Description
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 12ga 28in O/U Blued Walnut is a field-grade over-and-under shotgun built for upland hunting and sporting clays. It combines a 28-inch vent rib barrel with Steelium/OptimaBore HP choke system to deliver consistent patterns across common shell types. The receiver features floral laser engraving, and the fixed Grade II walnut stock has an oil finish and checkered schnabel forend. This right-hand model ships with a case and includes multiple Optima HP choke tubes and an Extralight recoil pad.
| Manufacturer | Beretta |
|---|---|
| Model | 686 Silver Pigeon I |
| Material | Blued steel receiver and barrels, Grade II walnut stock |
| Compatibility | 12-gauge 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells |
| Finish | Blued metal surfaces, oil-finished wood |
| Weight | Approximately 6.6 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Steelium/OptimaBore HP Chokes — Why it matters: These barrels are hammer-forged from high-strength nickel-chrome-moly steel, then stress-relieved and honed to produce consistent, dense patterns with minimal shot deformation. You get reliable performance with steel or lead shot.
- Floral Laser Engraving — Why it matters: The receiver’s detailed scrollwork adds a classic, elegant look that stands out in the field without being flashy. It’s a design that honors Beretta’s Italian heritage.
- Grade II Walnut Stock — Why it matters: The oil-finished walnut with fine checkering gives you a secure grip and a natural feel that helps with fast, instinctive mounting. The Schnabel forend offers a slim, comfortable hold.
- Extralight Recoil Pad — Why it matters: This soft rubber pad cuts down on felt recoil, making it easier for newer shooters or lighter-framed family members to shoot a full box of shells without discomfort.
- 28-Inch Vent Rib Barrel — Why it matters: The 28-inch length balances swing speed and sight radius, ideal for upland birds and sporting clays. The vent rib reduces mirage on warm days and helps you maintain a clear sight picture.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the family hunter or recreational shooter who wants a reliable, good-looking over-under without the premium price of a competition model. It’s a great fit for parents teaching teenagers or spouses to shoot clays, for upland hunters chasing pheasants and quail, and for anyone stepping up from a pump or semi-auto to a double gun. The lighter weight and recoil pad make it approachable for smaller shooters.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Smooth, consistent trigger pull and fast lock time — the 686 series is known for crisp breaks out of the box.
- Pro: OptimaBore HP chokes give you 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) so you can tune for different games.
- Pro: The oil-finished wood is more durable than glossy finishes and easier to touch up if scratched.
- Con: The fixed comb and cast won’t fit every shooter perfectly — you may need a gunsmith adjustment for ideal eye alignment, especially for left-handed shooters (this is a right-hand model).
Comparison: Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I vs. Browning Citori 725 vs. Franchi Instinct SL
| Feature | Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I | Browning Citori 725 | Franchi Instinct SL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,799 | $2,899 | $1,499 |
| Weight | ~6.6 lbs | ~7.0 lbs | ~6.4 lbs |
| Choke System | OptimaBore HP (5 tubes) | Invector-DS (5 tubes) | Beretta-compatible (5 tubes) |
| Stock Material | Grade II Walnut, oil finish | Grade II/III Walnut, gloss finish | Grade I Walnut, oil finish |
| Recoil Pad | Extralight | Inflex 2 | Pachmayr-style |
| Country of Origin | Italy | Japan | Italy |
The Browning Citori 725 offers a slightly heavier feel and a glossier stock finish, which some shooters prefer for durability. The Franchi Instinct SL is a lighter, more budget-friendly option, but it lacks the steelium barrel technology and the same level of fit and finish. The Beretta sits in the middle: lighter than the Browning, better built than the Franchi, and with a proven action that’s been refined for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this shotgun suitable for left-handed shooters?
This is a right-hand model with a cast-on stock and a right-hand palm swell. Left-handed shooters should look for a left-hand version or have a gunsmith adjust the cast and possibly the stock drop.
Does it come with a hard case?
Yes, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I ships with a padded zippered case that holds the shotgun and choke tubes securely.
What choke tubes are included?
It includes five Optima HP choke tubes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. A choke wrench is also provided.
Can you shoot steel shot through the OptimaBore HP chokes?
Yes, Beretta rates the OptimaBore HP barrels for steel shot with the included choke tubes, as long as you use chokes marked for steel (IC, Modified, and Full are typically okay, but avoid using the Cylinder tube with steel in some older models — check the manual for specifics).
Will this shotgun cycle light target loads?
Yes, the 686’s action is designed to handle 2.75-inch target loads down to 1-ounce 1200 fps shells without issues. The firing pins and springs are robust.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) ✓ Ships 1-2 business days ✓ 30-day returns ✓ Secure checkout
Explore more in our Over Under Shotguns or see our Upland Hunting Shotguns and Sporting Clays Shotguns collections.
Last updated: April 2026. Beretta holds approximately 18% of the American over-under shotgun market, making the 686 series one of the most popular field guns in its price range (per NSSF 2025 industry data).
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