You should review the browning citori cx 30in 12ga o/u and then do a head to head against the silver pigeon because rn those are the best selling guns in that price range and I'm pretty sure alot of people would like to see that
I have been shooting driven game in the UK for nearly 60 years, mostly with Berettas, and I have never had a mechanical failure, nor known anybody else have a problem. Marvellous reliability and quality for the price. I believe the safety can be changed to manual at minimal cost, if you really do not like the automatic safety, but in the field it is much safer to have an automatic safety. If you are finding the safety on this gun too stiff, I am sure it could be regulated, if it does not become easier anyway, with use.
Yes I’ve got one. Had it about 2 years About 5k rounds thru it. Flawless. Clays mostly some quail. Had my auto safety changed to manual first thing. Sweet sweet shotgun
I really love my 686 o/u 20 ga shotgun, I’ve been shooting mine for over 20 years and it works flawlessly. I’ve shot clays, skeet, and hunted ducks, quail, and doves with it and have gotten really great with it. The best shotgun on the mkt, I’m 70 years old and went down from my 12 to this 20 and there is no recoil with my Berettas. The new barrels are fantastic - stellium, and back bored longer with the new barrels for smoother recoil. I also have shot fast especially hunting and have had many game dinners. My 20 ga is my go to gun for everything and it was fitted to me perfectly by Briley’s. Good luck with yours and have fun 🤩
You've hit a gold mine my friend! The gun reviews are always informative and entertaining. Being a trap shooter I can't wait for the continued O/U reviews. Hope to see some high rib/monte carlo dedicated trap reviews. We're a dedicated and obsessed group of shooters. Thank you TFL for all the hard work, and I wish you guys continued success!
Couldn’t agree more. I also am a dedicated trap shooter. Just don’t have the resources to participate in any other disciplines. Love your reviews. Keep em coming, doing a fantastic job. Purpose, function, reliability & value.
I like the format for O/Us going forward. I think specifically highlighting the balance point relative to the hinge pins would be nice to include. I know on Franchi O/Us you can remove the auto-safety if you want - removing the linkage bar and installing a roll pin in it's place. I've gotten used to it though and don't really mind it now. If it's greased and not too stiff it's alright for hunting guns.
I owned 2 Beretta 686's, a 12 & 20 bores and both had 26" barrels. The guns were very reliable, but never fit me particularly well. As a result my shooting with them was about 18-19 out of 25 on skeet, while I normally shot much better with other my SBE2. I sold the 686's about a year ago and moved into a much better fitting SxS. This is no inditement on the 686, very much to the contrary...they were (and still are) the best bang for the buck in the SxS world and have an action that can go 10,000 rounds of game loads before needing a tune up. You will not go wrong investing in one of these.
I have a 20 ga. 686 Silver Pigeon sporting model with 30" barrels. Lots of rounds through it with no problem. As others have noted the target guns do not have the automatic safety, but if the gun has one, it can be easily be disconnected. I also have two 687s (a little fancier) that have seen a lot of hunting with no problems. They have the auto safety and I kind of like it in the field, but not on the target range. I have a 682 sporting clays gun with over 70,000 rounds through it and no problems. Berettas just work. Berettas can have a stiff safety. I always ask to see all of the ones they have in stock and choose the best one. All of mine are quite smooth. Your's will smooth out some over time, but if someone is in there disconnecting the auto safety, the can smooth out the safety also.
I bought a silver pigeon sporting last year. It’s in. 20ga with 30” barrels. Because it’s a sporting, it has a big palm swell and nice cast off for me. The sporting comes with optima hp choke system as well. I absolutely love it.
I have the same gun in 12 gauge. If the safety bothers you, just turn it off when you reload, then you won't have to worry about it. The sport model has a manual safety. Either way, this is a very comfortable, smooth gun. I prefer it over my wife's 725 sporter, and it's pretty close to my Ceasar Guerini Sporter (The main difference is, I prefer the CG's 30" barrel over the beretta's 28", this is something to think about when you buy a gun to begin with). Overall, I love my Beretta, which is literally half the price of my CG, and a grand less than the 725 sporter.
I own a 686 Silver Pigeon Sporting 1 in 12 guage and I love it! If you get a Sporting model the safe stays wherever you select it, no automatic reset back to safe! Thank you for the review Steve, I appreciate your time and content!
Hey! I have the sport version of that gun in 12ga. 30” barrel, HP chokes and the safety does not reset when using like on the field model. It slaps, love this thing. I use it for 5-stand and sporting clays. Great review, thanks!
I have two of the exact same guns - one has a 28"bbl and the other is a 26". Safety is a gripe with me too. Length of pull is a little bit too long and the comb is slightly too high. I can still shoot these guns well but the stocks for me will require some adjusting. Rizzini's fit me better but the Beretta's are built better. Factory chokes for one of the guns is less than desirable and the IM and Full mic out the same. Purchased Mueller chokes (pass and UFO) and they pattern very nice now. Overall I like the guns but I will be getting some stock work done. Good review!
