As a professional shooter I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular concealed carry guns: the Beretta Pico Vs Ruger LCP.
Now, I’ve had the chance to take both of these beauties out in the field, putting them through their paces to figure out which one really stands out.
In this article, I’m going to share my firsthand experience with these guns, breaking down everything from their specs to how they feel in the hand.
| Specification | Beretta Pico | Ruger LCP |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 Auto |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 6+1 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.7 inches | 2.75 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.1 inches | 5.16 inches |
| Height | 3.94 inches | 3.60 inches |
| Width | 0.725 inches | 0.82 inches |
| Weight | 11.5 oz (unloaded magazine) | 9.6 ounces |
Overview of Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico, often touted as one of the most concealable .380s out there, is a real
contender in the world of compact firearms.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel Length: 2.7 inches
- Overall Length: 5.1 inches
- Height: 3.94 inches
- Width: 0.725 inches
- Weight: 11.5 oz (unloaded magazine)
- Sights: 3-Dot
- Trigger: Double Action Only (DAO), 12.25 lbs as tested
Overview of Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, a legend since its 2008 debut, is known for its lightweight, compact design, making it a favorite in the concealed carry community.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Length: 5.16 inches
- Width: 0.82 inches
- Height: 3.60 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Sights: Integral Front and Rear Slides
- Trigger: Single Action
Features Comparison of Beretta Pico vs Ruger LCP
1. Ergonomics
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico’s ergonomic design is a standout. It boasts a durable, sweat-resistant polymer frame that’s modular for customization.
During my testing, this adaptability shined, allowing for a tailored grip and feel. The Pico fits snugly in the hand, and despite its small size, manages to offer a solid and comfortable grip.
Its lightweight nature didn’t compromise on the stability during shooting, making it a pleasure to handle.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, compared to the Pico, also excels in ergonomics but takes a slightly different approach. Its high-performance, glass-filled nylon textured grip frame is notable.
While testing, I appreciated the added finger grip extension plate, enhancing comfort and grip, especially for those with larger hands.
The LCP is incredibly light and compact, fitting effortlessly into the hand. Its design leans heavily on practicality, ensuring a firm hold even in quick-draw scenarios.
Winner
Choosing a winner in ergonomics is tough, as both guns perform admirably. However, compared to the Ruger LCP, the Beretta Pico edges ahead slightly.
Its modular design and comfortable grip, tailored for various hand sizes, offer a bit more in terms of customization and personal comfort.
While the LCP is excellent for quick handling, the Pico’s adaptability and solid feel in the hand make it a slightly more ergonomic choice.
2. Slide and Barrel
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico features a stainless-steel slide with a double finish, which stood out during my field tests. The slide’s smooth operation and durability under various conditions are commendable.
Its 2.7-inch barrel ensures a compact size without compromising accuracy. While using it, I noticed the minimal barrel tilt and how it contributed to the gun’s overall stability and ease of handling, making it highly reliable for quick, accurate shooting.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, compared to the Pico, sports a black oxide alloy steel barrel and a through-hardened steel slide. In my testing, these materials provided excellent durability and resistance to wear.
The 2.75-inch barrel, slightly longer than the Pico’s, offers a good balance between compactness and accuracy. The LCP’s slide felt robust and operated smoothly under rapid fire scenarios, demonstrating its reliability in high-pressure situations.
Winner
In terms of slide and barrel, compared to the Beretta Pico, the Ruger LCP takes the lead. The slightly longer barrel and robust slide construction provide a slight edge in handling and durability.
While the Pico performs well, the LCP’s design seems more attuned to the rigors of frequent use, maintaining smooth operation and reliability under various conditions. The LCP’s barrel length strikes a perfect balance for concealed carry without sacrificing accuracy.
3. Sights and Optics
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico features fixed front and rear sights that are integral to the slide. During my field tests, I found these sights to be quite effective for quick target acquisition.
