Beretta Nano Review: It is not very good….
The Beretta Nano is one of the worst concealed carry pistols to ever hit the US market. This Beretta Nano review will explain why.
Beretta Nano Specs
- Name Beretta Nano
- Caliber 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity 6 +1 (flush) 8+1(extended)
- Action Striker Fired
- Frame Polymer
- Barrel Length 3 inches
- Weight 19.8 ounces
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.
Beretta has a history of making great pistols. The 92-series served well in both the United States armed forces, as well as others overseas. The 70-series were used by spies, assassins, and air marshals around the globe. The 80-series married Beretta’s various safety/decocker 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 – Our Take
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.
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 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. 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 then quickly turned around to sell it.
Beretta Nano Pros and Cons
- Size – Slim design
- Slide Stop – No slide catch
- Capacity – Low capacity
- Trigger – Awful, terrible trigger
Report Card | ||
Shootability | The Nano actively tries to make you shoot worse. | F |
Reliability | It does work most of the time. | B |
Ergonomics | This is not designed for human use. | F |
Accuracy | It is remarkable how bad the Nano trigger is. | D |
Value | At $400, it is a terrible deal, but it does work | D- |
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 some already 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
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Best Ammo for Your Beretta Nano
You will want two different types of ammo for your CCW handgun–one for training and one for self defense. Here are some deals on some FMJ ammo to train with and some defensive ammunition to really make the most out of your Beretta Nano.
Practice Range Rounds
Sellier & Bellot 9mm 115 GR FMJ
Marketplace | Cost Per Round |
Target Sports USA | $0.26 |
Palmetto State Armory | $0.28 |
Brownells | $0.29 |
Self Defense Ammunition
Federal Premium Personal Defense HST 9mm 124 GR HP
Marketplace | Cost Per Round |
Primary Arms | $1.24 |
Brownells | $1.52 |
Optics Planet | $1.60 |
Other CCW Handguns of its Class to Check Out
The Beretta Nano did not get a very high score from us for conceal carry. Here are some of our favorites!
#1 Sig P365
Sig P365
The Sig 365 set a new definition for what a great concealed carry handgun can be – it quickly became the go-to 9mm for many shooters.
- Shootability A
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Accuracy A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 146 Reviews
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#2 Glock 43x
Glock 43x
A single-stack “slimlined” Glock pistol specifically designed for CCW.
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 114 Reviews
Your Grade
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Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
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#3 HK P7
HK P7
A squeeze cocking semi auto 9mm that is as unique as it is collectible
- Shootability A+
- Reliability A-
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
Based on 5 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
How to Care for Your Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano has a unique take down. 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.
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