I have been beating the living crap out of my 20 gauge 686 for 25 years. I use it so much that the gold is worn off the trigger. I disagree about the auto safety, it is fully subconscious while mounting and shooting at a bird. It is the best upland shotgun ever, it always comes back for more and you can carry it for miles.
I just picked up a well used 04 model 20ga sporter , it's a fantastic walked up game gun and great for some clays too. It'll be getting a good workout this season, way better to carry about than my 12ga Blaser F3.
Well now you HAVE to review the Citori 725. I’ve got a Beretta Silver Pigeon 687 in 20ga, which is a grade V gun, that auto safety gets me so many times. I shoot my 725s (12 and 20) much more, which don’t have auto safety, so when I use the Beretta it always messes me up. One thing I like a lot on the 725 is the mechanical trigger. But my 687 has the pretty case hardening finish, so that’s hard to beat!
I have one and it’s a great gun for game shooting. I find it’s a much more comfortable than a 12 when used on walked up days since the 12 gets quite heavy when walking great distances. For clays I find you need to be a little more accurate than say a 12 but it’s a really great gun overall.
A Benelli 828 U sporting if you could I have been interested in this gun for a while it is obviously more pricey than any semi auto because over unders tend to run that way. Love the channel keep up the awesome reviews
Awesome reviews. My first comment. I have the 686 SPI 30" sporting model. Love it. It has a manual safety; no resetting after opening. Wood was, is out of box average until I purchased & applied TimberLuxe oil wood finish. you will be amazed at the improvement. Continued success to you.
I have a 686 20Ga/28" bbl that I have had for about 20 years and put maybe 3,000 rounds thru it. Still tight almost like new, great balance, weight, etc. I don't know how you could improve on this except paying for upgraded wood or scrolling....it is a piece of art that is hard to improve on.
Got my 686 SP1 12ga Field in 2021. After three trips to the trap/skeet/sportin clay range where once each visit I forgot to releas safety, I removed the litle piece that auto engages the safety. Now it is like the sporter with manual safety. I can reinstall the piece, but I bet I never will.
I wish when an over and under is evaluated that someone would take into account the cast on the stock. Being a lefty, if there is too much cast designed into that shotgun for righties then that would be a gun I can't buy. My Franchi Instinct L seems to be designed with a neutral cast, so it's an ambidextrous gun. It's easy to tell how much cast is on the stock. First make sure the shotgun is unloaded and place the shotgun with the butt plate on the floor, with the trigger guard facing up and look straight down the gun. A heavily cast gun for the right hand shooter will be noticeable. Other than cast on or off, over and under's are great for right and left hand shooters. Good review!
I finally got my hands on a slightly blemished one from Bass Pro which was discounted from the retail price. I went from a Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge to the Beretta Silver Pigeon 12 Gauge because it was more slender and the balance was better at least for me compared to the Browning Citori CX. I am more of a clay sports shooter. One day i hope to go into competition with the local club i am in. Just found your channel. Subscribed! 🙂
The Beretta 686 series is absolutely legendary in the UK, with thousands in use. They retail here new for around £1,600 , I bought mine secondhand for £1,000 in 12. The vast majority of mid level game shots use the 686 silver pigeon or the Browning 525. They are more expensive than the ATA’s or a plethora of other Turkish guns but the Beretta will last a lifetime, i doubt you will have that with a Turkish gun.
Thank you for the review! I am in the market for a new O/U so this proved helpful in my decision process. I would be interested in seeing a similar review of the Benelli 828U.
I am very happy with this. Great shotgun and very nice craftsman ship. Excellent. I recommended to my friends too. They bought it and very satisfied too. Love Beretta. Thanks for your input. I love your very professional honest help. Keep it up
I bought a new 686 12 gauge last year from Jaqua's Fine Guns , Findlay,Ohio Mine does NOT automatically set the safety every time you open & close your gun ! And mine you pull the shell out !!!! Much nicer than them flying out 10 feet where ever !!!!! Must not be set up for trap shooting ?? Bet yours is hunting only ?? I didn't know you could get them different ways ? Ok I'm thinking about adding the new 694 to my collection ?? How about a review please ?? If you can find one ?? Good Day Brother ! Love your reviews !
Pump shotguns cost just as much to finish and fit the stock to the receiver. Yet they come in at a much lower price point. So with no moving parts on an over and under, along with the ability to machine the pieces that make up these fine shotguns with incredibly tight tolerances due to modern manufacturing, could Beretta and Benelli both give us nicer wood on shotguns at this price point. As it stands, the wood on the shotguns doesn't even reach the mah level. Just one man's opinion on what you get for a $2,000 shotgun. Love your content
The safety is just something you get used to and is good when teach people gun safety. It’s light accurate easy to clean and maintain. I’ve had one for many years , love it. Double barrels don’t get much lighter than this so if I’m taking my mum shooting or my partner who is under 5foot5 they use the single barrel bolt action 410, everyone loves that gun, so much fun and everyone can shot it all day without getting to tired and start throwing the gun up at clays.
My designated grouse gone. Unless the weather looks to be foul then it gets to be a safe queen. I have other guns for that. And yes the safety is a little stiff. You'll get used to it. I was always that guy that used the safety any ways so no issues there. nice light gun. Easy to carry all day in the grouse woods, minimal recoil.