Their low-profile design reduces the chance of snagging, a critical factor in concealed carry scenarios. Although the Pico isn’t optics-ready, its standard sights provide sufficient visibility and accuracy for most close-range engagements, making it dependable for defensive purposes.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, compared to the Pico, also offers fixed front and rear sights integrated into the slide. In my experience, these sights are adequate for quick aiming but lack some of the finer adjustments you might find in other models.
The LCP is also not optics-ready, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. The sights are unobtrusive and work well for rapid target engagement, especially in self-defense situations where speed is crucial.
Winner
When comparing the sights and optics of the Beretta Pico and Ruger LCP, it’s a close call. However, compared to the LCP, the Pico slightly outperforms.
The Pico’s sights felt a bit more refined and provided a marginally clearer sight picture during testing. Both models lack the option for optics, but the Pico’s integral sights offer a tad more in terms of ease of alignment and accuracy, making it the winner in this category.
4. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico boasts a Double Action Only (DAO) trigger. In my field testing, this trigger provided a consistent pull, offering predictability and control.
It’s heavier at 12.25 lbs, which some may find requires more effort, but it enhances safety against accidental discharges. This feature, while requiring more practice to master, offers reliability and a steady shooting experience, especially useful for those who prioritize a deliberate and controlled shooting style.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP, compared to the Pico, features a single-action trigger. Despite being single-action, it feels somewhat like a DAO trigger.
During testing, I found this trigger lighter and smoother, offering a quicker response. This aspect can be particularly advantageous in self-defense situations where rapid fire is crucial. It’s a great feature for those who prefer a more responsive trigger pull and quicker shooting cycle, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Winner
When comparing the trigger mechanisms, the Ruger LCP outperforms the Beretta Pico. The LCP’s single-action trigger, compared to the Pico’s DAO, offers a smoother and quicker shooting experience.
This feature makes the LCP more adaptable to various shooting scenarios, providing a balance between safety and responsiveness. Its lighter pull and faster reset are significant advantages, especially in high-stress situations where speed and accuracy are paramount.
Pros & Cons of Beretta Pico
Pros
- Durable, sweat-resistant polymer frame
- Modular design for customization
- Snag-free, low-profile design
- Soft recoil with minimal barrel tilt
- Adjustable 3-Dot sights
Cons
- Slightly heavier compared to LCP
Pros & Cons of Ruger LCP
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Comfortable textured grip
- Finger grip extension floorplate available
- Responsive single-action trigger
- Extended magazine options available
Cons
- Less customizable than Pico
Similarities Between Beretta Pico & Ruger LCP
- Both chambered in .380 ACP
- Standard 6+1 round capacity
- Fixed front and rear sights
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ideal for concealed carry
- Similar overall length and barrel length
Differences Between Beretta Pico & Ruger LCP
- Pico has a heavier DAO trigger; LCP has a lighter single-action trigger
- Pico is slightly taller and thinner; LCP is shorter and wider
- Pico is slightly heavier than LCP
- Pico’s sights are adjustable; LCP’s are integral
- Pico comes with two magazines; LCP comes with one
- Pico has a stainless-steel slide; LCP has a black oxide alloy steel slide
- Pico’s design is more modular for customization
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Beretta Pico and the Ruger LCP, making a final choice was no easy task. Each of these firearms has its own set of strengths and appeals to different aspects of concealed carry.
However, when it comes down to overall performance, my choice tilts slightly in favor of the Ruger LCP. The LCP’s combination of a lighter, smoother single-action trigger, its adaptability with extended magazines, and its superior balance between compactness and practicality make it a standout choice for me.
FAQ’s
Is the Ruger LCP a good self-defense gun?
Absolutely, the Ruger LCP is a reliable choice for self-defense, known for its good performance and accuracy, especially in close-range situations.
Why carry a Ruger LCP?
The Ruger LCP is ideal for concealed carry due to its compact and lightweight design, secure grip, and effective performance in self-defense scenarios.
Which is better, a 9mm or 380?
It depends on your needs. While a 9mm is more powerful, the .380 ACP is easier to handle and conceal, making it a popular choice for self-defense.
