Hi guys,

Thought I'd do a quick comparison between the Beretta Nano & S&W Shield 9mm. While these guys aren't probably direct competitors, They are close enough I figure people may look at both.



Let me start by saying there isnt really a bad option these days when it comes to carry guns. It really comes down to personal preference.

Price: The MSRP is almost exactly the same. Shield $449. Nano- $450. It has been my experience the Shield has a lower street price and is generally easier to find due to popularity.




Packaging:My Nano came in the ubiquitous beretta blue box. Came with an extra 6 rounder.

Shield came in cardboard box with the 7 & 8 rounder. The test spent round was a nice touch. Would prefer a plastic case.

Build Quality: The S&W isn't bad by any means but I found the Beretta to be of a higher quality. It just feels solid. The barrel and recoil assembly of the Nano are a touch more robust looking compared to the Shield9 as well.



Shield left, Nano right

Style: I think the Nano is interesting looking. - Good or bad, it looks different and I find that to be a plus. the baby brick is smooth, there are no external safeties, slide releases or take down levers. Probably a plus for concealed carry. The Shield is more traditional looking and many will find that a plus. It's growing on me.





Ergonomics: If you like holding a brick in your hand, you'll like the nano. It's thick, and most will only get 2 or 3 around the grip. The Shield is slender and fits me much better.






Reliability: If you spend all day on forums, you'll find that everything not from Austria is an unreliable ***. Nano has 600+ down range without a single failure. Range ammo is 124gr Federal American Eagle. Some report issues with lighter stuff.

Shield has 100 down range without an issue. Will report back after 500 if any issues. I do not expect any.

Accuracy. Hands down I shoot the Shield much better. More comfortable, less perceived recoil, longer sight radius.

Xfactor: S&W did a great job of involving aftermarket accessory manufacturers. Anything you could want, you can find for the Shield. Not so much for the nano.

Both great guns from great manufacturers. Blessed to have both. In the end, I intend to retire the nano from carry, unless pocket is my only option. I shoot the Shield better, it has greater capacity and I expect it to be very reliable.

I own both. Purchased the Nano first. Unlike some reports, regarding the lighter stuff, it shot 115 & 124 just fine. After the 600 mark, it just wasn't doing well with 115 (FTE). 124's are no problem.

My Shield 9mm is also now well over 600. There has been no problems whatsoever. I trust it more than the Nano. I've thought about sending the Nano in for an extractor checkup, but never got around to it, when it doesn't fail with 124's or higher. Have a Glock 43 also. No failures there either.

Thanks, ParaMike, the comparison was helpful.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Well there ya go. The Nano is a piece o ****!!!!!
Seriously though, I do agree however that we are blessed with such a wide variety of small 9's from which to choose from. There really isn't a bad choice.

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