Beretta 686 shotgun

Beretta 686 is an Italian semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun with vertical barrels, sideflint. The gun is intended for sport shooting and hunting. Among models of weapons of this type and produced by Beretta, this gun is very popular because it is light weight, good balance, ergonomics and elegant appearance. In the Beretta 686 model, the manufacturer was able to bring together modern technologies and a wealth of accumulated experience in the production of small arms.

In general, the semi-automatic Beretta 686 can be considered a classic representative of semi-automatic Italian shotguns, belonging to the middle price segment. If you compare Italian-made and Turkish-made guns, the difference in appearance is immediately noticeable, and the Italians are more expensive.

general description

At first glance, it is clear that the Beretta 686 is a gun for a connoisseur. For an expert in his field, for whom it is important not only to acquire a reliable tool for his money, but also to receive aesthetic pleasure from the appearance of his weapon. As soon as you take the gun in your hands and throw it to your shoulder, it becomes clear how detailed the designers from Beretta approached the ergonomics.

The ideally shaped barrel, free of manufacturing defects, is made of high-quality steel coated with chrome. The wooden elements are carved from selected and well-processed walnut, and the receiver is covered with artistic engraving on steel, which gives the gun the appearance of an expensive and very valuable item, which in the old days only the real rich could afford.

It is now easy to identify at least three different categories of hunters and sportsmen who may be interested in purchasing a Beretta 686 shotgun:

Experienced hunters in search of new emotions and impressions.
Young shooters looking for a fun yet effective tool to improve their skills.
A wise and intelligent woman with a passion for hunting who may enjoy the soft recoil of .28 and .410 ammo.

Design features of the Beretta 686

The semi-automatic Beretta 686 is a classic double-barreled hunting rifle with a vertical barrel arrangement, using a tipping type of locking. In accordance with international standards and modern hunting practices, Beretta 686 barrels are unthreaded and are excellent for shotgun shooting. The barrels are held in the receiver by fastening them with two hooks into the corresponding grooves, which makes disassembling and cleaning the weapon easier, and also increases the overall service life, since the simple design rarely breaks and is easy to repair. The weight of the steel receiver allows the weapon's center of gravity to be concentrated in an optimal position for balance.

The barrels of the Beretta 686 are made from steel rods that are drilled and then cold hammered to ensure the strength of the material. To make the barrel surfaces resistant to corrosion and wear, they are coated with chrome.

The locking mechanism is made in the form of two rods that fit into the corresponding grooves of the barrel block. When the barrels are pressed, they automatically, emitting a characteristic click, take the desired position to hold the barrels. This fairly reliable mechanism ensures quick and convenient reloading of weapons, and also helps with through cleaning of the barrel channels. During loading, it is enough to break the barrel block. In this case, spent cartridges will be thrown out of it quite sharply and it will be possible to instantly insert new cartridges.

There is only one trigger in the gun, switchable using a special lever near the safety. When pressed, it sets the firing pins in motion and fires a shot. The design is also simplified as much as possible, which increases the reliability and maintainability of parts.

Under the safety lock there is a firing mode switch, which allows you to quickly change the active barrel for the next shot with a quick movement of your hand. By the way, the barrels themselves are made from steel rods in which channels are drilled, after which they are processed by cold forging, which gives them maximum strength.

In standard versions without a pre-installed choke, it is possible to install a MobileChoke bell. Such choke constrictions are included in the kit and are also sold additionally in various variations, allowing you to set your preferred shot cone for different shooting techniques. In this case, such a choke can be replaced on the fly in the field at any convenient time, without requiring any tools, much less disassembling the gun - it can be securely tightened even with your fingers, although a special key is provided in the kit for these purposes.

They can be distinguished from each other by the length and profile of the choke constrictions. The size is indicated using special symbols - stars. For a full choke there is one star, ¾ is indicated by two stars, half - by three, ¼ - by four. Depending on the type of hunting, the barrels are equipped with one or another Mobil-Choke tubes.

This gun is also available in a modification with an adjustable stock, in which the height and inclination of the comb are adjusted using special screws. It also improves usability by allowing each shooter to customize the gun to suit their individual needs. The butt itself is quite large, equipped with an anatomically shaped butt plate made of shock-absorbing rubber for convenience when shooting from the shoulder.

The forend is wooden, secured with bolts under the barrels. Both the fore-end and the stock are made of quality walnut, sanded and oiled to prevent moisture from getting inside, as well as for a comfortable hold in the hands.

