Beretta Pico Brief Carry Report

**dannyb** · September 16th, 2015, 11:32 PM

I recently got a Beretta Pico and did an initial range report. Just to note, I am short and somewhat rotund, so I have occasional problems with pants droop. After carrying the Pico for a while, I can report that it disappears beautifully in my pocket, doesn't drag my pants down, and sits well. I carry in my right front pocket. After trying a number of different pocket holsters, the one that works best for me is an Ace Case LCP/TCP pocket holster. It fits well, allows me to draw without it following the Beretta up (worked the drill at an outdoor range), and is closed at the muzzle end so that nothing gets into the muzzle - not even pocket lint. I should point out that I put money and keys in my left front pocket leaving just the holstered Pico in the right hand one.

I don't carry at work (strictly forbidden there - instant firing for violation), but I do carry around town - especially when running errands at night. I decided to do the full-time carry for the last few weekends including Labor Day weekend. No problem at all with the Pico. It sat upright in the pocket and didn't dance around; I have had that happen with derringers, NAA Guardian and Seecamp .32s, and other small stuff. My wife never noticed that I had put it in my pocket much less not taken it out. There wasn't even a hint of printing.

So, I'll give it a thumbs up as a carry .380. I'm happy with it and will likely move my Colt Pony Pocketlite to second fiddle.

**itchinesu** · September 17th, 2015, 08:04 PM

Beretta was pretty late to the micro .380 party but the Pico delivers. I am up to 500 rounds without a hiccup.

**dannyb** · September 17th, 2015, 09:42 PM

I did my range report a couple of months ago. Also about 500 rounds with no hang ups. It was very stiff at first, but a couple of boxes of Hornady Critical Defense seems to have settled it down. As I said, very easy and discrete pocket carry. I'm a happy camper.

**TaePo** · September 18th, 2015, 11:22 PM

Please link to the range report.

How is the release once the gun is broken-in? Seems real tight and hard to work on the virgin ones in the store. I like Beretta, and find it interesting that you drop in the guts of the .32 version and use the same frame. Was wondering if anyone tried that, too.

I recently received info on some Pico changes just made with customer input/feedback. You might want to visit their website. I regret that I haven't had time today to do it; the info just came in.

**Hodgie** · September 18th, 2015, 11:25 PM

What type of SD ammunition do you carry and was it sensitive to any particular brands or types of .380?

**dannyb** · September 19th, 2015, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by TaePo

Please link to the range report.

How is the release once the gun is broken-in? Seems real tight and hard to work on the virgin ones in the store. I like Beretta, and find it interesting that you drop in the guts of the .32 version and use the same frame. Was wondering if anyone tried that, too.

I recently received info on some Pico changes just made with customer input/feedback. You might want to visit their website. I regret that I haven't had time today to do it; the info just came in.

Here is the link to the range report:
http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=286688

The release is fine after breaking in. As I mentioned, I ran a couple of hundred rounds of Hornady Critical Defense. It was a major pain to get the first magazine load to close, I had to jiggle and wiggle the slide a bit while jamming down on the slide release. It was still stiff for the second and third magazine loads. Once those were done, there were no real problems. Throughout, I had no FTFs or FTEs. After that, it ate Remington, Winchester White Box, and still did a fine job with the Hornady Critical Defense. I use the Hornady as my carry load. Would it break in faster with Corbon? I don't know. I may get another Pico (1 is none, 2 is one) and try the Corbon with that one. I will also look at the website now that you suggest it.

**itchinesu** · September 19th, 2015, 09:52 PM

the slide locks open on an empty mag, so you won't be able to send the slide home unless you either drop the mag or insert a new one.

I have tested mine with 90gr Fiocchi Extrema & HPR XTPs, probably the best short barrel .380 defensive ammo. got through two mags with no stoppages.

**JenniferG** · September 20th, 2015, 01:24 AM

You should go to the Berretta forum and share your findings about the Pico. Apparently many Berretta members over there don't share your enthusiasm about the Pico. I experienced the same negativity about my Nano over at the Berretta forum even though I have had nothing but a positive experience with my firearm. It's kind of a strange place over there too just to let you know if you decide to check them out. The Forum is definitely not representative of the company or most Berretta owners I know.

I'm staying with the Nano but I definitely like the look and size of the Pico.