Disappointed with the Beretta Pico

Status
Not open for further replies.
I'm happy with mine. Ya, the slide is stiff, but it doesn't bother me. The trigger seems fine, similar to other tiny 380s I tried. No issues with the mag release. I actually like it as I won't hit it accidentally in my pocket. I had a few jams in the first 100 rounds, none in a long time.
Super flat/small, shoots stout ammo, and works. I am not sending it in for an "upgrade " .
 
Given the poor track record of both the Pico and the 32ACP round it would seem a combination of the two would be a fine firearm to throw at an attacker (aim for the eyes).
 
I love beretta and even have a 21a that i love but for a pocket 380 this gun would have been very low on my list, after just a rudimentary amount of research.

It sounds like her primary use for the gun is carry, if so, as long as she can get comfortable with the trigger pull it should work, assuming she never has a stoppage to deal with.

This should serve as a reminder for every thread that pops up "what to get my wife" and everyone immediately pounces on them, let HER pick it out.

Yes, I agree, but also do some backup research and make sure it is a gun with a solid reputation and also that she can operate it.

When I took my mom shopping there were a few guns I vetoed on research and a few she couldn't manipulate all the controls, despite feeling good in her hand and having good balance, they got the axe.
 
Handled one out of curiosity. It felt like holding on to a single hole paper puncher. Not impressed at all.
 
I've never been a fan of any .380. I've fired Keltecs, S&W Bodyguard, Ruger LCP and Walther PPK . The PPK wasn't bad other than being picky about ammo. Swore I'd never own any .380. About 2 months ago I saw the RM380 and it kinda got my attention. Did some research and the reviews were positive. Bought one from Gallery of Guns and I absolutely love it. Very easy to rack the slide and I can hit 12 oz aluminum cans at 25 yds. Wish they would've put a white dot on the front sight. Remington seems to be doing well in Alabama. Excellent pistols.
 
I bought the Pico for a spare.

VERY thin, almost too small for my hand. If Hogue ever makes a HandAll for it, I'll get one.

Yes, the slide is a bear to rack with both recoil springs in place. I find I can work the slide lock with my thumbnail.

The trigger is NOT for those with limited hand strength. However it is Beretta smooth.

The sights are good and, for those who can control the trigger, the accuracy is good.

I'll keep it.
 
I think calling Ian a moron is a bit disingenuous. The guy knows guns. I've not handled a Pico, so withhold judgment. I don't see any design advantages in the Pico, though. I see design differences that require different handling. the sights are quite big, which is unusual for a small carry gun, but not bad as long as they don't snag.
 
USAF_Vet said:
I think calling Ian a moron is a bit disingenuous. The guy knows guns. I've not handled a Pico, so withhold judgment. I don't see any design advantages in the Pico, though. I see design differences that require different handling. the sights are quite big, which is unusual for a small carry gun, but not bad as long as they don't snag.
Click to expand...
You don't think being thin is an advantage for a pocket gun? OK...
The mag release, well, I could go either way. A push button release could, theoretically, be bad. I've not seen it happen but who knows. I'll take the security of it.
 
In my experience, dropping the mag on a Pico is not a one-handed operation. You have to maintain your grip on the pistol with your strong hand and grab the mag release in a pinching motion between the thumb and index (or middle) finger of your weak hand. Pinch and pull down, and the mag will fall out into your hand. Not a real defensive reload, but it does work.
 
Last edited:
tlatoani said:
You don't think being thin is an advantage for a pocket gun? OK...
The mag release, well, I could go either way. A push button release could, theoretically, be bad. I've not seen it happen but who knows. I'll take the security of it.
Click to expand...
Thin is fine, but there can be such a thing as too thin. If I can't get a comfortable grip on the gun, its too thin. A gun I'm not comfortable holding is a gun I won't carry.
 
USAF_Vet said:
Thin is fine, but there can be such a thing as too thin. If I can't get a comfortable grip on the gun, its too thin. A gun I'm not comfortable holding is a gun I won't carry.
Click to expand...

I'm a big guy with xl gloves, and it works fine for me. My 5' gf fired one shot, put it down, and won't touch it now. Thats the beauty of many choices I guess!
 
I would like a .32 ACP with nice sights.

I don't like the sights on any of the current .32 ACP pistols out there. Beretta initially said that there would be a .32 ACP conversion kit. A kit would presumably have a lighter recoil spring but I don't think it would do anything to improve the trigger.

