New acquisition over the weekend - idiot on first cleaning

[ldhunter1959]

A friend of mine gave me a great deal on a Baretta Tomcat this weekend and I have been wanting a smaller pocket pistol for some time. Have not had a chance to shoot the little pistol yet, but I did break it down and clean it thoroughly - simpler to break down then re-assemble.
But I did an idiot thing - wasn't thinking - I left the grips on when I was flushing it with my spray winchester gun cleaner. Realized the mistake when some black stuff stuck to my fingers. Pulled the grips and sure enough they had suffered some "melting." Now I am in the market for a set of grips.

[olfarhors]

I tried winchester spray one time and not again!
it appears to be much like acetone, much more harsh than gunscubber, especaillyy the synthetic safe gunscubber.
try CDNN for replacement grips!- they normally have decent prices on magazines as well!

[Josh45]

I did this once with Hoppes. I felt pretty dumb about it. I wiped off my grips as much as I could and found no damage. The next time I went to clean up, I make sure to remove the grips first. Put a screwdriver or what ever tool requires you to remove the grip in your gun case or bag and it will remind you.,

[cranners99]

Yep, it often hurts to learn the hard way. I guarantee that you won't do it again.

[RevolverFan]

You might also try eBay for the grips...

[ldhunter1959]

Finally got the little gun to the range. Worked pretty well. Only shot a box - at $22 a box thought I would not go too crazy. Had two failure to chamber. Gun did not show any cracks, yet. Did discover this is a 1998 model so I am a little apprehensive about the gun in terms of being around for long if shot much. Still I picked up a little cheap pocket holster and carry it everyday.
Found some grips at beretta - wood grips would look nice on it.
As to shooting it - pretty accurate at about 25 feet. Accurate enough for the intended purpose.
I am glad I did not pay much for it. Think I would prefer to have an LCP.
The gentleman who sold it to me did have an older Browning .380 that was simply a piece of art. He was considering selling. Smooth lines, groove instead of sights. Excellent condition, but it would end up like my blued Interarms PPK/s - sitting in the vault. At least with the Tomcat I don't feel too bad about it banging around in my pocket or dumped in the glove box on my old harley.

[mike145]

Heres a set of factory grips for 12.99 on Ebay.

Beretta 3032 TOMCAT .32 FACTORY pistol grips Gun NEW | eBay