Should I buy this Beretta S-686 or a 686 Onyx

[runway1]

Niether is the newer "white" onyx with the stainless receiver. Can anybody tell me what years these were each made? I think the S-686 (Ni or stainless receiver) was around the 80s and the black receiver of the 686 Onyx was early 2000s. Both have wood stocks, 12 ga, 28". Just not sure with the info I've dug up how old each is.

Buddy inherited both from back east several years back and can't tell me when they were bought. Well, both are for sale for the same price and both seem in excellent condition. Which would you go for and why? Thanks for the help!

[runway1]

Can nobody tell me the diference between these two? No opinions on purchase?

[POWG]

I believe the 686 was a 90's gun ...perhaps late 80's. These are "production run guns" and not from the Beretta Custom Shop. They are however decent, reliable guns on par with the Browning Citori.

I have not seen the Onyx for a while but also believe the differences between the two are subtle and perhaps even limited to cosmetic in nature. Pictures would assist in approximating value, as would be a trip into the Gun Broker site to establish current market values. In this economy I am guessing used guns of this nature with relatively short barrels @ 28" would fetch somewhere around $1,250 > $1,500. As I recall the 686 new was around $1,800 > $2,100.

Good luck and keep us posted.

POWG is out.

[Revoman]

Either are decent shotguns. I don't believe that any of the Beretta line has stainless steel receivers, I think they are all Nitride.

Some of the Onyx line have what appears to be fancy looking wood, but that is nothing more than an application applied over a so-so stock.

There are several very good guns in the 680 series line, none of which you can go wrong with. Parts are still available for them too and since there are several in that particular line, parts are relatively easy to come by.

My guess at a price would be in the $1000 to $1200 range depending on condition, although you did say that they are in great condition.

28" barrel is fine for most work.

[runway1]

Good tip for the market value - thanks!

[Newshooter]

I have a beretta 686 Onyx (20 ga) that I got in 2004. It is a great little gun. I sold a brand new version of it's 12 ga brother for $800 the same year. Depending on which models they are, they could be in the $700 to $1,200 range.

[runway1]

I appreciate the inputs. Thanks all!

[smittty]

I bought my 12 ga 686 Onyx new in 1999. I still love it!