixote1739]

Wow. I haven't heard of a Beretta Tomcat or Bobcat having that many issues. I did the video because clearing in the event of a malfunction is something that people who buy the pistol in order not to have to rack the slide, it is a time consuming process to clear it. The Tomcat/Bobcat doesn't have an extractor, relying on the reciprocating slide and open top for ejection. You might look at the chamber and see if there is anything like a burr slowing down an expanded case. You can also hit it with a lot more lubricant than should be necessary and see if that helps.

[@SirEpifire]

I've been haggling with PMC 71 grain to no avail. 150 or so rounds in and I still get random FTF where the slide isn't coming all the way back. These semi-rimmed cartridges, plus the heavy slide spring, lead me to believe the low energy rounds are too light for this gun. I'm gonna try a 60 grain bullet with a slightly higher velocity. It ships with a 130 lbs muzzle energy on the warning and most 60 grain selections only go around 133, so I'm gonna try and go for it. I carry the gun all the time, when the weather is too warm for my full sized shoulder rig setup under a coat. So I'd rather rock on up to the prescribed limit and see if that fixes the issue. It's the late issue, "fat cat" slide; so personally I think it'll handle it.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@SirEpifire I've fired various types of range and defense ammo through mine without having issues--except a case of GECO ammo I had that looked like it had been exposed to some kind of chemical and none of my other 32s liked it either. It may be worth sending the pistol in for service.

[@SirEpifire]

@@ronquixote1739 It's an odd issue for me, as I've only ran 71 grain ammo so far. It just feels like there's A: too much resistance or B: not enough energy to fully cycle. Some people I've read have modified their magazines, some have said that the feed ramp requires polishing. I really like the gun, so I don't want to give up on it. But successfully cycling around 90% of the time, isn't acceptable for an EDC.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@SirEpifire I've had near 100% reliability with mine over at least 500 rounds. Most of that has been 71 or 73 grain with a few 60 grain rounds here and there. It may be worth sending it in for service.

[@countbendego6965]

this was such a great video! I currently have my mother set up with the tomcat, she does have arthritis in her hands, and is pushing 75, this definitely gives me something to think about. I have yet to run into this issue while running this gun at the range, but again, something to think about, I might want to set her up with one of my revolvers.

[@ronquixote1739]

I'm glad you found it useful. It is more of an issue with the Bobcat than Tomcat due to the less reliable nature of rimfire ammunition but could happen due to a bad centerfire round--just less likely.

[@countbendego6965]

@@ronquixote1739 copy that, I was a fire fighter for a long time in a busy place, I know one thing for sure, if somethings going to malfunction, it typically happens at the worst time, so I have talked with my mother since I watched your video, and decided we will get her a double action, hammerless revolver. Then I know it can't go wrong. well... you know what I mean lol.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@countbendego6965 If she has arthritis, you'll want to make sure she can pull a DAO trigger. I bring a LCR out to Women On Target and quite a few of the older ladies can't pull the trigger all the way. If she won't be manipulating the slide you could go with something like an M&P or P365 with or without a manual safety.

[@countbendego6965]

@@ronquixote1739 Good info brother, Thank you. I have a S&W M&P 40. I think it's too big for her, even though it is the compact, it's still double stacked with custom grips, however, I forget the name of the smaller version, but I know there is one. May be an indoor range day at a gun store would be a good idea.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@countbendego6965 Keep your eye out for a Women On Target event in your area. I bring 15+ guns and there are about 10 of us out there--I'd guess 80 or so different guns so she'd get to try a lot of different things. A lot of older ladies have liked my Colt 1903 and Llama 1911ish since both are chambered in light recoiling 32 acp and the triggers aren't difficult to pull.

[@riffs66]

Good points, sir

[@ronquixote1739]

Glad you found the video useful.

[@dougcobb8114]

Yep..spot on...almost bought a little brerett..thought about same thing...just like mag safety....hmm good and bad...

[@ronquixote1739]

In the latest American Rifleman, Girsan advertised a magazine with a spare round clipped to the bottom of the floorplate for their version of the Beretta 86 tip up barrel full sized gun. The only reason that magazine exists is to ensure the shooter doesn't have to struggle as much with clearing a malfunction.

[@chriswilliams9257]

Some people like them because they are cool and already have a full size battle, and compact and tiny pocket backup. Sub-compact wise, I'd say a great choice. Hookem.

[@ronquixote1739]

I like the design. When I pocket carry I sometimes carry the Tomcat but more often carry the Keltec P32.

[@manuelelizalde4595]

As far as the bobcat goes, ive had multiple failure to fire on my 22 LR ammunition. I recock hammer hit it again and if it doesnt go bang i flip up barrel and it goes flying. Rack slide or load another round in barrel and bang.

