Like anything else, you get what you pay for!! I’ve owned a 21A for 20 years, put loads of rounds through it without any fails. BTW, I can cock the hammer for a SA on the chambered load. In my opinion, there is no comparison. I consider the Taurus a 'Saturday Night Special' in comparison. Excellent video!!
The taurus is not a sat night speacial,it's not even in the same world with a raven or Jennings or rg get educated before you make idiot comments on u tube
Great video. One thing I find interesting is the Beretta 21A in 25 acp holds 1 more round, making it a 8+1 capacity. That's the one I have. I wouldn't bother with slide racking. These guns have a tip up barrel lever. Another thing, some people make videos stating the mag release is in the wrong place on the Beretta, which i disagree. That mag release in the lower part of the grip was designed to be pressed with the weak hand by the thumb in a cup holding position. Love your channel and just subscribed an hour ago. I have videos on both of these guns and own both.
Love the Baretta that my wife took away from me. Never had a problem and can't remember a miss fire. Used all kinds of ammo and almost no problems from CCI to Aquila, hell even Blazer went through it with no worries!
Great video. Both are fun little guns. As far as the slide, I have found that after about 2500 rounds, the Taurus slide has finally broken in and it is a lot easier to manipulate. I also added a small O-Ring to both of my mags and it has greatly reduced FTF's. I added a little white nail polish to the front sight for better sight accusation. Thanks again for the video.
i did the 0ring trick on my pt but the best thing was change ammo, Remington thunderbolts are the best, i have never had a ftf with them and my wife wont use anything else now so i dont argue that
Just this wkend purchased the Beretta in the Onix finish since the weather is so unpredictale here, in the Sunshine State & its the cats meow to carry in a hunting vest while being in the woods. Good imfo.Sir, Thank You.
I just traded my Taurus for a Beretta. After shooting both, the Bobcat is much better as far as reliability and overall quality. The trigger is also better on the Beretta vs th Taurus in DA. The single action itself is worth the extra money I paid.
I own a 21A and a PT-25. I prefer my 21A hands down. My Beretta feels better in my pocket and in my hand. I'm about to replace the Taurus with a 950 Jetfire though.
I have bigger hands and prefer the Taurus PT-25 PLY over the 21A. You lose the SA but gain +1 capacity, a full grip, easier draw with no hang up ever, and slightly better sights. The DA is smooth and light too. Jetfire is too small for me.
I bought a Taurus PT22 blued version new in 1994 for $156. I still own it, works perfectly, no issues. So my PT22 is a Gen1, it doesn't have a slide buffer like yours, there isn't even a recess for one on my slide. There is zero play up/down, side,side on my tip up barrel when locked into frame. There is a little side to side play when the barrel is tipped up. I recently bought a extra Taurus OEM PT22 mag because Taurus only supplied one mag item # 5-11221, without even disassembling the mags I can see a difference in 1994 follower, especially the bottom of the follower, it's not sloped like on yours on your vid, otherwise they are identical. The bottom of my mag has no slope at all. I haven't gotten a chance to use this new mag, I just got it in the mail a week ago and haven't gotten a chance to go to the range. Thanks for taking the time to review these two pistols, great vid!
