While hanging out at Beretta’s SHOT Show range event, the new Bobcat 20X DIY immediately caught my eye. At first glance, it resembles the classic Bobcat 21A, but the 20X DIY comes packed with a handful of significant upgrades.
The most noticeable improvement is the inclusion of a threaded 1/2×28” barrel and suppressor-height sights. This tiny gun has always been fun to shoot, but adding a suppressor takes it to a whole new level. I can already imagine pairing it with my modular Rugged Mustang22 in its short configuration—it seems like a match made in plinking heaven.
Another upgrade that stands out is the repositioned mag release. It’s now located at the base of the trigger guard, a big ergonomic improvement over the old recessed button halfway down the grip. This new placement feels much more intuitive and user-friendly.
Durability also gets a boost with the 20X DIY. The trigger guard is now integral to the machined frame, replacing the older stamped design. Beretta states that this, along with other structural changes, has doubled the pistol’s durability. While I never heard of significant durability issues with the 21A, this updated design inspires even more confidence—it feels like this little gun could withstand just about anything.
Magazine capacity, a common limitation of micro pistols, has also been addressed. The 20X now holds 8+1 rounds, adding one extra shot compared to its predecessor. The magazine does protrude slightly past the grip, but it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for the added capacity.
Read More: Rugged Mustang22 – An A+ Modular Silencer
The trigger is another area of improvement. Beretta reports that the trigger pull weight has been reduced by 35%, making it much easier to manage during extended shooting sessions. The redesigned trigger also feels smoother, adding to the overall shooting experience.
Speaking of shooting, the 20X DIY retains the feel the Bobcat series is known for. Even with the upgrades, it’s lighter than the 21A, weighing just 13.6 ounces. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of uses—whether as a backup gun, a backpacking companion, or just a fun weekend plinker.
With all these enhancements and an MSRP of $549, the 20X DIY is hard to ignore. It’s a compact, durable pistol that delivers in both performance and features. I’d love to spend more time with one if given the chance.
For more information on the Bobcat 20X DIY or its unthreaded counterpart with standard sights, the 20X YOYO, head over to Beretta’s website.
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has a wide variety of skills and interests. His profession as an engineer in the steel industry falls right in line with his hands-on approach to his hobbies. Whether it’s ham radio, shooting, hunting, etc., Garrett is always happy when he has a project to work on.
The significant downside of both this handgun and it’s 21A predecessor is that it has no extractor — that is why I got rid of mine as a diminutive carry backup long ago.
.22LR ammo is not as reliable as center-fire ammunition, and the first time you find a round stuck in its tiny tip-up barrel with no way to extricate it will be the time you realize that your money could have been better spent on a handgun which utilizes an extractor!
Good to know, scratch this off the list of potential purchases.
my new in box beretta 21 was a jam o matic, and don’t bother asking beretta for help. these things are pitched to nongunners for their ease of use, which is nonsense. if you need to reload, which you might in a defensive scenario with a 22lr ccw, racking the slide to charge it, or stripping a round from a mag to feed the tip-up barrel, are difficult to easily perform. and with a msrp of $549 it is easy for nongunners and gunners alike to ignore.
Good sit rep, I will avoid this gun.