Beretta 686 circa 1980

[Goldfinger]

Useful info, thank you.

686e I payed £600 for mine 3" chamber multi choke excellent condition last year,I think the going rate is around 600-750 mark.

[dmason24]

686e I payed £600 for mine 3" chamber multi choke excellent condition last year,I think the going rate is around 600-750 mark.

 

Sounds about right, thanks. What sort of age are we looking at in terms of price, looking around there isn't much variance, be it a late 80s gun up to a few years old?

[Goldfinger]

Don,t know the actual age of mine, what you need to look for is what you call a nice tight gun if you are after a gun thats had little use,I mean when you break the gun open there is no loose sloppy feel to it,Berretas are well made and tend to last well in near new condition,beware of guns with to tight an action as when you need to reload quickly this can be a problem,also before you buy make shaw that the gun feels good in your shoulder when you put it up to aim,not all guns suit all people.(very important).

Edited August 26, 2010 by Goldfinger

[dmason24]

Don,t know the actual age of mine, what you need to look for is what you call a nice tight gun if you are after a gun thats had little use,I mean when you break the gun open there is no loose sloppy feel to it,Berretas are well made and tend to last well in near new condition,beware of guns with to tight an action as when you need to reload quickly this can be a problem,also before you buy make shaw that the gun feels good in your shoulder when you put it up to aim,not all guns suit all people.(very important).

 

This is very good advice and info, much appreciated, thank you.

[seeker]

You seem to be getting an idea of the price range and differences on the models. So if you buy sensibly your gun should not loose you money, if (and when) you might change.

Half the pleasures in the choosing, half in the using and the other half in the planning ( = dreaming/ upgrading) .... that way shooters can get more than 100% satisfaction from their sport.

686 Berettas have been around a while and look like sticking the pace .. they must have got something very right.

good luck with your choice.

[Paddy Galore!]

just bought a 686 special, an early model, very good quality, nice wood too. As you've said you'll mostly use it for clays then why would you want a 3" chamber?

[dmason24]

just bought a 686 special, an early model, very good quality, nice wood too. As you've said you'll mostly use it for clays then why would you want a 3" chamber?

 

A good point, however, not being an expert I thought this would give me a wider choice of sporting elements with an all round shotgun as I shoot game with my Uncle who has 2 guns and bags of land to shoot on. Again I look forward to any advice which is appreciated from this forum.

[Paddy Galore!]

A good point, however, not being an expert I thought this would give me a wider choice of sporting elements with an all round shotgun as I shoot game with my Uncle who has 2 guns and bags of land to shoot on. Again I look forward to any advice which is appreciated from this forum.

fair point, but the pressures in a 2.75" 32g #4 steel cart are far lower than a 3"magnum, just make sure you have the correct chokes in, ie no tighter than half. clay steel loads are ok too. Beretta barrels are very well made.

[dmason24]

fair point, but the pressures in a 2.75" 32g #4 steel cart are far lower than a 3"magnum, just make sure you have the correct chokes in, ie no tighter than half. clay steel loads are ok too. Beretta barrels are very well made.

 

Cracking, makes things easier and puts a lot into perspective because shot loads for various game opens up a whole new point of discussion. So, for longer range game such as ducks or geese 3" magnums are not always necessary.

[Paddy Galore!]

ducks and geese are different things mate 32g#4 steel is ideal for duck, don't know for sure about geese, depends on the circumstances, but i'm sure someone will be along in a moment to give the difinitive. you can always use bismuth or tungsten heavy loads for them, if you deffo need a 3" chambered steel proofed gun how about a cheapo hatsan for the geese and a nice beretta for everything else?

[welshwarrior]

I have a 682S from 1986 better than the modern 682s in my eyes and these guns have held their value to.

 

I'm abit upset I had to get work done on it for the 1st time last month and get a replacement recoil pad as there was a small crack in the top egde and it looked scruffy!!!!!!!

 

They last forever and handle really well.

[berties]

686e I payed £600 for mine 3" chamber multi choke excellent condition last year,I think the going rate is around 600-750 mark.

A berretta for £600 you done well on that deal,some say the old 686/682 are better than the new ones,so take that into consideration with the choice new in a shiny case or old better build ,and in my mind sleeker looking!with older models make sure the stock is original castor is ok for you

[Goldfinger]

A berretta for £600 you done well on that deal,some say the old 686/682 are better than the new ones,so take that into consideration with the choice new in a shiny case or old better build ,and in my mind sleeker looking!with older models make sure the stock is original castor is ok for you

Yep mate, well pleased.

[dmason24]

A berretta for £600 you done well on that deal,some say the old 686/682 are better than the new ones,so take that into consideration with the choice new in a shiny case or old better build ,and in my mind sleeker looking!with older models make sure the stock is original castor is ok for you

 

Well, now I really have a challenge, I thought the older guns would be of a better quality therefore, I seem to have a choice of either a 2 yr old gun (686E) or a late eighties gun. Apparently the 686 picture in the earlier thread has had the stock tailored and the LOP measures at 14" and 1/8. The barrel is 28" long and it has 3" magnum chambers.

[dmason24]

ducks and geese are different things mate 32g#4 steel is ideal for duck, don't know for sure about geese, depends on the circumstances, but i'm sure someone will be along in a moment to give the difinitive. you can always use bismuth or tungsten heavy loads for them, if you deffo need a 3" chambered steel proofed gun how about a cheapo hatsan for the geese and a nice beretta for everything else?

 

Thanks for this, it will be mainly duck, pigeon, bunnitoes and if Charlie is about, hassling the chickens!!! Makes gun choice easier, good info, mind now at rest on that issue.