Hi folks
I am interested in a bearcat (Beretta .380) for my daughter-in-law.  The one with a tilt up barrel I think.  If I got this correct, you can "tilt" the barrel load a round and then it is semi-auto from there.
I want her to have a wheel gun.  My son, her husband, feels she may have difficulty "manipulating the double action trigger"
Your thoughts, especially those of you with a wife of the "fairer sex"
She is a "Southern Belle" and I will hear no different
Learning

Quoted: I am interested in a bearcat (Beretta .380) for my daughter-in-law.  The one with a tilt up barrel I think.  If I got this correct, you can "tilt" the barrel load a round and then it is semi-auto from there.

I'm not familiar with a Beretta "Bearcat". Are you thinking of the "Tomcat"?

It does indeed have the tip-up barrel but is chambered in .32 Auto.

I've handled them but not shot one. They seem well built.

Not sure that I'd equip a loved one with a .32 as a primary defensive piece though. YMMV.

feral
I may not have my info straight.  I was of the impression there was a .380 out there with a tilt up barrel.  Me personally I wish she had/would have a wheel gun, in .38 special.  When I die I hope my daughter in law states that I have never interfered in their marriage or offered unsolicited advice.  But wholeheartedly I concur with you.
seems  that a .380 is a start, her request not mine.
Thanks for your responses
Learning

Take note that I don't own a Tomcat... I did at one point have interest in the 21a and researched them.


Be aware of hammer bite. Especially if this pistol is for a woman.

The Tomcat has quite a reputation for jamming. And the .32 cartridge rim doesn't help any, so I guess you could almost expect jams from any .32.... Some claim to have had zero malfunctions and love theirs.

I almost forgot, apparently they need to be kept extremely clean in order to function.


Here is a page you might want to look at.
.32 pistol comparison


I would take her to a shop and ask her to handle a number of pre-selected pistols and decide which one feels more comfortable, not which one she LIKES (ie looks).

Maybe the Beretta 21a, or a .38 would be better

Beretta does (or at least used to) sell a .380 with a tip-up barrel.

I’ve never fired one, but they appear to be good quality.  They are a bit large for a .380.  They also have a DA/SA trigger so she’d have to start with a DA pull anyway (though I’m thinking it could be carried cocked and locked).

Tip-up barrels are very convenient for folks with hand-strength issues since you don’t need to cycle the slide to load and unload it.

However, a major disadvantage is that they don’t have extractors – so clearing a malfunction or a bad round can be very slow and involved.  IMHO this makes it a poor choice for a self-defense handgun.

I’d think a wheelgun or maybe a semi with a pre-loaded trigger (Glock, Walther P99 Quick Action, H&K USP LEM, or such) would be a much better way to go.

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Quoted: feral I may not have my info straight.  I was of the impression there was a .380 out there with a tilt up barrel.  Me personally I wish she had/would have a wheel gun, in .38 special.  When I die I hope my daughter in law states that I have never interfered in their marriage or offered unsolicited advice.  But wholeheartedly I concur with you. seems  that a .380 is a start, her request not mine. Thanks for your responses Learning

I know what you are talking about, its called the Chettah.  They come in single stack 8 rounders or they have a 12 round model that the frame is a little wider.  Only the single stack 8 model has the pop top.  Browning has a similar model as well.  Both are real good guns for females.  Hell, I like them and want a Browning .380.

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Quoted: Take note that I don't own a Tomcat... I did at one point have interest in the 21a and researched them. Be aware of hammer bite. Especially if this pistol is for a woman. The Tomcat has quite a reputation for jamming. And the .32 cartridge rim doesn't help any, so I guess you could almost expect jams from any .32.... Some claim to have had zero malfunctions and love theirs. I almost forgot, apparently they need to be kept extremely clean in order to function. Here is a page you might want to look at. .32 pistol comparison I would take her to a shop and ask her to handle a number of pre-selected pistols and decide which one feels more comfortable, not which one she LIKES (ie looks). Maybe the Beretta 21a, or a .38 would be better

I own a Bretta .32 Tomcat in the stainless model.  I think it is bad @ss and love the little thing.  Its accurate and has almost no recoil.  I haven't had any issues with jamming at all.  It does say in the instructions to load it through the pop top and not chamber it.  I frogot the reason why.  Reliablity has not been an issue though.  The .32 silvertips by winchester or the corbon +P's are hot enough to do the trick.  This combined with the low recoil, you can dump a whole mag fast and accurate.