32 ACP Tomcat jams

kell · February 4, 2022, 06:25 PM

I got this Beretta Tomcat that will fail to eject over 10% of the time. I've tried factory Remington, Magtech, and Winchester (all 71 gr FMJ - they all seem to spec out at 129 ft lbs in print on the box, which is curiously what Beretta says is the max they will support). They all jam! I've loaded 2.2 Titegroup, 2.4 231, and 2.2 Bullseye. All max loads. They still jam. The case dosen't get fully ejected. It may be the first or last round or in between - doesn't matter. In desperation, I loaded a box of 71 gr plated round nose with 2.6 gr Titegroup. 50 rounds - no jams. This is about 10% hot. I see no signs of over pressure. I'd really appreciate any comments on this matter.

blchandl2 · February 4, 2022, 06:50 PM

Any difference in OAL between loads?

**4V50 Gary** · February 4, 2022, 07:04 PM

Sometimes guns need a breaking in period.

How old is the Tomcat? The very first ones were known for falling apart (lose the firing pin when fired).

I would consider a reduced power spring to weaken the blowback lockup.

Schlitz 45 · February 4, 2022, 07:09 PM

Never had any functional issues is my old Tomcat. It’s a straight blowback design with no extractor so the only thing I can think of is to polish up the chamber to make sure there’s no unnecessary friction slowing the case from being blown clear. It’s a very crude/simple design with not much that go wrong.

Nathan · February 5, 2022, 09:36 AM

SPRING

Brownell’s has them for $1.99. I’d buy 2. Try one and shorten it 1/4 turn at a time with a dremel until it is reliable.

**4V50 Gary** · February 6, 2022, 10:01 AM

I'd rather put the spring on a long nail and take it to a grinder (let it spin on the nail) and go along the whole length of the spring.

Bill DeShivs · February 6, 2022, 03:04 PM

I doubt the springs have much to do with the jams.
Make sure everything is properly lubricated and hold the gun firmly.

Nathan · February 6, 2022, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by “Bill DeShivs”

I doubt the springs have much to do with the jams.
Make sure everything is properly lubricated and hold the gun firmly.

Can you tell us why? I agree with the basic premise which is new guns should be broken in and then the shooter skill must be grown.

OP: Has anybody else shot the pistol? Without jam issues? Also, have you confirmed that the extractor holds the case from falling out?

Electrod47 · February 6, 2022, 07:02 PM

How old is the Tom Cat? Is a blued model? About 10-11 years ago had the same problem and it turned out to be a cracked slide. Look hard at it. Beretta gave me a brand new SS to replace it.

Bill DeShivs · February 6, 2022, 07:22 PM

Tomcats don't have extractors.

Nathan · February 6, 2022, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

Tomcats don't have extractors.

Now that learned me something! Much simpler!

Bill DeShivs · February 6, 2022, 11:47 PM

"Limp wristing" the gun can cause extraction failures, and could explain why hotter ammunition extracts properly.
But- the Tomcat should not be used with hotter ammunition.

February 4, 2022, 06:25 PM	#1
kell Member Join Date: August 8, 2020 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 42	32 ACP Tomcat jams I got this Beretta Tomcat that will fail to eject over 10% of the time. I've tried factory Remington, Magtech, and Winchester (all 71 gr FMJ - they all seem to spec out at 129 ft lbs in print on the box, which is curiously what Beretta says is the max they will support). They all jam! I've loaded 2.2 Titegroup, 2.4 231, and 2.2 Bullseye. All max loads. They still jam. The case dosen't get fully ejected. It may be the first or last round or in between - doesn't matter. In desperation, I loaded a box of 71 gr plated round nose with 2.6 gr Titegroup. 50 rounds - no jams. This is about 10% hot. I see no signs of over pressure. I'd really appreciate any comments on this matter.

February 4, 2022, 07:04 PM	#3
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Sometimes guns need a breaking in period. How old is the Tomcat? The very first ones were known for falling apart (lose the firing pin when fired). I would consider a reduced power spring to weaken the blowback lockup. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

February 5, 2022, 09:36 AM	#5
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	SPRING Brownell’s has them for $1.99. I’d buy 2. Try one and shorten it 1/4 turn at a time with a dremel until it is reliable. Last edited by Nathan; February 5, 2022 at 09:44 AM.

February 6, 2022, 10:01 AM	#6
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	I'd rather put the spring on a long nail and take it to a grinder (let it spin on the nail) and go along the whole length of the spring. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

February 6, 2022, 03:04 PM	#7
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	I doubt the springs have much to do with the jams. Make sure everything is properly lubricated and hold the gun firmly. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 4, 2022, 06:50 PM	#2
blchandl2 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: TN Posts: 525	Any difference in OAL between loads?

February 4, 2022, 07:09 PM	#4
Schlitz 45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2018 Location: Colorado Posts: 384	Never had any functional issues is my old Tomcat. It’s a straight blowback design with no extractor so the only thing I can think of is to polish up the chamber to make sure there’s no unnecessary friction slowing the case from being blown clear. It’s a very crude/simple design with not much that go wrong.

February 6, 2022, 07:02 PM	#9
Electrod47 Member Join Date: April 27, 2021 Location: SE Mississippi Posts: 93	How old is the Tom Cat? Is a blued model? About 10-11 years ago had the same problem and it turned out to be a cracked slide. Look hard at it. Beretta gave me a brand new SS to replace it.

February 6, 2022, 07:22 PM	#10
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Tomcats don't have extractors. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 6, 2022, 11:47 PM	#12
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	"Limp wristing" the gun can cause extraction failures, and could explain why hotter ammunition extracts properly. But- the Tomcat should not be used with hotter ammunition. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com