I’ve been out in the field, rigorously testing two popular pocket guns: the Beretta Pico Vs Remington RM380.
My aim is to figure out which of these compact powerhouses stands out as the winner. In this article, I’ll break down the nitty-gritty of each gun, comparing their specs and sharing my firsthand experiences.
| Feature | Beretta Pico | Remington RM380 |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 Rounds | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.7 Inches | 2.75 Inches |
| Overall Length | 5.1 Inches | 5.3 Inches |
| Height | 3.94 Inches | 3.9 Inches |
| Width | 0.725 Inches | 1.1 Inches |
| Weight | 11.5 Ounces (unloaded) | 14 Ounces |
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is a sleek, ultra-compact .380 ACP that’s all about precision and ease of use. It’s designed for concealed carry, blending power and portability.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 6+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.7 inches
- Overall Length: 5.1 inches
- Height: 3.94 inches
- Width: 0.725 inches
- Weight: 11.5 ounces (with unloaded magazine)
- Sights: 3-Dot
- Trigger: Double Action Only (DAO); 12.25 lbs as tested
Remington RM380
The Remington RM380, with its metal frame, offers a sturdy yet compact choice in the .380 ACP category. It’s a DAO semiauto designed for reliability and ease of carry.
Specs
- Type: DAO semiauto
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Overall Length: 5.3 inches
- Height: 3.9 inches (with flush magazine)
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Trigger: 10.4 lbs pull (measured)
- Sights: Fixed; notch rear, post front
Features Comparison: Beretta Pico VS Remington RM380
1. Ease of Use and Handling
Beretta Pico
The Pico’s ultra-slim design, measuring just 0.725 inches in width, is a game-changer in terms of handling. Its compact size, combined with a lightweight build, makes it exceptionally easy to grip, draw, and aim, particularly for shooters with smaller hands.
During extensive field tests, I found its maneuverability outstanding, facilitating quick aiming and transitioning between targets with minimal effort.
Remington RM380
The RM380, with its metal frame, presents a contrasting handling experience. The extra weight, although slight, gives it a solid, grounded feel.
This heft, combined with a slightly wider profile, contributes to a more stable and controlled shooting experience, especially noticeable during rapid firing sequences. It also provides a reassuring steadiness, which can be crucial in high-pressure situations.
Winner
When pitted against the Remington, the Beretta Pico emerges as the superior firearm in terms of ease of use and handling.
Its lighter, thinner profile offers a significant advantage in quick maneuverability and comfort, crucial in scenarios that demand rapid response and agility.
2. Trigger Mechanism and Shooting Comfort
Beretta Pico
The Pico’s DAO trigger mechanism, with a 12.25 lbs pull, is remarkable for its consistency and predictability. During my testing, this translated into a smooth, reliable shooting experience. Each pull of the trigger felt controlled and precise, enhancing shot accuracy.
The consistency in trigger pull also helps in developing muscle memory, which is vital for quick and accurate shooting under stress.
Remington RM380
The RM380’s trigger, with a 10.4 lbs pull, offers a slightly lighter experience compared to the Pico. This lighter pull, while comfortable over extended shooting sessions, lacked the crispness and predictability of the Pico’s trigger.
The gun’s longer and wider grip, however, contributed to a more comfortable shooting experience, reducing hand fatigue and providing a more natural fit for the shooter’s palm.
Winner
In the realm of trigger mechanism and shooting comfort, the Beretta Pico slightly edges out over the Remington RM380. Its balance between control and ease of pull makes it an excellent choice for shooters who value precision and a consistent shooting experience.
3. Sights and Accuracy
Beretta Pico
The Pico’s sight system is a class apart. Equipped with standard three-dot sights that are both adjustable and replaceable, it offers an unparalleled level of visibility and accuracy.
During testing, these sights proved their worth by enabling quicker target acquisition and significantly improving accuracy, a crucial factor in self-defense scenarios. The adjustability also allows for fine-tuning according to individual preferences, further enhancing its usability.
Remington RM380
The RM380 is outfitted with fixed notch rear and post front sights. While these are perfectly functional for close-range engagements, they fall short of the versatility offered by the Pico’s sights.
In my testing, I found them adequate but somewhat limiting when it came to rapid target engagement or shooting in varied lighting conditions.
Winner
Against the Remington RM380, the Beretta Pico stands out as the definitive winner in the category of sights and accuracy.
Its advanced sighting system, with adjustability and superior design, provides a tangible advantage in both target acquisition and shooting accuracy, especially in challenging and dynamic shooting scenarios.
Pros & Cons of Beretta Pico
Pros
- Ultra-slim and lightweight design.
- Exceptional trigger mechanism.
- Superior adjustable sights.
- High-quality materials and construction.
Cons
- More complex field stripping process.
Pros & Cons of Remington RM38
Pros
- Sturdy metal frame.
- Comfortable grip for prolonged use.
- Easy maintenance and field stripping.
Cons
- Slightly heavier and wider.
Similarities between Beretta Pico & Remington RM380
- Both are .380 ACP caliber.
- Similar overall lengths.
- Double Action Only (DAO) triggers.
- Designed for concealed carry.
- Ambidextrous features.
- Comparable in weight.
Differences between Beretta Pico & Remington RM380
- Pico is thinner than RM380.
- RM380 has a metal frame, Pico is polymer.
- Pico’s trigger pull is heavier.
- RM380 easier to field strip and maintain.
- Pico has a more complex, modular design.
- RM380’s grip is longer and wider.
- Pico has a smoother trigger compared to RM380.
- RM380 slightly heavier, offering more stable shooting.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and thorough comparison of the Beretta Pico and the Remington RM380, I’ve reached a definitive conclusion.
As a professional shooter who values precision, reliability, and ease of carry in firearms, my choice leans towards the Beretta Pico.
The Pico stands out for its exceptional balance, maneuverability, and the refined nature of its build and operation. It offers a blend of qualities that are crucial for both everyday carry and high-stress situations, making it not just a reliable firearm but a true extension of the shooter. In the world of compact firearms, where every detail matters, the Beretta Pico emerges as the more impressive contender.
FAQ’s
Does Beretta Pico have a safety?
The Beretta Pico does not include a magazine disconnect; it can fire without a magazine. It lacks a manual safety, featuring only an ambidextrous magazine release and a slide stop.
Why is Beretta so expensive?
Beretta firearms are often costlier due to their precision engineering and high-quality materials. Additionally, significant investment in research and development adds to their value.
Is a Beretta better than a Glock?
Comparing Beretta and Glock, Beretta is favored by many with military backgrounds for its reliability and precision. Glock is globally renowned for its lightweight and durability, making the choice subjective to user preference and background.
