Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun Review
The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun is a highly-regarded and sought-after shotgun designed for competition and hunting. With its sleek and sophisticated design, this shotgun is sure to turn heads on the range or in the field. In this review, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of this exceptional shotgun.
Design and Features
The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun boasts a modern and stylish design, with a wide blade and comb stock, and a longer pistol grip featuring more palm swell. The ergonomic improvements make the shotgun more comfortable to hold, while still allowing for a natural and stable grip. The 1.5 pitch checkering on the pistol grip and forend provides additional grip and control.
The steel action features side panels with a mirrored profile and diagonal lines, giving it a modern sporting look. The bottom of the action is adorned with Beretta’s three arrows and 694 logo, in blue, while the Nistan finishing lends it a typical matte grey color. The firing selector is located inside the safety lever, featuring new checkering and ergonomics.
Barrel Technology
The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun features Steelium Plus barrels, which are on the cutting edge of shotgun barrel technology. These barrels provide superior ballistic performance, with deep drilling, cold hammer forging, and vacuum distension. This results in denser and more uniform shot patterns, faster and more accurate second shots, and a reduction in perceived muzzle jump.
Optima Choke High Performance Chokes
The shotgun also features Optima Chokes, which are designed to provide high-performance shooting at various choke lengths. These chokes are available in five different configurations, including the 10×8 profile top rib and white front sight.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
The B-Fast Comb is a notable feature of the Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun. This adjustable comb allows for easy and precise adjustments to the shotgun’s length and width, making it ideal for shooters of all skill levels.
Weight and Balance
The shotgun’s weight and balance are also noteworthy. The B-Fast Balancing System (weights purchased separately) provides a smooth and stable shooting experience, making it ideal for hunting and competition.
Pros
- Exceptional Ballistic Performance: The Steelium Plus barrels provide superior ballistic performance, with denser and more uniform shot patterns.
- Ergonomic Design: The shotgun’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and shoot, with a natural and stable grip.
- Modern and Sophisticated Look: The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun’s sleek and stylish design turns heads on the range or in the field.
- High-Quality Materials: The shotgun is built with high-quality materials, including natural oiled 2.5+ grade wood.
- Excellent Adjustability: The B-Fast Comb and B-Fast Balancing System provide easy and precise adjustments to the shotgun’s length and width.
Cons
- Expensive: The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun is a premium product, with a price tag to match.
- Limited Availability: The shotgun may not be widely available, particularly in certain regions.
- Requires Maintenance: The shotgun requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Not Suitable for Beginners: The shotgun’s complex design and high-quality materials may make it unsuitable for beginners.
Conclusion
The Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun is an exceptional shotgun that offers exceptional ballistic performance, ergonomic design, and modern and sophisticated look. While it may be expensive and require maintenance, the benefits of owning this shotgun far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re a serious hunter or competitor, or simply looking for a high-quality shotgun, the Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun is definitely worth considering.
Pros and Cons Summary
- Pros:
- Exceptional ballistic performance
- Ergonomic design
- Modern and sophisticated look
- High-quality materials
- Excellent adjustability
- Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited availability
- Requires maintenance
- Not suitable for beginners
Recommendation
Based on our review, we recommend the Beretta 694 Sporting Shotgun to serious hunters and competitors who are looking for a high-quality and exceptional shotgun. However, we caution that the shotgun may not be suitable for beginners or those on a tight budget.
