Pocket 9mm: Beretta BU-9 Nano or Ruger LC9?

js8588 · March 17, 2013, 11:28 PM

I'm looking at both as my next handgun purchase. Can't be sure when LC9s will become available again (seems production slowed/stopped to accomodate the LC380 introduction) but I have seen the Berettas available on Buds and a few other sites.

The Beretta is a bit more costly and I sacrifice carrying a round (6+1 vs 7+1) but, on the other hand, it's available now (even if 9mm ammo is not).

I've gotten to fondle a Beretta Tomcat, PX4 Subcompact, and a 22LR and all were great pointers and have reliable reviews from their owner.

I looked at LC9s last year but stupidly, put off the purchase til they disappeared from the market!

Wait for the LC9 or go with the Beretta?

CNobbe · March 17, 2013, 11:37 PM

Tough call, I don't care for guns that dont have slide stops, but the Nano I tried was a smooth shooting gun.

bannockburn · March 18, 2013, 06:13 AM

js8588

Between the two I probably would go with the Beretta Nano. I have tried both guns and found the Nano to be slightly more ergonomic and the better handling pistol over the LC9.
Another sub-compact 9mm. you might want to consider, though it is a bit more expensive, is the Kahr PM9. To me it is a natural pointer and it does have a slide stop.

grptelli · March 18, 2013, 08:22 AM

Shot both side x side a few months ago. Both are good guns and would be a great ccw. Question is do you want a slide safety or not. Lc9 has the safety. I shot the lc9 better, but I think I did because I have shot the lc9 more and the nano was a rental.

Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android

C0untZer0 · March 18, 2013, 09:09 AM

Have you tried to put either of those in your pocket and take them out?

In a pair of normal jeans? Cotton Dockers / Business casual or church clothes?

js8588 · March 18, 2013, 09:47 AM

"Have you tried to put either of those in your pocket and take them out?"

I have done with the Ruger, which is the -slightly- larger gun. It was no problem so I should be ok with the Beretta.

"Another sub-compact 9mm. you might want to consider, though it is a bit more expensive, is the Kahr PM9."

Very nice gun and, as you said, a great pointer...which is why a solid steel Kahr Mk9 Elite is on my longer term purchase list!

dbp · March 18, 2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C0untZer0

Have you tried to put either of those in your pocket and take them out?

In a pair of normal jeans? Cotton Dockers / Business casual or church clothes?

I own a Nano and have carried in the pocket of jeans, khakis,and dress slacks. No problem in any of these pant types.

WYO · March 18, 2013, 10:55 AM

I've tried the Nano in jeans pockets and do not view it as optimal because of the blocky rear of the slide. It is not like a rounded hump on a S&W centennial revolver that is totally snag free. You really have to watch it on the draw with the Nano to be smooth. I can't speak for the Ruger other than to say that I really don't like mechanical thumb safeties on DA or DA/SA guns. Sure, I can leave it off, but it is one more thing to goof up.

The_Armed_Therapist · March 18, 2013, 11:41 AM

I'd say Ruger has the edge in the reliability market, but that the Nano has an edge in style. I'd probably be trying to talk myself into the Nano, but would ultimately pick the LC9.

js8588 · March 18, 2013, 12:28 PM

I'm inclined to wait for the Ruger but I'll see if anyone here changes my mind. Perhaps I'll just backorder it from Buds and have done with it!

weblance · March 18, 2013, 03:58 PM

I have 2 LC9s. There is a 22 Long Rifle conversion in the works from Twisted Industries, and Ruger has announced a 9 round extended magazine for the LC9. Just some info that might help.

TarDevil · March 18, 2013, 05:25 PM

Are you dead set on those two? My choice in this genre would be the Sig P290.

js8588 · March 18, 2013, 07:15 PM

Only reason I discounted the Sig is the price point puts it in PM9 territory. STRONGLY leaning in the direction of waiting on the LC9 but still open to be convinced otherwise. Worst case, I just aquire new, heretofore unpossessed firearm knowledge (or a new item for my "wish list")!

