The cracks developed in a non-structural part of the alloy frame, and did not impact the usability of the weapon unless a burr developed that impeded slide function. Beretta's fix to the cracking problem was to increase the mass of the slide, hence the term 'wide-slide' Tomcat, which increased the weight of the pistol by 1.34 ounces. Buy Beretta 9000 Series Frame Factory replacement gun parts, accessories and gunsmithing service on most manufacturers including Browning, Winchester, FN America, Beretta, Benelli Franchi, Stoeger, Remington, Bushmaster, Marlin, Sig Sauer, HK and many more. If your Tomcat has suffered a cracked frame, then it will ultimately need to be retired from service, as the frames, which are serialized and regulated, can be neither replaced nor repaired. On rare occasions, we have been known to sell the owner a new Tomcat at wholesale cost, should this issue occur. I too, have a Beretta Tomcat (blued) with a cracked frame. I bought it well before the 'wide frames' came out and noticed the crack while cleaning it after a range session. I sent it back to Beretta and when they finally responded they stated that it should be retired from service and that they`d give me $100 credit towards a new Tomcat.
A Magnum Opus on heavy loads for the .32 ACP < for use in suitably strong, STEEL framed guns> is being submitted soon for The Fouling Shot, but important safety information needs to get out now and not wait for publication! Sub indo download.
My advice is to severely limit loads producing over 130 ft.-lbs. to occasional/emergency use only in micro pistols like the Beretta Tomcat for two reasons:
1) because they may cause serious “slide bite” if you have meaty hands and don't use a Hogue Grip Sleeve, as I painfully found out. And
Beretta Tomcat Cracked Frame Fix For Windows
2) after prolonged firing,
Beretta Tomcat 32 Cracked Frame
If you choose to use “hot” loads in yours, then you are on “your own nickel.”
I will continue to use my Tomcat as a teaching tool to demonstrate the advantages of the tip-up barrel for women or elderly who have trouble racking the slide, but any shooting will be VERY limited from now on, with more sedate loads than my hand loaded “Buffalo Bore” approximations.
I still have no reservations firing the heavy .32 ACP loads in STEEL FRAME, standard sized guns such as the Colt M1903, Walther PP, Beretta M1935, CZ27, etc., replacing recoil springs with the heavier Wolff .380 ACP replacements where available.
73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in 'Almost Heaven' West Virginia