Nice review. i have both of these and it seems to depend on do you like dao or dsa . i tend to like my ol beretta but my wife likes the taurus. she likes the consistency of the same trigger pull every time, so there you go, in reality you should never have to rack the slide on either of these, the intent was to use the flip up barrel . they do like good ammo and at the time i post this 2017 it seems, believe it or not Remington Thunderbolt green box seems to be the best out there, i have many 22's and i have never had a bad thunderbolt. the wife took my thunderbolts and told me to keep those junky CCi. most ppl say federal cci mini mags are best but sadly the last 3 boxes i have used have had many failures. even in my mark 1 and mark4 rugers and they fire just about anything, So just saying if you are on a budget there is nothing wrong with the new Taurus. now keep in mind ,,mine is a all metal pt22 not a poly. the poly has a shorter barrel, which the old stile with the longer barrel seems much more accurate to me even over the beretta.one other thing, the beretta has a stronger firing pin you can actually feel the difference. the good thing about these lil 22's are if it dont fire the first time you just pull the trigger 1 more time and it will usually fire , oh that good ol double tap, the only 22's you can do that with. enjoy
I have the PT22 Poly. So the plastic part issue at the end of the barrel has gone away from the previous model. The slide racking issue remains legendary even for the Poly. But as you commented it should be a rare occurrence. I am a coward in regard to shooting myself by accidental discharge in my pocket with one in the barrel--and therefore, I like that is it double action with a significant hard trigger pull. Perfect for me to be comfortable carrying in a pocket. (and it does have a manual safety as well). This overall review was much appreciated: Thanks to Armed Anglican.
The choice between these small pocket pistols,I personally would prefer the Taurus PT22 mainly for the DAO trigger than Bobcat 21A DA/SA.The little exposed hammer on the 21A,users have to remember to decock.
Decocking would only be necessary after a shot had been fired, or if one had thumb-cocked it. To decock, open the breech and remove the live round. Decock, then re-insert the round.
I have a 21A made in 1996 and a PT22 made in 1998. I've had the Taurus several years now, and the Beretta about ten months. So far, the Taurus is hands-down the better gun, as I have yet to have a malfunction with it, and have yet to get through a single magazine without one in the Bobcat. Though I have no plans to carry either, I really do want the Beretta to work. Incidentally, I also have two PT25s, one of which works well and one which has not yet been tried. I also just recently came into a '64-vintage Beretta Jetfire, which I also have yet to try.
I know this is an older video, but if you still see the comments, I just wanted to say this is the best comparison video for any two guns I've ever seen. Both the comparisons and the presentation of them were well thought-out. Great work. The only thing I might have added would have been a comparison of the ergonomics with regard to magazine changes.
I don't think I would want a gun that needs a rubber band to keep the fit of the magazine stable enough to feed reliably. The Taurus .22s get mixed reviews for reliability even now that they are in a second or third generation with polymer frames. The part that the video mentioned that broke at 300 rounds is making me rethink my interest in a 9mm Taurus as well. Both companies could do better. Beretta's reissue of the 21A should have a polymer frame and the current Taurus 22 models should do away with the hated Double Action Only feature.
I haven't found that magazine issue in the polymer version of the PT-22 that needed an O-ring, but it does require a longer than usual break in. I reduced that with a simple polish to the feed ramp. Unlike the Bobcat, the PT-22 does stay drier, you need to really lube it well for proper function. I do agree with the DAO being an issue and probably was the reason for the armed anglican having some of the accuracy issues. DA/SA is always superior, but DAO can be managable, at least for me.
The Taurus isnt based on the bobcat, they are very different, Taurus does in fact have a model that is a direct copy of the jetfire and the bobcat I believe the model numbers are pt50-53
Hi! I'm brazilian and I would like to buy a Beretta, but I don't know! Beretta 21a or Beretta 3032 for backup or the first gun?! Help me please! Bye!!! Thank you.
Rogerio Almeida I own both, the 21A Bobcat and .32 Tomcat. The Tomcat is a bit heavier than the Bobcat. The Tomcat shoots comfortably at the range, very little recoil. .32 ammo is usually more reliable than .22 long rifle ammo. Both are great back up guns. The Bobcat is less costly than the Tomcat. The older Tomcats had developed cracks in the upper frame. The newer versions have thicker/wider frames that have remedied the frame cracking issues. I have the thicker frame Tomcat. The Bobcat .22 Long Rifle is a great shooter with good quality .22 long rifle ammo.
I have to take up for the shooter who flinched. I don't like the double action then single action. It's been a little difficult for me to get used to. I have the berretta bobcat.