Pud · March 18, 2013, 09:12 PM

My SO has a LC9, which she carries...and she loves it(she shoots it pretty good too).

I prefer and carry a SR9c, IWB- it is just fine for me.
We have had nothing but great firearms from Ruger, (own 4 of them) so my vote is for the LC9.
PUD

TarDevil · March 18, 2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by js8588

Only reason I discounted the Sig is the price point puts it in PM9 territory.

I can find the 290 rather easily for around $525.00.

hariph creek · March 20, 2013, 08:17 AM

I really like my Sig P290RS. Pocket carry, IWB, Null USH-X, all work remarkably well.
Don't remember the price? But, it was under $500. Came with the laser, too. Which I sold right away, thus further defraying cost? Plus, it comes standard with very good night sights.
Sig mishandled the initial release of these. Makes it kind of a "sleeper." It may still be easy to find? Of course, with all the craziness right now, maybe not?

Of the two you mention? NANO.

ETA: Really, they're all good. Handle them, shoot them, if you can. Pick the one you like.

M2 Carbine · March 20, 2013, 09:53 AM

I haven't shot the Nano.

Bottom line, the LC9 is a favorite gun.

I, and seven other people, have shot my first LC9 over 1,800 trouble free rounds.
I shot over a thousand rounds the first eight days I had the gun.
I shot it yesterday.

It has a long trigger pull to get used to but that takes only a few minutes.

I liked my first LC9 so much I bought a spare and yesterday I bought a third one.

Yesterday the local gun store got in four LC9-NRA camo models. Three were sold within minutes of unpacking them. I bought one.

I suspect the fourth gun will be sold in a day or two. If not I may buy it.

The gun is accurate and with a little practice, easy to hit with, even shooting fast with the long trigger pull.

52 yards standing.

WRGADog · March 20, 2013, 08:28 PM

I have owned my Nano ~one year and pocket carry frequently using a DeSantis Nemisis holster. The gun has performed perfectly, is accurate, and easy to maintain. The only change I would make is to reduce the Nano's weight to that of the PM9. I put night sights on mine, and bought a couple of 8 round mags, and a belt holster from Beretta. Very well designed gun, and I particularly like the fact that you can change to night sights without a sight pusher. You just use the Allen wrench Beretta supplies when you buy the sights from Beretta.

VAhuntr · March 20, 2013, 10:15 PM

My wife carries a LC9 and I'm very surprised with its accuracy. Despite having such a long trigger pull and a terrible trigger reset, it is very easy to shoot accurately. I find it easier to shoot than my M&P Shield.

DrDeFab · March 21, 2013, 05:06 AM

LC9. But definitely do this: LC9 Trigger System Upgrade

js8588 · April 21, 2013, 04:24 PM

Found a Beretta PX4 Subcompact at a price that was too good to pass up ($419) at one of my LGS. Have it on layaway and will do a post on the whole buying experience when I get her home.

An LC9 is still on my radar, but the price was right so this comes first!

Highland Ranger · April 21, 2013, 04:56 PM

I recently asked a similar question: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=713177

Went with the Nano and Boberg . . . .

js8588 · April 21, 2013, 06:17 PM

I have a buddy who has the Boburg and it's been on the buggy side for him. Hopefully your experience will be better!

March 17, 2013, 11:28 PM	#1
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	Pocket 9mm: Beretta BU-9 Nano or Ruger LC9? I'm looking at both as my next handgun purchase. Can't be sure when LC9s will become available again (seems production slowed/stopped to accomodate the LC380 introduction) but I have seen the Berettas available on Buds and a few other sites. The Beretta is a bit more costly and I sacrifice carrying a round (6+1 vs 7+1) but, on the other hand, it's available now (even if 9mm ammo is not). I've gotten to fondle a Beretta Tomcat, PX4 Subcompact, and a 22LR and all were great pointers and have reliable reviews from their owner. I looked at LC9s last year but stupidly, put off the purchase til they disappeared from the market! Wait for the LC9 or go with the Beretta?

