NRA Gun of the Week: Beretta 21A Bobcat

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Italian-designed Beretta 21A Bobcat is an ultra-compact, semi-automatic double-action handgun chambered for .22 Long Rifle. The Bobcat operates like a traditional, fixed-barrel self-loader would, but its designers included a tip-up barrel. The barrel unlocks by the flick of a frame-mounted lever—making for a gun that is quick and safe to load or unload, which is appealing to folks with limited dexterity. A double-action trigger with a manual safety is also included and its function, when in the safe position, locks the slide from rearward movement. To learn more about the U.S.-made Beretta 21A Bobcat, check out this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Brian Sheetz.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Beretta U.S.A. Corp.
Action Type: direct-blowback-operated (fixed barrel), rimfire semi-automatic pistol
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Slide: steel
Frame: aluminum
Barrel: 2.4”; tip-up style
Trigger: double-action, 11-lb. pull; single-action, 4-lb., 12-oz. pull
Weight: 11.8 ozs.
Sights: fixed; notch rear, blade front
Magazine: seven-round detachable box
MSRP: $410; Inox (stainless) models only

Additional Reading:
Hemingway's Beretta













  




 

 




Latest

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.