BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON I LH
Posted May 19, 2023
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is one of the finest over-under shotguns available on the market. It’s a sophisticated and reliable firearm choice for shooters who value both quality and performance. With a well-crafted design, superior ergonomics, and reliable Beretta engineering, the models currently performing well in the competitive shooting market.
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon is a proven winner, a favorite among hunting and sporting shooters alike. The look and feel of the 686 are impeccable, from the elegant side plates to the balance and weight distribution of the shotgun. Perhaps the most telling testimony to the level of craftsmanship of the 686 is that it is often chosen by competitive shooters over more expensive brands.
The gun is built on a cold-forged monoblock receiver produced from a single steel billet. The strength of the monoblock holds the barrel and action firmly together, something that is essential for long-term operation in all weathers. The gun has a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-steel construction and is known to have exceptional durability and long-term performance.
The 686 is equipped with a unique receiver-mounted, rotary-engaged safety called the “Beretta Optima-Choke” barrel, which allows the shooter to quickly and easily swap between several different chokes for various firing distances. A demagnetized bolt-release button allows one-handed actuation, and the gun’s fences (the ridge which rides down the sides of the barrel) are designed to provide a secure grip without the user’s hand slipping off the barrel.
The 686 features Beretta’s patented “Optimum Balance” pistol-grip buttstock. The ergonomic design of the grip provides an exceptional fitting platform for the shooter to hold the gun properly, with the support hand resting firmly at the mid-point of the buttstock. The serrated pistol grip surface isn’t overly aggressive and provides an exceptional feel when the gun is shouldered.
The 686 is also equipped with Beretta’s renowned “raybar” top-rib. The rib is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy and is designed to reduce weight while increasing rigidity and accuracy. The rib has a flat, 8-mm wide center section and is gently tapered at the sides, where it then rises abruptly, creating a low, close-to-the-metal profile.
The Beretta 686 is available in both left- and right-hand models, and comes in a wide variety of finishes, from the standard Blued-Nickel satin to a shiny, polished finish that is fit for the finest competition. All models are equipped with an oil-finished walnut stock, featuring a semi-gloss finish with checkering on the grip and fore-end.
The 686 comes ready to shoot, with two matched sets of choke tubes for both lead and steel shot, adjustment tools, a wrench, and a copy of the owner’s manual. The gun is also supplied with a 10-year limited warranty, and a 2-year limited warranty for replacement parts.
When it comes to its shooting attributes, the 686 is a reliable and accurate firearm, capable of taking down large numbers of game with a single shot. The gun is well suited for sporting events such as trap shooting and clay pigeon shooting. In terms of recoil, the 686 is noticeably milder than some of its competitors, due to the higher quality parts and construction of the gun.
The 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is a great choice for any shooter looking for an over-under shotgun that will provide consistent, reliable performance game after game. The gun’s combination of precision craftsmanship and superior ergonomics puts this firearm a cut above any other in its price range. Combining versatility and quality, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH guarantees performance for years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliability: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is renowned for its reliable performance in nearly any condition. It has a high-quality construction that makes it perfect for hunters and competition shooters.
- Durability: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is a durable firearm designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Its steel receiver has been treated to resist corrosion and its chrome-plated parts are designed to maintain their shine.
- Accuracy: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is an incredibly accurate gun due to its well-fitted components, excellent balance, and smooth trigger pull. Its low profile design allows for easy aiming without having to raise and lower your arm to maintain a steady firing position.
- Versatility: The left-handed Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH allows for use by left- and right-handed shooters, making it an ideal choice for a variety of shooters.
Cons:
- Cost: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is a great gun but is considered to be a high-end firearm and can be quite expensive.
- Weight: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is quite heavy, at over 9 pounds unloaded. This may make it a bit cumbersome for some shooters to tote around the woods or carry at a competition.
- Maintenance: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH requires a bit of time and effort to properly maintain its reliability and performance and needs to be cleaned regularly and oiled.
Who Should Buy
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is a highly-regarded sporting shotgun designed for hunting, competition shooting, and clay target shooting. It is ideal for left-handed shooters and comes with a synthetic stock and forend, making it lightweight and well-balanced. Because of its high quality and reliable features, this particular shotgun is well-suited for anyone who is involved in the above-mentioned activities. It is not, however, ideal for novice or inexperienced shooters. In addition, this particular shotgun is not well-suited for those who are looking for an inexpensive recreational shotgun.
Comparisons
| Gun | Specs |
|---|---|
| BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON I LH | Barrel Length: 28"; Overall Length: 46-5/8"; Weight: 7 lbs. |
| BERETTA 687 SILVER PIGEON I | Barrel Length: 28"; Overall Length: 46-5/8"; Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz. |
| BERETTA 690 FIELD III | Barrel Length: 28"; Overall Length: 46-5/8"; Weight: 6 lbs. 7 oz. |
| BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON III | Barrel Length: 28"; Overall Length: 46-5/8"; Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz. |
| BERETTA 691 | Barrel Length: 28"; Overall Length: 46-5/8"; Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz. |
Features / Specs
- Gauge: 12 gauge
- Barrel: 30" Ventilated Rib
- Chamber: 3"
- Chokes: Mobilchoke
- Stock: Walnut, Left-hand
- Length of Pull: 14-3/8"
- Drop at Heel: 2"
- Drop at Comb: 1-1/2"
- Length: 49"
- Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz.
- Finish: Silver Receiver
Popular Accessories
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- BERETTA OptimaChoke Choke Tubes
- BERETTA Stock Recoil Pads
- BERETTA Shotgun Shell Carriers
- BERETTA Magazine Caps
- BERETTA Extended Magazine Tubes
- BERETTA Oversized Bolt Handles
- BERETTA Scope Mounts
- BERETTA Speed Loaders
- BERETTA Shotgun Sights
- BERETTA Tactical Rails
Accuracy
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I LH is known for its superior accuracy. This gun is equipped with a special Optima-Bore barrel that features a series of chrome-lined barrels for increased accuracy and consistency. The barrel is also crowned in a 12-6-inch radius, allowing for a cleaner, more focused shot when sighting in. Additionally, the gun's low-profile action and ventilated rib design make glancing and tracking targets much easier. Overall, the Silver Pigeon I LH is known for its pinpoint accuracy and reliability that shooters appreciate.
