In 2023, Beretta killed the 3032 and 21A Bobcat, much to my dismay, even though I own multiples of each. I love tip-up guns a lot and thought this was the end. Then, boom, SHOT 2024 gave us the 30X. I was excited to see a modernized Tomcat but was dismayed to see a lack of an updated Bobcat. I considered my dismay dismissed as Beretta had released the rimfire .22LR 20X.
The Beretta 20X has given the Bobcat the X treatment. While most of the industry uses X to signify a compact slide on a full-sized frame, Beretta uses it to mark when its legacy designs get a modern spin.

The Beretta 20X has a lot of the same features as the 30X. This includes multiple models available. The DonIt Yourself model features a slightly longer threaded barrel and suppressor height sights. The You’re On Your Own model lacks has a standard barrel and standard height sights. The sights are dovetailed and potentially interchangeable.
Last year, Beretta showed an optics mount for RMSc optics, but I’ve yet to see it hit the market. As the owner of a 30X, I’ve been watching for it. Like the 30X, the trigger has been greatly improved. It features a flat trigger that’s much lighter in double action. The single action is also smooth and short. Both the hammer and trigger are skeletonized.

The 20X Bobcat
The barrel still tips-up but the 20X uses the ELS or effortless loading system. The old Bobcat had a tab to press downward. The new 20X features a button that deploys the tip-up barrel. I don’t see a huge difference in function between the new and old model but the button works fine.
The magazine capacity has increased to eight rounds in total. It’s not a ton, but it’s nine with one in the chamber. My complaint is that the new magazine sticks out of the grip a bit. This nonflush fit grip means the gun is larger, and guns like the 20X shouldn’t be large.

This is a pocket pistol. I want less bulk, not more. While I’m complaining about the magazine, I won’t complain about the magazine release. Beretta moved from the weird bottom grip-mounted button to a normal magazine release button right behind the trigger.
It’s a good improvement and much more ergonomic. The 20X is already available and snuck out shortly before SHOT. Street price sits at around $450 dollars.
Specifications
Magazine Capacity 8+1
Barrel Length 2.4″
Overall Height 4.3″
Overall Width 1.3″
Weight Unloaded 14.92 oz
Caliber .22LR
i have no idea what caliber this is.
Any thought on mentioning the caliber in the article?
Then, boom, SHOT 2024 gave us the 30X. I was excited to see a modernized Tomcat but was dismayed to see a lack of an updated Bobcat. I considered my dismay dismissed as Beretta had released the rimfire .22LR 20X.
My mistake folks. I edited to reflect the .22LR offering
hey good job in the hustle and bustle that is SHOT
Good pics
Absolutely gorgeous well made guns
I had a 3032. Good little pistol, but I couldn’t tell the difference between it and my 442 in my pocket so the Beretta went away.
This is my take as well. I love Berettas, but at 15oz you can carry a ton of other stuff in a more effective caliber than .22
Pocket guns rule!!! I carried my beretta 21A for years while in college and teaching. I trained with it. Fortunately, I never had to use it.
If you can’t conceal the gun. Then get a different gun.
Now even the 21st century “gun industry” understands, that guns need to be smaller. Like they use to be over 100 years ago.
I see 32HR magnum making a come back. And Federal Punch ammo for rim fire guns is really forward thinking.
I really can’t think of any logical reason for these overpriced, underpowered toys – they are certainly not something anyone would seriously consider for an EDC, and I wouldn’t think they’d be any good on targets or gongs either.
However, I notice there’s a small opening on one of the shelves in the gun safe, so, umm, maybe put me down for one.
… just one though
… unless they start making them in high-cap.
I’m not going to do the “Betcha wuddin’ stand in frunna one, HUR-DURR!” cliché because it’s very unclever and idiotic, just like the people who invoke it. That said, this seems like a nice little Plan B to keep in the fifth pocket in case your primary piece is unavailable for whatever reason or you don’t want to waste the good ammo on any snakes that might pop on the trail.
“I really can’t think of any logical reason for these overpriced, underpowered toys”
Next time at a stocking dealer, ask to hold one.
It feels really, Really, REALLY nice in the hand, just wonderful. Your hand just naturally falls into it.
A big part of that I suspect is the contoured wood grips…
haha, sark isnt only a river in scotland
Oh, so now we’re forcing Draconian censorship onto comments with no profanity, too? Yeah, I’m gonna go ahead and remove your bookmark now. I’m done with this.
Fuck off, TTAG.
Don’t take it personal, most every commenter here has been moderated at one time or another.
None of us have a clue as to why.
The Intelligence of Artificial intelligence is what I am surmising.
Clearly profanity, stupidity, bad manners and lack of impulse control are not being censored.
If only they could figure out an extractor for it. Sure, you can just pull the trigger again if you have a light strike, but there’s no way to simply rack the slide and eject the dud and chamber a fresh round.
For that reason, I can’t carry it as a primary concealed carry firearm.
I still love mine and won’t sell it, but I wish they could figure out an extractor…
Tanfoglio Giuseppe imported under FIE had a decent .25 Gt25/26 model retailing for a less price.
While not using as high of quality materials as a Beretta it was a much more functional firearm then most being produced cheaply at the time.
One complaint I had was the inadequate safety, so, I drilled a hole in the trigger and stuck a modified butt plug in the trigger hole. That definitely stop all possibilities of an accidental discharge.
Perfection under stress is conquered by repetition. I have stuck the butt plug into the trigger hole repetitiously until it became habitual, now I believe I have obtained perfection. No discharging is unintentional.
BTW those models have an extractor. The ability to pull out when wants to also alleviates unintentional discharges.
,,,, extractor pulling out the unspent cartridge, that is,,,,,,
correction too late, I already snickered!
Street price $450? Just get a Ruger pocket pistol in .380 for less than $300. Beretta is finding a solution for what was never a question!
I have a Beretta Nano. Pure crap and an embarrassment to Beretta. I’ll pass on this
Nanu nanu shazbah
no no nanotte? I like my nano. Bought out of somebodys car trunk. Goes pop every time I tell it to. I put a green dot on it and now it’s more fun!
$450 for a pocket .22lr? Pass.
I love my 21A Covert with the tan grip. I forget this little bug is even in my pocket using an Alabama kidex holster. I have other pistols that I rotate, but this the best. If it’s not comfortable I would tend not to use it.
I’ve had ideas for making this a VERY popular pistol for some time. They include offering a longer barrel, say 6.4”, that can be swapped out via a threaded pin bolt instead of the current tip-up barrel pin. That would make the pistol a very accurate tool for small game/survival purposes. The pistol could be carried in a pocket with the short barrel, and changed out quickly as needed. That plus other options could make the gun one of Beretta’s most popular. Get back to me, Beretta, if you want to sell a bunch of them. The Beretta’s advantage over the Taurus version is mainly the single-action trigger option. Been thinking about modifying a 21A myself, but would like to see Beretta add the options.