Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
At the recent Beretta range day just before SHOT Show 2024, GunsAmerica caught up with Nick, the pistol product manager at Beretta, to get a sneak peek at the revamped Tomcat.
The new 30X model brings several changes to the table, making it a noteworthy update from its predecessor.
Features
One of the standout improvements is the increased magazine capacity. It houses eight rounds in the magazine and one in the barrel, totaling eight plus one. The designers repositioned the magazine release from the bottom of the frame to a more standard position, providing a fresh perspective on ergonomics.
“The new 30X is definitely a different gun compared to the old one,” Nick explained. “We’ve made substantial changes, like the square trigger guard design, replacing the curved one from the previous model.”
SEE ALSO: Beretta’s ‘Shark’ Pistol: The 92XI Squalo — SHOT Show 2024
The Tomcat 30X introduces a new trigger system called the Trident trigger, featuring a flat face and a skeletonized design. In double action, the engineers have reduced the trigger pull by over 35%, resulting in a smoother shooting experience.
Notably, the 30X offers both single and double-action capabilities, providing versatility for shooters. The gun also features a latch instead of a lever to open up the barrel, making it easier to handle.
The new 30X Tomcat has a unique selling point – the ability to shoot and load without the need to rack the slide. Users can simply open the barrel, insert a round, and get back to shooting.
The 30X Tomcat also introduces interchangeable sights, an upgrade from the fixed sights on the previous model. Additionally, users can install an optic plate by sliding it into the rear dovetail sight cut of the gun.
Utilizing completely redesigned grips, the 30X Tomcat features a new proprietary “Helica” textured grips for added comfort. For the small size, the grip fit my hands well when shooting at the Range Day.
One of the most appreciated upgrades is the threaded barrel. This allows for mounting a suppressor, and for the few rounds I was able to shoot suppressed, the gun ran without issue and sounded great.
Beretta mentioned that they may even offer a compensated option in the future. Shown below is a picture of a prototype compensator they had mounted on a demo gun for us.
Competition Shooting
Aiming to stir a bit of friendly competition among the media members invited out to the Beretta range day, they set up a course to challenge us with who could shoot it the fastest.
It consisted of starting about 10 yards back with our hands on a barrel. Contestants had to wear a backpack, and on the buzzer, had to run about 10 yards, drop the backpack, lock the barrel in place (fully loaded mag inserted, bullet in the barrel), then shoot 5 steel targets.
I watched JJ Racaza, one of the best pistol shooters in the world and a 5-time IPSC and USPSA National Champion shoot it in about 5.3 seconds if I remember correctly.
However, he was part of the staff and he did not qualify for the competition. Luckily, I was able to pull off a 6.5ish second run and ended up taking first place for the guests invited out. All this to say, the Beretta 30X Tomcat can be run quick and effectively if needed.
Summary
The 30X Tomcat should be available for purchase shortly after SHOT Show 2024, making it available for purchase in stores. For those interested in the new and improved version, more information can be found on Beretta’s website or you can purchase one here at GunsAmerica.
Whether it becomes the perfect backup or a primary carry option, the 30X Tomcat aims to make its mark in the firearms market.
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I thought that the .32 was almost an extinct caliber ! I’d sure feel under gunned if I had a .32 and my opponent had even a smaller 9mm !
The .32 is expensive to shoot , has little knock down power ( granted it has little kick also) why not use a cheap shooting .22 LR and call it good ?
Besides , most .22 LRs have a 10 round mag. just like the 30X Beretta but are a lot cheaper to shoot and to buy !
I own the current Tomcat 3032 model (Covert), and love it dearly, but the changes Beretta made to it in the 30X were an absolute MUST-DO for a modern firearm and certainly all of these changes they made are concerns I have with my mouse gun. I wonder if they rounded the bottom of slide at the rear to help prevent slide bite if one grips it a bit too high when drawing?
I will definitely be upgrading to the 30X.