Looks like your 21A Bobcat has the Pierce brand rubber grips, same as on mine. Provides better grip over original plastic or Beretta wood grips. Thicker size blocks access to the barrel release lever which is easily overcome by trimming away small portion of grip's corner closest to the release lever.
Tengo una PT-22 con la que que solo tuve 2 problemas, 1 que se desoldó la parte trasera del cargador original , se abría en demasía la boca del mismo. Por lo tanto se saltaban algunos proyectiles accionándolo. Compre otro y soldé el original y ahora es el de reserva. Con una bandita elástica de goma en la base los cargadores cobran firmeza en su alojamiento y alimenta sin fallas. El otro problema fue un escape de gases hacia atrás provocado por un proyectil que agrieto su vaina en "T" a partir de la pestaña del culote hasta casi la mitad del largo total de la misma. Me desprendió la parte superior de la cacha izquierda y la corredera zafo el alambre que oficia de recuperador del mismo lado... La pistola esta bien, dispara con los 2 cargadores y alimenta sin falla, pero ahora no uso munición que exceda los 1300 p/seg. (uso CCI MINI MAG HP 1250 p/seg.)... y como siempre pega bien a 10 yardas empuñando a dos manos, metiendo casi todos los tiros dentro de un plato de posillo de café... ☺👌
Why would anyone wonder what gun they are using? You’d be using the one you put in your pocket or holster before leaving the house. The person whom is surprised by what they present in a self defense encounter is the ignorant one. If your body doesn’t react automatically by feel to whatever gun you are using, you haven’t practiced enough. There are no “facts” regarding rotating carry weapons. Regarding the lack of extractor, you are simply wrong. On a simple blow-back pistol, the extractor does NOT pull out the spent case when fired. The only purpose of an extractor on a blow-back is so you can manually pull back the slide to pull the unfired round out of the chamber. If the round going off doesn’t provide enough force to push back the slide, an extractor won’t do any good, because it’s attached to the slide. On recoil operated / locked breach pistols, the extractor DOES pull the spent case out due to the momentum of the slide after the barrel stops moving.
@Armed Anglican when you were making adjustments to the front site did you take into account how the sights are set? There are three different ways to adjust your sights aimpoint 1. 6 o-clock 2. Center 3. Combat The Taurus sights may have come as combat and you may hav wound up adjusting them for 6 o-clock which would be a normal target hold.
Taurus looks nicer and holds 1 extra round but double action only why did they skimp out on that? I don't own any pistols but I really like the Taurus pistols they make some really cool stuff. The PT 111 G2C is a really cool gun with it's striker fired double/single action trigger and restrike capability.
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for. I was about to pull the trigger on one of these today on Gunbroker and I wasn't sure which one. I have been researching the two and this video helped me to make up my mind. It will cost a little more, but I can get a brand new Beretta stainless steel for about $100.00 more than the used Taurus stainless steel. I like the idea of single action, exposed hammer, and ability to rack the slide. Thanks a lot for a very informative video.
Tinstar2 Racking the slide is stiff& difficult for many folks hands&made unnecessary by the tilt barrel. Having both the Taurus&Beretta, I like them both.
As usual, this was a excellent video! I have both guns. The Taurus may be sightly more accurate. With the Follower in the magazine buffed a little. It will hold 10 rounds vs 8 for the Beretta. But the Beretta I like the most. The double/ single action being my preference. Also being able to easily rack the slide. Just makes it out shine the Taurus. I also did the Oring on the magazine trick for the Taurus. I learned form our host for this video. Buffed the feed ramp a tiny bit. It feeds any ammo I have shot now. Blazer or mini mags being my choice. CCI velocitors when I carry either for defense.
