Beretta Bobcat 22lr (How to get?)

[MasterrEugene]

This gun is so cool, but it cannot be bought new in California because it's not on the California handguns list thing. The only way to get one would be through getting it in a private party transfer. Here's my question though, would it be possible to buy a used beretta bobcat on gunbroker and have them send it to an FFL? I would like to do that sometime if I can.

Also, anyone here have the Beretta Bobcat? If so, how do you like it?

[caiman]

No.
Transaction has to be private party. If it is sent to an FFL, than it is treated as a dealer sale regardless if new or used. And as such, it would be restricted sale as it is not on the list. They are fun little pistols.

[MasterrEugene]

argh! Now, is it hard to get your hands on a used bobcat in california? If i have a relative living in nevada who buys this, can i purchase it off him through a California FFL?

[lordres]

Look for someone selling. There's one in my LGS. It's overpriced so it's been there a while.

[pisarski]

i have one have put tons of rounds down the pipe still shoots like new. have the .22 and the .25 and the .32 but the .22 is more fun to shoot. keep looking you will find one

[Delta Rose]

I tried for over a month to find one through numerous channels. I finally gave up and decided to get something else on my list that is going off-roster next year....

[CharlesV]

I have two and like them. They come up on Calguns once in a while for sale. They are very fussy about ammo and are prone to various problems. My overall advice is to forget them and buy what you can buy, like the Phoenix Arms HP22 if you really need or want a pocket .22. Those are OK, cost about $150 and are made locally in SoCal so parts and service are easily available. Otherwise, gun shops often have various pocket .22 used but they are expensive, like $300-up.

Even though i would like to have one more Bobcat, i must tell you they are back-burner, not front-burner guns, they are not stable or accurate enough to be relied on fully, like a Ruger .22. And like all mouseguns, if you can even hit the broadside of a barn door, count yourself a marksman.

Taurus makes a nearly identical gun and i think its available in CA? Am i wrong? Otherwise both Walther and Ruger make very small .22s and i would heartily recommend those over a Bobcat.

Meantime, yes, only guns already on the Roster can be bought or brought in from out of state and most local FFLs are willing to handle the sale---the gun goes to them and then sold to you. Beretta dropped the .22 Bobcat from CA Roster only recently and its sad because once you are off the list you cant come back. Maybe, and it would be great, Beretta will introduce a reliable replacement and if behooves Beretta lovers to push Beretta to do that. I have written several times myself and Beretta's position is that they dont believe anyone cares, that there is no market for small .22s. Tell them what you think!

[G-forceJunkie]

They are very fussy about ammo and are prone to various problems.

I gotta disagree on several points, I own two bobcats in .22lr. Both eat Federal bulk pack all day long untill the chamber gets dirty enough to start sticking cases.

Even though i would like to have one more Bobcat, i must tell you they are back-burner, not front-burner guns, they are not stable or accurate enough to be relied on fully, like a Ruger .22. And like all mouseguns, if you can even hit the broadside of a barn door, count yourself a marksman.

Its not the gun. I can routinely get 6 out of 7 hits on the 25 yard pistol steel at Angeles Shooting range. I'm guessing the targets are 8-14". I do have to hold the entire front site blade up or else it hits low. Perhaps I got lucky with two fantastic examples of the Bobcat, but I think your blanket statement is over reaching.

OP: Just watch the classifieds here. I found two here within 50 miles of me so they do come up for sale. Expect to pay $250-350

[X231]

I've had one for around 20 years. I have no idea how many rounds I put through it. More than 500, less than 1,000? I'm amazed at it's reliability and for what it is it's pretty accurate. I had a buddy with an FFL and I think I paid around $130 new .. wish I'd bought a dozen now LOL

[matrix]

My Bobcat is very picky regarding ammo choices. Surprisingly, the bulk pack Remington 22LR ammo are more consistent than Federal.

Winchester ammo that comes in the bulk pack on the other hand are absolutely the worst. I would have a better chance at winning the lottery than going through one magazine without any hiccup.

[wellfedirishman]

They are accurate and fun little pistols. I recently picked up one and it shoots great with CCI Blazer. Not one jam or FTF in about 200 rounds.

It is accurate too for its size and tiny sights. You could easily hit a coke can at 15 yards.