What do you think of a Beretta S686 Special

[evorider]

I am looking to buy my first o/u for sporting clays. I am looking at a S686 Special Sporting 12 gauge 30 inch barrels with removable chokes. What do you think?

[Revoman]

Can't go wrong with a Beretta, well built and that is a good solid model.

However, if plan on shooting many thousands of rounds, you might wanna up the ante and get one of their competition shotguns. They are built to last and will go tens of thousands of rounds without a hitch. I have their entry level competition shotgun, which is the basic same frame and receiver size and shape as the 686, it's a 682 (now a 692 latest edition) it has lasted for going on 45K rounds. I replaced one of the firing pins last season at around 40K.

You could also go to their top competition shotgun and buy a DT-11, beautiful, removable trigger group and built to last a long life.
You will pay, but you can play more.

[anti]

Good choice. Never owned a Beretta myself but a few guys I shoot trap with on Sundays swear by them. I would go check out or demo some guns at a gun store/range before dropping the money on a gun; you want to make sure it fits you nicely. If you happen to find a good deal on a gun you want, but it doesn't fit as well as you'd like, you could always make it fit. A properly fitted gun is a night and day difference over a gun off the shelf that doesn't hardly fit at all; it'll reduce felt recoil and mount and point more naturally.

[Hank15]

I have a Silver Pigeon Sporting I with 32" barrels and it runs really well.

Swings smoothly and points naturally. Beretta puts a lot of research and thought into their ergonomics (at least for their shotguns).

I don't know how long it will last, but I only shoot once every 1 or 2 weeks, so it should be fine for the next decade.

Will let you know if I wear it out.

[anti]

I have a Silver Pigeon Sporting I with 32" barrels and it runs really well.

Swings smoothly and points naturally. Beretta puts a lot of research and thought into their ergonomics (at least for their shotguns).

I don't know how long it will last, but I only shoot once every 1 or 2 weeks, so it should be fine for the next decade.

Will let you know if I wear it out.

I'd imagine it'll last a lot longer than that. Do you grease your hinge pin area? Even if they wear you can have the locking block TIG welded and grinded back down.

[ysr_racer]

Good gun, you can't go wrong with a Beretta.

[jjs1025]

Evorider,
Not familiar with that shotgun and seen such a huge variety of prices on that shotgun both new and used.
I have the Beretta Silver Pigeon I and love it at $2000.
Probably didn't help your question, just my opinion!
Hope you find what you're looking for.
Let us know.

[Hank15]

I'd imagine it'll last a lot longer than that. Do you grease your hinge pin area? Even if they wear you can have the locking block TIG welded and grinded back down.

It's got more grease on it than a patty at McDonald's.

I use Brian Enos' slide glide and it stays on pretty well if you don't take the gun apart often.

What's the typical lifespan of these Beretta Silver Pigeons?

[Thefeeder]

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Spend a couple of outings at Triple B or any of the other ranges in the LA area........rent a few different guns. If your new to clays....take the Skeet Clinic offered at the top of the shotgun forum and learn the basics.

Yes, Beretta 686 is a great gun as far as quality....is it the gun you will like, find comfortable and easy to point? Thats your option, mine does not count for diddly..... you will be shooting it.

Take into consideration the exact model you find to like, or instance there are 10-12 different 686, all are different in some way . Shop for the same model and find a good price

Have fun

[jjs1025]

Hank15,
I have been told by several people (dealers and users) to look on passing this on to your kids and grandkids. It will last for quite some time!
I believe them; solid gun and should be good for a long, long, long time!

[ysr_racer]

What's the typical lifespan of these Beretta Silver Pigeons?

Longer than yours.

Is it possible to wear out an o/u shotgun, probably yes.

Is it going to be by one of the people reading this, probably not.

[RedFord150]

Take a drive to Pacific Sporting Arms (PSA) in Azusa. John is the owner. If he has the gun in stock, he can tell you how well it fits you.
I own a Beretta O/U myself, bought from PSA. John found me the model that was perfect for me. I would do it all over again, no regrets at all.
As a bonus, PSA is like a candy store to me. He has SG's in his shop that cost more than my cars. I always need a tissue to wipe the drool off ;-).

[10rounds]

Take a drive to Pacific Sporting Arms (PSA) in Azusa. John is the owner. If he has the gun in stock, he can tell you how well it fits you.
I own a Beretta O/U myself, bought from PSA. John found me the model that was perfect for me. I would do it all over again, no regrets at all.
As a bonus, PSA is like a candy store to me. He has SG's in his shop that cost more than my cars. I always need a tissue to wipe the drool off ;-).

PSA is the place to shop for shotguns. I also got my Beretta O/U from them. I missed their grand opening on their new store this year.

[JagerDog]

686's are all the same mechanically. It's still a field gun with some target features, so it will be a bit lighter than a true competition gun. Consider it broken in when you hit 100k rounds. Springs and firing pins is about it. Casual shooters can't wear them out. Same with a Browning Citori.

[smittty]

I bought my 686 new about 20 years ago and I couldn't even guess as to how many rounds I thru it. It's still tight and works perfect.