I’m here to share my firsthand experience with two remarkable guns: the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Vs Colt Mustang.
As a professional shooter, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test these firearms out in the field and let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey.
This article aims to give you an insider’s perspective on each gun, comparing their features and performance.
| Specification | Beretta 3032 Tomcat | Colt Mustang |
| Caliber | .32 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 2.4 inches | 2.75 inches |
| Capacity | 7+1 | 6+1 |
| Overall Height | 3.7 inches | 3.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 4.92 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.1 inches | 1.06 inches |
| Weight (Empty) | 14.5 ounces | 12.58 ounces |
Overview of Beretta 3032 Tomcat
The Beretta 3032 Tomcat is a compact and reliable pistol known for its ease of handling and unique design.
Specs
- Caliber: 7.65 (.32 ACP)
- Barrel Length: 2.4 inches
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
- Overall Height: 3.7 inches
- Overall Length: 4.92 inches
- Overall Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight (Empty): 14.5 ounces
Overview of Colt Mustang
The Colt Mustang Lite stands out with its lightweight build and impressive ergonomics, making it a strong contender in the compact firearm category.
Specs
- Length: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.06 inches
- Height (with 6-round magazine): 3.9 inches
- Weight (Empty): 12.58 ounces
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
- Caliber: .380 ACP
Features Comparison: Beretta 3032 Tomcat VS Colt Mustang
1. Shootability and Recoil Management
Beretta 3032 Tomcat
With its compact frame, the Tomcat manages the 7.65 caliber’s recoil impressively. This aspect stands out particularly in scenarios requiring rapid target reacquisition, a key factor in self-defense situations.
Its recoil is gentle enough to maintain a steady aim for quick follow-up shots. However, the sights on the Tomcat are less than stellar, somewhat undermining its potential for precision shooting. The sights, while functional, don’t quite offer the clarity and accuracy needed for pinpoint accuracy.
Colt Mustang
The Mustang, chambered in .380 ACP, surprised me with its recoil control, especially given its lighter build than the Tomcat. This lightness doesn’t translate to a harsher recoil but rather facilitates faster and more efficient follow-up shots.
However, the Mustang also falls short in the sights department, lacking the precision required for more accurate shooting. The sights, similar to the Tomcat’s, could greatly benefit from being more refined and clearer, especially for precise targeting.
Winner
In shootability and recoil management, the Tomcat slightly outshines the Mustang. Its heftier frame seems to better absorb recoil, offering a more balanced and controlled shooting experience. Both pistols would greatly benefit from improved sighting systems for enhanced precision.
2. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta 3032 Tomcat
The Tomcat’s trigger, particularly in its single-action mode, is lighter and more responsive than the Mustang’s. This lighter pull contributes to a smoother overall shooting experience, making it easier to maintain accuracy, especially during rapid fire.
The double-action trigger, though not as refined as some competitors, is still functional and reliable, especially at closer ranges typical of self-defense scenarios.
Colt Mustang
The Mustang’s trigger, being single-action only, feels noticeably stiffer, akin to the heavier triggers found in 1911-style pistols.
This stiffness might be preferable to some shooters who are accustomed to a more substantial trigger pull, but it can hinder quick, successive shots. The heavier pull requires more effort and can slow down rapid firing sequences.
Winner
When it comes to the trigger mechanism, the Tomcat takes the lead over the Mustang. Its lighter single-action trigger offers a more comfortable and responsive shooting experience, which is particularly advantageous in situations requiring quick, accurate shots.
3. Ergonomics and Handling
Beretta 3032 Tomcat
The Tomcat’s design presents a mixed experience in terms of ergonomics. The magazine release is inconveniently located further down the grip, making it awkward to access with the shooting hand. This design choice can hinder quick magazine changes.
However, the Tomcat scores points with its unique tip-barrel design, which simplifies the loading process, and the well-placed barrel release lever, which is easily accessible and user-friendly.
Colt Mustang
The Mustang excels in ergonomic design. It features an intuitive slide release that’s easily accessible and a magazine release that allows the magazine to drop freely and smoothly.
The ambidextrous safety feature enhances its usability for a wider range of shooters, and the slide locking back after the last shot is a practical feature that adds to its overall user-friendliness.
Winner
In terms of ergonomics and handling, the Mustang clearly stands out as the superior choice when compared to the Tomcat. Its ergonomic features, including the intuitive placement of controls and user-friendly safety mechanisms, make it a more accessible and comfortable option for a variety of shooters, regardless of their experience level.
4. Magazine and Feed Reliability
Beretta 3032 Tomcat
During extensive testing, the Beretta 3032 Tomcat’s magazine and feed reliability stood out impressively. The factory magazine consistently fed rounds into the chamber with remarkable smoothness and reliability.
This seamless operation is especially critical in high-pressure situations where reliable feeding can make a significant difference.
Colt Mustang
In contrast, the Colt Mustang’s magazine reliability presented some challenges. During testing, I noticed that the rounds frequently nose-dived into the feed ramp, leading to problematic chambering.
This issue was a significant concern as it can lead to critical delays in firing.
Winner
Comparing the two, the Beretta 3032 Tomcat emerges as the clear winner in terms of magazine and feed reliability. Its factory magazine’s superior performance, characterized by consistent and smooth feeding, starkly contrasts with the feeding issues of the Colt Mustang’s factory magazine.
Pros & Cons: Beretta 3032 Tomcat
Pros
- Reliable magazine feed.
- Manageable recoil.
- Unique tip-barrel design for easy loading.
Cons
- Awkward magazine release position.
- Subpar sights.
- Heavier trigger compared to some competitors.
Pros & Cons: Colt Mustang
Pros
- Lighter frame with mild recoil.
- Intuitive ergonomic design.
- Ambidextrous safety features.
Cons
- Factory magazine feeding issues.
- Stiffer single-action trigger.
- Less ideal sights for precision shooting.
Similarities between Beretta 3032 Tomcat & Colt Mustang
- Both have mild recoil, aiding in quick target reacquisition.
- Both feature less than ideal sights.
- Similar challenges with precision shooting due to sight quality.
- Comparable in overall handling and shootability.
Differences between Beretta 3032 Tomcat & Colt Mustang
- Tomcat has a unique tip-barrel design; Mustang requires slide racking.
- Tomcat’s magazine release is more awkwardly positioned than Mustang’s.
- Mustang has a stiffer trigger compared to the Tomcat.
- The Tomcat’s magazine feeds more reliably than the Mustang’s.
- Ergonomically, the Mustang is more user-friendly with features like ambidextrous safety.
Final Verdict
Both firearms have their unique strengths and shortcomings, but one emerged as a more well-rounded choice for me.
The winner, in my opinion, is the Colt Mustang. Its superior ergonomics, user-friendly design, and better handling make it stand out. While the Tomcat excelled in magazine reliability and had a slightly better trigger, the overall user experience with the Mustang was more satisfying.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between a Colt 380 government model and a Mustang?
The Colt 380 Government model has a longer barrel, barrel bushing, and conventional recoil spring, whereas the Mustang features a shorter barrel, solid nose slide, and concentric recoil springs. Additionally, the Mustang is shorter in the butt by the capacity of one round.
What is the capacity of the 380 in the Colt Mustang?
The Colt Mustang has a 6+1 capacity, featuring a 2.75-inch barrel and a shorter grip compared to the .380 Government model, which has a seven-round magazine and a 3.25-inch barrel.
What is the difference between a 9mm and a 380?
The 9mm and .380 ACP cartridges have the same diameter, but the 9mm round is longer. The .380 ACP is cheaper, easier to handle and conceal, while the 9mm is more powerful.
