BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON I SPORTING
Posted May 19, 2023
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is an outstanding choice in the world of sporting shotguns. Up until a few years ago, the Beretta 686 was available only in 12-gauge, but in 2017, it was released in 20-gauge as well. Now, it’s available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge models, with a variety of stock and barrel configurations to choose from. Weighing in at just 6.38 pounds, the Silver Pigeon I Sporting is one of the lightest sporting shotguns on the market today.
When it comes to the actual gun, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting features a boxlock receiver design with an action-body construction. The receiver is made from durable steel and is treated with a blued finish that helps protect it from corrosion. It also features Beretta's SO Technology, which helps keep the wood stock firmly planted against the receiver and helps reduce felt recoil. In addition, the receiver is designed with an engraving of a Silver Pigeon on the bottom of the frame.
The Silver Pigeon I Sporting is also equipped with a semi-automatic action (also known as a “SA”) that is capable of reliably cycling the two-round capacity in both 12- and 20-gauge models. The SA action is also designed with a safety switch that must be held in the “on” position in order for the shotgun to fire, which is an important safety feature.
The Silver Pigeon I Sporting is built with a break-action style barrel that is 17.9” in length for the 12-gauge models and 20.4” for the 20-gauge models. The barrel is designed with a chrome-lined bore and a stepped rib that is both vent-ribbed and matte black finished. It is also fitted with a set of Briley interchangeable chokes (IC, M, and F) that can be activated by simply pushing the release button, located near the muzzle.
One of the key features with the Silver Pigeon I Sporting, however, is the wooden stock. It features a standard straight grip with a gloss oil finish that not only looks great, but also helps protect the wood from weather, sweat, and other elements.
The Silver Pigeon I Sporting is an excellent option for the hunter or competitive shooter. It is light, well-balanced, and has a reliable semi-automatic action. The ergonomics fit nicely in the hand for a comfortable shooting experience. The styling of the gun is classic Beretta—elegant, simple, and stylish—which makes it look great in and out of the field. The stock and barrel length further add to the gun’s overall look and feel.
For shooter comfort, the Silver Pigeon I Sporting is designed with a low-profile receiver, which helps reduce the felt recoil and makes shooting more comfortable. The gun is also designed with a rubber recoil pad, which helps absorb much of the recoil from the shot. The three interchangeable chokes provide a variety of shot patterns, allowing shooters to customize their shot pattern for different location or target.
Overall, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is an impressive sporting shotgun. It is lightweight yet durable, and the action is reliable and easy to use. The stock and barrel length make it comfortable to shoot, and the three interchangeable chokes provide a variety of shot patterns. It is an excellent choice for the hunter or competitive shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality finish: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting features an attractive and durable finish that will last for many years.
- Portability: The Beretta 686 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store.
- Versatile: With its wide range of options and configurations, the 686 is great for both competition and recreational shooting.
- Accurate: The 686 has an impressive range of accuracy and is made for precision shooting.
- Reliability: The Beretta 686 is well-known for its reliability, with many users reporting years of trouble-free performance.
Cons:
- Cost: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is an expensive shotgun and may be too costly for some budgets.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to keep the Beretta in good condition.
- Availability: The Silver Pigeon may be difficult to find in some areas, as not all retailers carry the model.
Who Should Buy
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is an ideal shotgun for those who are looking for a well-built, durable, performance-oriented over and under shotgun. This shotgun is designed and manufactured to meet the needs of competitive shooters and is suitable for the shooter who seeks to excel in hunting, skeet, or sporting clays. The price point of the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting may be too high for some casual shooters or beginning shooters. Additionally, the design and features of this gun are all focused on the competition shooter, making this shotgun less than ideal for someone who is not looking for competition play or a comparable level of excellence in performance.
Comparisons
| Product | Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 | |||||
| Barrel | 28" | |||||
| Action | O/U | |||||
| Stock | Walnut, oil finish | |||||
| Chokes | 5 Chokes | |||||
| Weight | 7.04 lbs | |||||
| Product | Gauge | Barrel | Action | Stock | Chokes | Weight |
| -------------------------------------- | ----------- | ---------- | ---------- | --------------- | ------------- | ------------- |
| Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting | 12 | 28" | O/U | Walnut, oil finish | 5 Chokes | 7.04 lbs |
| Benelli 828U Sport | 12 | 30" | O/U | Walnut, glossy finish | 5 Chokes | 6.8 lbs |
| Baikal IZH-27 EM-1C | 12 | 28" | O/U | Walnut | No Chokes | 7.5 lbs |
| Browning Citori 725 Sporting | 12 | 30" | O/U | Walnut | 5 Chokes | 7.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
• 12 Gauge
• 30” Optima Bore Barrels
• 3” Magnum Chamber
• Chrome-lined Bores & Chambers
• 5 Extended Choke Tubes
• Steel Receiver
• Schnabel Forearm
• Prince of Wales Style Pistol Grip
• select Walnut Stock & Forearm
• OptimaChoke HP Full Set of Chokes
• Recoil Pad
• Manual Safety and E-Z Load Feed Latch
Popular Accessories
, 12 Ga?
- Choke Tube Sets
- Recoil Pad
- Flashlight Forend Mount
- Bipod
- Sling
- Magazine Extension
- Musket Sling
- Muzzle Brake
- Trigger Lock
- Scope Mount
- Optical Sight
- Rail Mounts
- Cleaning Kit
Accuracy
BERETTA 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is one of the most popular, reliable, and accurate shotguns on the market. It features a set of 5 choke tubes, so you can adjust the firepower to suit your requirements. The BERETTA 686 utilizes an extremely responsive feel, and thanks to its precise balance, it lets you shoot with excellent accuracy. BERETTA claim their 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting offers up to 75% pattern improvement from traditional over/under shotguns. The barrel is also chrome lined to protect it from rust and corrosion, further improving its reliability and accuracy. So if you're looking for a reliable, accurate, and versatile shotgun for clay or bird shooting, the BERETTA 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting should be right at the top of your list.
