Beretta Pico vs. Kahr CW380?

[kcofohio]

I've been put to the task of finding a lightweight gun for my wife. She'll carry it in her purse along with the kitchen sink.
Looking around for certain specifics, it looks like the Pico and CW380 are striker-fired. Since the LGS with a range doesn't seem to rent but a couple 380s, I thought I would go with these 2.
It looks like the Pico is a hair over 1 oz. more. It may be, guessing here, the modular part of the gun for the extra weight. Both are close in the price range.
I've read that some have experienced the CW380 being picky with ammo.
So, is there any other reasons to pick one over the other?
TIA!

 

[Coyote3855]

I have carried a Kahr P380 for years. Had a couple of glitches in the first 20-30 rounds. None since with Hornaday Critical Defense. I realize my Kahr is not a C380. I had a student bring a Pico to a basic pistol class. Just my opinion, but I didn't care for how it felt in my hand. Only shot one magazine through it. It ran fine during the class. Sorry, that's not much help.

 

[usp9]

it looks like the Pico and CW380 are striker-fired.

The Pico is hammer fired, the way a pocket gun should be. DAO with restrike ability should the need arise. It has IMHO better sights and is a tad bit thinner. The removable trigger module is pretty cool and allows for a very thorough cleaning. Mine has been very reliable.

Though also tiny, the Kahr does has a more conventional grip feel. The Pico does admittedly feel odd but it shoots well. I looked hard at both models to use for pocket carry and the Kahr reputation scared me off. Bought the Pico about a year and a half ago and like it. All of the many Berettas I've owned have been exceptional. The Pico lives up to it's family reputation.

 

[zaitcev]

So, is there any other reasons to pick one over the other?

CW380:
- has a normal magazine release that works; Pico has a particularly bad implementation of paddle, which works quite well on PPQ and USP but not here
- has longer factory magazines (because magazines from CT380 fit)
- might break firing pin, whereas Pico will for sure (especially if you dry-fire it)
- aftermarket support is better

Pico:
- is less likely to be a lemon

But in my humble opinion, your wife should get Glock 42 instead of either of these.

 

[98bluewave]

Second the Glock 42! I purchased an "Upated" Pico a couple of years ago and took it back before I ever shot it. My hand strength is not good and it was just way too difficult to rack. I ended up with the G 42, added Talon Grips, and Pearce 1 magazine extension and it feels great in my hands. It shoots great and I can rack it!!

You didn't mention how involved your wife is in the selection process but I highly recommended that she be involved. I made the mistake of buying my wife a .38 Special several years ago, she shot it a few times, but she hasn't carried it or shot it in about 30 yrs.!

 

[TTv2]

I think the Pico's ergonomics suck, I think the Kahr can be okay, but it takes a lot of time to make it okay, the Glock .380 is too big and expensive, the S&W Bodyguard I haven't considered much because the Ruger .380's, both LCP and LC380, are so good for the price and performance it's hard to beat, but it's also hard to shoot.

I think an LCR or S&W J frame is a better option. I can shoot a snub revolver much more accurately than I can a pocket .380 and if it helps me, it will likely help her too.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm another one who didn't care for the Pico's ergonomics; just couldn't get comfortable with the grip size and shape and I didn't like the magazine release either. Don't have a CW380 so I can't comment on it's reliability but do like the overall design and Kahr's DAO trigger (I do have a CM9 which has been great). A friend of mine has a S&W Bodyguard .380 which I have used and found it to be okay. Felt a little larger compared to the Pico and CW380 and the DAO trigger was fairly heavy and somewhat stiff in operation. I would get one without the built-in laser as it proved to be very problematic and had to be replaced by S&W (still has a wandering zero). Might also want to check out the Ruger LCP II and the slightly larger LCP380.

For myself I greatly prefer a SAO trigger design, much like that found on the Colt Mustang or SIG P238. Delayed blowback make for a very soft shooting pistol and the SAO trigger (along with high visibility sights), helps a lot in the accuracy department.

 

[popeye]

I've got a Remington RM380 I'm very satisfied with. It's a direct copy of a Rohrbaugh .380 and is a DAO, hammer fired, locked breach design with multistrike capability. The frame is alloy and gun weighs about 13 oz.. Unlike the RB the gun has a button mag release behind the trigger. Slide is easily drawn back and recoil is easy. Remington's handgun design has been poor in these last years. This gun is the exception.