March 18, 2013, 06:13 AM	#3
bannockburn Member Join Date: April 24, 2007 Posts: 4,956	js8588 Between the two I probably would go with the Beretta Nano. I have tried both guns and found the Nano to be slightly more ergonomic and the better handling pistol over the LC9. Another sub-compact 9mm. you might want to consider, though it is a bit more expensive, is the Kahr PM9. To me it is a natural pointer and it does have a slide stop. __________________ "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age."-Obi Wan Kenobi

March 18, 2013, 05:25 PM	#12
TarDevil Member Join Date: December 29, 2009 Location: NC Nomadic Posts: 625	Are you dead set on those two? My choice in this genre would be the Sig P290. __________________ "...remember the ultimate goal was to be smart enough not to shoot but good enough that if you have to shoot you can solve your problem." Clint Smith

March 18, 2013, 09:12 PM	#14
Pud Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 85	LC9.... My SO has a LC9, which she carries...and she loves it(she shoots it pretty good too). I prefer and carry a SR9c, IWB- it is just fine for me. We have had nothing but great firearms from Ruger, (own 4 of them) so my vote is for the LC9. PUD __________________ Some people are like slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

March 20, 2013, 08:17 AM	#16
hariph creek Member Join Date: July 5, 2011 Location: Vancouver, Wa. Posts: 307	I really like my Sig P290RS. Pocket carry, IWB, Null USH-X, all work remarkably well. Don't remember the price? But, it was under $500. Came with the laser, too. Which I sold right away, thus further defraying cost? Plus, it comes standard with very good night sights. Sig mishandled the initial release of these. Makes it kind of a "sleeper." It may still be easy to find? Of course, with all the craziness right now, maybe not? Of the two you mention? NANO. ETA: Really, they're all good. Handle them, shoot them, if you can. Pick the one you like. __________________ "Never confuse motion for action" -Ernest Hemingway Last edited by hariph creek; March 20, 2013 at 10:11 AM.

March 17, 2013, 11:37 PM	#2
CNobbe Member Join Date: February 22, 2013 Posts: 60	Tough call, I don't care for guns that dont have slide stops, but the Nano I tried was a smooth shooting gun.

March 18, 2013, 08:22 AM	#4
grptelli Member Join Date: January 31, 2012 Posts: 43	Shot both side x side a few months ago. Both are good guns and would be a great ccw. Question is do you want a slide safety or not. Lc9 has the safety. I shot the lc9 better, but I think I did because I have shot the lc9 more and the nano was a rental. Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android

March 18, 2013, 09:09 AM	#5
C0untZer0 Member Join Date: December 7, 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 871	Have you tried to put either of those in your pocket and take them out? In a pair of normal jeans? Cotton Dockers / Business casual or church clothes?

March 18, 2013, 09:47 AM	#6
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	"Have you tried to put either of those in your pocket and take them out?" I have done with the Ruger, which is the -slightly- larger gun. It was no problem so I should be ok with the Beretta. "Another sub-compact 9mm. you might want to consider, though it is a bit more expensive, is the Kahr PM9." Very nice gun and, as you said, a great pointer...which is why a solid steel Kahr Mk9 Elite is on my longer term purchase list!

March 18, 2013, 10:55 AM	#8
WYO Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 630	I've tried the Nano in jeans pockets and do not view it as optimal because of the blocky rear of the slide. It is not like a rounded hump on a S&W centennial revolver that is totally snag free. You really have to watch it on the draw with the Nano to be smooth. I can't speak for the Ruger other than to say that I really don't like mechanical thumb safeties on DA or DA/SA guns. Sure, I can leave it off, but it is one more thing to goof up.

