Name : Beretta Model 3032
AKA : Tomcat, The Flip Top
Caliber : .32ACP (7.65x17mm Browning)
Capacity : 7 Rounds
Weight : 14.5oz or 410g
Length : 4.9in or 125mm
Action : Blowback operated, Double Action, Semi Automatic
Origin : Italy
The Beretta 3032 finds it origins in the Model 950 "Jetfire" first created in 1952, a single action pistol that originally had no safety lever. The success of the little Jetfire which was available in .22LR and .25ACP (6.35mm) spanned until 2003 when production ceased. With the need for a more powerful chambering and/or incorporation of improvements the 3032 "Tomcat" was born. The main changes from the model 950 lay in the caliber of .32ACP and the implementation of a double action mechanism.
The little Tomcat features a tilting barrel, not fixed like most blowback pistols, the barrel is released by pressing forward on a lever located above the rear of the trigger guard on the left hand side of the frame. This allows the user to inspect that the pistol has no round chambered. Though some people "top off" the pistol in this fashion by inserting a full magazine of seven rounds, releasing the barrel to tip up and manually loading a round into the barrel to give the pistol one extra round. The Tomcat has a rather long double action pull, then every subsequent shot is double action. The double action mechanism in this pistol can be seen as an advantage over double action only (DAO) pistols when it comes to getting some reach, with the lighter single action pull available for those longer range shots can improve accuracy. The lack of a decocker is unusual however, implying that the double action feature of this pistol could be just a double strike capability if the round fails to fire after the first pull of the trigger. Releasing the magazine is an interesting process for those who have never handled a Tomcat or jetfire, the release button is found on the left hand grip just above the bottom grip screw, though it does need a positive push to release the magazine, preventing an unwanted magazine departure.
.32ACP is at the low end in terms of a self defense caliber, though interestingly that is what it was designed for, European police and even some military's around the world used this caliber for some time up until the 1980's. Invented in 1899 the round has been around for a long time and in full metal jacket form is unsuitable for someone wanting to carry this pistol for personal protection, but with good jacketed hollowpoint rounds such as Winchester Silvertips it can have potential with good shot placement (shot placement is important with any caliber). The Tomcat is capable of consuming large amounts of ammunition due to it's quality construction though it must be noted that it is not rated or recommended for +P rounds.
Available in stainless type finish Beretta calls INOX and a two tone finish, the Beretta Tomcat is a fun little shooter, and when it comes to self protection : A tomcat in hand is better than a .45 left at home.
INTERESTING FACT : NO EXTRACTOR, this pistol has no extractor to remove rounds, racking the slide will not remove chambered rounds, so use that tilt lever.
PRO's : Compact, Reliable, fun, quality, surprisingly accurate, windage on sights
CON's : No extractor, unusual magazine release, no decocker,
COOL FACTOR : 7 / 10
AKA : Tomcat, The Flip Top
Caliber : .32ACP (7.65x17mm Browning)
Capacity : 7 Rounds
Weight : 14.5oz or 410g
Length : 4.9in or 125mm
Action : Blowback operated, Double Action, Semi Automatic
Origin : Italy
The Beretta 3032 finds it origins in the Model 950 "Jetfire" first created in 1952, a single action pistol that originally had no safety lever. The success of the little Jetfire which was available in .22LR and .25ACP (6.35mm) spanned until 2003 when production ceased. With the need for a more powerful chambering and/or incorporation of improvements the 3032 "Tomcat" was born. The main changes from the model 950 lay in the caliber of .32ACP and the implementation of a double action mechanism.
The little Tomcat features a tilting barrel, not fixed like most blowback pistols, the barrel is released by pressing forward on a lever located above the rear of the trigger guard on the left hand side of the frame. This allows the user to inspect that the pistol has no round chambered. Though some people "top off" the pistol in this fashion by inserting a full magazine of seven rounds, releasing the barrel to tip up and manually loading a round into the barrel to give the pistol one extra round. The Tomcat has a rather long double action pull, then every subsequent shot is double action. The double action mechanism in this pistol can be seen as an advantage over double action only (DAO) pistols when it comes to getting some reach, with the lighter single action pull available for those longer range shots can improve accuracy. The lack of a decocker is unusual however, implying that the double action feature of this pistol could be just a double strike capability if the round fails to fire after the first pull of the trigger. Releasing the magazine is an interesting process for those who have never handled a Tomcat or jetfire, the release button is found on the left hand grip just above the bottom grip screw, though it does need a positive push to release the magazine, preventing an unwanted magazine departure.
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| A Model 3032 with the barrel tilted |
Available in stainless type finish Beretta calls INOX and a two tone finish, the Beretta Tomcat is a fun little shooter, and when it comes to self protection : A tomcat in hand is better than a .45 left at home.
INTERESTING FACT : NO EXTRACTOR, this pistol has no extractor to remove rounds, racking the slide will not remove chambered rounds, so use that tilt lever.
PRO's : Compact, Reliable, fun, quality, surprisingly accurate, windage on sights
CON's : No extractor, unusual magazine release, no decocker,
COOL FACTOR : 7 / 10
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