dmason24 Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Hi All, Does anyone have any information and advice on a Beretta 686 early 1980s model compared with the more up to date 2008/9 models. EG. Build, quality reliability etc... Looking to buy one however, I think it may be the 686 game model, it has the standard engraving (no game scenes etc) rubber recoil pad with slits not honeycomb, comes with 5 chokes. What would you expect to pay non trade in good conditon? Sorry if this is vague but I am keen to get into the clay shooting side as well as game. Dont want to get the wrong gun. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 (edited) AFAIk about the only differences between 80s and 08s might be the action width (changed in 90s) and the price ... buy on condition. .. try Guntrader for an idea of £s. Game models would have narrow/solid rib.... and fixed chokes (?) - tho seems nothing is set in stone. As to the pad I've seen that style but don't remember it on a Beretta? The date code on the underside of the bottom chamber next the the proof marks should be 'AF ' for 1980 to 'AZ' for 1990 Edited August 25, 2010 by seeker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 AFAIk about the only differences between 80s and 08s might be the action width (changed in 90s) and the price ... buy on condition. .. try Guntrader for an idea of £s. Game models would have narrow/solid rib.... and fixed chokes (?) - tho seems nothing is set in stone. As to the pad I've seen that style but don't remember it on a Beretta? The date code on the underside of the bottom chamber next the the proof marks should be 'AF ' for 1980 to 'AZ' for 1990 Thanks for the info, attached a picture which I have just received if that helps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Hopefully someone can give you a bit more info from the pic ... but looks good. A bit like one of the 68 series sporters with that engraving forend ? At that age its price / condition, so see what guntrader has as a guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluke2 Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 (edited) Are you sure this is a 1980 I understood the 686 and 687 models were first introduced in the eighties/5/6/7, I bought a new 687 in 1986 which I always believed was one of the first A game model I had at the time was fixed chokes and about a 6mm wide top rib any thicker and multichoke normally made it a sporter.The 1980 model I believe o/u would be the last of the s56,I think your guns a lot later than 1980 we will wait and see,if you get the serial number you can easily check. A dealer up here has a tidy 686 lightweight dated 1989? and is asking 695 . Edited August 25, 2010 by fluke2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beretta Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 i have a 687 sporter which i got brand new in 84 (i think) and i still use, they were better made in them days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Lots of people will tell you the 80s guns were built to a better spec with better materials in the internals and a better standard of finish on the wood. They are right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluke2 Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Just googled them and the sites reckon they didnt come into this country until the late eighties nobody told my dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 I thought the 68s arrived mid 70s with the EELLs landing in the 80s? The 56/8s seemed to end with the xxx date code for '75. But as said before its not a tablets of stone catalogue! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluke2 Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 http://www.beretta.gr/Media/Guns&Ammo/...retta_guns.html Try this dont know if the link will work good info and around half way down writes about the 686/687 appearing in the late eighties Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beretta Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 i had mine before they say for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 http://www.beretta.gr/Media/Guns&Ammo/...retta_guns.html Try this dont know if the link will work good info and around half way down writes about the 686/687 appearing in the late eighties Thanks for the responses, useful. I will check the link and I should have the serial no and date code soon. Would anyone (noting the picture) recommend this as a good all round clay / game gun... more towards clay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluke2 Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Thanks for the responses, useful. I will check the link and I should have the serial no and date code soon. Would anyone (noting the picture) recommend this as a good all round clay / game gun... more towards clay? Ive shot clays and game with both types looks a good gun and with the multichokes why not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 If it works for you it can make an excellent allrounder ... no-one tells a pigeon it was hit with a clay gun or a clay that a game gun did for it. its probably more about how well you shoot with it good luck and don't underestimate the value of good coaching.