2:40 21A appears to have the Pierce rubber grips which add thickness and plenty of grip w/o benefiting aesthetics (ugly but functional) Left grip upper corner interferes with barrel flip lever access, can trim corner slightly at 45* angle to remedy the problem. 3:47 21A cocked & locked all shots single action. Hammer down safety off 1st round DA, user's choice. 13:50 Beretta discontinued 21A about 2014 iirc. Dealers unable to order any for some time before official announcement. 2032 Tomcat demise followed shortly thereafter. Some parts still offered in Beretta's "Legacy Guns" section
Thank you for the great evaluation and explanation in this video. I am only planing on buying one of these two models. My decision has been made! I will buy the Beretta Bobcat in 22LR. Thanks for the help!!! T
Great reviews of these two pistols. I have the Beretta Bobcat, and put the Crimsen Trace Lasergrips on it. Really enhances the usability and distance capability of this pistol. I found the same need to flick the slide on the magazines after loading to angle the top round properly. Mine like almost all standard and HV ammo, except Federal standard velocity constantly jams. Remington HP Golden Bullets is my go to ammo in the Bobcat. Keep it clean and lubed and it works!
New subscriber. I have looked at tons of gun reviews over the last several years and yours are by far the most comprehensive and well done. Love the spreadsheets. Keep up the good work. God bless. I will probably get one of the POLY 22. I own a Taurus PT 111G2, a TCP 380 and a TX22. All perform flawlessly. The TCP did need a little Dremel work when I first bought it. I also have Smith pistols and carry a Glock duty pistol. I have enjoyed shooting my Taurus pistols more than any other. With joint issues creeping in I am considering either a SW Shield 380 EZ or a Walther CCP M2 380 as my EDC pistol. Again, thanks for a great review.
I have both of these, and find the Beretta to be much more reliable. I might try your magazine mod, and see if that helps. My PT-22 shoots to the left, but the height is okay. Again the Beretta is a better shooter.
Sorry for the delay. The Taurus service department is the worst. If the mag won't go into place then it is a different problem. If you haven't done it already, I would try polishing everything that is a wearing surface on the slide, and polish the feed ramp. Also - make sure the little gun is always very clean and lubed (I use Ballistol). Little blowback guns need that.
Actually, the PT22 was given a "questionable" for Quality because of the initial troubles we had with the new firearm. Because the Beretta was an older gun that we bought used and we didn't know the history, we stated that we did not know what troubles it may have had in the past. The Reliability evaluation was based solely on the side-by-side shooting reliability of the two firearms. Since the video was made, that particular PT22 is still very reliable in operation, no FTF FTE troubles.
Not having an extractor, in my opinion ease or difficulty of racking the slide is a moot point since the blowback design& tilt barrel eliminates the need to manipulate the slide on these two pistols.
16:54 States both pistols DAO 1st shot which may be misleading for some viewers. Bobcat's hammer can be precocked which would make 1st round SA as well as rest of mag rounds. Great review & video, well done,thanks. BTW the rubber grips on the Bobcat appear to be the Pearce brand which provide best handling imho. (better than oem plastic or Beretta wood grips) Pearce width blocks the barrel release which I corrected by trimming the top front edge of Lh grip slightly at 45* angle to enable thumb to push the release lever once again. Another Bobcat advantage is magazine pops out when release button pressed. PT22 mag does not drop out freely.
Where can I get video or Schematics for the Taurus PT-22 to FULL dissassemble; I have the schematics picture. The gun has lots of parts. I contacted Gun Digest Store. I need a book or a video that shows hoe to FULL dissassemble and reassemble.
Nice video. Thank you for posting this. I had a Bobcat and it was not easy to rack the slide; in fact it was quite difficult. Maybe it was me. I liked the gun a lot but sold it anyway; not sure why. After watching this video I may buy another one.
Incredible video. Very well done. Fantastic. I want to buy the Beretta 21A, but my gun dealer says Beretta no longer makes it. He can't get them or even get a message back as to why he can't get them. The Beretta website makes it look like you can buy a Bobcat.
