The Beretta Pico

A Beretta Pico (Bottom) with a J-frame S&W (Top)

Recently, a friend of mine bought a Beretta Pico and gave me the opportunity to shoot it enough to provide a quick overview. The Pico is an ultra-compact, polymer framed, double action only pistol chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge. Weighing a little less than 12 ounces, it competes with the likes of the Ruger LCP, the Remington RM380, S&W Bodyguard, Taurus 738 TCP, and Kahr CW380. According to Beretta, it is the thinnest .380 ACP on the market.

The Taurus PT-22

A Taurus PT-22 shown with high velocity ammunition. Taurus 

advised against the use of high velocity ammunition in the PT-22

Years ago, I had a Beretta 21A Bobcat in .22 LR. It was a delightful little pistol that I sadly let get away. Light in the pocket with usable sights and acceptable short range accuracy, it was a great companion when roaming the woods or fishing a pond. It was also fairly reliable, cheap to shoot, and just plain fun. While I did not consider it a primary defensive weapon, it was accurate and reliable enough to serve the purpose, providing that it was fed with agreeable ammunition. Yesterday, I shot what appeared to be a Bobcat clone: the Taurus PT-22.

Pistol Gripped Shotguns

This year, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave got some attention in North Carolina because there was some question as to whether its 14 inch barrel classified it as a weapon of mass destruction. This has since been resolved and the Shockwave, as well as the new Remincton 870 TAC 14, appear to be selling pretty well. While 14 inch barreled pump shotguns with pistol grips are relatively new to the general market, shotguns like the Mossberg 500 Cruiser and the Maverick 88 Special Purpose with 18.5 and 20 inch barrels have long been available so equipped.