From what I've heard, Beretta has scrapped plans to offer a .32 ACP kit for the Pico.
 
Only small Beretta I trust to carry is my 950 Jetfire in 25acp. It has never let me down and easy to load and pretty good trigger. Then Beretta screwed that up trying to make a 32 of it. I think Beretta needs to stay in Long guns and leave small pistols to some one else.
 
Had a couple of Picos come through our NRA Basic Pistol Classes, often in the company of women whose husbands bought the gun for them. After one female student struggled with her Pico for part of the range time, I let her shoot my Glock 26. After ten rounds, she smiled big and said "Time for a new gun!"

I've handled the Pico and the Nano and don't care for either of them. Differences of opinion are what make horse races interesting.
 
Sent it in for the "upgrade", and just got it back, 15 days isn't too bad. The spring upgrade looks like it involved removing the small spring, maybe replacing the larger spring with a stronger thinner spring. It is easier to rack, my wife can do it. I think after use it'll get easier. The technician said it will be 10% easier racking and the trigger pull. Since I don't have any snap caps, I'll have her check it out at the range. This is primarily for when she carries a smaller purse, her normal carry is the LCP 9mm.
 
Looks like I'm going to be in the small minority that likes their Pico. It's not a full-size range toy, it's a small pistol designed for deep CCW and/or pocket carry, and self defense at close range...at these I think it excels.

It's small, light and thin, making it easy to conceal no matter what you're wearing. The mag release, while different, makes it unlikely to release in your pocket...like others, I just use my off-hand to activate the release. The small slide release and serrations make for a snag-free draw, and I'm not really in the habit of using the slide release anyway. The heavy recoil spring makes it very pleasant to shoot, I have no problem putting several rounds through it while others complain of how harsh their small .380 is to shoot. The trigger is heavy, but smooth and predictable just like a good revolver.

Different strokes I guess, but I have no plans to return mine for the upgrade.
 
VolFan9183 said:
Looks like I'm going to be in the small minority that likes their Pico. It's not a full-size range toy, it's a small pistol designed for deep CCW and/or pocket carry, and self defense at close range...at these I think it excels.



It's small, light and thin, making it easy to conceal no matter what you're wearing. The mag release, while different, makes it unlikely to release in your pocket...like others, I just use my off-hand to activate the release. The small slide release and serrations make for a snag-free draw, and I'm not really in the habit of using the slide release anyway. The heavy recoil spring makes it very pleasant to shoot, I have no problem putting several rounds through it while others complain of how harsh their small .380 is to shoot. The trigger is heavy, but smooth and predictable just like a good revolver.



Different strokes I guess, but I have no plans to return mine for the upgrade.
Click to expand...


Same here. I like how it shoots with the heavy recoil springs. The Pico is not for everyone though.
 
Took the gun to the range, still too hard for my wife to rack easily (but that is her technique, trying to pull the rack and not push the handle). I think time will resolve that issue. Very accurate gun, next to my Super Redhawk 44 mag, I think it is the most accurate gun we own. The trigger pull is still too long, but workable. I will probably rack the gun for my wife until it's easier to do. I think it'll be a good second gun for her once we get the kinks out.
 
gonoles_1980 said:
Took the gun to the range, still too hard for my wife to rack easily (but that is her technique, trying to pull the rack and not push the handle). I think time will resolve that issue. Very accurate gun, next to my Super Redhawk 44 mag, I think it is the most accurate gun we own. The trigger pull is still too long, but workable. I will probably rack the gun for my wife until it's easier to do. I think it'll be a good second gun for her once we get the kinks out.
Click to expand...
Accurate from what distance? I can't imagine the Pico or any other 2-1/2" barreled gun would come even close to the
RedHawk, or did I read the post wrong?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

R
  • Locked
Beretta Pico modifications: took out the inner hammer spring. (Gen 3 Pico candidate)
2
Replies
31
Views
11K
jar
jar
R
  • Locked
Beretta Pico (upgraded version) vs Taurus Spectrum
Replies
3
Views
3K
kokapelli
K
Z1D2
  • Locked
New Beretta! 380/32
Replies
15
Views
976
Z1D2
Z1D2
BlueHeelerFl
  • Locked
Pico First Impressions
Replies
7
Views
532
Jeb Stuart
Jeb Stuart
HoosierQ
  • Locked
How's the Pico?
Replies
17
Views
1K
tlatoani
T
Back
Top