In the world of concealed carry firearms, the Beretta Pico stands out as a remarkable choice.
Known for its ultra-compact size and reliability, the Beretta Pico has garnered attention from both seasoned shooters and those new to handguns.
This comprehensive review will explore the features, performance, and practicality of the Beretta Pico, a pistol that has redefined the standards for pocket-sized handguns.
Unveiling the Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is more than just a tiny pistol; it’s a testament to Beretta’s commitment to quality and innovation in firearm design.
This little pistol, chambered in 380 ACP, combines a polymer frame with stainless steel components to create a lightweight and durable firearm.
As we delve into the details, you’ll discover why the Beretta Pico is a top contender in the concealed carry market.
Key Features of the Beretta Pico
Compact and Reliable Design
Polymer Frame and Stainless Steel Construction
The Beretta Pico’s polymer frame, complemented by stainless steel parts, offers a robust yet lightweight build. This combination ensures that the pistol can withstand the rigors of daily carry without compromising on performance.
Slide Assembly and Recoil Spring Assembly
The slide assembly of the Beretta Pico is designed for ease of use and reliability. The recoil spring assembly works seamlessly with the slide, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the chances of malfunctions.
Ergonomics and Handling
Little Pistol’s Solid Ergonomics
Despite its small size, the Beretta Pico boasts solid ergonomics that offer a comfortable shooting experience. The grip design allows for a full-handed grip, which is quite impressive for a pistol of this size.
Trigger Guard and Trigger Pull
The trigger guard accommodates different finger sizes, providing ample space for safe operation. While on the heavier side, the trigger pull is consistent and manageable, allowing for accurate shooting.
Safety and Control
Manual Safety and Double Action Trigger
The Beretta Pico is equipped with a manual safety, giving the shooter an added layer of security. The double action trigger mechanism ensures that each pull is deliberate, reducing the likelihood of accidental discharge.
Magazine Release and Drop Free Magazines
The magazine release is intuitively placed and easy to operate. Magazines are designed to drop free when released, facilitating quick and efficient reloads.
Practical Performance of the Beretta Pico
Concealed Carry and Pocket Carry
The Beretta Pico is ideal for concealed carry, thanks to its tiny size and lightweight frame. It fits comfortably in a pocket or a small holster, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize discretion in their carry choice.
Recoil and Shooting Experience
The recoil of the Beretta Pico is manageable, thanks to its well-designed recoil spring assembly. This allows for better control during shooting, contributing to the pistol’s overall accuracy.
Magazine Capacity and Reloads
The Beretta Pico offers a decent balance between firepower and size with a standard magazine capacity of six rounds. The magazine design allows for quick and easy reloads, an essential feature in a concealed carry pistol.
Accuracy Testing and Sights
During accuracy testing, the Beretta Pico performs admirably for its size. The sights, though small, are effective and contribute to the overall accuracy of the firearm.
Advanced Features and Maintenance of the Beretta Pico
Continuing our exploration of the Beretta Pico, we delve into the details that make this pocket pistol a top choice for concealed carry enthusiasts.
From its maintenance-friendly design to the precision of its construction, every aspect of the Beretta Pico is crafted with functionality and user experience in mind.
Maintenance and Disassembly
Slotted Takedown Screw
One of the standout features of the Beretta Pico is its slotted takedown screw, located on the frame.
This design simplifies the disassembly process, making routine cleaning and maintenance more accessible to the average user.
The ability to easily break down the pistol without specialized tools is a significant advantage for those who rely on their firearm for daily carry.
Slide Assembly and Frame Rails
The slide assembly on the Beretta Pico is engineered for smooth operation and durability.
As the slide moves rearward and forward during firing, the interaction with the frame rails is seamless, ensuring a reliable action every time. This precision engineering contributes to the overall longevity and reliability of the pistol.
Design and Ergonomics
Stainless Steel Components
The use of stainless steel in key components of the Beretta Pico, such as the slide and magazine catch, enhances the aesthetic appeal and ensures durability.
Stainless steel resists corrosion and wear, making it ideal for a firearm exposed to various environmental conditions.
Pocket Pistol Ergonomics
The Beretta Pico is designed as a tiny pistol with pocket carry in mind.
Despite its small size, the pistol’s solid ergonomics provide a comfortable grip, ensuring that the user can maintain control and accuracy when firing.
The balance between the compact size and usability is a testament to Beretta’s attention to detail in designing concealed carry firearms.
Shooting Experience
Trigger Pull and Accuracy
The trigger pull on the Beretta Pico is slightly heavier, typical for double-action triggers in tiny pistols. While a heavy trigger pull requires more effort, it also acts as a safety feature, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
While impacting the initial learning curve, this design choice contributes to the overall safety and control of the firearm, especially in high-stress situations.
Rear Sight and Target Acquisition
The rear sight of the Beretta Pico is designed for quick and efficient target acquisition. While compact, the sight effectively provides a clear picture, which aids in accuracy testing.
Maintaining sight alignment and sight picture easily is crucial for a concealed carry pistol, where quick response times are often necessary.
Magazine and Capacity
Empty Magazine and Reloads
The Beretta Pico has magazines engineered to drop free when empty, facilitating quick and efficient reloads.
The design of the magazine catch is intuitive and easy to operate, even under stress, ensuring that the user can reload the pistol swiftly when needed.
Member Magazine for Increased Capacity
Beretta offers extended ‘member’ magazines for the Pico for those seeking increased capacity.
These magazines provide additional rounds, extending the pistol’s firepower without significantly impacting its size and concealability. This option is particularly useful for those prioritising a higher round count in their concealed carry firearm.
With its combination of advanced features, solid construction, and thoughtful ergonomics, the Beretta Pico is a remarkable choice for a concealed carry pistol.
Its maintenance-friendly design, reliable stainless steel components, and practical ergonomics make it not just a pocket pistol, but a dependable companion for everyday carry.
With its combination of advanced features, solid construction, and thoughtful ergonomics, the Beretta Pico is a remarkable choice for a concealed carry pistol.
Its maintenance-friendly design, reliable stainless steel components, and practical ergonomics make it not just a pocket pistol, but a dependable companion for everyday carry.
In the next section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Beretta Pico, providing further insights into this exceptional firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Beretta Pico discontinued?
No, the Beretta Pico has not been discontinued. It continues to be a popular choice in the concealed carry market, valued for its ultra-compact design and reliability.
What is the Beretta Pico mag release?
The Beretta Pico’s magazine release is a small, intuitively placed lever on the pistol frame, designed for easy operation. It allows magazines to be quickly and efficiently ejected from the pistol, facilitating fast reloads.
Does the Beretta Pico have a safety?
Yes, the Beretta Pico is equipped with a manual safety feature. This safety provides an additional layer of security, preventing accidental discharge when engaged.
Is the Beretta Nano a good gun?
The Beretta Nano is another excellent firearm from Beretta, known for its reliability, compact design, and suitability for concealed carry. It has received positive reviews for its performance and is a popular choice among those seeking a subcompact 9mm pistol.