Based on the same premise as the Beretta Bobcat and Beretta 950 before that, the Beretta 3032 made its debut in the mid-1990s. Before that the world only had these specific types of Beretta pocket pistols in 22 Long Rifle and 25 ACP. The 3032 “Tomcat” as it is called is in the once widely utilized 32 ACP. A couple of years ago Beretta blessed the world with a new version of the 3032 Tomcat (and the 21A Bobcat) in the form of the Covert model which features a threaded barrel and dark walnut grips (Flat Dark Earth version also debuted then). Let’s dive right into my review of the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP!
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Specifications: Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP
When the Beretta Covert pistols were released they were released in the form you see here but there was one more in FDE. As of today, there are three more SKUs in the form of the Ghost Buster, Black Gorilla, and Kale Slushy. No, I did not make those up. . No, I did not make those up. The Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP is a double-action/single-action straight blowback pistol. This means that unless the hammer is cocked the trigger will have a heavy double-action trigger pull. It is heavy because in double action the trigger is doing the job of actively cocking the hammer and then dropping it at its apex. Look at this thing! Who doesn’t want to feel like they are in a spy movie?
- Action: Single/Double
- Barrel length: 2.9″
- Caliber: 7.65 (32 Auto)
- Firing Mechanism: Semiautomatic Straight Blowback
- Magazine: 7 (Just one magazine)
- Overall Height: 3.7″
- Overall Length: 5.42″
- Overall Width: 1.25″
- Weight: 14.5oz
- Safety: Manual Right-Handed Thumb Safety
- Rear Sight: Metal Dovetailed Square Notch
- Front Sight: Fixed Ramp
- Grips: Dark Walnut
- Slide & Barrel: Blued Steel
- Frame: Aluminum Forging, Black Anodized
The MSRP of the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert stands proudly at $629. The standard Beretta Tomcat comes in at around $549 so there is a significant leap in price. I believe it is justifiable not just for the higher cost of the walnut grips but more so for the barrel threading since getting one threaded on its own would probably be at least $100.
“The same dedication to advanced design, uncompromising quality and strict quality control that make the 92F, PX4, APX, a nd Cheetah such international standouts is found in all Beretta small caliber, pocket-size pistols. Simplicity, safety and practical use are their best qualities…
Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert Comparable in size to a smart phone and weighing only 14.5 oz, the ultra-concealable Tomcat has been the ultimate pocket pistol for over three decades. With the addition of a factory installed 1/2x28TPI threaded barrel, the new Tomcat Covert model takes ultra compact to a new level with ultra quiet capability. It is user-friendly, durable, reliable and accurate, while with its snag-free lines is can be tucked in any kind of holster or pocket for deep concealment.
Available in .32ACP, it is perfect for concealed carry (on its own or as a backup pistol), and it keeps besting all pistols in its class for quality, value and design. Practical, Safe and Reliable User-friendly design is common to all Beretta small frames. The exclusive tip-up barrel allows the user to easily load a round directly into the chamber without racking the slide. It also assists in the safe clearing of the pistol by giving an easy and absolutely safe way to check the bore and and remove a live cartridge. Jamming and stove-piping problems are virtually eliminated by the open slide design shared by all small frame Berettas.
Advanced Materials Keeping an eye on uncompromising quality helps keep Beretta small caliber semi-automatics ahead of the pack. Beretta pistols in the 3032 Series utilize a tough forging process for their barrels, while slides are fashioned from solid steel bar stock–and frames from solid aluminum forgings. Covert Finish In addition to the traditional Black and Inox finish, the 3032 Tomcat is now available in Covert finish. This model has a Blued steel slide and barrel. The alloy frame is black anodized to match the color and finish of the upper components. The other metal parts (trigger, hammer, trigger guard, safety, magazine, etc.) are black finished, while the addition of dark walnut grips completes the Covert aesthetic.”
First Look: Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP
First off the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert comes in a standard cardboard Beretta branded box. Within said box is a soft case containing the pistol. Besides that, there is various informational sheets, a manual, and important notice. This important notice notifies the new owner that the 3032 Tomcat is suited for certain ammunitions (it lists out several defensive 32 ACP on the market) all of which should be under 130 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The notice states that higher energy ammunition will result in greater wear and tear of the firearm. That being said a lot of common range ammunition (what I used) was around 128.
I had previously worked with the Beretta Bobcat Covert 22LR and being able to have both these guns side by side was a great joy to me because even though they look exactly alike in pictures there are big differences. For one thing, the Tomcat is a denser and heavier gun overall. I believe the frame is the same or at least is close to the same but a lot of meat is in the slide and barrel. The whole upper portion of the gun is a thick top heavy compact chunk. The barrel extension for the threads is much tighter on the 3032 Tomcat Covert in comparison to the Bobcat Covert. Overall the Tomcat feels like a fatter pistol than the Bobcat but its sleek lines do not hinder it in making it unappealing in the hand.
Range Time: Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP
Range time with the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert was an absolute pleasure. Honestly, I hate to keep imparting thoughts based on my experience with the Bobcat (another fantastic pistol) but this was just such a fun gun. The handling feels the same which is good. It has just the right amount of snap to it. A lot of small guns like this can be sort of aggressive and it did not feel that way shooting it. The weight definitely helps it feel more solid in the hand.
The safety selector is very positive and easy to manipulate. The magazine release (I should say magazine follower) actually has enough spring power to aid in the magazine removal. The barrel tip-up seems more restrained. I say this because it does not tip up very high. It is almost as if it is hesitant. This does not affect any manual of arms since the operator can move it to suit themselves whether it be loading or unloading.
Shooting suppressed is an obvious advantage with this part model. It is very clandestine looking. Despite not being able to see over a 1.1” diameter suppressor the sights are defined and blocky enough to make appropriate estimates to still hit the paper. While actively shooting suppressed I found that this gun has a habit of spitting some burning powder back at the shooter. the increased back pressure from the suppressor is basically prematurely opening the action while small amounts of burning powder are present. When this happens the powder is lifted from the ejecting shell and rains down and back accordingly. I HIGHLY recommend wearing safety glasses if you decide to shoot this or its little brother Bobcat suppressed.
Despite the slight occasional discomfort, it did not take away from my enjoyment. The recoil impulse was comfortable, and the sound reduction from the suppressor on a short-barreled 32 ACP was very welcome and not distracting. Accuracy left a little to be desired but it is hard to hold this literal pocket gun to the same standard as say the 92X RDO that I reviewed a while back.
Final Thoughts: Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert 32ACP
All in all, I think this was my favorite gun to work with this past year. It is such a comfortable chunk for lack of a better phrase. It is tubby but it fits. It is short but it hits. As it sits, it is one of the prettiest and most attractive pistols I have had the pleasure of working with. Although 32 ACP is arguably not a great carry cartridge I can still see it as being useable. That being said, this little pocket gun still has a place in the world and I do not look at it solely as a novelty. It is great fun and has some utility potential. I would highly recommend Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert to anyone on the fence!
In closing, I want to say thank you to Beretta for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that this version of the Beretta 3032 Tomcat pocket pistol is worth spending your money on? Would you take this out to the range? Would this be your fancy dress carry gun? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
