694 Pro Sporting Under/Over Shotgun Review
The 694 Pro Sporting is a high-performance under/over shotgun designed and tested by Beretta’s professional shooting team, built specifically to enhance a shooter’s success rate during competitive trap shooting. This review will delve into the features, pros, and cons of this exceptional shotgun.
Design and Features
The 694 Pro Sporting boasts an impressive design, with a focus on ergonomics and balance. The TKS stock, made in Italy by high precision CNC machines, is a notable feature. It can be finely tuned for length of pull, cheek height, comb drop, and cast at heel, allowing the shotgun to accommodate any body shape. The length of the pistol grip is increased, offering a large palm swell with fine-cut checkering, providing a natural, stable, and comfortable position for the shooter.
Other notable features include:
- Beretta’s classic closing system: This system utilizes trapezoidal shoulders with two robust pins that protrude from the breech face and insert themselves into their respective breech housings, resulting in a smooth, solid, and exceptionally reliable closing action.
- Steelium Plus barrels: These barrels guarantee a dense, uniform pattern shot after shot, and a lifetime of service.
- Newly designed ejectors: Powerful springs are used to reliably kick out spent shells every time, and a firing selector located on the safety allows the shooter to select which barrel fires first.
Pros
- Exceptional balance and ergonomics: The 694 Pro Sporting is designed to provide a natural, immediate shouldering process with a precise swing that’s easy to control.
- Streamlined action: The action is optimized for competition, providing an increased field of vision for tracking moving targets.
- TKS Stock: The fully adjustable TKS Stock is a standout feature, allowing shooters to customize the fit to their body.
- Steel forend iron system: The improved sensation of opening breech is thanks to the redesigned geometry and barrel hook.
- Beretta’s closing system: The classic closing system is smooth, solid, and reliable.
- Steelium Plus barrels: The dense, uniform pattern shot after shot is a testament to the quality of these barrels.
- Newly designed ejectors: The powerful springs ensure reliable shell ejection.
- Firing selector on safety: The shooter can select which barrel fires first, providing a level of control and precision.
Cons
- High price point: The 694 Pro Sporting is a premium product, with a price tag to match.
- Limited availability: Due to its high demand, the 694 Pro Sporting may be difficult to find in local gun shops or online.
- Steep learning curve: The 694 Pro Sporting requires a certain level of shooting experience and technique to operate effectively.
- Weight and size: The shotgun is heavy and large, making it less suitable for smaller shooters or those with limited mobility.
- Maintenance requirements: The 694 Pro Sporting requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, including cleaning and lubrication.
Experience with the 694 Pro Sporting
As a seasoned shooter, I was impressed by the 694 Pro Sporting’s exceptional balance and ergonomics. The TKS Stock is a standout feature, allowing me to customize the fit to my body and providing a natural, stable position. The steel forend iron system and newly designed ejectors are also notable features, providing a reliable and efficient shooting experience.
However, I did experience some initial difficulties with the shotgun’s weight and size, which may be a concern for smaller shooters or those with limited mobility. Additionally, the price point may be a barrier for some shooters, although I believe the quality and performance of the 694 Pro Sporting justify the investment.
Conclusion
The 694 Pro Sporting is an exceptional under/over shotgun that offers a unique combination of balance, ergonomics, and performance. While it may have some drawbacks, including a high price point and limited availability, the 694 Pro Sporting is a must-have for serious shooters who demand the best. With proper maintenance and training, the 694 Pro Sporting can provide years of reliable service and exceptional shooting performance.
Pros:
- Exceptional balance and ergonomics
- Streamlined action
- TKS Stock: fully adjustable
- Steel forend iron system: improved sensation of opening breech
- Beretta’s closing system: smooth, solid, and reliable
- Steelium Plus barrels: dense, uniform pattern shot after shot
- Newly designed ejectors: powerful springs
- Firing selector on safety: level of control and precision
Cons:
- High price point
- Limited availability
- Steep learning curve
- Weight and size: heavy and large
- Maintenance requirements: regular cleaning and lubrication
Recommendation:
The 694 Pro Sporting is a premium product that demands a certain level of shooting experience and technique to operate effectively. However, for serious shooters who demand the best, the 694 Pro Sporting is an exceptional choice. With proper maintenance and training, the 694 Pro Sporting can provide years of reliable service and exceptional shooting performance.
