Beretta 694 Sporting
Posted May 19, 2023
If you’re in the market for a top-notch sporting shotgun, the Beretta 694 Sporting shotgun is a worthy choice. It has a superior design and has proven to be reliable in a variety of conditions. The 694’s key features provide shooters with a range of versatile options while remaining competitively priced.
The 694 sports a Schnabel-style forend made of high-grade walnut with checkering to allow for a secure grip. This is in addition to the beavertail-style guard, which provides superior handling in both open- and closed-shoulder scenarios. The forearm also has a recoil pad to help mitigate recoil. The buttstock has a Monte Carlo style that can be adjusted for length, drop, and cast to ensure proper fitment. Beretta also offers optional upgrades to the stock, including a comb raise, cast adjustment, and palm swell, further enhancing comfort.
The 694 is equipped with Beretta’s Optima-Bore system, which utilizes an ultra-thick barrel wall and three points of contact — front, mid, and rear — to optimize shot patterns and reduce felt concussion. The barrel itself is made from cold-hammer forged steel for precision and durability. The barrel also has a detachable choke system, allowing you to quickly switch between different constrictions for different applications. The 694 also offers a chrome-lined chamber and bore for enhanced corrosion resistance.
The 694 is designed to excel in a variety of shooting disciplines, including skeet, trap, sporting clays, and hunting. In addition, the shotgun is also engineered to be compatible with a wide range of ammunition. No matter what kind of loads you’re using, the Beretta 694 Sporting should have no problem accommodating them.
The shotgun's trigger system is probably one of its greatest advantages. The trigger is user adjustable, meaning you can create a personalized pull weight according to your shooting preferences. The safety system is a traditional button-style, which allows for easy access and includes a wide groove that provides plenty of tangible feedback.
In terms of ergonomics, the Beretta 694 Sporting removes any question of comfort and usability. Its elongated forend makes for great control and accuracy, while a variety of non-slip surfaces ensures a reliable grip. The stock is ideally designed to provide an excellent fit and balance for the shooter, as well as reducing muzzle flip. The 694 also has a non-slip rubber buttpad to help mitigate recoil.
In terms of durability, the Beretta 694 Sporting is hard to beat. Its frame and action are constructed out of high-grade aluminum alloy so it’s lightweight and strong. What’s more, the finish on the shotgun is corrosion and weather resistant, making it suitable for a range of conditions.
The Beretta 694 Sporting is available in both 12- and 20-gauge versions and is offered in a variety of finishes, including black, blue, silver, and nickel. It also comes with a range of barrel choices, including 26”, 28”, and 30” configurations.
In summary, there’s a lot to like about the Beretta 694 Sporting shotgun. It combines a range of features that make it a top-tier choice for experienced shooters. Its versatile design ensures that it can handle a variety of uses, while the adjustable trigger and ergonomic features promote comfort and performance.
With that said, it’s worth keeping in mind that the Beretta 694 Sporting does come with a higher-than-average price tag. Sure, it’s cheaper than some of the other options out there, but it’s certainly not the most budget-friendly option. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a shotgun that offers superior performance and reliability at a reasonable price, the Beretta 694 Sporting is a worthy choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Reliable: The Beretta 694 has earned its reputation as a reliable shotgun that is field-tested and time-tested. It is well-known for its durability and dependability.
• Versatile: This is an over-under shotgun which allows the shooter to fire two different types of ammunition without having to change out the barrel.
• Intuitive Controls: The gun has clearly marked controls, making it easy to use.
• Ergonomics: The Beretta 694 has an ergonomic design and comfortable pistol grip.
• Ease of Maintenance: The 694 is designed to be easy to maintain.
Cons:
• Expensive: The Beretta 694 is a more expensive option than other shotguns.
• Weight: This shotgun is fairly heavy, which may make it a little more difficult to transport.
• Short Barrel: The barrel is shorter than other shotguns, which means the sight radius is shorter. This may make it more difficult to accurately target long-distance targets.
Who Should Buy
Any experienced or beginner shooter who wants to compete in clay target shooting competitions should consider purchasing the Beretta 694 Sporting shotgun. It is a reliable and lightweight shotgun designed specifically for clay target shooting. Beginners who are just starting out in the shooting sports should also consider investing in the 694 Sporting, as it is easily customizable to suit a variety of shooting disciplines.
However, those who are primarily interested in hunting should not buy the 694 Sporting, as it is not designed for that purpose. It is also a costly option compared to many entry-level shotguns, so those on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| Product | Gauge | Action | Barrel Length (inch) | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beretta 694 | 12 | Over/Under | 30 | 2 x 2 |
| Benelli 828U | 12 | Over/Under | 28 | 2 x 2 |
| Beretta 686 | 12 | Over/Under | 28 | 2 x 2 |
| Blaser F16 | 12 | Over/Under | 32 | 2 x 2 |
| Browning Citori | 12 | Over/Under | 28 | 2 x 2 |
Features / Specs
• 3" chamber
Popular Accessories
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- Beretta 694 Sporting Recoil Pad
- Beretta 694 Sporting Scope Mount
- Beretta 694 Sporting Stock Shim Kit
- Beretta 694 Sporting Magazine Extension
- Beretta 694 Stock Spacer
- Beretta 694 Tuning Kit
- Beretta 694 Sporting Trigger Kit
- Beretta 694 Extended Forend
- Beretta 694 Sporting Trigger Guard
- Beretta 694 Stock Adjust Spacer
Accuracy
The Beretta 694 Sporting model is considered a very accurate gun. A lot of this accuracy stems from the low profile receiver with an integrated rail that has been designed specifically for a stabilized barrel. The stock and trigger group are adjustable to allow for a tailored fit to the shooter, ensuring maximum accuracy. Also, its balanced design helps to reduce the spread of muzzle rise while shooting. Competition shooters and sporting shooters alike frequently praise the Beretta 694 for its pinpoint accuracy. The popularity of the 694 in the competitive clay shooting sports is testament to its incredible accuracy.
