Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun
As a firearms enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out various shotguns from different manufacturers. The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is one of the most impressive shotguns I’ve ever had the chance to handle. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this exceptional shotgun, highlighting its pros and cons.
Overview and Features
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is a high-performance shotgun designed for hunting and target shooting. It’s a classic design with a rich history, and Beretta has perfected it over the years. The 686 series is known for its accuracy, reliability, and durability, making it a favorite among hunters and shooters.
The 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun features a 32-inch barrel, 3-inch chamber, and a 12-gauge action. It’s available in various configurations, including over-under and side-by-side, but the 20-gauge is the most popular. The walnut stock is a beautiful, rich brown color that complements the shotgun’s overall design.
Pros
Here are some of the key pros of the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun:
- Accuracy: The 686 series is renowned for its accuracy, and the Silver Pigeon I is no exception. The 32-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber provide a stable platform for shooting, and the shotgun’s weight and balance make it easy to handle.
- Reliability: Beretta is known for its reliability, and the 686 series is no exception. The shotgun’s action is robust and durable, with a reputation for withstanding the rigors of heavy use.
- Durability: The 686 series is built to last, with a focus on durability and reliability. The walnut stock is resistant to wear and tear, and the shotgun’s metal components are designed to withstand the elements.
- Customization: The 686 series offers a range of customization options, including stocks, fore-ends, and accessories. This allows shooters to tailor the shotgun to their specific needs and preferences.
- Performance: The 3-30 OCHP cartridge is a popular choice for hunting and target shooting, offering a good balance of power and accuracy. The shotgun’s performance is impressive, with a flat trajectory and a moderate recoil.
Cons
While the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is an exceptional shotgun, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Weight: The 686 series is known for its weight, and the Silver Pigeon I is no exception. The shotgun can be heavy, especially when loaded, which may make it difficult to handle for some shooters.
- Cost: The 686 series is generally more expensive than other shotguns on the market, which may be a deterrent for some shooters.
- Maintenance: The 686 series requires regular maintenance to keep it in good working order. This includes cleaning the action, checking the barrel, and lubricating the moving parts.
- Limited availability: The 686 series is a classic design, and Beretta may not produce as many models as other manufacturers. This may limit the availability of certain configurations or colors.
Conclusion
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is an exceptional shotgun that offers a unique combination of accuracy, reliability, and durability. While it may have some drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re in the market for a high-performance shotgun, the 686 series is definitely worth considering.
Specifications
- Barrel length: 32 inches
- Chamber: 3 inches
- Action: 12-gauge
- Weight: approximately 7.5 pounds
- Length: approximately 40 inches
- Stock: walnut
- Color: walnut
- Finish: walnut
- Caliber: 3-30 OCHP
Recommendation
Based on my experience with the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 3-30 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun, I would recommend it to:
- Hunters: The 686 series is an excellent choice for hunters, offering a balance of power and accuracy.
- Target shooters: The 686 series is also suitable for target shooting, with a reputation for accuracy and reliability.
- Shooting enthusiasts: The 686 series is a great choice for shooting enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of accuracy, reliability, and durability.
However, the 686 series may not be the best choice for:
- Beginners: The 686 series is a more advanced shotgun, and may require more experience and expertise to handle.
- Budget-conscious shooters: The 686 series is generally more expensive than other shotguns on the market, which may be a deterrent for some shooters.