I have the 690 field-I silver pigeon in 20 and 12 and they are absolute Cadillacs. The only flaw I can find in both is that the break action won’t loosen up and I’ve put several cases of shells through them shooting doves and on the five-stand. I’ve shouldered a ton of over and unders over the years and these are the best natural feeling ones I have ever shot. They just feel really good and they perform. The safety on mine are really smooth and I’ve shot them enough that it has become second nature to me and I don’t even notice it anymore.
@@mrsmith9079 I’ve put at the minimum of 2.5k rounds through each and keep them spotless. They just have a stiff action. I’ve gotten used to it so it’s ok.
I bought a 686 silver pigeon 2 years ago. I only shoot enough trap to get tuned up for grouse every year. Last year, mid season, I saw that there was rust forming from under the bluing. The bluing actually lifted and flaked off the rib. When I looked alot closer I saw pitting in the receiver end of the barrel steel. Very poor quality materials and finish. I've have my 1100s for 50 years and never had problems like this. Beretta QC was asleep when this gun was made. I'll never buy another Beretta gun of any kind. I just bought a Citori Hunter. We'll see...
I have one just like that, but mine doesn't have the really annoying auto safety. That would be a deal-breaker. Love the gun. I only have one complaint, and that is the thin barrels which heat up very fast. Faster than the 12ga equivalent. I have to wear a glove on my left hand or it gets burned on sporting clay stations with as few as 8 shots. Other than that, it is well worth the cost. Good review, by the way.
I love O/U shotguns. The format worked fine, but I agree the balance point would be nice to see. Can’t wait for you to venture into the side by side world! Maybe even the Chiappa Triple Crown? That gun intrigues me so much, would love to hear you opinion on it.
Do a review of a Browning 725 Feather with 26 inch barrels. I bought one in 12 gauge weighing just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. Has an aluminum receiver with a steel piece in the breech face and a full width steel hinge pin. Mechanical triggers and more. I use Tru-Lock extended blackened ported stainless steel chokes in improved cylinder and improved modified in mine.
I really appreciate these reviews. Good, fair, and consistent for all guns. I'd like to see a CZ O/U or SxS review. 12 or 20. Franchi O/U would be cool too
I have the very same gun as this. 20g sp1. Great gun. Its 28 inch barrels so its a bit whippy. You need to slow down the movement of it. Its a very reliable gun though. Its nice too shot. Just put money down on a diamond pigeon with 30 inch barrells. Cant wait to pick it up! Beretta make great guns. If you could do a review of the Paralello side by side that would be nice.
You said you're using axil ear protection in this. I was wondering what other ear pro you are using in the other videos. I would like to see you do a comparison of the ones you have and use.
In Gould Brother videos I am using Soundgear custom molder electronics. They are really nice but they come with a heft price tag of $1000+ If you got the money and want some high end ears, they are very nice. If you don’t want to spend that kind of money but want electronic sound application and Bluetooth, the Axil ears are a good option.
Two things about the safety on the Beretta “field” guns… 1). If you’re used to the safety reengagement automatically, it’s not an issue. One just has to get used to it by hunting more. I don’t even think about it, it’s become automatic for me to “un-safety” long before the stock comes up to my shoulder, 2). For the Beretta’s, a qualified gunsmith (or oneself) can easily disconnect the auto feature of the safety, simply making it a “manual.” Takes about 60 seconds to do.
Thanks for the review. I own one in a 30 inch variant and really like it. I'm not fond of the length of pull though, and like you have problems with the stiff safety. All in all I'm happy with my SP1. Thanks for giving the over and unders some run.
Great review! I like the videos in the 10-15 minutes in length. Would like to see head to head review with similar O/U. Glad your doing O/U reviews they are just beautiful to look at and shoot. Keep up the great work. FYI just got another shotgun from Reeds great CS and ship fast.
Going to a DU event tonight in TN. Hoping to get the DU Shotgun of the year It’s a SBE 3 20 ga. DU version. I have the the DU SBE 3 12 ga I got in 2019. So hope we can match them up.
Great video. Would love to see some Browning Cynergy, Citori & 725 over/unders. Also some CZ side by sides would be cool especially the 30” Hammer Classic & the Bobwhite. Hey why not throw in some Winchester 101 over/unders too please.
As mentioned by others, the auto safety feature is fairly easy to disable if it bothers you a lot. You didn't indicate when your gun was produced but I thought the newer SPs had the Optima HP choke system versus the older Mobil chokes? Did you actually put it on a scale to get your weight or use the Beretta provided specs? Wood density varies from gun to gun but Beretta can be optimistic in their catalog weights. Try one on the baby frame (410 or 28) if you ever get the chance. Thanks for the great review!
Definitely love that you’re doing O/U reviews now. One gun I’ve been dying to see more reviews of is the browning Cynergy wicked wing. With all the semi auto hunting gun reviews, this gun would seem to fit right in. Cheers!