[@ronquixote1739]

The reason I made the video is that the gun is marketed towards people who can't rack the slide (age, arthritis, etc) of semi autos with significantly more grip surface. The only option for those shooters is to load another round into the barrel....but where does that extra round come from in a self defense situation? Few people would ever think to carry a loose round which means it has to come from a magazine. Best case the person is carrying a spare loaded mag. While in a self defense situation that person has to put the pistol somewhere while getting out the spare magazine as stripping off a round from the magazine is going to be a 2 hand operation. One the round is free from the magazine, the shooter - again, in the middle of a self defense situation - has to put the magazine somewhere, retrieve the pistol from somewhere, pop up the barrel, drop in (but not drop on the ground) the loose round, close the action, and only then get back to shooting in self defense. As I've said in other comments, I like the Tomcat and carry one on occasion (now with a loose round in my pocket) so I'm not bashing the design of the pistol. Clearing malfunctions is cumbersome and a thought intensive process compared to a standard semi auto (tap, rack, roll) or revolver (pull the trigger again). That should be a point of consideration for any choosing this platform as their self defense option.

[@robertjerome1889]

I feel 22 doesn't generate enough gas pressure

[@ronquixote1739]

@@robertjerome1889 The Bobcat (22 version of the Tomcat) is only as reliable as the rimfire ammunition. I don't think it is a matter of pressure so much as how rimfire ammunition is made--priming material is spun in the case to try to ensure there is some all the way around the rim.....but it doesn't always work. I've had more failures of ammunition with 22 long rifle than all other types of ammunition combined.

[@dancovey4704]

Have you had any issues with the barrel popping up while firing

[@ronquixote1739]

No, and I haven't heard of that being a problem with the Tomcats--that would be extremely dangerous if it were to happen. The only issue I've heard of with Tomcats is the slide cracking but that was on earlier models and Beretta solved it by beefing up the slide. I haven't heard of that issue arising in any of the Beretta's produced in the last decade or so.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

Somehow my last comment didnt post. I have owned mine for 15 years and it has never locked up or had any issue whatsoever after thousands of rounds. More reliable than any pistol I have ever used by far. I see videos from the last year or two and people are having failure to fires and other issues. It could be that Beretta may be cheaping out on some of the parts for these newer models.

[@ronquixote1739]

Sorry that your last comment didn't post--I only removed comments that are abusive but KZbin is going to KZbin. I didn't make the video because I was having Tomcat related failures. I got a case of ammo that came with some kind of oily residue on the rounds. That case of ammo had at least 50 failures to fire in my various 32 ACP pistols (Tomcat, Colt 1903, Beretta 81, FN 1910, Walther PPK, Llama 1911ish) and that led to me having to clear the Tomcat. I don't blame the gun but the reality is that any round can fail to fire due to the round having an issue even though the gun itself is 100% reliable. The Tomcat is marketed specifically to those who lack the hand strength and/or training to operate the slide. A dud round means the person has to pop the barrel, extract the round (usually easy if it is a FTF instead of FTE), release the magazine, strip off the top round, put it into the barrel, lock the barrel, re-insert the magainze, and only then have a working firearm. My point isn't that people shouldn't consider the Tomcat but rather people also need to consider what happens if it goes click instead of bang. A small revolver may be something to consider just based on the fact that the clearing procedure for a revolver that goes click instead of bang - in a life threatening situation - is to pull the trigger again....which is almost instinctive in addition to process outlined above.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

@@ronquixote1739 I see your points. After a lot of experience with this gun, more relevant is accuracy and sight acquisition. The accuracy is better than a j frame or similar and for that reason I don't consider them in the same class of weapon. The problem with the tomcat for self defense is the sights. Once the owner figures out the ammo if that's a problem for them (I've always used Winchester and Fiocchi never any issue), night sights can be custom installed. Its not a DIY for this gun. It's hard to immediately focus the stock front sight under stress without a lot of practice. Once that is taken care of, the purpose of this weapon becomes very clear and different than a snub nosed revolver. It's a seriously good carry and follow up shots are easy to quickly put on target for the average or intermediate user. Accuracy and ergonomics = confidence, it's where the tomcat shines, not ease of use (slide racking).

[@ronquixote1739]

@@Mike-pb7jm You have a good point about the sights but I think that the gun is marketed at those who aren't going to practice very often which means they're relying more on instinctive point type shooting than deliberately aimed fire. Not idea, but not everyone is willing to go to the range after initial familiarization. A revolver simplifies malfunction clearances and many lack good sights as well. Still, for someone who isn't a shooter a double action pistol/revolver may be a better option than something like a Glock 42. I originally bought the pistol for use at Women On Target and added a LCR so ladies can try them out and see what works for them.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

@@ronquixote1739 For the purposes you describe and teach, a revolver is better. The interesting thing about the Beretta is it has enough features to be relevant for intermediate shooters. Its size and caliber seem fit for a novice but it really isn't. I don't think an expert would enjoy it more than a novelty piece.