Operating principle

To install the barrel block, you must perform the following steps:

Turn on the fuse by moving the slider down.
Move the locking lever to the right.
Hang the block of barrels with the front axle on the rotation axis of the receiver.
Vigorously lift the block and lock it in the receiver - the locking lever should return automatically to its original position, after which a clear click can be heard.
Install the forend by pulling the lever down, resting the metal back on the receiver, pressing the forend tightly to the barrel, and releasing the lever.

If you think that when meeting a game it would be more appropriate to shoot with the lower barrel and shoot after with the upper barrel, then move the safety slider to the right. And to the left, if vice versa.
To reload, the safety slider moves down to the Stop position, and the unlocking lever moves to the right. The balance of the gun allows the barrel block to tilt down automatically.

In hunting models, the cartridge case is extracted from the chamber, its final removal is done manually. And in sports, it flies right into the shooter’s face, so you need to have the skill to deflect it with your hand.

Shooting from the Mossberg Silver Reserve II sideflint is shown in this video:

Specifications

The performance characteristics of the Beretta 686 semi-automatic shotgun are as follows:

The Beretta 686 weapon uses 12/76 mm ammunition.
Smoothbore weapon of breaking type.
The length of the weapon is 1115-1160 mm.
Barrel length 760 mm. On gun counters you can also find sideflints equipped with 710 mm barrels, as well as modifications with a permanent bell - 810 mm.
The stock and fore-end are wooden, oil-impregnated.
The weight of the vertical in different variations is about 3-3.2 kg.
Number of trunks – 2 pieces.
Ammunition - two cartridges (one for each barrel).
Magazine ammunition is not provided.
The double-barreled shotgun is equipped with a sighting bar containing a front sight.
The sideflint is equipped with five replaceable nozzles, a soft rubber shock absorber and a steel receiver with artistic laser engraving.
Company – Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, Spa
Country of origin: Italy.

The gun comes complete with a case, replacement mobile chokes and keys for caring for the product. The included 5 replaceable OC choke tubes with HP allow the use of not only steel, but also lead shot. This Optima-Chok kit expands the functionality of the Beretta 686 shotgun and allows you to adjust the shot load.

Weapon Features

Finally, let’s talk about some of the features of the IZH-56 “Belka” weapon, so that after purchasing it there are no unpleasant surprises left for you. Here are the main points that professionals urge you to pay attention to:

About 40% of the Belka's spare parts were borrowed from other models of double-barreled guns from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, so in the event of a breakdown, you can simply remove the pins or springs from the old gun and install them on a new one.
The fire selector (barrel switch) is located in the place where many hunters are accustomed to seeing the safety. You will get used to this nuance over time, but until then you should exercise caution.
Unlike other sideflints, disassembling the Belka will not be difficult, because its barrels rotate around one hinge. Such a system does not in any way affect the quality of the connection of metal parts or the service life of the gun.

On the barrel walls of the Belka there are special rubber stops that protect the wooden parts from deformation when the weapon breaks. If you have observed a similar problem in other fractures, you can rest assured.
The IZH-56 uses the same handguard latch as the IZH-54. This suggests that the Belka security system is one of the best, and also that if the locking mechanism breaks down, it can be easily replaced.

IZH-56 “Belka” is a very unusual and very interesting gun for hunting. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for hunting large animals and birds, but a professional hunter can definitely benefit from it. In addition, the gun has a good base for modification, so if desired, it can also be improved.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Beretta 686 model of the Italian classic shotgun has the following advantages:

Versatility. Due to the set of mobile chokes, the vertical rifle can be used both during hunting and during sport shooting.
High accuracy of combat. Achieved through precise drilling of the barrel.
Wear resistance. The service life is at least 50 thousand shots.
Omnivorous. You can equip a double-barreled shotgun with various ammunition.
Ideally adjusted trigger mechanism. During a shot, due to the smooth operation of the trigger mechanism, the tossing of the barrels is minimal. This quality is appreciated by hunters and athletes, since they have the opportunity to quickly return to the aiming line.
Practicality. The double-barreled shotgun can be used for shooting at various distances.
Ease of maintenance. In these hunting rifles, the blocks of trigger mechanisms are removed along with the body, which greatly facilitates repair and cleaning.

The Italian sideflint Beretta 686 also has some shortcomings. These include a slight imbalance between the mass of the receiver and the butt. According to reviews from owners, the handle with additional pads installed on it weighs much more than the barrels.

