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

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.