March 18, 2013, 11:41 AM	#9
The_Armed_Therapist Member Join Date: October 30, 2006 Location: Obsession, Guntopia, USA Posts: 902	I'd say Ruger has the edge in the reliability market, but that the Nano has an edge in style. I'd probably be trying to talk myself into the Nano, but would ultimately pick the LC9.

March 18, 2013, 12:28 PM	#10
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	I'm inclined to wait for the Ruger but I'll see if anyone here changes my mind. Perhaps I'll just backorder it from Buds and have done with it!

March 18, 2013, 03:58 PM	#11
weblance Member Join Date: September 15, 2011 Posts: 290	I have 2 LC9s. There is a 22 Long Rifle conversion in the works from Twisted Industries, and Ruger has announced a 9 round extended magazine for the LC9. Just some info that might help.

March 18, 2013, 07:15 PM	#13
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	Only reason I discounted the Sig is the price point puts it in PM9 territory. STRONGLY leaning in the direction of waiting on the LC9 but still open to be convinced otherwise. Worst case, I just aquire new, heretofore unpossessed firearm knowledge (or a new item for my "wish list")!

March 20, 2013, 09:53 AM	#17
M2 Carbine Member Join Date: May 29, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 6,529	I haven't shot the Nano. Bottom line, the LC9 is a favorite gun. I, and seven other people, have shot my first LC9 over 1,800 trouble free rounds. I shot over a thousand rounds the first eight days I had the gun. I shot it yesterday. It has a long trigger pull to get used to but that takes only a few minutes. I liked my first LC9 so much I bought a spare and yesterday I bought a third one. Yesterday the local gun store got in four LC9-NRA camo models. Three were sold within minutes of unpacking them. I bought one. I suspect the fourth gun will be sold in a day or two. If not I may buy it. The gun is accurate and with a little practice, easy to hit with, even shooting fast with the long trigger pull. 52 yards standing. Last edited by M2 Carbine; March 20, 2013 at 03:12 PM.

March 20, 2013, 08:28 PM	#18
WRGADog Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Brevard County, FL Posts: 480	I have owned my Nano ~one year and pocket carry frequently using a DeSantis Nemisis holster. The gun has performed perfectly, is accurate, and easy to maintain. The only change I would make is to reduce the Nano's weight to that of the PM9. I put night sights on mine, and bought a couple of 8 round mags, and a belt holster from Beretta. Very well designed gun, and I particularly like the fact that you can change to night sights without a sight pusher. You just use the Allen wrench Beretta supplies when you buy the sights from Beretta.

March 20, 2013, 10:15 PM	#19
VAhuntr Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Posts: 68	My wife carries a LC9 and I'm very surprised with its accuracy. Despite having such a long trigger pull and a terrible trigger reset, it is very easy to shoot accurately. I find it easier to shoot than my M&P Shield.

March 21, 2013, 05:06 AM	#20
DrDeFab Member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Posts: 109	LC9. But definitely do this: LC9 Trigger System Upgrade __________________ A constitutional guarantee subject to future judges’ assessments of its usefulness is no constitutional guarantee at all. - Justice Antonin Scalia Hoplophobia is not a family value. ABUSUS NON TOLLIT USUM Πάλιν δε του Ξέρξου γράψαντος "πέμψον τα όπλα", αντέγραψε "μολών λαβέ". - Plutarch's Apophthegmata Laconica.

April 21, 2013, 04:24 PM	#21
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	ended up Found a Beretta PX4 Subcompact at a price that was too good to pass up ($419) at one of my LGS. Have it on layaway and will do a post on the whole buying experience when I get her home. An LC9 is still on my radar, but the price was right so this comes first!

April 21, 2013, 04:56 PM	#22
Highland Ranger Member Join Date: November 11, 2003 Location: New Jersey Highlands Posts: 2,286	I recently asked a similar question: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=713177 Went with the Nano and Boberg . . . .

April 21, 2013, 06:17 PM	#23
js8588 Member Join Date: March 15, 2013 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 25	I have a buddy who has the Boburg and it's been on the buggy side for him. Hopefully your experience will be better!