Lots of guys knock the auto safety. I regularly carry a 1911 and safety on and off is so automatic that when I transition to my 686 it is basically a non-issue
Great review video Steve! Please keep them coming. I’m trying to decide if I should just spend an extra $7-800 for the 687 SP111 vs the 686 SP1. I think for that amount it would be worth it to get the better quality wood and better engraving. Any thoughts on that?
I did tbe same thing on a Browning BT-99 Grade-4 !! Dam Good looking shot gun ! In fact its my most handsome shot gun ? Lol !! Yeah i said it ! It also was just over 4K .... You get what you pay for i guess ?? Good day Friend ,
...has anyone on here that has the SP1 installed the sling mounts that come with the gun...it looks like the front part of the sling mount has to be drilled thru the rib between the barrels ...any problems with this...tia...
Sir, I want to do trap shooting, I want to buy Beretta Silver Pigeon 686, please tell me is Beretta Silver Pigeon 686 a proper trap shotgun good or the one with converted choke is good??
Have you ever done a review on the Weatherby Orion Sporting I in 20 gauge O/U w/30 " bbls and is this worth keeping and selling a 20 gauge Browning O/U CXS?
Hey I have a suggestion how about a video with what leads you should use when shooting with different choke tubes? I think it will be a great content for the channel! Blessings my friend!
Absolutely! I plan on making videos that talk about lead and choke tubes and ammo selection this summer. I appreciate the suggestions. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Pretty easy for a gun smith to disable the auto feature of the auto safety. Safety becomes manual. Or like another commenter said buy the sporting version of the gun.
...one review I saw said the fit of wood to receiver was terrible ...basically the stock was to big for the receiver over lapping the metal and the engraving was cheap looking ...what are your thoughts on this...personally I am looking at the 687 silver pigeon 3 in 20 ga. maybe you could do a review on that one...by the way I am not impressed at all with Berettas web site and customer service...trying to get any kind of information or specifications on their guns is very difficult...
Any lefties have experience with the Silver Pigeon field models? It's at the top of my list, but I have been getting very inconsistent info if it is a neutral comb or not.
You should review the browning citori cx 30in 12ga o/u and then do a head to head against the silver pigeon because rn those are the best selling guns in that price range and I'm pretty sure alot of people would like to see that
I have been shooting driven game in the UK for nearly 60 years, mostly with Berettas, and I have never had a mechanical failure, nor known anybody else have a problem. Marvellous reliability and quality for the price. I believe the safety can be changed to manual at minimal cost, if you really do not like the automatic safety, but in the field it is much safer to have an automatic safety. If you are finding the safety on this gun too stiff, I am sure it could be regulated, if it does not become easier anyway, with use.
Yes I’ve got one. Had it about 2 years About 5k rounds thru it. Flawless. Clays mostly some quail. Had my auto safety changed to manual first thing. Sweet sweet shotgun
I really love my 686 o/u 20 ga shotgun, I’ve been shooting mine for over 20 years and it works flawlessly. I’ve shot clays, skeet, and hunted ducks, quail, and doves with it and have gotten really great with it. The best shotgun on the mkt, I’m 70 years old and went down from my 12 to this 20 and there is no recoil with my Berettas. The new barrels are fantastic - stellium, and back bored longer with the new barrels for smoother recoil. I also have shot fast especially hunting and have had many game dinners. My 20 ga is my go to gun for everything and it was fitted to me perfectly by Briley’s. Good luck with yours and have fun 🤩
Thank you for sharing your experience, Rudy. We all learn when people like you share. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
All I can say is finally. Now we get even more great reviews.
That’s right! Thanks for tuning in :)
You've hit a gold mine my friend! The gun reviews are always informative and entertaining. Being a trap shooter I can't wait for the continued O/U reviews. Hope to see some high rib/monte carlo dedicated trap reviews. We're a dedicated and obsessed group of shooters. Thank you TFL for all the hard work, and I wish you guys continued success!
I appreciate the kind words! It wouldn't be possible without folks like you tuning in - Thanks!
Couldn’t agree more. I also am a dedicated trap shooter. Just don’t have the resources to participate in any other disciplines. Love your reviews. Keep em coming, doing a fantastic job.
Purpose, function, reliability & value.
I like the format for O/Us going forward. I think specifically highlighting the balance point relative to the hinge pins would be nice to include. I know on Franchi O/Us you can remove the auto-safety if you want - removing the linkage bar and installing a roll pin in it's place. I've gotten used to it though and don't really mind it now. If it's greased and not too stiff it's alright for hunting guns.
Yea he has the field one.sport dosent have auto safety
Thanks for the feedback 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I owned 2 Beretta 686's, a 12 & 20 bores and both had 26" barrels. The guns were very reliable, but never fit me particularly well. As a result my shooting with them was about 18-19 out of 25 on skeet, while I normally shot much better with other my SBE2. I sold the 686's about a year ago and moved into a much better fitting SxS. This is no inditement on the 686, very much to the contrary...they were (and still are) the best bang for the buck in the SxS world and have an action that can go 10,000 rounds of game loads before needing a tune up. You will not go wrong investing in one of these.