The high cost of the gun, which is more than 200 thousand rubles, can also, according to some consumers, be considered a disadvantage of the Beretta 686 over/under.

Also in this section:

Fuses IZH-58 and IZH-43

27.11.2014

Section: “Rifle Mechanisms”

The safety on the Izh-58 and Izh-43 guns locks the sear both when the hammers are cocked and when the hammers are released, so it must be turned off when the hammers are cocked.

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Modifications

The Beretta 686 shotgun became the basis for the creation of hunting and shotguns equipped with vertically paired barrels. Today, on the shelves of gun stores, various modifications of this gun are presented to the consumer’s attention, including:

Beretta 686 E Sporting 76 MC.
Beretta 686 Gold Pigeon.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting.
Beretta 686 Diamond Pigeon.
Beretta 686 Onyx Pro Sporting.

In general, many different variations of the Beretta 686 were released, which differed in the configuration and design of individual elements. For example, the dimensions of the front sight, the presence of an adjustable butt comb, or the presence of a built-in choke. But there are also variations with a shortened or elongated barrel.

Some shooters highlight the peculiarity of drilling barrel channels of various modifications, for which drills of various diameters were used.

One of the most common modifications is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting, the name of which makes it clear that it is intended for clay pigeon shooting. The sports version of the gun uses an extended sighting rib with a modified front sight for more convenient aiming; an adjustable stock is required.

Among the innovations, a special soldering of the barrel block is proposed, which involves ventilation for less clogging of the barrel channels, because in training and in competitions a larger number of shots are usually fired in a series than in hunting. Also, as a rule, it does not have a swivel for attaching a portable belt, because at sporting events this has no practical use.

August

The great Russian writer and hunter Sergei Timofeevich Aksakov wrote at the end of the century before last that a gun is thunder and lightning in the hands of a hunter, making him, at a certain distance, the master of life and death of all living things. This is undoubtedly well said, but I still want to add a definition.

Only a perfect gun makes a hunter a king. The Sovrano gun is definitely not just a good gun, but a luxurious one. I regret that neither at the exhibition in Gostiny Dvor, nor during my visit to Markeno, I did not clarify with the Fausti sisters what meaning from several dictionaries they put into the name of this gun. This can be the adjective “exalted”, “standing above others”, as well as the noun “monarch”, “sovereign”.

It seems that in relation to the Sovrano gun, both of these meanings are quite applicable. When I first saw it, I thought that it was handmade by some very good gunsmith. In fact, it turned out that it was obtained in continuous machine production. True, most of these guns are made to individual orders, so some design features, “wood” and the nature of the engraving are original. But the overall level of quality is well above what would be expected for a gun of this origin.

Here it should be noted that in the last 15–20 years, there has been simply a revolutionary leap in the arms business associated with technical progress. The main achievement can be considered the development of metalworking complexes with program control. In addition, in developed countries there are very serious achievements in the production of metal-cutting tools, which make it possible to obtain the highest quality surfaces after machining.

There is also serious progress in the use of new methods of metal processing, in particular laser, cryogenic and electrical discharge. In combination with the use of new alloy steels, light alloys based on titanium and aluminum, today in the conditions of mass production it is possible to produce weapons whose quality will be better than that of the legendary Lefty.

At the same time, the cost of a machine-made gun, of course, will be much more affordable than a piece one.

So, the Sovrano gun convincingly proves this with its quality.

I would especially like to emphasize that this is a sideflint gun - its barrels are paired in a vertical plane.

Making such a gun elegant is difficult by definition, since when viewed from the side, the barrel block has a height exactly twice as high as a horizontal gun of the same caliber. Therefore, the block and fore-end become higher. Whether we like it or not, our aesthetic requirements for a hunting rifle are based on the best Belgian, French and English shotguns with horizontally paired barrels.

With the advent of side-flints at the end of the 19th century, it became clear that guns of this arrangement required more durable locking systems, since the opening angle of the side-flint had to be almost twice as large as the horizontal one in order to load the lower barrel. Another difference between side flints is a completely different angle of convergence of the axes of the barrel channels. Moreover, this angle depends on the design features of the gun.

Probably everyone knows about the main advantage of side flints. The vertical arrangement of the barrels provides better visibility and ease of aiming the weapon at a target, especially a moving one. That is why, after the Second World War, skeet guns began to be made in this particular version.

Gradually, sideflights gained recognition not only among stand-up athletes, but also among ordinary hunters.