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 If it works for you it can make an excellent allrounder ... no-one tells a pigeon it was hit with a clay gun or a clay that a game gun did for it.its probably more about how well you shoot with it good luck and don't underestimate the value of good coaching.... I have already had a lesson at the local club and even won a corporate shoot competiton last week, however, my son whos 13 also came along and came second using a 20g Beretta SP... I only beat him by one shot!!! Yes, I agree... more coaching Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 The earlier models have 2 3/4" chambers. Don`t try using 3" magnums through it without checking the chamber length! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 I know very little but 686 berettas and browning X25 are well made and will last a lifetime if its a 28"-30" MC then its suitable for everything just dont get too carried away, I would suggest meeting the seller at a the clay ground you have been to and asking the coach to check the fit etc and also to check the gun over. Remember you can't buy it until you have your SGC in your hand.... compared to a modern gun it probably wont be steel or take 3" loads but the barrels will show all the markings for what you can and can't use in it. Look up the Italian proof marks before going to see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 I know very little but 686 berettas and browning X25 are well made and will last a lifetime if its a 28"-30" MC then its suitable for everything just dont get too carried away, I would suggest meeting the seller at a the clay ground you have been to and asking the coach to check the fit etc and also to check the gun over. Remember you can't buy it until you have your SGC in your hand.... compared to a modern gun it probably wont be steel or take 3" loads but the barrels will show all the markings for what you can and can't use in it. Look up the Italian proof marks before going to see it. Good advice and information, thank you. I will certainly take it to the club for a try out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 I have a 686 Sporting Special made in 1990, it is excellent in every way and everyone who sees, touches, mounts it, falls in love with it. Only problem is it was originally my late fathers, it doesn't fit me at all, but despite several offers I can't bring myself to sell it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 I have a 686 Sporting Special made in 1990, it is excellent in every way and everyone who sees, touches, mounts it, falls in love with it. Only problem is it was originally my late fathers, it doesn't fit me at all, but despite several offers I can't bring myself to sell it! Thanks for your comments, the 686 is certainly looking at being my first gun. Appreciate your thoughts in regards to your fathers gun, its probably right you keep it, however I am in the market to buy a good quality shotgun (anyone), preferably a Beretta 12g. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAMMER BURT Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 Thanks for your comments, the 686 is certainly looking at being my first gun. Appreciate your thoughts in regards to your fathers gun, its probably right you keep it, however I am in the market to buy a good quality shotgun (anyone), preferably a Beretta 12g. Thank you. :( hi fella what sort of rent are you looking at spending on a gun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 hi fella what sort of rent are you looking at spending on a gun? I have my eye on a 686 E for around the £950 mark, its a 2 year old gun with all the bits and pieces, case paerwork etc... Having looked around this seems to be the going rate for a good quality second hand shooter from the Beratta stable. Hope that helps. A friend has this late 80s Beretta for sale but I am mindful that it may not suit what I want it for which was mainly clay shooting, however the opininon is that it probably will, it does not have the 3" chambers though and may not suit steel shot! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldfinger Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 (edited) Hi All, Does anyone have any information and advice on a Beretta 686 early 1980s model compared with the more up to date 2008/9 models. EG. Build, quality reliability etc... Looking to buy one however, I think it may be the 686 game model, it has the standard engraving (no game scenes etc) rubber recoil pad with slits not honeycomb, comes with 5 chokes. What would you expect to pay non trade in good conditon? Sorry if this is vague but I am keen to get into the clay shooting side as well as game. Dont want to get the wrong gun. Thank you. I have a 686 essential,I find it a very good gun, very versatile, a light but not too light gun,exalant all rounder,it's the one with barrels separated with no joining rib.A few people have borrowed this gun and have enjoyed shooting it. Edited August 26, 2010 by Goldfinger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmason24 Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 I have a 686 essential,I find it a very good gun, very versatile, a light but not too light gun,exalant all rounder,it's the one with barrels separated with no joining rib.A few people have borrowed this gun and have enjoyed shooting it. Useful info, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Savage Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 I have a 686 Special - top gun, wouldnt be without it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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