The Beretta 21A (Bobcat) Inox — my new BUG.

[Echo40]

Don't trust the factory mags or the MecGar branded on that one. You can't load the mags to capacity and the top round likes to hit the front of the magazine instead of chambering. I've had over 30 years of experience with that gun.

According to the manual, although the magazine can hold a certain number of rounds, (IIRC, 8) it is only designed to hold one less (IIRC, 7) and therefore if you load the magazine until it cannot fit anymore rounds, it will malfunction because the top round isn't in the proper orientation to feed.

Anyone question the practical value or utility of a backup gun for civilian carry? It would seem a practice informally relegated to law enforcement only. I'm inquiring here and not doing so disparagingly.

It's a "If you know, you know" situation.

I view a BUG the same way as I view a spare magazine, you don't carry one because you're likely going to need it, but rather in case you need it.

Much like Prepping, it's a practice that the lay person who has never been in a situation in which they were inadequately prepared for with potentially dire consequences is apt to understand and will inevitably question, while everyone else does not because they already know.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

According to the manual, although the magazine can hold a certain number of rounds, (IIRC, 8) it is only designed to hold one less (IIRC, 7) and therefore if you load the magazine until it cannot fit anymore rounds, it will malfunction because the top round isn't in the proper orientation to feed.



It's a "If you know, you know" situation.

I view a BUG the same way as I view a spare magazine, you don't carry one because you're likely going to need it, but rather in case you need it.

Much like Prepping, it's a practice that the lay person who has never been in a situation in which they were inadequately prepared for with potentially dire consequences is apt to understand and will inevitably question, while everyone else does not because they already know.

According to the manual, although the magazine can hold a certain number of rounds, (IIRC, 8) it is only designed to hold one less (IIRC, 7) and therefore if you load the magazine until it cannot fit anymore rounds, it will malfunction because the top round isn't in the proper orientation to feed.



It's a "If you know, you know" situation.

I view a BUG the same way as I view a spare magazine, you don't carry one because you're likely going to need it, but rather in case you need it.

Much like Prepping, it's a practice that the lay person who has never been in a situation in which they were inadequately prepared for with potentially dire consequences is apt to understand and will inevitably question, while everyone else does not because they already know.

I usually have a backup gun to go along with my essential guns. I have two Berettas, 2 Glockish guns, and 3 1911's. All of my other handguns are just gravy or niche purpose guns. But I don't carry a backup on me.

I have backups in case of a mechanical problem, so if one does occur I'm not left gunless. You know, like if one has to go in for service at the gunsmith. I also try to keep certain parts on hand, like springs and magazines/ mag parts.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

According to the manual, although the magazine can hold a certain number of rounds, (IIRC, 8) it is only designed to hold one less (IIRC, 7) and therefore if you load the magazine until it cannot fit anymore rounds, it will malfunction because the top round isn't in the proper orientation to feed.



It's a "If you know, you know" situation.

I view a BUG the same way as I view a spare magazine, you don't carry one because you're likely going to need it, but rather in case you need it.

Much like Prepping, it's a practice that the lay person who has never been in a situation in which they were inadequately prepared for with potentially dire consequences is apt to understand and will inevitably question, while everyone else does not because they already know.

This applies to ammo as well. You may not need it now, but better to have it and not need it. And, it makes good currency during shortages.

 

[Imissedagain]

Read that the 21a is discontinued and the new model is the 20X.
The 21a has a 7 round mag.