[@ronquixote1739]

@@Mike-pb7jm I've seen several big KZbin channels talk about the Tomcat and most seem to like it. The caliber has been shown by Military Arms Channel and Lucky Gunner to meet minimum FBI specifications. I don't see it as "better" than a revolver even for new shooters--just need to make sure the person is aware of the potential issue and the steps needed to resolve it.

[@boosterstephanie5700]

They make 10 round mags for the tomcat too though.

[@ronquixote1739]

I haven't seen those. I'd imagine they stick out a bit from the bottom of the magwell, which could make it harder to drop the pistol into a pocket.

[@garyowen9044]

Thank you, this is why I’m here. Reduced grip strength due to arthritis. I thought I had found an answer in the bobcat/ tomcat, but was concerned with the absence of an extractor, and in the event of a failure to fire, even if Adrenalin allowed me to rack, I was curious how would I get the dead round out of the chamber. I’ll keep looking for a solution. Thanks again for the demonstration.

[@ronquixote1739]

Glad you found it useful. Check out the KelTec P32 and see what you think about the strength needed to rack the slide. It is certainly a much more straightforward clearing procedure in the event of a dud round. Another option might be a LCR in 327. They're lightweight - though quite a bit bigger than the P32 or Tomcat - and can shoot 32 S&W as well as 32 H&R Magnum. If it goes click you can, in an emergency, just pull the trigger again.

[@SK-cy2we]

Thanks for saving me almost 600 dollars

[@ronquixote1739]

I'm glad you found the video useful. For a much more normal (and much slimmer) option when it comes to clearing malfunctions, you might give the KelTec P32 a look. You can frequently find them for about $250. I did a comparison review of the P32 and Tomcat on my channel.

[@michaeloppenheimer2582]

You use the pop up barrel to clear the gun, you don't tell people to rack the slide on the gun you need to learn battery of arms, you use the pop up barrel to clear the gun !!!

[@ronquixote1739]

And then what? Assume the round ejects, which it may not, or that you can extract it with a fingernail. You now have an empty chamber and - unless you're in the habit of walking around with a loose round in your pocket - no round to drop into the chamber. You then have to (1) close the chamber and cycle the action manually or (2) eject the magazine, strip off the top round, re-insert the magazine, put the loose round into the chamber, close the chamber, and only then return to defending yourself from whatever it is made you pull out your Tomcat/Bobcat in the first place. For many who purchase a Tomcat/Bobcat the first option is off the table as s/he purchased the gun due to lack of ability to rack the slide of any similarly sized pistols. That leaves only the second, more time intensive, process. It is a drawback to the design that few seem to have considered.

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

🤔... It looks like the best way to clear a Tomcat failure to eject would be to carry a few rounds in a reload strip. Pop the barrel, dump the bad round, and load the barrel from the strip.

[@ronquixote1739]

I saw in the latest American Rifleman that Girsan is advertising a magazine for their version of the Beretta 86 tip up 380 that has an extra round attached to the bottom of the magazine. If the shooter has a failure to fire or if it just doesn't strip a round out of the magazine, s/he can pull the round from the bottom of the magazine and drop it into the chamber. Talk about solving the wrong problem! I've taken to carrying a loose round when I carry my Tomcat. www.americas1stfreedom.org/content/gun-review-girsan-mc-14t/

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

​@@ronquixote1739 Found the fix. Walther is making the PPK in 32 acp again. A 32 pistol that has an extractor. 😂

[@ronquixote1739]

@@MrSmith-zy2bp I had a PPK and have a PP, both in 32 and both made in Germany. They are slimmer than the Tomcat - which can be a pro or con depending on your hand - but the PPK is also significantly larger than the Tomcat. You can check handgunhero.com to compare the size difference. Functionally, I can tell you that I can drop the Tomcat into the front pocket of cargo shorts but the PPK or PP are just too large. The PPK is almost exactly the size of the 9mm Smith CSX, which I find ergonomically superior to the PP or PPK. Not as cool though.

[@isaaco5679]

If this happens it would more likely be with an unfired round and would just fall out.

[@ronquixote1739]

True, a failure to fire is more likely than a case not being flung out of the gun. The problem remains for the shooter who now has an empty chamber, likely has hands too weak to operate the slide manually (consider the target audience), and now has to drop the magazine, strip off a round, replace the magazine, drop the loose round into the barrel, close the action, and only then get back to defending himself/herself from whatever threat caused that person to start shooting in the first place.

[@espuela4655]

if you completely load the clip that's what happens. Leave one out of magazine and it lessens the chance of the jam.

