[MHGinTN]

If .22lr worries you, the Beretta 32 Tomcat is a good alternative because of the pop-up barrel for chambering the carry round. ... But teach shot placement, always shot placement. I often carry a Taurus eight round 22 magnum revolver w/two inch barrel ... after I did a spring job on it to reduce trigger pull in double action. Ruger also has a good 22mag revolver and Smith makes one now, too.

[niteowl77]

The Tomcat is a rare bird in these parts, and most of the ones I know of personally are examples that have - for whatever reasons - not aged well. I have never owned one, but have gotten to use a couple over the years. They do fill a niche for those who want a semiauto but who have problems racking a slide.

Sometimes a "newbie" surprises a guy- a slim, middle-aged lady has found that she does well with a full-size 1911 in 9mm, because the SA trigger suits her trigger finger, the long slide with a relatively limber recoil spring lets her easily grip and rack the slide, and recoil is manageable. In addition, she is proof that a thin person can sometimes conceal a full size auto easier than a potbellied old dude like myself can. I would not have recommended that gun for her, but so far it is a good fit.

Mr. niteowl77