Beretta Pico questions

OhioGuy · February 11, 2019, 09:55 PM

I handled the Pico today at a Cabela's. It impressed me as a very well built gun for under $270. I had a couple questions though...

1. The mag release button is tiny and awkward to manipulate. No matter what I did it just dug into my thumb and would not eject. I had to pinch both sides of the mag release with my weak hand to get the mag to drop free. Does it get easier with practice or is that just the way it's made?

2. Slide lock lever, fully recessed, so impossible to manipulate. Again, something you get used to it do you just find other ways to lock the slide open?

3. Does anyone use any rubber grip products, like Hogue, to beef up the grip a bit? It was tiny!

I like the Pico and hope to find a store that won't keep it under a permanent trigger lock.

Carl the Floor Walker · February 11, 2019, 10:09 PM

The Pico IMO is one heck of a great gun. I have posted many reviews on this forum. Extremely well built. I have a size large hand and this gun fits perfect. It is a gun that has a learning curve, but once you invest some time in it, you will reap huge rewards.
Just had it out yesterday and was burning up a small target at 10 yds. Mild shooting little sucker. Great sights, stainless steel chassis, mags look like custom 1911.

Use the gun for a while. The Springs in the Pico are first class, and strong, but will break in. You will eventually be able to use all the slide stop and mag release blinded folded. There are many photo's etc. available. By the way, I came home last night and now thinking about adding a third one. Keep one as a safe queen. I use one for carry and one for heavy range work.

By the way, Buds has them now for $196.00, a heck of a deal and that is free shipping.
Personally I would pay three times that amount if that was what they sold for.

You can get a good view from this link.

https://imgur.com/gallery/cbuqy5C

OhioGuy · February 11, 2019, 10:18 PM

Thanks! Wow that price at Buds is insane.

Does it come with one magazine or two? I seem to find contradictory info.

Carl the Floor Walker · February 12, 2019, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioGuy

Thanks! Wow that price at Buds is insane.

Does it come with one magazine or two? I seem to find contradictory info.

Two mags, One with the extended grip and one with the short. I now have 12 magazines and all have never failed. What I have noticed about Beretta, or at least "BUDS" they will sometimes dip in price, but not for long before they go right back up.
I had just put a bid on another gun at Gunbroker, and so far have been high bid, so I am hoping that someone out bids me. If so, I will forget that gun, and get the third Pico.

And notice they are Gen2 not Gen 3. Not much difference but the slide serrations. So be warned about that. Sorry I did not notice this yesterday.

PSP · February 12, 2019, 05:33 AM

Both the mag release and the slide release became easier to manipulate with use and practice. I used a grip cover for a while but it would slip so I discontinued using it. I did purchase one of the integrated laser frames when they were on sale and must say I like it very much. It has stayed sighted in true through about 1000 rounds so far.

Carmady · February 12, 2019, 05:38 AM

I had a Pico for a while, and as much as I liked it overall I just couldn't bond with the grip. The backstrap and trigger were too close to each other.

About that mag release, iirc I would lightly pinch it from both sides and then pull down. It pivots on a pin, so it's not a straight movement. I've seen some flack about it, the flackers didn't seem to realize the benefit which is its design prevents accidental releasing of the mag while firing because the middle finger holds it closed while being gripped.

tallball · February 12, 2019, 06:47 AM

I got a Pico for cheap and admittedly haven't fired it more than a hundred rounds or so.

For my XXL hands, the trigger guard goes down too low towards the bottom of the grip, making the grip smaller than it needs to be.

I was not successful figuring out how to use the mag release one-handed.

Similarly, I kind of "gave up" on the slide release and just pulled the slide back to release it after I loaded a new mag.

They seem like nicely-built guns, and I was more accurate with it than I expected. I prefer my LCPII, but am keeping the Pico as a backup. I am typically not very busy in the summer and will put more time into practicing with the Pico then.

OhioGuy · February 12, 2019, 06:55 AM

Thanks for pointing that out. I was aware of Gen 2 vs 3.

Some reviews say the Gen 3 greatly improved the trigger and made the slide easier to rack, although I don't know of that's only a reference to the serrations or if they lightened the spring?

Do any of you have direct experience with the generation 2 vs 3 and an opinion about whether the difference is really very great?

Carl the Floor Walker · February 12, 2019, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carmady

I had a Pico for a while, and as much as I liked it overall I just couldn't bond with the grip. The backstrap and trigger were too close to each other.

About that mag release, iirc I would lightly pinch it from both sides and then pull down. It pivots on a pin, so it's not a straight movement. I've seen some flack about it, the flackers didn't seem to realize the benefit which is its design prevents accidental releasing of the mag while firing because the middle finger holds it closed while being gripped.