[@ronquixote1739]

I haven't had the issue arise with a fully loaded magazine, though it is harder to get the magazine to seat when fully loaded. I mainly did the video to show what happens with a dud round--and how the target audience (older/weaker hands) may not be able to clear a malfunction with the Tomcat.

[@dagdagranger]

shooters don't load spent rounds as they do expand some as well as burn powder etc.

[@ronquixote1739]

That expansion is the point--in a standard semi auto the clearance process is much easier than with the Tomcat.

[@private5261]

Yep, Tomcat is just a novelty gun (I have one as well). This is why women or those who have difficulty racking slides should simply carry a revolver, possibly in 22 or 32 bc it’s softer shooting than a 38, but it’s still a bang and a bullet and hopefully enough to break contact and stop the threat.

[@ronquixote1739]

With rimfire ammo being less reliable than centerfire, a 32 revolver might be the better option but 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R, and 327 Federal aren't always available. I really wish someone would make a 32 ACP revolver.

[@private5261]

I agree!

[@ronquixote1739]

@@private5261 Send emails to Ruger, Smith, Braztech (Rossi/Taurus), and Charter--if they get enough they might decide to make one.

[@boosterstephanie5700]

@@ronquixote1739327 revolvers fire 32 acp just fine. I had a ruger 327 and shot everything in 32 caliber through it

[@jeepinintexas6215]

​@@ronquixote1739 I wish Ruger would offer a LCP Max in 32 Auto.

[@stevejustice6112]

You created the issue

[@ronquixote1739]

I used a snap cap specifically to mimic a round with a bad primer. Those aren't as common in centerfire ammo as rimfire ammo but can still happen. The point of the video is that clearing a malfunction in the Tomcat/Bobcat is much more difficult than clearing one in a standard semi auto--particularly when you consider that one of the selling points of the gun is that the user doesn't need the hand strength to operate the slide manually.

[@SB-mw1bg]

Pulling back the hammer will make racking the slide a bit easier.

[@ronquixote1739]

True, but even with the hammer back the target audience may still lack the strength to cycle the slide manually.

[@SB-mw1bg]

@@ronquixote1739 indeed

[@tomclark8278]

My Tomcat has never malfunctioned, so this is a nonissue for me.

[@ronquixote1739]

Hopefully it never will be an issue. All it takes is one bad primer.

[@abc123def98]

@@ronquixote1739 one bad primer equals no round fired. Removing a round from the chamber that hasn't exploded is much easier then removing a spent case that has expanded and swole inside the chamber....

[@ronquixote1739]

@@abc123def98 True, though you notice even the snap cap had to be removed from the chamber. You then either have to (1) have a loose round in your pocket or (2) have the ability to cycle the action manually or (3) more likely - as a big selling point of the Tomcat/Bobcat is that you don't need to have the ability to cycle the action - remove the magazine, strip off the top round (try manually stripping off the round in the magazine--it is a bit harder than you might think), put that round in the chamber, close the action, re-insert the magazine. My point is that the clearance of a malfunction is much more difficult with the Tomcat/Bobcat than it is with a traditional semi-auto. Absent a malfunction the Tomcat/Bobcat is a good option for someone with limited hand strength/dexterity BUT a malfunction is going to leave their target (so to speak) audience with a problem that they lack the physical ability to clear--even someone with average or better hand strength and a good or better knowledge of clearing malfunctions/firearm manipulations will find it a challenge under stress.

[@johnnygentry7745]

@@ronquixote1739 if you ever need to rack the slide , pull back the hammer with your thumb ,then pull back the slide . It is then easy to do . I have never had a gun as hard as this to pull back the slide . I really like this gun but I have to put more rounds through it . So far so good !

[@ronquixote1739]

@@johnnygentry7745 Thumbing back the hammer does help though even then it is more difficult than most semi-autos due to the small amount of surface to grip. Also, the gun is often suggested as an option for those who aren't likely to become proficient enough to overcome a malfunction. It doesn't make the Tomcat a bad option--just something for a buyer to consider. I like shooting mine and it is a pocket gun option for baggy cargo shorts.

[@curlytop242923]

Don't use a Dummy Round ???

[@ronquixote1739]

Kind of had to in order to show what a FTF drill looks like with the Tomcat. I don't think many who buy the pistol for the tip up barrel think of that possibility. Given that the Bobcat uses less reliable rimfire ammo it can be a bigger issue for someone who opts for the 22.

[@robertjerome1889]

Please.. stop with all the negative already..

[@ronquixote1739]

I brought up the malfunction clearing issue because I haven't seen it anywhere else. Not long after I posted the video I saw an ad from Girsan - making a version of the Beretta 86 tip up 380 - for a magazine with a spare round clipped to the bottom of the magazine base plate. Apparently I'm not the only one who saw an issue with the tip up design. And, just to be clear, I like the Tomcat and carry one on occasion. I just now carry a loose round as well.