I have a 20 ga. 686 Silver Pigeon sporting model with 30" barrels. Lots of rounds through it with no problem. As others have noted the target guns do not have the automatic safety, but if the gun has one, it can be easily be disconnected. I also have two 687s (a little fancier) that have seen a lot of hunting with no problems. They have the auto safety and I kind of like it in the field, but not on the target range. I have a 682 sporting clays gun with over 70,000 rounds through it and no problems. Berettas just work.
Berettas can have a stiff safety. I always ask to see all of the ones they have in stock and choose the best one. All of mine are quite smooth. Your's will smooth out some over time, but if someone is in there disconnecting the auto safety, the can smooth out the safety also.
I bought a silver pigeon sporting last year. It’s in. 20ga with 30” barrels. Because it’s a sporting, it has a big palm swell and nice cast off for me. The sporting comes with optima hp choke system as well. I absolutely love it.
The sporting didn’t have the auto safety when you close it right? I’m thinking of that in the 12ga
@@shervinghannadian9651 no auto safety. I really hate those.
Can confirm. I have one also, no auto safety. I love it.@@avidwaterfowler7522
I have the same gun in 12 gauge. If the safety bothers you, just turn it off when you reload, then you won't have to worry about it. The sport model has a manual safety. Either way, this is a very comfortable, smooth gun. I prefer it over my wife's 725 sporter, and it's pretty close to my Ceasar Guerini Sporter (The main difference is, I prefer the CG's 30" barrel over the beretta's 28", this is something to think about when you buy a gun to begin with). Overall, I love my Beretta, which is literally half the price of my CG, and a grand less than the 725 sporter.
I own a 686 Silver Pigeon Sporting 1 in 12 guage and I love it! If you get a Sporting model the safe stays wherever you select it, no automatic reset back to safe! Thank you for the review Steve, I appreciate your time and content!
Right on, thank you for sharing your experience 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
@@TargetFocusedLife Love the Bible verse at the end. 🙂
Hey! I have the sport version of that gun in 12ga. 30” barrel, HP chokes and the safety does not reset when using like on the field model. It slaps, love this thing. I use it for 5-stand and sporting clays. Great review, thanks!
I have two of the exact same guns - one has a 28"bbl and the other is a 26". Safety is a gripe with me too. Length of pull is a little bit too long and the comb is slightly too high. I can still shoot these guns well but the stocks for me will require some adjusting. Rizzini's fit me better but the Beretta's are built better. Factory chokes for one of the guns is less than desirable and the IM and Full mic out the same. Purchased Mueller chokes (pass and UFO) and they pattern very nice now. Overall I like the guns but I will be getting some stock work done. Good review!
I have been beating the living crap out of my 20 gauge 686 for 25 years.
I use it so much that the gold is worn off the trigger.
I disagree about the auto safety, it is fully subconscious while mounting and shooting at a bird.
It is the best upland shotgun ever, it always comes back for more and you can carry it for miles.
I just picked up a well used 04 model 20ga sporter , it's a fantastic walked up game gun and great for some clays too.
It'll be getting a good workout this season, way better to carry about than my 12ga Blaser F3.
O/U’s are beautiful by design. I have a Citori CX that I absolutely love. Hopefully you can review the Browning.
I have the cx as well, love it.
I reviewed the Citori Hunter 20ga and the Cynergy CX 12ga last week. Videos coming soon! 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Well now you HAVE to review the Citori 725. I’ve got a Beretta Silver Pigeon 687 in 20ga, which is a grade V gun, that auto safety gets me so many times. I shoot my 725s (12 and 20) much more, which don’t have auto safety, so when I use the Beretta it always messes me up. One thing I like a lot on the 725 is the mechanical trigger. But my 687 has the pretty case hardening finish, so that’s hard to beat!
Love a good O/U. Weekly trap shooter. Check out the Browning 725 Trap.
I shot one of those back when I used to compete. It was a loner gun. It did great in trap singles. It was in 12 gauge.
I have one and it’s a great gun for game shooting. I find it’s a much more comfortable than a 12 when used on walked up days since the 12 gets quite heavy when walking great distances. For clays I find you need to be a little more accurate than say a 12 but it’s a really great gun overall.
Thank you for the comment!
@@TargetFocusedLifethe only thing better is the 687 20/28ga. Perfect
A Benelli 828 U sporting if you could
I have been interested in this gun for a while it is obviously more pricey than any semi auto because over unders tend to run that way. Love the channel keep up the awesome reviews
Have one and shoots fantastic love it
828u is filmed and is coming soon 💥 thank you for the kind words 👊🏻
Awesome reviews. My first comment. I have the 686 SPI 30" sporting model. Love it. It has a manual safety; no resetting after opening. Wood was, is out of box average until I purchased & applied TimberLuxe oil wood finish. you will be amazed at the improvement. Continued success to you.
Thank you for the feedback, Cas. Appreciate you! 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I have a 686 20Ga/28" bbl that I have had for about 20 years and put maybe 3,000 rounds thru it. Still tight almost like new, great balance, weight, etc. I don't know how you could improve on this except paying for upgraded wood or scrolling....it is a piece of art that is hard to improve on.
