The Beretta Bobcat 21A is a compact, lightweight .22 Long Rifle pistol known for its discreet size and reliable performance. This review will delve into its features, handling, accuracy, and overall value, providing a comprehensive assessment for potential buyers. We’ll explore both its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if the Beretta Bobcat 21A is the right pocket pistol for you.
Design and Features: Small but Mighty
The Beretta Bobcat 21A's defining characteristic is its diminutive size. This makes it ideal for concealed carry, easily slipping into a pocket or purse. Its lightweight design (around 13 ounces unloaded) contributes to comfortable carry, even for extended periods. The gun's compact nature, however, does mean that it is not ideal for individuals with larger hands.
The pistol features a unique, locked-breech, rotating-barrel design, which contributes to its smooth operation and reduces recoil. This mechanism, while contributing to reliability, can require slightly more effort to operate compared to some other designs. The 21A boasts a single-action trigger, offering a crisp and relatively light pull, ideal for precise shot placement.
The Beretta Bobcat 21A's small size makes for a slightly more challenging grip. Its overall design may not be suitable for users with large hands, who may find controlling it during firing more difficult. The small magazine capacity (7 rounds) is another consideration; carrying extra magazines is essential for self-defense situations.
Performance and Accuracy: A Reliable Shooter
Despite its compact size, the Beretta Bobcat 21A delivers reliable performance. The .22 Long Rifle cartridge, while less powerful than larger calibers, offers sufficient stopping power at close range. Accuracy is generally good for a pocket pistol of this size. While not a target pistol, it's capable of consistent grouping at typical self-defense distances. It's important to practice with the pistol to become comfortable with its unique handling characteristics.
The small size does impact sight alignment in a way that some users might find challenging, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. However, the simple iron sights are adequate for close-range engagements.
Reliability and Maintenance: A Well-Engineered Pistol
Beretta is renowned for its craftsmanship, and the Bobcat 21A is no exception. It's a robustly built pistol that, with proper care and maintenance, will provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain its smooth operation. The simplicity of the design makes cleaning and maintenance relatively straightforward.
Concealed Carry Considerations: An Excellent Choice for Discreet Carry
The Beretta Bobcat 21A truly excels as a concealed carry pistol. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry comfortably and discreetly. The fact that it doesn't print easily also makes it ideal for everyday carry. However, the lower stopping power of the .22 LR cartridge needs to be taken into consideration when selecting this for self-defense.
Overall Value and Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Pocket Pistol Market
The Beretta Bobcat 21A offers a compelling combination of size, reliability, and accuracy. It’s a well-built and reliable firearm, suitable for concealed carry. However, the smaller magazine capacity and potentially challenging grip size for larger hands are factors to weigh against its strengths. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not this pistol is right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. While not suitable for everyone, for those prioritizing discreet carry and reliable performance in a .22LR, the Beretta Bobcat 21A is a strong contender.