So true, the mag release was actually designed for this purpose. A lot of folks do not understand this. I think many try and make the Pocket guns into combat guns and they are not. And if you know much about pocket guns, the mag falling out while shooting has always been problematic for some shooters.

Ohio Guy, I believe it was the GEN 2 that featured the new trigger and Single recoil spring over the two springs they used before. The Gen. 3 was only the slide serrations. I can research this as all this info is out there, placed on another forum.
Regardless, Beretta will upgrade any gun for free and has a short down time. They will even deliver it back to your house.

At Buds you can see the New Model that Sells for around $238.00 which is still a great deal.
Here is one of my Pico's where I took a grip and tried my hand at stippling. Notice the serrations are slanted.

As far as the grip, I shot the gun so often, I found that the gun would go very tight into the meaty part of my hand between the forefinger and thumb. Holds like a anchor. I also too a grip and did this and it really holds tight.

jar · February 12, 2019, 10:08 AM

Only experience with Gen 3.

I found the Pico requires a different drill for magazines but I've gotten used to so many different magazine release systems over the decaded that the Pico system was not a problem and I even kinda like it.

What I do is off hand get the new mag. I fire two sets of double taps before a mag change. Procedure is the hand holding the new magazine reaches up and thumb and index finder pull the mag release. Empty mag falls free and new mag gets inserted with a butt slap at the end.

It actually works well and quickly.

I find the trigger and slide effort to fall in the middle of the pack; easier than my S&W M&P BG380 or Ruger LCP but not as easy as my Remington RM380 or Sig P290RS.

My Pico really is one slim sucker and very easy to conceal but I also find the slightly wider grips on the RM380 and P290RS fit my hand better and allow better followup shots.

tarhealcracker · February 14, 2019, 09:12 AM

I too struggled with the backstrap/trigger distance. If you are out of practice and have large hands your trigger finger tends to to lose it's position. No matter, the other fine characteristics of the gun out weigh that issue.
My Pico was a 1st generation I sent in for the factory upgrade. What a great job they did. Dead reliable ever since.

OhioGuy · February 14, 2019, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I ordered one from Bud's for $191 with the FDE frame. Cheaper than the Taurus Spectrum and easily of higher build quality.

Excited to shoot around with it! It should come in very handy when it starts warming up again and I have to where tucked in shirts.

Carl the Floor Walker · February 15, 2019, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioGuy

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I ordered one from Bud's for $191 with the FDE frame. Cheaper than the Taurus Spectrum and easily of higher build quality.

Excited to shoot around with it! It should come in very handy when it starts warming up again and I have to where tucked in shirts.

Congrats Ohioguy, I consider these guns investment rather than a purchase. I have two now and thinking about buying a third to use as a safe queen. Just remember to take your time and go through the learning curve for handling. It will get to the point that you can do all of the actions blind folded.

I shoot this gun often, have a size large hand and can actually handle it better and more secure than a thicker grip gun. Shoot it enough and you will find that the thin design actually works to a advantage for gripping.

I love the Trigger on the Pico, It is on the heavy side, but, it is very smooth and deliberate all the way through. I always feel in total control with this trigger. Personally can shoot this gun at fast pace to multiple targets faster than other guns I have owned and shot in the same class. It is surprising how fast a small gun can actually Be.
Get plenty of range time. It is a "FUN" gun to shoot. I look forward to every session with it.
Again congrats. I feel I know this gun well, if you have any questions, feel free to email and I will be glad to help out if I can.

TIP-buy some snap caps, Handle the gun often. Don't rush, the controls at first will feel like Beretta did not know what they were doing. But then, you discover just how well Beretta did with this design in every single aspect of the gun. It is also a gun that you can hold and just admire the fine craftsmanship.

https://imgur.com/gallery/cbuqy5C

OhioGuy · February 15, 2019, 06:55 AM

Thanks, Carl! I'm looking forward to it. Tiny guns are a new area for me. I've been shooting larger guns for quite a while and there's really not much to learn if I buy or rent New Model X, other than "Oh look, another polymer-framed gun with a trigger." The Pico seems like a challenge worth taking on

Carmady · February 15, 2019, 05:52 PM

Mr. OhioGuy, you might want to put a dab of blue threadlocker on the front sight screw, or keep a .050" allen wrench handy to keep it tight. Mine flew off just shy of 70 rounds.

Carl the Floor Walker · February 15, 2019, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carmady

Mr. OhioGuy, you might want to put a dab of blue threadlocker on the front sight screw, or keep a .050" allen wrench handy to keep it tight. Mine flew off just shy of 70 rounds.

Good Point!

elde · February 16, 2019, 12:14 AM

And invest in a set of rubberized Talon Grips. They allow me to hold onto both of my Picos.