Got my 686 SP1 12ga Field in 2021. After three trips to the trap/skeet/sportin clay range where once each visit I forgot to releas safety, I removed the litle piece that auto engages the safety. Now it is like the sporter with manual safety. I can reinstall the piece, but I bet I never will.
I wish when an over and under is evaluated that someone would take into account the cast on the stock. Being a lefty, if there is too much cast designed into that shotgun for righties then that would be a gun I can't buy. My Franchi Instinct L seems to be designed with a neutral cast, so it's an ambidextrous gun. It's easy to tell how much cast is on the stock. First make sure the shotgun is unloaded and place the shotgun with the butt plate on the floor, with the trigger guard facing up and look straight down the gun. A heavily cast gun for the right hand shooter will be noticeable. Other than cast on or off, over and under's are great for right and left hand shooters. Good review!
I finally got my hands on a slightly blemished one from Bass Pro which was discounted from the retail price. I went from a Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge to the Beretta Silver Pigeon 12 Gauge because it was more slender and the balance was better at least for me compared to the Browning Citori CX. I am more of a clay sports shooter. One day i hope to go into competition with the local club i am in. Just found your channel. Subscribed! 🙂
The Beretta 686 series is absolutely legendary in the UK, with thousands in use.
They retail here new for around £1,600 , I bought mine secondhand for £1,000 in 12.
The vast majority of mid level game shots use the 686 silver pigeon or the Browning 525.
They are more expensive than the ATA’s or a plethora of other Turkish guns but the Beretta will last a lifetime, i doubt you will have that with a Turkish gun.
Thank you for the review! I am in the market for a new O/U so this proved helpful in my decision process. I would be interested in seeing a similar review of the Benelli 828U.
Hey! The 828u is one the guns we covered - it will be releasing fairly soon. I can tell you it was a blast to shoot though!
Please add the cast. Cast off, cast on or neutral cast. Helps us left handed shooters.
Good thought - thanks :)
Got a message to say I won something & to text a series of numbers. Where do I text it to? Thank you
Great enthusiasm! I’ve rewatched this video a few times now. I believe you could make a blunderbuster seem cool!
I am very happy with this. Great shotgun and very nice craftsman ship. Excellent. I recommended to my friends too. They bought it and very satisfied too. Love Beretta. Thanks for your input. I love your very professional honest help. Keep it up
I bought a new 686 12 gauge last year from Jaqua's Fine Guns , Findlay,Ohio
Mine does NOT automatically set the safety every time you open & close your gun !
And mine you pull the shell out !!!!
Much nicer than them flying out 10 feet where ever !!!!!
Must not be set up for trap shooting ??
Bet yours is hunting only ??
I didn't know you could get them different ways ?
Ok I'm thinking about adding the new 694 to my collection ??
How about a review please ?? If you can find one ??
Good Day Brother !
Love your reviews !
Pump shotguns cost just as much to finish and fit the stock to the receiver. Yet they come in at a much lower price point. So with no moving parts on an over and under, along with the ability to machine the pieces that make up these fine shotguns with incredibly tight tolerances due to modern manufacturing, could Beretta and Benelli both give us nicer wood on shotguns at this price point. As it stands, the wood on the shotguns doesn't even reach the mah level. Just one man's opinion on what you get for a $2,000 shotgun. Love your content
You should look at the CZ's. Their known to be some of the best value for good shotguns
I got their cz 1012 in 12 ga and it's worked 100% I do alot of competitions. I've probably shot 3000 rds in less than a year and it's been doing great
The safety is just something you get used to and is good when teach people gun safety. It’s light accurate easy to clean and maintain. I’ve had one for many years , love it. Double barrels don’t get much lighter than this so if I’m taking my mum shooting or my partner who is under 5foot5 they use the single barrel bolt action 410, everyone loves that gun, so much fun and everyone can shot it all day without getting to tired and start throwing the gun up at clays.
Please review the Winchester 101 field 12 gauge. Interested in buying the o/u but would love to see you review it 1st.
It's already filmed...stay tuned 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
My designated grouse gone. Unless the weather looks to be foul then it gets to be a safe queen. I have other guns for that. And yes the safety is a little stiff. You'll get used to it. I was always that guy that used the safety any ways so no issues there. nice light gun. Easy to carry all day in the grouse woods, minimal recoil.
I have the 690 field-I silver pigeon in 20 and 12 and they are absolute Cadillacs. The only flaw I can find in both is that the break action won’t loosen up and I’ve put several cases of shells through them shooting doves and on the five-stand. I’ve shouldered a ton of over and unders over the years and these are the best natural feeling ones I have ever shot. They just feel really good and they perform. The safety on mine are really smooth and I’ve shot them enough that it has become second nature to me and I don’t even notice it anymore.
Put some grease on the hinges etc, that might help. In fairness, most doubles take a couple of thousand shells to fully loosen up.
@@mrsmith9079 I’ve put at the minimum of 2.5k rounds through each and keep them spotless. They just have a stiff action. I’ve gotten used to it so it’s ok.
I 💙 my 687 Silver Pigeon III. It’s the same gun as the 686, but with deeper engraving and upgraded wood.
