I’m bringing you a head-to-head comparison between two popular pocket pistols: the Beretta Pico Vs Taurus Spectrum.
As a professional shooter, I’ve had the chance to test these guns out in the field, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the experience.
In this article, I’ll dive into the specifics of each firearm, breaking down their features, pros, and cons.
| Feature | Beretta Pico | Taurus Spectrum |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds | 6 or 7 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.7 inches | 2.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.1 inches | 5.4 inches |
| Height | 3.94 inches | 3.8 inches |
| Width | 0.725 inches | 1.0 inches |
| Weight | 11.5 oz (unloaded) | 10 oz. |
| Trigger Mechanism | DAO; 12.25 lbs pull (tested) | 8.25 to 8.5 lbs pull |
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is a sleek, ultra-compact pistol that’s as reliable as it is easy to conceal.
Spec
- 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 (with an unloaded magazine)
- Sights: 3-Dot
- Trigger: Double Action Only (DAO); 12.25 lbs as tested
Taurus Spectrum
The Taurus Spectrum stands out with its unique design and comfortable handling, making it a solid choice for everyday carry.
Specs
- Type: Double-action-only, tilt-barrel semiauto
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 6 rds
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
- Weight: 10 oz.
- Overall Length/Height/Width: 5.4/3.8/1.0 inches
- Sights: Integral post and notch
- Trigger Pull: 8.25 to 8.5 lbs (measured)
Features Comparison: Beretta Pico vs Taurus Spectrum
1. Weight and Portability
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico, weighing in at 11.5 oz with an unloaded magazine, is notably lightweight. This aspect makes it a breeze to carry, especially for those who prefer a less noticeable carry. The weight balance feels right in hand, contributing to steadier aim and handling.
Taurus Spectrum
The Taurus Spectrum is even lighter, tipping the scales at just 10 oz. This makes it one of the lightest in its class, offering superb portability. The lighter frame is an advantage for those who prioritize ease of carry over everything else.
Winner
In terms of weight and portability, the Taurus Spectrum is the clear winner. Its exceptionally light frame makes it incredibly easy to carry and handle, especially for extended periods, compared to the Beretta Pico.
2. Ergonomics and Handling
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico shines in its ultra-thin design, setting a high bar in terms of comfort for
concealed carry. Its sleek profile with smooth edges minimizes the risk of snagging during quick draws.
The grip, while compact, offers a surprisingly secure and comfortable hold, providing a confident grip even for those with larger hands. Its small frame is well-balanced, ensuring that despite its size, it feels solid and controlled during use.
Taurus Spectrum
The Taurus Spectrum takes a different but equally thoughtful approach to ergonomics. It features a grip with a more pronounced curve, fitting comfortably in smaller hands.
The grip’s texture is meticulously designed for a non-slip hold, an essential aspect in high-stress scenarios. This texture not only enhances grip but also adds to the overall handling experience, making it feel reliable and steady during shooting sessions.
Winner
The Taurus Spectrum slightly outperforms the Beretta Pico in ergonomics and handling. Its contoured grip, combined with a thoughtfully textured surface, offers a more comfortable and secure experience during extended use.
These features make the Spectrum particularly appealing for those who prioritize ergonomic design and secure handling in their firearms, compared to its competitor.
3. Sights and Accuracy
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is equipped with 3-Dot sights, an impressive feature for a pistol of its size. These sights provide a clear, quick sight picture, crucial for rapid and accurate target acquisition.
The alignment of these 3-Dot sights is intuitive, making it easier for the shooter to focus on the target with minimal eye strain, which is vital in dynamic shooting environments.
Taurus Spectrum
In contrast, the Taurus Spectrum comes with integral post and notch sights. These sights are more subtle compared to the Pico’s, which might present a challenge in fast target acquisition scenarios.
Winner
In the arena of sights and accuracy, the Beretta Pico stands out. Its 3-Dot sights are superior, especially in scenarios requiring quick, accurate shooting.
The visibility and ease of target acquisition with these sights provide a significant advantage in terms of shooting accuracy and speed, compared to the Taurus Spectrum.
4. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico’s trigger mechanism is a Double Action Only (DAO) with a pull weight of around 12.25 lbs as tested.
This heavier trigger pull can be a safety feature, preventing accidental discharges. However, it may require more effort, especially in rapid fire scenarios, which could affect quick response and accuracy.
Taurus Spectrum
The Taurus Spectrum, on the other hand, offers a lighter trigger pull, ranging from 8.25 to 8.5 lbs. This lighter pull is more conducive to quick, responsive shooting, particularly in scenarios demanding fast follow-up shots.
The predictability and consistency of the trigger response are key strengths here, enhancing the shooting experience.
Winner
When it comes to the trigger mechanism, the Taurus Spectrum takes the lead. Its lighter and more consistent trigger pull provides a noticeable advantage, especially in situations where quick response and shooting ease are essential.
This feature sets it apart from the Beretta Pico, particularly for those who value a smoother and quicker trigger response in their shooting experience.
Pros & Cons of Beretta Pico
Pros
- 3-Dot sights for better targeting.
- Slim and sleek design for easy concealment.
- Good grip despite compact size.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the Spectrum.
Pros & Cons of Taurus Spectrum
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for maximum portability.
- Comfortable grip with good texturing.
- Lighter trigger pull for quick shooting.
Cons
- Integral sights might not be as effective as 3-Dot.
Similarities Between Beretta Pico & Taurus Spectrum
- Both are chambered in .380 ACP.
- Similar compact size for easy concealment.
- Double-action-only trigger mechanisms.
- Designed for personal defense and concealed carry.
- Comparable overall lengths and heights.
Differences Between Beretta Pico & Taurus Spectrum
- Beretta Pico has a heavier trigger pull compared to the Spectrum.
- Pico’s 3-Dot sights vs. Spectrum’s integral post and notch.
- The Spectrum is lighter in weight than the Pico.
- Different grip designs with the Spectrum having a more pronounced curve.
- The Pico is slightly slimmer in width than the Spectrum.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Beretta Pico and the Taurus Spectrum, the decision of which one stands out as the superior choice isn’t straightforward, as each has its unique strengths.
However, weighing all factors, the Taurus Spectrum emerges as the winner in most comparisons. The deciding elements for me are its exceptional ergonomics, lighter trigger pull, and unmatched portability due to its lighter weight.
The Spectrum’s design and features align well with the needs of everyday carry and quick, responsive shooting, making it an ideal choice for personal defense.
FAQ’s
Does Taurus make good guns?
Yes, Taurus is known for producing reliable firearms, such as the popular Taurus PT 92, which is noted for its tactical utility and home defense capabilities.
What is better Glock or Beretta?
Both Glock and Beretta are highly reliable, but preferences may vary. Beretta is favored by those with military backgrounds, while Glock is renowned for its lightweight, durability, and widespread use globally.