OhioGuy · February 16, 2019, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the tip on the front sight. I've had 3 front sights fall off 3 different pistols -- a Walther and a CZ just lost the sight entirely, and an XD lost the fiber optic insert. Very frustrating.

Ironically, for all the "don't trust electronic sights! They'll FAIL!!! And you will DIE, probably while ON FIRE!" I've not yet had a red dot fail or lose zero, but I've lost front sights off of three guns....

Yes definitely on the talon grips. I have rubberized grips on every gun I own.

OhioGuy · February 16, 2019, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl the Floor Walker

Here is one of my Pico's where I took a grip and tried my hand at stippling. Notice the serrations are slanted.

Did you have the Knob Creek before or after stippling?

Siggy-06 · February 16, 2019, 09:52 AM

I usually drink some Four Roses before stippling...XD

Carl the Floor Walker · February 16, 2019, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioGuy

Did you have the Knob Creek before or after stippling?

Before and After.

Prof Young · February 18, 2019, 05:24 PM

I owned a Pico for a year. I even got a laser grip and a flashlight grip for it. I sold it off because I just could not shoot it as well as I wanted too. It has what I would call a sloppy trigger. But a lot of people love their Picos and can shoot them well. Go for it.

Life is good.
Prof Young

Carl the Floor Walker · February 18, 2019, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prof Young

I owned a Pico for a year. I even got a laser grip and a flashlight grip for it. I sold it off because I just could not shoot it as well as I wanted too. It has what I would call a sloppy trigger. But a lot of people love their Picos and can shoot them well. Go for it.

Life is good.
Prof Young

Sloppy trigger? On the contrary, I love the Pico trigger. There is no free play, deliberate and smooth all the way through. A trigger I feel totally in control of with each shot. Had it out Sat and again Sun. Always shooting targets in fast action. Again, a lot of ammo goes down range with the Pico each week. They can be very quick. A bad guy would do well to not underestimate the quickness of this this Little Snake.

Siggy-06 · February 18, 2019, 11:20 PM

I just wish the grip was slightly longer, or the pinky extension was a little shorter. I still rotate it with my LCP for pocket carry though.

jar · February 19, 2019, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siggy-06

I just wish the grip was slightly longer, or the pinky extension was a little shorter. I still rotate it with my LCP for pocket carry though.

Dremel can be your friend.

February 11, 2019, 09:55 PM	#1
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Beretta Pico questions I handled the Pico today at a Cabela's. It impressed me as a very well built gun for under $270. I had a couple questions though... 1. The mag release button is tiny and awkward to manipulate. No matter what I did it just dug into my thumb and would not eject. I had to pinch both sides of the mag release with my weak hand to get the mag to drop free. Does it get easier with practice or is that just the way it's made? 2. Slide lock lever, fully recessed, so impossible to manipulate. Again, something you get used to it do you just find other ways to lock the slide open? 3. Does anyone use any rubber grip products, like Hogue, to beef up the grip a bit? It was tiny! I like the Pico and hope to find a store that won't keep it under a permanent trigger lock.

February 12, 2019, 10:08 AM	#10
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,668	Only experience with Gen 3. I found the Pico requires a different drill for magazines but I've gotten used to so many different magazine release systems over the decaded that the Pico system was not a problem and I even kinda like it. What I do is off hand get the new mag. I fire two sets of double taps before a mag change. Procedure is the hand holding the new magazine reaches up and thumb and index finder pull the mag release. Empty mag falls free and new mag gets inserted with a butt slap at the end. It actually works well and quickly. I find the trigger and slide effort to fall in the middle of the pack; easier than my S&W M&P BG380 or Ruger LCP but not as easy as my Remington RM380 or Sig P290RS. My Pico really is one slim sucker and very easy to conceal but I also find the slightly wider grips on the RM380 and P290RS fit my hand better and allow better followup shots. __________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

February 16, 2019, 09:52 AM	#20
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	I usually drink some Four Roses before stippling...XD __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

February 18, 2019, 05:24 PM	#22
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Pico is well made gun. I owned a Pico for a year. I even got a laser grip and a flashlight grip for it. I sold it off because I just could not shoot it as well as I wanted too. It has what I would call a sloppy trigger. But a lot of people love their Picos and can shoot them well. Go for it. Life is good. Prof Young

February 18, 2019, 11:20 PM	#24
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	I just wish the grip was slightly longer, or the pinky extension was a little shorter. I still rotate it with my LCP for pocket carry though. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

