New Beretta Nano Pistol Features Modular Serialized Chassis
Put this in the “it’s about time” department. We’ve long wondered why makers of polymer-framed handguns don’t serialize the internal sub-chassis, so owners can swap frames (shells) easily without legal issues. Currently, for example, if you have a Glock and need to replace a damaged frame, you must return the frame to the manufacturer. Glock then destroys the frame and replaces it with a new frame with the same serial number. That’s necessary because the unitized Glock frame/chassis together constitute the serialized part. If you don’t want to relinquish your original frame, the only way to get a second Glock frame is to buy a new gun, and do a new DROS with background check.
Beretta has come up with a better solution. Beretta realized that pistol owners might want to upgrade their frames, or have multiple frames for the same serialized handgun — one frame could have a short grip and while another has a full-sized grip. With its new Beretta BU-9 Nano subcompact 9mm pistol (to be released in October), the serial number is stamped on a separate, removable internal chassis. The polymer frame bears no serial number. As a result, Nano pistol owners can purchase additional frames without legal restrictions. Acquiring a new Nano frame would be just like buying a new recoil spring or other accessory. CLICK HERE for Beretta Nano Spec Sheet (PDF).
We hope other manufacturers follow Beretta’s lead. Removing the serial number from a handgun’s external polymer shell allows aftermarket companies to develop a variety of frames with different features. Aftermarket frames could even be custom-molded to fit the owner’s hand. Additionally, the gun manufacturer could package multiple frames with one chassis for the original sale. That would appeal to folks who want a stubby grip for carry and a full-size grip for gun games.
Along with its novel serialized “modular chassis”, the new Nano has some other interesting features, including a push-button “striker de-activator”. This allows the gun to be disassembled without pulling the trigger. Also both front and rear sights are secured with set screws. This allows a user to easily adjust (or change out) the sights without expensive tools. These features are explained in the video below.
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I wonder if you will be able to buy different length slides as well. To be able to go from sub/compact all they way to a full size shouldn’t be that hard.
I wonder if this will start a new trend. I hope so. seems to me this should be built on a midsize slide since its the grip that is the hard part to conceal. It would give you more upgrade options down the road. A full size frame on a subcompact slide seems a little off to me.
” if you have a Glock and need to replace a damaged frame, you must return the frame to the manufacturer. Glock then destroys the frame and replaces it with a new frame with the same serial number.”
Interesting, they don’t let suppressor manafacturers do that.
The Sig P250, which came out a couple of years ago, and was even featured on the cover of American Rifleman, has this feature too. I don’t know how compelling this feature is, though, since I haven’t heard much about the P250 since.
The Sig P250 accuracy sucks. This is probably due to loose tolerance of parts so it can be reassembled with different slides, calibers, and grips. I hope the Nano prints better than the P250 5″ groups.