Not the same
I bought a 686 silver pigeon 2 years ago. I only shoot enough trap to get tuned up for grouse every year. Last year, mid season, I saw that there was rust forming from under the bluing. The bluing actually lifted and flaked off the rib. When I looked alot closer I saw pitting in the receiver end of the barrel steel. Very poor quality materials and finish. I've have my 1100s for 50 years and never had problems like this. Beretta QC was asleep when this gun was made. I'll never buy another Beretta gun of any kind. I just bought a Citori Hunter. We'll see...
I have one just like that, but mine doesn't have the really annoying auto safety. That would be a deal-breaker. Love the gun. I only have one complaint, and that is the thin barrels which heat up very fast. Faster than the 12ga equivalent. I have to wear a glove on my left hand or it gets burned on sporting clay stations with as few as 8 shots. Other than that, it is well worth the cost. Good review, by the way.
My girl has the Vittoria version of this gun, Fits her will and light. Smaller LOP at 13.5
you definitely need to do reviews on the side by side, i am a traditional upland hunter and mainly use side by side since my dad's old Franchi broke.
I love O/U shotguns. The format worked fine, but I agree the balance point would be nice to see. Can’t wait for you to venture into the side by side world! Maybe even the Chiappa Triple Crown? That gun intrigues me so much, would love to hear you opinion on it.
Do a review of a Browning 725 Feather with 26 inch barrels. I bought one in 12 gauge weighing just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. Has an aluminum receiver with a steel piece in the breech face and a full width steel hinge pin. Mechanical triggers and more. I use Tru-Lock extended blackened ported stainless steel chokes in improved cylinder and improved modified in mine.
I really appreciate these reviews. Good, fair, and consistent for all guns. I'd like to see a CZ O/U or SxS review. 12 or 20. Franchi O/U would be cool too
I have the very same gun as this. 20g sp1. Great gun. Its 28 inch barrels so its a bit whippy. You need to slow down the movement of it. Its a very reliable gun though. Its nice too shot. Just put money down on a diamond pigeon with 30 inch barrells. Cant wait to pick it up! Beretta make great guns. If you could do a review of the Paralello side by side that would be nice.
You said you're using axil ear protection in this. I was wondering what other ear pro you are using in the other videos. I would like to see you do a comparison of the ones you have and use.
In Gould Brother videos I am using Soundgear custom molder electronics. They are really nice but they come with a heft price tag of $1000+ If you got the money and want some high end ears, they are very nice. If you don’t want to spend that kind of money but want electronic sound application and Bluetooth, the Axil ears are a good option.
Two things about the safety on the Beretta “field” guns… 1). If you’re used to the safety reengagement automatically, it’s not an issue. One just has to get used to it by hunting more. I don’t even think about it, it’s become automatic for me to “un-safety” long before the stock comes up to my shoulder, 2). For the Beretta’s, a qualified gunsmith (or oneself) can easily disconnect the auto feature of the safety, simply making it a “manual.” Takes about 60 seconds to do.
Thank you for the review. I am looking at this as my next o/u.
Thanks for the review. I own one in a 30 inch variant and really like it. I'm not fond of the length of pull though, and like you have problems with the stiff safety. All in all I'm happy with my SP1. Thanks for giving the over and unders some run.
Thinking of buying a silver pigeon. Trying to decide between a 12 or 20 ga. Would like to be able to take it turkey hunting. Nice review!
Great review! I like the videos in the 10-15 minutes in length. Would like to see head to head review with similar O/U. Glad your doing O/U reviews they are just beautiful to look at and shoot. Keep up the great work.
FYI just got another shotgun from Reeds great CS and ship fast.
Thank you! Love to here that! What’d you get?
BENELLI Ethos Sport 28 ga. Working on a set of four, got 2 now 2 more to go.
Going to a DU event tonight in TN. Hoping to get the DU Shotgun of the year It’s a SBE 3 20 ga. DU version. I have the the DU SBE 3 12 ga I got in 2019. So hope we can match them up.
Thank you for all your reviews. A review of the Benelli 828u 20 gauge or semi auto vs over under would be nice.
I have three 686 but i take the Silver pigeon when i go to trap i average 22.23 with it. My favorite gun
Great video. Would love to see some Browning Cynergy, Citori & 725 over/unders. Also some CZ side by sides would be cool especially the 30” Hammer Classic & the Bobwhite. Hey why not throw in some Winchester 101 over/unders too please.
Best gun channel out there!
Thank you! That means a lot my friend :)
I have one,sporter doesn’t have auto safety ,great gun for the money.
you should try doing a review on a browning b525 or a b725 next, i am from the UK so over under shotguns are more common than anything else
As mentioned by others, the auto safety feature is fairly easy to disable if it bothers you a lot. You didn't indicate when your gun was produced but I thought the newer SPs had the Optima HP choke system versus the older Mobil chokes? Did you actually put it on a scale to get your weight or use the Beretta provided specs? Wood density varies from gun to gun but Beretta can be optimistic in their catalog weights. Try one on the baby frame (410 or 28) if you ever get the chance. Thanks for the great review!
Beretta is always the best!
