Help identifying Beretta model?

[D.A.V.I.D.]

David sent me the pics, so I got a better look at the gun. Date code on the barrels is "AN," which translates to 1985. That does not seem to make sense because the gun carries Berben stamps, but Beretta USA was formed in 1977, so not likely that Berben was still the importer in 1985. Wood is extremely plain, and fore end does not match the butt stock very well, but Beretta is famous for crappy wood on some of its guns. Butt pad is fugly, and the heel is rounded as if for a low-gun skeet shooter or a hunter who wore heavy clothing. Beretta used brown pads in that era, but that one does not look factory. Owner is right handed, judging by wear on the trigger guard, so there is probably some cast off to the stock. Can't see enough of the trigger to judge how much it's been shot, but bluing looks good and no significant carry wear that I can see. Not a lot of grease and dirt embedded in the checkering, so maybe not hunted in harsh conditions. Choke markings are Full/Mod and barrel is stamped 2-3/4", 28". Gun definitely has ejectors and side ribs. Can't see top lever or bottom of frame, but I'd still guess S56E. I don't have any Blue Books with me, but even an older Blue Book should have a little info on this gun. With the plain wood and funky pad (check LOP because butt was probably cut a little when this pad was installed), my long distance guess on value would be around $1200-$1500. Call Beretta USA and run the serial number by them, but I have heard that their US records only go back to around 1988. Let us know what you find out. Good luck.

[Ducky's Dad]

New pics show some mechanicals that look just like 680 series, and that's probably consistent with the 1985 manufacture date code. But pics also show engine turning on some of the internals, and that's more consistent with an S56E. Nothing revelatory on top lever pic, and no pic of bottom of frame.

[Kingair001]

New pics show some mechanicals that look just like 680 series, and that's probably consistent with the 1985 manufacture date code. But pics also show engine turning on some of the internals, and that's more consistent with an S56E. Nothing revelatory on top lever pic, and no pic of bottom of frame.

Impressive knowledge !

[Ducky's Dad]

Impressive knowledge !

Thanks. I just make it up as I go along.

[D.A.V.I.D.]

Thanks. I just make it up as I go along.

Lol

[D.A.V.I.D.]

Beretta said all they know is it is a gun. Records don’t go past 88.

[Ducky's Dad]

Records don’t go past 88.

Well, I got that one right. I'm on a roll!

[sandiego67]

Beretta said all they know is it is a gun. Records don’t go past 88.

That makes sense. I have a Model 685 Silver Pigeon 20 gauge that was supposedly made in the 1980's and I can't get any info from them on it either.

[Ducky's Dad]

This is a 28ga S56E that was sold by Pendelton Firearms. Note the model number stamped into the front/bottom of the trigger guard plate. Some S56Es are stamped on the bottom of the frame, some are not marked at all. If you can get a pic of the bottom of the frame and TG, that could eliminate a lot of conjecture.

[Bastard]

according to uncle google the hinge pins don't seem to match with the s56e & scroll work seems consistent with some of the early 68x series

[Ducky's Dad]

Very good point, but here is an S56E that is a better match. There are few absolutes with Berettas.

OP's gun also has a fore end that is more typical of 680 series field guns. His could be a BL-4 for import to US, but my understanding is that the BL-4 is just an S56E.

Pic didn't load, but I have to get to work. Will try again later.

[Bastard]

I have extensively spent 5 whole minutes looking at pictures on google and just can't find a s56e that matches the receiver from the pins to the stepped line and the scroll work I just can't find one... but I can find ones that match the early 686s

edit: my google-fu says 686 special

[Ducky's Dad]

edit: my google-fu says 686 special

If pics load correctly, top pic is OP's gun, second pic is a 686 Special from Silver Creek Outfitters. Note the relationship of the frame bolsters to the the action cuts in the frame. Two different frame designs. Does not mean OP's is not a 686, but I have doubts. Lots of cosmetic variations from year to year on Beretta shotguns makes ID difficult, but this difference looks like more than cosmetic. I guess OP's pic comes up small because it's low resolution.

[sandiego67]

685?

[Ducky's Dad]

685?

Dunno. In the pics OP sent me, the engraving looks too nice to be a 686, so that seems to rule out the 685. That, and the BerBen marking leads me to the S56E, but wood isn't correct for a 56. There were at least three different frame styles for the S56E, and who knows how many different engraving patterns.