Beretta 686 model questions

[Wild West]

I'm about to buy a new Beretta shotgun, but before I do I am looking for some opinions on a couple different models... The 686 Silver Pigeon 1 Sporting and the S686 Special Sporting. I saw the S686 SS (12 g) at the pro shop this morning for sale used and it was in beautiful shape. I held it and it felt very natural for me to mount. I've also shot the 686 Silver Pigeon, but in the Field version (20 g) and I loved that gun as well when it came to natural feel.

Things I know for sure:

This gun will be used pretty much exclusively for shooting Sporting Clays and a little Skeet/Trap

I want a 12 gauge

This will be a gun that I will use weekly for many years to come

Things I don't know for sure:

What are the main differences between the two?

Which is the better value if I can get the brand new 686 Silver Pigeon 1 Sporting for $2,000 OTD or the used S686 Special Sporting for $1,600 OTD?

Thanks for your responses.

[Cuda440]

They're basically the same, and both will suit your needs for many years. The differences are somewhat based on the age of the S686, as beretta has updated the bore, choke, and stock designs over the years. The engraving is also a different design.

They should both have the wide vent rib and mid bead, the field model you shot would have had a narrower rib without a mid bead and probably had an auto-safety too.

The advantage to the SP1 is being able to choose the barrel length you want, getting the newest features available, and its new.

The S686 would be an awesome deal though if its a barrel length you like (for SC I love my 32") and if its in great shape. again, depends on the age of it- it might or might not have the optima bore, optima chokes or mobil chokes, new style buttpad, or schnabel forend- all of those are subjective and completely up to you if you want or need them and its worth the extra cash to you

[bigbearbear]

I'm not 100% sure but I believe the field version has automatic safety while the sports versions don't have it. If you plan to do a lot of clay shooting, don't get the automatic safety version or it'll drive you nuts.

I don't know why manufacturers love putting automatic safety on a shotguns, its like car manufacturer's putting on automatic parking/hand brake on their cars so you'll have to disengage it every time you stop the car.

[Wild West]

They're basically the same, and both will suit your needs for many years. The differences are somewhat based on the age of the S686, as beretta has updated the bore, choke, and stock designs over the years. The engraving is also a different design.

They should both have the wide vent rib and mid bead, the field model you shot would have had a narrower rib without a mid bead and probably had an auto-safety too.

The advantage to the SP1 is being able to choose the barrel length you want, getting the newest features available, and its new.

The S686 would be an awesome deal though if its a barrel length you like (for SC I love my 32") and if its in great shape. again, depends on the age of it- it might or might not have the optima bore, optima chokes or mobil chokes, new style buttpad, or schnabel forend- all of those are subjective and completely up to you if you want or need them and its worth the extra cash to you

I think you've talked me into the Silver Pigeon. I thought the Special Sporting was an older model and for only $400 more, I'll get a brand new gun with all the updates.

I'm not 100% sure but I believe the field version has automatic safety while the sports versions don't have it. If you plan to do a lot of clay shooting, don't get the automatic safety version or it'll drive you nuts.

I don't know why manufacturers love putting automatic safety on a shotguns, its like car manufacturer's putting on automatic parking/hand brake on their cars so you'll have to disengage it every time you stop the car.

Yeah, I shot the one with the auto safety and it drove me nuts all day! Between that and walking away without my card every other station.....made for an annoying morning! LOL!

[jjs1025]

Wild West,
I have the Silver Pigeon I and love it.
Doesn't really answer your question, but it's a great shooting gun!
Have fun.

[Wild West]

Wild West,
I have the Silver Pigeon I and love it.
Doesn't really answer your question, but it's a great shooting gun!
Have fun.

Do you have the 12 g or 20 g? Also is it the Sporting or Field?

[Cagey48]

Wild West,
Beretta no longer makes the Sporting version of the 20 Ga SP1. It is only available in the field model in 26", 28" or 30" bbls. and has the Beretta Mobil choke system. The SP1 12 Ga. is available in 30" or 32" in the Sporting version and has the new Optima HP choke system.
It is a very popular gun and an excellent choice.

Ken

[Wild West]

Wild West,
Beretta no longer makes the Sporting version of the 20 Ga SP1. It is only available in the field model in 26", 28" or 30" bbls. and has the Beretta Mobil choke system. The SP1 12 Ga. is available in 30" or 32" in the Sporting version and has the new Optima HP choke system.
It is a very popular gun and an excellent choice.

Ken

That's what I thought. I can't seem to find a better gun got the money.

Thanks guys!

On a side note, I have no idea why I'm buying one other than I love how they look and the convienence of the O/U setup as well as the great fit/feel. I'm currently shooting a Mossberg 500 PUMP and breaking as many clays with it as my buddy's who all own $2,00-5,000 guns. Lol! I think it's mainly so I can hit more doubles and not have to worry about pumping the damn gun!

[Hank15]

Where are you located? I have a Beretta Silver Pigeon Sporting I you can try out.

I don't know much about the other one you're talking about, but mine has been a welcomed addition to my collection.

Swings and balances well. Not a perfect fit but Beretta puts a lot of thought into their R&D so reports have been "one size fits most".

Haven't patterned it yet but it breaks clays cleanly.

[Wild West]

Where are you located? I have a Beretta Silver Pigeon Sporting I you can try out.

I don't know much about the other one you're talking about, but mine has been a welcomed addition to my collection.

Swings and balances well. Not a perfect fit but Beretta puts a lot of thought into their R&D so reports have been "one size fits most".

Haven't patterned it yet but it breaks clays cleanly.

I'm in San Jose. You?