Beretta Pico modifications: took out the inner hammer spring. (Gen 3 Pico candidate)

[Al W.]

I contacted a tech at Beretta and the Gen. 3 spring is the Gen. 3 spring. They have no plans to offer several weights of springs.
Their manual states that the Pico is rated for factory ammo that meets the SAMMI standard.
So hand loads are not their concern.
We're on our own then with that .
Fair enough.

 

[Al W.]

Thanks for clarification. I was referring to magazine movement once it’s in the pistol. The magazines themselves are well built. Sounds like a little “slop” is okay! Thanks!

I noticed that mag movement as well.
The mag is the only component that will rattle a bit if you shake the gun. Its of no concern to me because the release is so positive , seems solid enough . Mags move around a bit , normal operation .

 

[jar]

Personal Pico reflections: these are the opinion of the author and so of course are absolute, correct and affirmative.

It's TINY!

Yup, slide rack is an issue with a full mag inserted; BUT, it does lock back on an empty magazine so I don't find that a major issue in general use. The slide catch needs slightly more positive ridging and I wish the extended mag was about a half inch shorter but in all it's been really well thought out.

I had several FTLs during the very first box of ammo, all of which were handle with a simple tap; no rack required. Zero FTEs or jams so far with three boxes of ammo through and on the fourth.

Did I mention that it's TINY!

I've been using some of my pocket holsters that have served me will over several decades; ones designed for the Sig 230 and similar really small pocket pistols but the Pico kinda flops around in them. I have a couple holsters ordered that were designed specifically for the Pico and will see if they do better.

Changes I've made to fit the Pico.

I found the best way to do a mag change is new mag in weak hand; use index finger and thumb of weak hand to pull down the mag release; let old mag fall and insert new mag tapping base.

To get around the heavy slide I lock slide back then insert magazine. Sometimes that means dropping a mag that was already inserted but it's easy to keep it from falling out with one of those fingers that ain't doin nuthing like holding the gun. It's annoying but more a matter of familiarity and practice than a major issue.

Have I mention that it's TINY!

Most days my primary is still a small revolver or snub nosed revolver but I'm finding the Pico in a pocket really is a viable option either as backup or primary carry. Even when I carry one of my semi-automatics I find I just stick the Pico in my pocket jess in case.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

[QUOTE="jar, post: 10992080, member: 3103
To get around the heavy slide I lock slide back then insert magazine. Sometimes that means dropping a mag that was already inserted but it's easy to keep it from falling out with one of those fingers that ain't doin nuthing like holding the gun. It's annoying but more a matter of familiarity and practice than a major issue.

Have I mention that it's TINY!

Most days my primary is still a small revolver or snub nosed revolver but I'm finding the Pico in a pocket really is a viable option either as backup or primary carry. Even when I carry one of my semi-automatics I find I just stick the Pico in my pocket jess in case.[/QUOTE]

You do not even have to touch the slide release. Simply pull receiver all the way back and it will drop on it's own. Too simple. The only time you touch the slide release is to engage it, with just a very slight pressure from the thumb. Basically just moving the thumb up while holding the slide release. The biggest downfall of the Pico is the little learning curve. Once you get it down, you wonder why it took you so long to figure. Once again, I will say this, the Two Pico's I own, have been flawless with thousands of rounds down range. Kind of hard to believe for a pocket gun, but true.
As far as a comparison to the Spectrum the only closeness is the take down, which they obviously took from the Pico. Build quality is NOT even close. Sights Not close, Magazines NOT close.
The Pico is made to tight tolerences, it wears in very nicely. Just handle the gun shoot the gun. It is a Pocket Pistol made to shoot a LOT of ammo down range.

Read the Manual, It IS rated for Plus P. And I have shot quite a bit through both of them. Reloading should be no problem at all.



https://imgur.com/gRzCjMl

 

[jar]

You do not even have to touch the slide release. Simply pull receiver all the way back and it will drop on it's own. Too simple. The only time you touch the slide release is to engage it, with just a very slight pressure from the thumb. Basically just moving the thumb up while holding the slide release. The biggest downfall of the Pico is the little learning curve. Once you get it down, you wonder why it took you so long to figure. Once again, I will say this, the Two Pico's I own, have been flawless with thousands of rounds down range. Kind of hard to believe for a pocket gun, but true.
As far as a comparison to the Spectrum the only closeness is the take down, which they obviously took from the Pico. Build quality is NOT even close. Sights Not close, Magazines NOT close.
The Pico is made to tight tolerences, it wears in very nicely. Just handle the gun shoot the gun. It is a Pocket Pistol made to shoot a LOT of ammo down range.

Read the Manual, It IS rated for Plus P. And I have shot quite a bit through both of them. Reloading should be no problem at all.

View attachment 815867

https://imgur.com/gRzCjMl

Never even considered the Pico having a slide RELEASE, only a slide lock. And I find the slide lock on mine somewhat hard to engage manually and so wish it had slightly better ridging.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Never even considered the Pico having a slide RELEASE, only a slide lock. And I find the slide lock on mine somewhat hard to engage manually and so wish it had slightly better ridging.

Ok, slid lock. I was trying to emphasize the release of the slide and do not understand why your lock is hard to engage. Both mine simply lock with also NO pressure. Not sure we are on the same page.

 

[jar]

Ok, slid lock. I was trying to emphasize the release of the slide and do not understand why your lock is hard to engage. Both mine simply lock with also NO pressure. Not sure we are on the same page.

Mine works great with empty mag. When there is no mag I simply find it hard to engage with my thumb. Likely it's simply a matter of technique and experience but mine I find cumbersome.