The Beretta 21A Bobcat is a .22 LR pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel. The slide doesn't need to be racked to chamber a round. You tip the barrel up, drop a cartridge in, close it, and fire. That's the one feature that defines this gun and the main reason people choose it over other small-frame pistols. At 11.8 oz. and 5.42" overall, it's genuinely pocket-sized. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 21A Bobcat 
• Caliber: .22 LR 
• Action: Double/Single Action 
• Capacity: 7 + 1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.9 inches 
• Total Length: 5.42 inches 
• Weight: 11.8 ounces (0.7 lbs) 
• Finish: Matte Black Bruniton with Alloy Frame, Walnut Grips 
• Sights: Low-profile fixed 
   

Detailed Features 

The tip-up barrel addresses a practical problem for people with limited hand strength or those who find racking a small-frame slide difficult under stress. Load a round directly into the chamber, load the magazine, and you're ready. The recessed magazine release reduces the chance of an accidental drop. 
 
Low-profile fixed sights minimize snag when drawing from a pocket. DA/SA action means the first pull is heavier from a decocked hammer; subsequent shots are lighter single-action. At 2.9" the barrel is genuinely short, which limits range performance but keeps the package small. 
 
.22 LR from a 2.9" barrel produces modest velocity. The caliber and size are appropriate for a close-range backup or training pistol, not a primary defensive round. Ammunition sensitivity is a known trait. Some loads feed more reliably than others in this platform.

The Bobcat 21A has a defined audience: people who need the tip-up barrel, and they're generally satisfied with it. The loading mechanism comes up first in almost every positive review. It's the reason most owners bought this gun and it works as described. Lightweight and pocket-friendly design are the other recurring positives.

Accuracy for a 2.9" barrel gets fair marks at close range, and the .22 LR recoil keeps it accessible for shooters who find larger calibers uncomfortable.

The main criticism is ammunition selectivity. Some owners report that certain .22 LR loads cause jams or misfires, requiring trial and error to find what feeds reliably. The small grip is comfortable for average and smaller hands but gets mentioned as a problem by shooters with larger hands. Overall the 21A is understood as a specialized tool, useful for its specific niche, but not a general-purpose pistol.