The most interesting thing about this gun is the patented system with four locking elements, ensuring high service life and reliability. The system consists of two under-barrel hooks, which, when locked, include a strong frame that extends from the bottom of the block guard and two side fangs, similar to the classic Boss bolt. It seems very attractive to be able to quickly replace worn out axle shafts on which the barrels turn with new ones.

The developers paid great attention to the design of Sovrano. They managed to make the sideflint as similar as possible to the best English guns. Anson-type locks (in the block) are “disguised” by elongated decorative side boards, decorated with high-quality engraving. The long shank of the trigger guard sits elegantly on the straight (English) neck of the stock.

I note that a straight neck, in my opinion, is more convenient for controlling a gun when shooting at a fast-moving target.

The cool "pistols" that are fashionable today are more suitable for rifles. I really like the absolutely straight lines of the top and bottom ridges of the stock. It seems like it's just wonderful.

The Sovrano stock and fore-end are made of high-quality walnut. After careful hand sanding of the wood, it is repeatedly impregnated with natural oil. As a result, not only does the pattern become more contrasting, but the mechanical properties of the surface also improve.

In addition, it acquires water-repellent properties, which is very important for maintaining the dimensions of wooden parts and their appearance. The butt plate is also made of walnut. Its toe and heel are protected by elegantly engraved steel plates. Modern alloy steel and high-quality surface treatment of all parts of the gun ensure soft and trouble-free operation of all mechanisms and the highest service life. At the customer's request, ejectors or extractors can be installed on the gun. The single-trigger system with an inertial body has a shot sequence switch located on the safety slider. If the customer wishes, a conventional double-trigger system can be installed on the gun.

I think that a hunter who owns a Sovrano gun will experience great satisfaction from being introduced to a wonderful gun, which is why his purely hunting achievements will only increase.

Owner reviews of the Beretta 686 shotgun

Owners of the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I give this sideflint a mostly positive description. Modern side flints, in their opinion, due to the modernized locking system, are smaller in size and look more elegant compared to earlier models.

In addition, the Beretta 686 over-and-under is lightweight, like the Marocchi Si 12 semi-automatic, also made from Italian parts, but assembled in the Russian Federation. Light weight had a positive effect on maneuverability when shooting. The hunting rifle has a high-quality assembly.

However, as many consumers note, there are noticeable gaps in the gun: between the block and the trigger mechanism and between the bolt lever and the surface of the block. In addition, its metal parts protrude slightly above the barrel side couplings. Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the color and texture of the forearm and butts of these hunting rifles are somewhat different. But still, the 686 Beretta model has a strict design, good quality finishing of metal elements and beautiful laser engraving.

Thanks to its simplicity and aesthetics, the Beretta 686 over-and-under shotgun has already become one of the most popular hunting barrels, having proven itself well during its use by many experienced shooters who unanimously recognize the gun as well-assembled, well-made and not prone to breakage.

The owners of this gun in various modifications have repeatedly won at sporting competitions, which allows us to judge the confidence of experienced athletes in it.

Having examined this weapon in detail and assessed the totality of its characteristics, we can safely say that the semi-automatic Beretta 686 is an excellent example of a classic hunting rifle. Through the efforts of Italian gunsmiths, the excellent balance necessary for aimed shooting was achieved, and the high quality of workmanship, complemented by an authentic design, creates the impression of a premium model. This is a real gift for hunting lovers and the best choice as an entry-level sporting gun.

Reviews of Fabarm Elos C Field

The undoubted advantages of Fabarm Elos C Field include excellent balance, quality, reliability and durability. The sideflint is perfectly balanced, all parts are carefully adjusted, has a huge lifespan of shots and, with proper care, works flawlessly. Fabarm Elos C Field is very convenient for long hunting on foot, because... its weight is only 2.9 kg. and this is without a doubt one of the main advantages. This Italian hunting vertical is absolutely indifferent to the choice of ammunition; it is capable of digesting any ammunition, both factory-made and homemade and conventional (70 mm), as well as reinforced (76 mm) with plastic or paper cartridges, in a word, any ammunition without any difficulties. By the way, not every gun is capable of such unpretentiousness.

The appearance of this sideflint is also an advantage: not every gun looks so elegant. Among the shortcomings, one can note the rather high price that is asked for this hunting sideflint, which is significantly higher than similar verticals made in Russia or Turkey. In addition, this gun is quite rare and it is quite difficult to buy it in Russian gun stores.