Beretta Nano 9mm Review: A CCW Disappointment?

As someone who loves guns and has tried out many concealed carry pistols, I’ve learned to spot the good ones from the bad. Sadly, the Beretta Nano is one of the worst ones you can find in the US market. In this Beretta Nano 9mm review, I’ll explain why.

I originally reviewed the Beretta last year, but after spending more time with it and firing hundreds of rounds, my opinions on this gun have slightly changed. So, here’s my updated review.

Beretta Nano Background

The Beretta Nano was the famed Italian gunmaker’s attempt to grab some share of the concealed carry pistol market. Stiff competition from models like the Smith & Wesson Shield and Walther PPS dominated the offerings from Beretta. Their response was a polymer-framed, single-stack handgun that prioritized a sleek exterior and small size for easy concealment.

As a lifelong gun nerd, I can attest to Beretta’s long history of making great pistols. Their 92-series served well in both the United States armed forces, as well as others overseas. The 70-series was used by spies, assassins, and air marshals around the globe. The 80-series married Beretta’s various safety/de-cocker options to a compact frame in .380 ACP or .32 ACP. But there was no striker-fired polymer frame model in their catalog, and that was the wave of the future.

The market was excited when Beretta announced a new polymer frame single stack pistol. Unfortunately, the Nano did not live up to the hype. Its sales have been poor, and it is not even mentioned in most discussions of single-stack concealable handguns.

Ruger American Pistol Features

1 Width

Under 1” grip and slide width

2 Snag Free

Intentionally snag-free design

3 Magazines

Flush-fit or extended magazines

Models and Variations of the Beretta Nano

The standard Nano comes in black, but models with pink or flat dark earth frames are also available. All have to be found on the used market.

Beretta Nano 9mm Review

The Nano is a mess ergonomically. Its grip sits at an angle that makes no sense. We’ve all listened to a gun counter staffer explain that “Glocks point too high” and that the 1911 is perfect in comparison. No one would argue that the Nano has a good grip angle. It points low for almost anyone who tries it. The first time I brought the Nano onto the target I thought the front sight had fallen off because it was nowhere to be seen.

Ergonomics

Adding to the ergonomic issues is the design of the slide. It is both too heavy for this size of gun and too tall for the grip, and it feels like a fight to keep it where you want it. Contrast this with the Beretta 84, which feels like an extension of the human body. These ergonomics were designed in the quest for impressive stats like having a grip under 1″ wide rather than as a tool for human use. The top-heavy nature of the Nano is not balanced out by the weight of a loaded magazine either. 

I really can’t stand the magazine release button on this gun. It’s so small that whenever I need to quickly locate and press it to hit targets, it becomes a real hassle. Also, I’ve noticed that the placement and design of the magazine release button on the Beretta make accidental magazine ejections more likely, especially when holstering it.

One final ergonomic gripe is the lack of a slide catch. Beretta omitted a slide catch lever to keep the gun as slim as possible. This does help some with reducing snag points when concealed. That is an understandable goal, but it is a poor trade-off. A slide catch can still be very slim and usable. Dealing with a malfunction is made far more difficult because there is no easy way to lock the slide back unless you have a spare empty magazine handy. This is also annoying at a shooting range where the gun may need to be left on a bench open and empty when a cease fire is called. Without an empty magazine, there is not a great way to render the Nano safe.

Shootability

Shooting the Nano is not fun. The trigger is absolutely awful. It is long and mushy and indefinite. This may be a “safety feature” for inexperienced shooters but it is not a good trade-off. Rather than working with the shooter and helping the shooter perform at their best, the Nano feels like it is actively obstructing the shooter. The Nano hates you and does not want you to hit your targets.

Accuracy

The poor trigger is a major detriment to accuracy. Rather than a double-action revolver trigger, which has perceptible movement all the way through the trigger pull, the Nano trigger moves and then feels like it stops. At that false stop, the pull weight stacks and stacks until it seems like there is something wrong. Then the shot finally breaks. I found myself flinching at times from fighting the trigger. It is still possible to shoot decent slow-fire groups but it is rather hard to get those results when shooting fast. The sights are adequate but not very noteworthy.