 

[kcofohio]

I have carried a Kahr P380 for years. Had a couple of glitches in the first 20-30 rounds. None since with Hornaday Critical Defense. I realize my Kahr is not a C380. I had a student bring a Pico to a basic pistol class. Just my opinion, but I didn't care for how it felt in my hand. Only shot one magazine through it. It ran fine during the class. Sorry, that's not much help.

One article I read said the CW has the same innards as the more pricier P models. Just not as refined grip and slide. IIRC, the Karh is one of the more slimmer of the pocket 380s.

 

[kcofohio]

The Pico is hammer fired, the way a pocket gun should be. DAO with restrike ability should the need arise. It has IMHO better sights and is a tad bit thinner. The removable trigger module is pretty cool and allows for a very thorough cleaning. Mine has been very reliable.

Though also tiny, the Kahr does has a more conventional grip feel. The Pico does admittedly feel odd but it shoots well. I looked hard at both models to use for pocket carry and the Kahr reputation scared me off. Bought the Pico about a year and a half ago and like it. All of the many Berettas I've owned have been exceptional. The Pico lives up to it's family reputation.

Okay, thank you for the correction and your experience. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[kcofohio]

CW380:
- has a normal magazine release that works; Pico has a particularly bad implementation of paddle, which works quite well on PPQ and USP but not here
- has longer factory magazines (because magazines from CT380 fit)
- might break firing pin, whereas Pico will for sure (especially if you dry-fire it)
- aftermarket support is better

Pico:
- is less likely to be a lemon

But in my humble opinion, your wife should get Glock 42 instead of either of these.

I'll take that into consideration.

 

[kcofohio]

Second the Glock 42! I purchased an "Upated" Pico a couple of years ago and took it back before I ever shot it. My hand strength is not good and it was just way too difficult to rack. I ended up with the G 42, added Talon Grips, and Pearce 1 magazine extension and it feels great in my hands. It shoots great and I can rack it!!

You didn't mention how involved your wife is in the selection process but I highly recommended that she be involved. I made the mistake of buying my wife a .38 Special several years ago, she shot it a few times, but she hasn't carried it or shot it in about 30 yrs.!

Right now, lets say I'm window shopping. Once I get an understanding of the different types/models out there, then I'll see what is available locally. Then I'll take her to handle them. Yes, I too have tried to buy for her in the past, and it is better for the missus to make her choice.

 

[kcofohio]

I think the Pico's ergonomics suck, I think the Kahr can be okay, but it takes a lot of time to make it okay, the Glock .380 is too big and expensive, the S&W Bodyguard I haven't considered much because the Ruger .380's, both LCP and LC380, are so good for the price and performance it's hard to beat, but it's also hard to shoot.

I think an LCR or S&W J frame is a better option. I can shoot a snub revolver much more accurately than I can a pocket .380 and if it helps me, it will likely help her too.

My wife has an LCR and a M85 lite. She is comfortable with the LCR being in the nightstand, but not the purse.

I have a LCP, but she never has shot it. I would be curious if she would like the LCP II.

 

[kcofohio]

I'm another one who didn't care for the Pico's ergonomics; just couldn't get comfortable with the grip size and shape and I didn't like the magazine release either. Don't have a CW380 so I can't comment on it's reliability but do like the overall design and Kahr's DAO trigger (I do have a CM9 which has been great). A friend of mine has a S&W Bodyguard .380 which I have used and found it to be okay. Felt a little larger compared to the Pico and CW380 and the DAO trigger was fairly heavy and somewhat stiff in operation. I would get one without the built-in laser as it proved to be very problematic and had to be replaced by S&W (still has a wandering zero). Might also want to check out the Ruger LCP II and the slightly larger LCP380.

For myself I greatly prefer a SAO trigger design, much like that found on the Colt Mustang or SIG P238. Delayed blowback make for a very soft shooting pistol and the SAO trigger (along with high visibility sights), helps a lot in the accuracy department.

I had forgotten about the Mustang. Colt had a Lite version at one time. Hoping they still do.