20 and 12 gauge use Optima HP choke tubes. 28 gauge and .410 use mobil choke.
Definitely love that you’re doing O/U reviews now. One gun I’ve been dying to see more reviews of is the browning Cynergy wicked wing. With all the semi auto hunting gun reviews, this gun would seem to fit right in. Cheers!
I actually just reviewed the Browning Cynergy CX. I really liked it for a crossover gun. Review coming soon! 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
@@TargetFocusedLife awesome! Can’t wait to see it!
You can always disconnect the auto safety. I have all mine disconnected, as I do not hunt with them, only shoot clays.
Lots of guys knock the auto safety. I regularly carry a 1911 and safety on and off is so automatic that when I transition to my 686 it is basically a non-issue
Great review video Steve! Please keep them coming. I’m trying to decide if I should just spend an extra $7-800 for the 687 SP111 vs the 686 SP1. I think for that amount it would be worth it to get the better quality wood and better engraving. Any thoughts on that?
Definitely worth the upgrade
Sounds like your waisting money ??
Its just bling that you're spending the extra money on !!
I did tbe same thing on a Browning BT-99 Grade-4 !!
Dam Good looking shot gun !
In fact its my most handsome shot gun ?
Lol !!
Yeah i said it ! It also was just over 4K ....
You get what you pay for i guess ??
Good day Friend ,
Can you review the Retay masai Mara 20 or 12. Thank you for all the reviews you take all the work out when looking to get a new shot gun!
You should review the silver pigeon 20/28 gauge o/u it’s very interesting and I would love a review. Great video
...has anyone on here that has the SP1 installed the sling mounts that come with the gun...it looks like the front part of the sling mount has to be drilled thru the rib between the barrels ...any problems with this...tia...
Love that you plan on doing more with double barrels!
I would like to see a review on if you could pick one over and under, which one would it be?
Sir, I want to do trap shooting, I want to buy Beretta Silver Pigeon 686, please tell me is Beretta Silver Pigeon 686 a proper trap shotgun good or the one with converted choke is good??
Yes been waiting for this one. Love the content bro 🖤💯💯
More to come!
Would love to see some reviews on the franchi and benelli over unders!
I would like to see a review of a retay masai mara. Great job on the reviews.
Good review, thanks. The auto safety can be changed to manual.
Like to see a comparison between the pigeon and the Browning 20 gauge CXS
I have a very old 686 that is like butter.
I love your videos! Keep up the good work! Is there any way that you could do a review on a Browning Citori? Preferably a Feather Lightning.
Thank you for the suggestion. I just filmed a review of the Citori Hunter that should be out soon. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Have you ever done a review on the Weatherby Orion Sporting I in 20 gauge O/U w/30 " bbls and is this worth keeping and selling a 20 gauge Browning O/U CXS?
Hey I have a suggestion how about a video with what leads you should use when shooting with different choke tubes? I think it will be a great content for the channel! Blessings my friend!
Absolutely! I plan on making videos that talk about lead and choke tubes and ammo selection this summer. I appreciate the suggestions. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Love the reviews dude!
Easy to disconnect the auto safety, most people do, the sporting version comes standard with a selective safety.
My Beretta 686 has no auto-safety. That was weird to watch. But I live in Germany, could be because of that.
Anyway, great Video!
I am 12 abd was wondering if this would be a good size 28”
Pretty easy for a gun smith to disable the auto feature of the auto safety. Safety becomes manual. Or like another commenter said buy the sporting version of the gun.
I would like to see a review on the Franchi affinty 3 Sporting .
...one review I saw said the fit of wood to receiver was terrible ...basically the stock was to big for the receiver over lapping the metal and the engraving was cheap looking ...what are your thoughts on this...personally I am looking at the 687 silver pigeon 3 in 20 ga. maybe you could do a review on that one...by the way I am not impressed at all with Berettas web site and customer service...trying to get any kind of information or specifications on their guns is very difficult...
Por favor quisiera sus comentarios sobre la baikal over under iz 27 q se comercializo en USA por remington spartan 310 saludos
Sir,
Turkey makes very inexpensive and strong guns today!
I have Yeldiz 12 gauge side by side 3-inch shell.
And many other,,,,,
Thanks
I'm just starting to clay shoot, what would you recommend as a starter shot gun. my budget is around $2200.
I’d like to see a CZ review as well.
Certainly will at some point. Thank you for the suggestion.
@@TargetFocusedLife Thanks. I just picked one up. Haven’t shot it yet but it is a good looking gun for the price.
you should review the Berretta 694 sporting
Not a big fan of Beretta you should review the Browning 725 feather
Any lefties have experience with the Silver Pigeon field models? It's at the top of my list, but I have been getting very inconsistent info if it is a neutral comb or not.
The sporting silver pigeon has the safety off unless you turn it on
I have several i love them but the forearm ßcrews fall out and arnt availble locally
Great review! I would like to see one on the browning Citori pls!!!
Citori Hunter 20ga coming soon!
🔥🔥🔥
Wait a minute is that a gold trigger? You know what’s coming! If the Triggers Gold, the birds will fold! New Braunfels Texas