Beretta is adding two new .22 LR pistols from the B22 Jaguar family to its lineup: the Tac Metal and Metal Competition. Modular rimfire designs have long been present in the shooting community, but what sets the new Berettas apart is their target audience. The B22 Jaguar was designed from the outset with training, sport shooting, and young and novice competitors in mind, while the Competition version was developed in cooperation with the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) and TANDEMKROSS.
The entry-level model is the B22 Jaguar Tac Metal, featuring a modular aluminum frame and a barrel approximately 13.3 cm long. The pistol was designed as a versatile platform for training and recreational shooting. It features a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting optics, adjustable fiber-optic sights, ambidextrous controls, and tool-less disassembly. It also comes with interchangeable grip panels, a semi-flat trigger, and two ejection ports, allowing the pistol to be configured for both right- and left-handed shooters. Depending on the configuration, the B22 Jaguar Tac Metal can be equipped with a 1/2×28 threaded barrel for mounting compatible muzzle devices. The model is approximately 22.5 cm long and weighs around 952 g without a magazine. The pistol is offered with either a 10- or 15-round magazine, depending on the configuration.
The B22 Jaguar Metal Competition has a considerably more competition-oriented character. It was developed for disciplines involving rapid engagement of steel targets and comes equipped with factory-installed components from TANDEMKROSS. These include the Steam Demon compensator, Accelerator thumb rest, adjustable semi-flat trigger, and fiber-optic sight. The pistol also features modular grip panels and uses a Chassis Fire Control System, making it easier to replace and configure individual components. The package includes three sizes of polymer grip panels, allowing a single pistol to be adapted to different hand sizes. An ambidextrous safety and two ejection ports are also provided, allowing the pistol to be operated by both right- and left-handed shooters. The package is rounded out by a 1913 rail and an additional accessory rail. The pistol has a barrel approximately 13.3 cm long, weighs around 1.03 kg without a magazine, and has an overall length of approximately 24.9 cm. It is available with 15- or 10-round magazines and operates on a straight blowback system.
One of the most interesting aspects of the entire project is the cooperation with SASP. The Scholastic Action Shooting Program focuses on developing youth participation in practical shooting, and its involvement means that Beretta did not design the B22 solely around what looks good in a catalog. The platform was developed, tested, and refined with the participation of competitors, allowing the practical needs of future shooters to be taken into account.
The .22 LR market has long been full of designs intended for recreational use, while some manufacturers also offer highly developed competition-oriented versions. Beretta is attempting to bridge these two worlds by creating a platform that is simple enough for a beginner, yet modular enough to evolve alongside the shooter's skills. It is therefore no coincidence that this particular caliber was chosen. The low energy of the cartridge and minimal recoil have made .22 LR one of the fundamental training and sporting calibers for decades, including in Olympic disciplines. The Tac Metal is intended to serve as the more versatile variant, while the Metal Competition is a competition-ready version. The B22 Jaguar demonstrates that the brand wants to be present from the very beginning of a potential newcomer's shooting journey, rather than waiting until amateurs move on to more advanced designs.
The B22 Jaguar Metal Competition is scheduled to go on sale at a later date than the Tac Metal, which is already available for purchase.
Photos: Beretta