 

[kcofohio]

I've got a Remington RM380 I'm very satisfied with. It's a direct copy of a Rohrbaugh .380 and is a DAO, hammer fired, locked breach design with multistrike capability. The frame is alloy and gun weighs about 13 oz.. Unlike the RB the gun has a button mag release behind the trigger. Slide is easily drawn back and recoil is easy. Remington's handgun design has been poor in these last years. This gun is the exception.

If there is a RM380 behind the counter, we'll check it out. But with Remington stumbling out the gate, I'm a little hesitant.

 

[bannockburn]

I think Colt still makes the Mustang; one with an aluminum frame and the other with a polymer frame.

 

[ancientnoob]

I really wanted the Pico when it came out. It took me quite a bit of time bring myself to the store and buy one. When I finally got there and was "trying it out" I had a heck of a time racking the slide (it was a real bear), there is really not much to hold on to. The grip was not all that bad for me. I ended up getting the Ruger LCP II. It was a nice and reliable gun, but like all .380 poly guns - it was snappy and takes time to become acquainted with. I have seen but not held the CW but I have heard good things about Kahr arms.

 

[franco45]

If there is a RM380 behind the counter, we'll check it out. But with Remington stumbling out the gate, I'm a little hesitant.

I own an RM380 and so does my nephew. Both guns have been 100% reliable. An added bonus is that the slide is extremely easy to rack. This might be a feature your wife would like. I also own a Pico and really like it too. Although I'm a big Kahr fan, I like these two 380s better than the Kahr offerings in the caliber.

 

[bassjam]

I'm trying to decide between a Pico and CW380 right now myself. The Pico is hammer fired, but while the Kahr is strike fired its also a long double action. I'm leaning towards the Kahr because there seems to be a little more room on the grip for your fingers.

But the Glock 42 is probably a good suggestion. Since you're looking at a Kahr already, the CT380 might be a good one as well.

 

[kcofohio]

I own an RM380 and so does my nephew. Both guns have been 100% reliable. An added bonus is that the slide is extremely easy to rack. This might be a feature your wife would like. I also own a Pico and really like it too. Although I'm a big Kahr fan, I like these two 380s better than the Kahr offerings in the caliber.

I stopped into a Big R yesterday for some mulch and stuff. First time being there. Looked at their guns in the counter. They have the CW, Pico, LCP II, and maybe the Glock. But no RM in stock. My wife wasn't with me, I justed wanted to see what they had in stock. Maybe Rural King will have a RM in stock. Hoping to get there today with her.

 

[kcofohio]

I'm trying to decide between a Pico and CW380 right now myself. The Pico is hammer fired, but while the Kahr is strike fired its also a long double action. I'm leaning towards the Kahr because there seems to be a little more room on the grip for your fingers.

But the Glock 42 is probably a good suggestion. Since you're looking at a Kahr already, the CT380 might be a good one as well.

I was under the impression that the CT is a larger frame 380.

 

[zaitcev]

I was under the impression that the CT is a larger frame 380.

The grip of CT380 is longer than on G42. My slim fingers permit a full grip on it, although just barely. However, CT380's slide is way shorter. Remember that Kahr pistols use a steep feeding angle and minimum possible slide travel for the cartridge. This is how they pack unusually long barrels into the format (and how they get their reliability problems, too).

 

[zaitcev]

If there is a RM380 behind the counter, we'll check it out. But with Remington stumbling out the gate, I'm a little hesitant.

I'm sure parts will be available for RM380. However, my love with it started off a wrong foot. When I came into the store to look at it, I pulled on the slide and the gun immediately jammed solid with the slide half-open. I wasn't strong enough to free it, so I handed it back to the clerk. He consulted with a coworker and eventually they managed to whack it hard enough to get the slide moving again. The gun seemed none worse for the wear from that operation, but I decided to pass on it. I never even had a chance to try and get the disassembly pin fly out, which is every troll's favourite sport with RM380

 

[bassjam]

I was under the impression that the CT is a larger frame 380.

They are and that's why I suggested it. Tiny pocket .380's can be difficult to shoot. Since this is being kept in a purse, I'd take the advantage of having a larger grip.

 

[kcofohio]

Thanks everyone for your input.
We went to Rural King last night. They had a pretty good selection of 380s. She ended up selecting the RM380.
I did a basic break down to wipe off the factory lube and relubed it.
Now for the weather to be more like spring here and we'll go to the range.
Again, thank you all!