The ever-well-known Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon.
The ever-well-known Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon was originally released in 2010 and remains one of the best budget guns on the market. It is one of a handful of guns that are most frequently considered as a first gun, and a great all-rounder. It’s specifically because Beretta only offers this model in a limited number of options, and because of its rising popularity, that the beloved Silver Pigeon remains at a reasonable price point.
Beretta has boldly described this model as one of the “Best priced quality of value in an over-under shotgun”. Let’s have a look at some of the feedback.
Specifications
Make – Beretta
Mech – Over & Under
License – Shotgun
Barrel Length – 30”
Chokes – Multi & Multi
Model – 686 Silver Pigeon 1 Field
Calibre – 12 Gauge
Condition – New
Orientation – Right-handed
Stock Length – 14 ¾ “
Weight – 7lb.80z.
Dealer Feedback
Stuart – Gunroom Assistant at Wadswick Gunroom @gunroomstuart
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 is one of the most well-known guns on the market. It’s most people’s go-to first gun it’s always well-finished and put together, and it can see you through from your first shoot to the day you hang up your gun. It’s known for its strength, durability, and reliability. It’s well-balanced and lightweight so, would not look out of place on a driven shoot or smashing clays at the local ground, the majority of people have one in the safe and if they don’t, they should.
Craig – Gunroom Manager at Barbury Shooting School @gunroom_craig
Whenever someone enters the gunroom with a crisp new shotgun certificate from their local constabulary the first sentence, we often hear is… where are your Silver Pigeons?! The ideal first gun, and if looked after, a gun for life. The 686 is a bombproof action that has stood the test of time and is one that most shotgun owners will own at some point in their shooting career. Available in game and sporting configurations, 28 and 30” barrels are the norm, and they are available from 12 bore all the way down to .410.
Craig also added that this is the second gun he had parted his hard-earned cash on was a silver pigeon 28 bore field, which he shot all his clays and game with for a couple of years, and to date, it’s still his favourite gun that I have owned.
“Did I love shooting it… yes!” “Do I regret selling it… yes! Will I buy another when I have room in the cabinet… 120%”.
Gunsmith Feedback
Tom – Gunsmith at J Roberts & Son Gunmakers @gunmantom
What are the three main things that tend to go wrong with these guns?
The tips of the firing pins pit and main springs lose strength, together they can lead to weak strikes and miss fires. The springs tend to be slack after a lot of use, but the pins can pit very quickly.
What should a buyer look for when looking at this gun?
A buyer should look for a bad-condition bottom screw, often that screw will rust in solid but if neglected (i.e not regularly stripped and cleaned) it can and will be damaged in the process of removing them.
With sloppy safety catches, the springs can snap one leg and fly on safely when fired. But this is a very simple fix with a replacement spring.
Do you think the gun is fairly priced for what the gun offers?
Yes, the second-hand market is a thriving place and silver pigeons always sell well, I think lots of people prefer a well-built beretta from the 1980-2000s to a cheaper Turkish one.
What is your overall opinion on the design and mechanisms that make this gun?
Tom said this gun is “Very good, and there are some brilliant features that really make for a smooth functioning gun, occasionally they’re fussy on lighter load cartridges, causing them to not switch over to the second shot, however, this is easily rectified”.
How would you compare the newer model to say the older model? What do you think Beretta has improved and do you think it made a positive difference?
I do feel the older models are a nicer quality gun. A bit plainer in style and less attractive to the eye, the wood-to-metal fit is much better than today’s style.
Also to add that the replacement parts are so easy to obtain and replace it makes the upkeep very easy and they will last a lifetime with decent maintenance.
What advice would you give to buyers looking to buy this gun? Or people that may have one in their cabinet?
When buying second-hand it’s wise to look at the top lever position, if it’s past upright towards the left it’ll need a new locking bolt, which is also an indicator that it’s had lots of use. These guns always hold their value well and are a great choice for anyone starting out or upgrading.
Shooter Feedback
Paul – @paulwilly20
What made you purchase this gun?
I first acquired a Beretta 686L in 1985 and owned that model for around five years before I ended my shooting activities. A few years ago, I decided it was time to look at returning to the shooting community, so I paid a visit to one of the local gun rooms, I explained to the owner what I used to shoot with thirty-odd years ago and he preceded to put five various guns in front of me. He said to mount each gun as you would of before and tell me which one is most comfortable to you, the one that felt right felt incredibly comfortable and he preceded to tell me that I had chosen the silver pigeon 686 1.
What did you like about the overall design, feel, and build of the gun?
The overall design of the gun looks great with scrolls that stand out and I like the clean lines down the barrels. The stock has a good smooth feel to it and has coloured nicely with a few coats of gun oil. Overall, the gun is very well balanced and easy to mount which in turn adds more target hits, the build quality is also very good which makes this gun desirable.
How would you describe the overall feeling when shooting the gun?
The feeling you get with the silver pigeon 686 1 out in the field or on the clays is one of comfort, the recoil is great on the shoulder with heavier loads and the gun is easy to carry over lengthy walks.
What would you recommend people keep on top of maintenance-wise with this gun in particular?
My cleaning routine is always to clean the gun after every use and a yearly clean by a professional who gives the gun a full strip clean.
Paul also added, “My next gun will be a Beretta.”
More Shooter Feedback
Neil – Director at Rack N Load
One of the best shotguns for the money that will last a lifetime!
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