Reliability

Reliability is the only area where the Nano does deserve some praise. It works pretty well with most ammo. It is not a finicky rimfire that only works with one particular brand and weight of ammo. The single recoil spring assembly in the Beretta Nano 9mm has worked well so far too, it gave consistent cycling. Beretta tends to make pretty trustworthy guns and the Nano is not an exception. It still will not shoot well, but it will fire when the trigger is pulled.

Value

The Nano is not a good value. Even though it is a decently reliable gun, it should not cost $400 when it has so many glaring ergonomic and shootability issues. The resale market is also pretty weak because many shooters have purchased a Nano and then quickly turned around to sell it.

Beretta Nano Pros and Cons 

Beretta Nano 9mm – FAQs

How many rounds can the Beretta Nano hold?

You can load up to 6 rounds of ammunition in the Beretta Nano 9mm’s single-column box magazine, giving you a total capacity of 7 rounds when it’s chambered and fully loaded. If you’re looking for even more capacity, there are also 8-round extended magazines available.

Are there different color options available for the Beretta Nano?

Yes, the Beretta Nano is available in several color options. While the standard Nano comes in black, there are also models with pink, navy green, and navy brown frames.

Can I use the Beretta Nano 9mm for full metal jacket loads?

Yes, you can use the Beretta Nano 9mm for full metal jacket (FMJ) loads. However, know that the Nano is not specifically designed for lightweight 115-grain FMJ loads. For self-defense, it’s recommended to use slightly heavier bullets, such as 124-grain loads.

Does the Beretta nano 9mm have a stainless steel frame?

No, the Beretta Nano 9mm has a frame made from a technopolymer, which is a fiberglass-reinforced polymer. However, you get a slide that is made with stainless steel in this gun.

Where can I get the Beretta Nano 9mm from?

You can purchase the Beretta Nano 9mm directly from Beretta USA, the official website, where you can locate authorized dealers and retailers.

Beretta Nano Starter Pack

If you are getting started with your new handgun here are a few items you will want to make sure you have to get the most out of it.

• Magazines: having plenty of magazines is critical when owning a handgun. For the Nano, you will have to look to the used market as they are no longer available new.
• Eye Protection: You need to invest in high-quality shooting glasses. Handguns can throw brass in weird directions and if shooting steel targets at close range it is very possible for debris to come back at the shooter. Check out our recommendations for the best shooting glasses!
• Gun Cleaning Kit: If you are relying on this handgun to protect your life, you need to keep it in top working order. We’ve got a whole article dedicated to gun cleaning kits you’ll need to keep your pistol in tip-top shape. 
• Hearing Protection: Protect your ears and get some good hearing protection. Even if you have one, that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your set up. We’ve gathered all of our favorites to help you decide the best hearing protection for you.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Beretta Nano

For the Nano, you will want a good concealed carry holster so you can actually carry your gun. You may also want to upgrade the sights to something with tritium so you can see the sights in low-light situations. Here we have a few good options for you to accessorize your Berretta Nano.

Best Accessories For The Beretta Nano

Ameriglo Beretta Nano Night Sights Kit		Glows bright green in the dark White outlines show as white spots in the daylight	Check Price
CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck IWB Holster		Premium leather backing with a molded and mounted Kydex pocket May be worn comfortably with or without your shirt tucked in	Check Price
We the People Beretta Nano IWB Holster		Adjustable Retention, allows you to set the tension to your personal comfort. Adjustable Ride and Cant, allows for maximum flexibility in carry options.	Check Price

Best Ammo for Your Beretta Nano

As you know, there are many ammo brands and types out there, but you will only want two for your CCW handgun – one for training and one for self-defense. Here are some deals on FMJ ammo to train with and some defensive ammunition to really make the most out of your Beretta Nano. 

Other CCW Handguns of its Class to Check Out

The Beretta Nano did not get a very high score from us for concealed carry. Here are some of our favorites!

How to Care for Your Beretta Nano

The Beretta Nano has a unique takedown. While not complicated, you do need to make sure you know how to properly disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Here is a quick video showing you the process.

Important Links and Manuals for Your Beretta Nano

If you are looking for more information on the Beretta Nano we have a link to Beretta’s website for more information.

• Nano by Beretta