February 11, 2019, 10:09 PM	#2
Carl the Floor Walker member Join Date: June 3, 2017 Location: South Posts: 1,422	The Pico IMO is one heck of a great gun. I have posted many reviews on this forum. Extremely well built. I have a size large hand and this gun fits perfect. It is a gun that has a learning curve, but once you invest some time in it, you will reap huge rewards. Just had it out yesterday and was burning up a small target at 10 yds. Mild shooting little sucker. Great sights, stainless steel chassis, mags look like custom 1911. Use the gun for a while. The Springs in the Pico are first class, and strong, but will break in. You will eventually be able to use all the slide stop and mag release blinded folded. There are many photo's etc. available. By the way, I came home last night and now thinking about adding a third one. Keep one as a safe queen. I use one for carry and one for heavy range work. By the way, Buds has them now for $196.00, a heck of a deal and that is free shipping. Personally I would pay three times that amount if that was what they sold for. You can get a good view from this link. https://imgur.com/gallery/cbuqy5C

February 11, 2019, 10:18 PM	#3
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Thanks! Wow that price at Buds is insane. Does it come with one magazine or two? I seem to find contradictory info.

February 12, 2019, 05:33 AM	#5
PSP Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2006 Location: Bowling Green Virginia Posts: 4,487	Both the mag release and the slide release became easier to manipulate with use and practice. I used a grip cover for a while but it would slip so I discontinued using it. I did purchase one of the integrated laser frames when they were on sale and must say I like it very much. It has stayed sighted in true through about 1000 rounds so far.

February 12, 2019, 05:38 AM	#6
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	I had a Pico for a while, and as much as I liked it overall I just couldn't bond with the grip. The backstrap and trigger were too close to each other. About that mag release, iirc I would lightly pinch it from both sides and then pull down. It pivots on a pin, so it's not a straight movement. I've seen some flack about it, the flackers didn't seem to realize the benefit which is its design prevents accidental releasing of the mag while firing because the middle finger holds it closed while being gripped.

February 12, 2019, 06:47 AM	#7
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I got a Pico for cheap and admittedly haven't fired it more than a hundred rounds or so. For my XXL hands, the trigger guard goes down too low towards the bottom of the grip, making the grip smaller than it needs to be. I was not successful figuring out how to use the mag release one-handed. Similarly, I kind of "gave up" on the slide release and just pulled the slide back to release it after I loaded a new mag. They seem like nicely-built guns, and I was more accurate with it than I expected. I prefer my LCPII, but am keeping the Pico as a backup. I am typically not very busy in the summer and will put more time into practicing with the Pico then.

February 12, 2019, 06:55 AM	#8
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Thanks for pointing that out. I was aware of Gen 2 vs 3. Some reviews say the Gen 3 greatly improved the trigger and made the slide easier to rack, although I don't know of that's only a reference to the serrations or if they lightened the spring? Do any of you have direct experience with the generation 2 vs 3 and an opinion about whether the difference is really very great?

February 14, 2019, 09:12 AM	#11
tarhealcracker Member Join Date: July 8, 2018 Posts: 59	I too struggled with the backstrap/trigger distance. If you are out of practice and have large hands your trigger finger tends to to lose it's position. No matter, the other fine characteristics of the gun out weigh that issue. My Pico was a 1st generation I sent in for the factory upgrade. What a great job they did. Dead reliable ever since.

February 14, 2019, 10:04 PM	#12
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Thanks for the feedback everybody. I ordered one from Bud's for $191 with the FDE frame. Cheaper than the Taurus Spectrum and easily of higher build quality. Excited to shoot around with it! It should come in very handy when it starts warming up again and I have to where tucked in shirts.

February 15, 2019, 06:55 AM	#14
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Thanks, Carl! I'm looking forward to it. Tiny guns are a new area for me. I've been shooting larger guns for quite a while and there's really not much to learn if I buy or rent New Model X, other than "Oh look, another polymer-framed gun with a trigger." The Pico seems like a challenge worth taking on

February 15, 2019, 05:52 PM	#15
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	Mr. OhioGuy, you might want to put a dab of blue threadlocker on the front sight screw, or keep a .050" allen wrench handy to keep it tight. Mine flew off just shy of 70 rounds.

February 16, 2019, 12:14 AM	#17
elde Member Join Date: March 18, 2016 Location: RR12 Posts: 34	And invest in a set of rubberized Talon Grips. They allow me to hold onto both of my Picos.

February 16, 2019, 08:05 AM	#18
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	Thanks for the tip on the front sight. I've had 3 front sights fall off 3 different pistols -- a Walther and a CZ just lost the sight entirely, and an XD lost the fiber optic insert. Very frustrating. Ironically, for all the "don't trust electronic sights! They'll FAIL!!! And you will DIE, probably while ON FIRE!" I've not yet had a red dot fail or lose zero, but I've lost front sights off of three guns.... Yes definitely on the talon grips. I have rubberized grips on every gun I own.