I’m here to dive into a head-to-head comparison of two popular guns in the market: the Beretta Pico Vs S&W Bodyguard 380.
As a professional shooter, I’ve had the chance to test both of these firearms out in the field, and let me tell you, it’s been quite an experience.
My aim here is simple: to figure out which of these two is the ultimate winner. I’ll be looking at their specs, handling, and overall performance.
| Feature | Beretta Pico | S&W Bodyguard |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds | 6+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.7 inches | 2.75 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.1 inches | 5.30 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 11.5 oz | 12.0 oz |
Overview of Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is a sleek, compact handgun designed for concealed carry. It’s the epitome of subtlety and efficiency packed in a small frame.
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 oz (unloaded magazine)
- Sights: 3-Dot
- Trigger: Double Action Only (DAO); 12.25 lbs as tested
Overview of S&W Bodyguard
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, another standout in the compact firearm category, is known for its reliability and ease of use.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Magazine Capacity: 6+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Overall Length: 5.30 inches
- Weight: 12.0 oz (unloaded)
- Action: DAO (Double Action Only)
Features Comparison Beretta Pico VS S&W Bodyguard
1. Trigger and Handling
Beretta Pico
Delving deeper into the Beretta Pico’s trigger, it offers a solid, heavy pull, clocking in at about 12.25 lbs. This substantial weight contributes to unintentional discharge prevention, a key factor for a concealed carry weapon.
However, its magazine release presents a challenge; it’s quite stiff and requires considerable effort, particularly in high-stress situations. This could be a significant factor for those who need quick, one-handed mag changes.
S&W Bodyguard
The S&W Bodyguard, in comparison, provides a more user-friendly experience. Its trigger is noticeably lighter than the Pico’s, facilitating quicker and more responsive shooting.
The magazine release is also more accessible and smoother to operate. This ease of use extends to stressful scenarios, where rapid magazine changes can be crucial.
The overall handling of the Bodyguard is more intuitive and less cumbersome, especially for those who might find the Pico’s heavy trigger and stiff magazine release problematic.
Winner
Considering the aspects of trigger weight and ease of magazine release, the S&W Bodyguard takes the upper hand in this category.
Its lighter trigger and smoother magazine release mechanism provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience, particularly in situations that demand quick action.
2. Size and Concealability
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico’s design emphasizes its slim profile, which significantly aids in concealability. This slimmer build makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry, as it minimizes the likelihood of printing through clothing.
Its compact dimensions ensure that it can be comfortably carried for extended periods without causing discomfort or drawing attention.
The Pico’s design considerations prioritize discretion and comfort for the user, making it a favorable option for those who need a firearm that blends seamlessly into their daily attire.
S&W Bodyguard
On the other hand, the S&W Bodyguard, while still compact, is marginally longer and taller compared to the Pico. This slightly larger size may not be a deal-breaker for many, but it could be a consideration for those seeking the utmost in concealability.
Despite this, the Bodyguard remains a strong contender in the compact firearm category, offering a balance of size and functionality. It maintains a profile that is conducive to concealed carry, without significantly compromising on handling or ease of use.
Winner
In the realm of size and concealability, the Beretta Pico stands out. Its more slender frame provides a crucial advantage for those who prioritize concealment and comfort in their choice of concealed carry firearm.
3. Sights and Accuracy
Beretta Pico
The Pico’s three-dot sight system deserves special mention. During extensive testing, these sights consistently offered a clear and precise aiming point. This clarity is particularly beneficial for accurate shot placement, an essential aspect in defensive scenarios.
The sights are well-designed, providing quick target acquisition and aiding in maintaining focus on the intended target. This feature becomes increasingly valuable in situations where accuracy is paramount, like in controlled environments or where precision shooting is required.
S&W Bodyguard
The sights on the S&W Bodyguard, while functional, don’t quite reach the level of clarity offered by the Pico. They are certainly adequate for general purposes and close-range engagements, where split-second decisions are more common than precise shot placement.
These sights cater to the firearm’s role as a practical self-defense tool, where quick response is often more crucial than pinpoint accuracy.
Winner
When it comes to sights and accuracy, the Beretta Pico gains the upper hand. Its superior three-dot sight system provides enhanced visibility and precision, making it a preferable choice in scenarios where accuracy is a critical factor.
4. Ergonomics and Ease of Use
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico presents some ergonomic challenges. Its magazine release is notably stiff, making one-handed mag changes quite a task.
This could be a concern in high-pressure situations where quick reloading is necessary. However, its slim design does provide a comfortable grip, particularly for users with smaller hands.
S&W Bodyguard
In contrast, the S&W Bodyguard shines in ergonomics. The magazine release is smooth and accessible, facilitating quick and easy mag changes.
The slide release is also more user-friendly compared to the Pico. These features make the Bodyguard more adaptable in various shooting scenarios.
Winner
When compared to the Beretta Pico, the S&W Bodyguard clearly excels in this category. Its superior ergonomics and ease of use, especially in terms of magazine and slide release, make it a more practical choice for most shooters.
Pros & Cons of Beretta Pico
Pros
- Slimmer profile enhances concealability.
- Clear three-dot sight system aids in accuracy.
- Heavier trigger pull enhances safety.
Cons
- Stiffer magazine release hinders quick reloading.
Pros & Cons of S&W Bodyguard
Pros
- Smooth magazine release for efficient reloading.
- User-friendly slide release.
- Less heavy trigger for quicker shooting.
Cons
- Slightly larger size.
Similarities Between Beretta Pico & S&W Bodyguard
- Both chambered in .380 ACP.
- Magazine capacity of 6+1.
- Double Action Only (DAO) triggers.
- Similar overall length and weight.
- Comparable height and width dimensions.
- Both designed for concealed carry.
Differences Between Beretta Pico & S&W Bodyguard
- Pico is slimmer than Bodyguard.
- Bodyguard has a smoother magazine release.
- Pico has a heavier trigger pull.
- Bodyguard slightly longer in overall length.
- Pico’s three-dot sight system clearer than Bodyguard’s.
- Bodyguard’s slide release more user-friendly.
- Pico’s design more challenging for one-handed operation.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison between the Beretta Pico and the S&W Bodyguard, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
As a shooter who values both performance and practicality, I’ve carefully considered each aspect of these firearms. The winner, in my view, is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard.
This choice stems not just from its individual features but also from its overall balance of usability, ergonomics, and reliability.
FAQ’s
Is the S&W Bodyguard 380 a good gun?
Yes, the S&W Bodyguard 380 is a highly regarded gun, especially for concealed carry, thanks to its compact size and reliability.
How far can a 380 shoot accurately?
While the .380 ACP can technically reach 100 yards, realistically, achieving accuracy beyond 25-50 yards with most .380 ACP pistols can be challenging due to their subcompact design.
How many shots in a Bodyguard 380?
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is equipped with a 6-round box magazine.
