The exclusive tip-up barrel allows the user to easily load a round directly into the chamber. It also assists in the safe clearing of the pistol by allowing a live round to be easily removed from the chamber and the bore quickly checked. Jamming and stovepiping problems are virtually eliminated by the open slide design shared by all small frame Berettas. The Bobcat Series utilize the toughest of forgings for their barrels" while slides are fashioned from solid steel bar stock and frames are machined from solid aluminum forgings. Stainless steel might be difficult to machine" but makes for exceptional corrosion-resistance.