mini berettas

[CalNRA]

though ive herd from owners that they like to jam more than fire on semi.

nope.

They are pretty reliably.

The key is to clean the gun after use. It has no extractor so a case-sticking chamber is deadly to the user.

Other than that, use no ammo hotter than 130 ft/lb of muzzle energy.

[50 Freak]

I think the 950s were 25 acps, whereas the 21a's were 22LR or 25 acp.

[smittty]

ok guess i shouldent jump on the bandwagon. maybe a s&w 38 snubby would be a better backpacking pistol.

The Tomcat is tough to shoot well. I can't really explain why but it's just not easy to grip and hold steady. I'm also afraid of slide bite on it. I tried to like it but for me it just doesn't give me the confidence I need from my gun.

I used to carry a 642 airweight in my pocket anytime I'd go in the woods or when backpacking but I got bored one day and sold it. I'm now thinking that 642 was the perfect gun for this and wish I still had it. It fits carries well in your pants or vest pocket and won't snag on anything if you need to shoot it while still in your pocket, and the caliber is just right.

S&W just released a new model 642 that has a bit longer barrel of 2.5". I keep hoping to see it on the roster but still nothing. I should call S&W again to let them know I want it and to encourage them to submit it for testing.

I think it might be "just right" for carrying in the woods or anywere else.

Smittty

[mikengracie]

JMHO but anyone who goes into the wood where there are bear and cats should carry nothing less than a 44 mag. You are not shooting it at the range for targets in a league so recoil and size is not that much different in a 4" light framed revolver. Nothing worse than a pissed of animal being hit with a 22lr, just annoys them and reall, really makes them angy. But hey this is just my opinion. Each must carry what they feel safe with.

[lmudave]

I think the 950s were 25 acps, whereas the 21a's were 22LR or 25 acp.

i have a 950 bs in .22 short actually... It's my go-to Bear defense gun! I figure with both magazines and 12 rounds I simply need to shoot off each fingernail - a well manicured bear, is a happy bear!

[7anthony7]

I used to carry a Smith Trail Boss 44 mag, pretty heavy gun though. I switched to an airlight and hated shooting the thing and got rid of it. I still have my Beretta 32 and have never had any issue with it at all. I personally like the 32, a little hard to find ammo for it right now. I mainly carry to scare off some of the animals and weirdos out there. Beretta's are decent guns though.