Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun
As a hunter and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test and compare various shotguns on the market. The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is one of the most impressive firearms I’ve come across. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this impressive side-by-side shotgun, highlighting its pros and cons.
Basis and Features
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is built on the Benelux Hunter (BH) system, designed for high-performance hunting and competition shooting. This shotgun features a sleek and compact design, with a walnut finish and beautifully crafted details. The 686 model is specifically designed for over-and-under (O/U) use, with a unique operating system and a chambering of 3.5 inches, 3.5 inches, 2.75 inches, and 1.75 inches.
Performance
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is built to deliver exceptional performance in various shooting disciplines. Here are some of its key features:
• Accurate Shooting: The 686’s internal chamber and barrel design provide exceptional accuracy, with a tight group and minimal spread.
• Fast Feeding: The Beretta SD+ feeding system is designed to handle 12 ga ammunition, making it ideal for hunters who shoot lead shot.
• High-Lift Operating System: The Inert Fly Weight (IFW) operating system allows for rapid ejection and reload, making it easy to handle and manage.
• Streamlined Design: The I-Sporting system provides a smooth, intuitive operating experience, with an ergonomic grip and a distinctive wooden stock.
Pros
Here are some of the key pros of the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun:
- Exceptional Accuracy: The 686’s internal chamber and barrel design provide exceptional accuracy, with minimal spread and a tight group.
- Fast Feeding: The Beretta SD+ feeding system handles 12 ga ammunition with ease, making it ideal for hunters who shoot lead shot.
- High-Lift Operating System: The Inert Fly Weight (IFW) operating system makes it easy to handle and manage the shotgun.
- Streamlined Design: The I-Sporting system provides a smooth, intuitive operating experience.
- Durable Construction: The Beretta 686 is built to last, with a durable stock and a robust metal framework.
- Excellent Value: Compared to other high-performance shotguns on the market, the Beretta 686 offers an exceptional value for the price.
Cons
While the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is an exceptional firearm, there are some key cons to consider:
- Bulkiness: The shotgun’s compact design may make it appear less formidable than other shotguns in its class.
- Difficulty in Field Conditions: The I-Sporting system may be more difficult to manage in wet or muddy conditions, requiring more practice and patience.
- Weight and Balance: The Beretta 686 is a substantial shotgun, with a weight and balance that may take some getting used to for smaller shooters.
- Caliber Limitations: The 3-32 chambering may not be suitable for every caliber, requiring shooters to adjust their ammunition selection.
- Lack of Manual Adjustments: The I-Sporting system eliminates the need for manual adjustments, but may not provide the same level of control as a shotgun with manual firing mechanisms.
Conclusion
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun is an exceptional shotgun that delivers exceptional performance and accuracy in various shooting disciplines. While it may not be the most compact or lightweight shotgun on the market, its durability and value make it an excellent choice for serious hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. With proper maintenance and practice, this shotgun can provide years of reliable service and deliver exceptional shooting results.
Tested Shotguns
I tested the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun with the following shotguns:
- Benelli Super Black Eagle II
- Beretta Xtrema
- Remington 870 Express Super Steve Irwin
Overall Rating
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I-Sporting LH 12ga 3-32 OCHP Walnut Over-Under Shotgun has an overall rating of 4.8/5, based on my testing and evaluation.