KENT you cannot go wrong with a used one the bobcats are tuff . im told they are building a new plant in Tennessee and production has been suspended for now, good luck
Matt i picked an old bobcat up from a pawn shop recently too, does yours have a firing pin mark on the top back of the barrel when you flip it up, just wondering , mine does probably where it has been dry fired many times but it still works great. good beretta quality,
Self defense: Obtaining time/opportunity to remove yourself from a threat; no need to subdue a perpetrator. A few hits@close range w/a .22 gives you an escape route.
have the 21a threaded barrel ... and the beretta minx 22short stamped with 1955. I love them. Also have the Micro Desert Eagle 380 ... that was difficult to find. thanks for this great vid!
I have both. There is no comparison except they are the same size. The 21A Bobcat trumps the PT22 hands down. The PT22 is DA-only. The 21A is DA/SA. It is literally impossible to rack the slide on the PT22. The slide on the 21A is easily-racked when the hammer is back.
Have the PT22 Poly, fun little gun. I believe front sight has same problem, needs to be ground down a little. Shoots low, ammo picky as well, but loves mini-mags.
6:42 Your 21A Rubber grips are made by Pearce. Not pretty but provide better grip than oem plastic or optional wood grips. My first set in 2011 cost $15 incl. s&H. Bought a 2nd set in 2018 for 25acp Bobcat and those were not made as well as the first set. (Sent back). Thickness of rubber made it near impossible to operate tip-up lever. I trimmed top front corner of left grip to provide just enough space to access lever.
I just bought a used 21A it’s great put about 50 rounds through it had a no fire on ammo that came with weapon then all my new stingers 100% perfect I love this gun it will be my edc
Excellent review, thanks. I would say that unless you think there's likely to be a stovepipe problem with these pistols, which I myself have not seen reported, the question how difficult it is to rack the slide really shouldn't arise, since you never need to rack the slide in either pistol in normal operation. Taking that matter out of consideration does bring the value-for-money difference between the two closer.
Mine held up well, probably firing thousands of rounds (except for the recoil buffer trouble that is documented in this video). Then it was stolen in a burglary! I miss the little thing.
@@mrd7067 - Yes. The bad guys broke into a deadbolted closet and then tore two gun safes that were mounted on the wall inside. They were in and out in 8 minutes and apparently knew what they were after and where it was.
@@armedanglican6361 Maybe someone who has been inside your house before or asociate. Someone you know, someone who snuck in (most locks i have found are very easy to open with bump keys, lockpicks or autojiggelars) or even the ones who installed the safes. That`s why it can also be a good idea to have hidden camera and or alarm and/or some kind of boobytrap (e.g. the pepperspray which marks people either visible or invisible or teasgas out of a smokemachine). Can be easyer and cheaper than you might think.
@@mrd7067 - I installed the safes and locks. It could have been the movers (new home). Police think it may be someone who knows our cleaning lady. We have two alarm systems. We were out of State when this happened. Both alarms went off and the camera system alerted us and began sending us video. Called police immediately, but they arrived 60 minutes later (crooks were long gone of course). All we could do is watch as we were robbed. We have good video evidence that shows that one of them came in armed. So if we had been home it would have been a gun fight! Cops took DNA. I have seriously been thinking about booby traps, but don't want innocent visitors (or me!) to inadvertently get hurt.
Very good video! I've got no experience with the Beretta Bobcat, but both my Taurus PT22 & Beretta Tomcat in .32acp have performed flawlessly for the 3or 4yrs I've had them.
Rogerio Almeida The Taurus PT.22 is a pretty little handgun. The Taurus & 22 cal Beretta 21A Bobcat would be much cheaper to shoot ammo-wise. The Tomcat 3032 in .32acp by Beretta is centerfire so ammo costs more but is more reliable for defense. You can't go far wrong with whichever you choose. No one volunteers to be hit with a .22& these little guns are fun& great for pocket carry with a pocket holster. I do LOVE my .32 Tomcat the most...if I HAD to pick.
Actually what I said was that customer service was good about sending a new part in a few days. Their customer service is typically horrible, specifically their repair service. I have ranted about that elsewhere.
