northernneil Posted June 15, 2014 Report Share Posted June 15, 2014 I've come across a Beretta S686E (pretty cheap actually!) and was wondering more about it. Now, obviously I know about the 686 but was wondering the difference in the normal E and the S686E? Pictures I have seen indicate the should be 686 Evo written near the muzzle but mine doesn't, however all the numbers seem to match up. It's a very clean gun which looks as though it hasn't been used much, still tight etc, and unmarked barrels (refer to my other thread for that! Lol) There just doesn't seem to be much info on the "S686E" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 this may shed a little light for you. http://forums.shootinguk.co.uk/showthread.php?5516-Beretta-SP-Deluxe-or-E-Evo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernneil Posted June 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 Thanks for the reply Kes, but in not sure that thread has explained any more, it was more of a "which one out of the two" kinda thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 This one any more help? http://shootclay.co.uk/2012/06/10/preview-beretta-686-evo/ or this http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/250476-beretta-686e-sporter-or-miroku-mk70/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 (edited) The 686E came out in 2001-ish as the entry level competition O/U. They were built to a high standard alongside the Gold E and other specialist guns in the custom shop rather than the main factory. There were various trap versions along with a skeet model and the very common sporter. The sporter was available with 28 or 30" barrels and was supplied with 5 flush fit Mobil chokes. Some were marked S686E instead of just 686E. No one knows why and they were otherwise identical. This model was quietly withdrawn around 2011 along with the White Onyx. The 686E EVO was released about 2 years ago. The new version was really a Silver Pigeon 1 with 686E receiver styling, 'EVO' printed on the barrels and extended Optima chokes. The EVO does not have the trap and skeet versions and is not built in the custom shop. The very latest ones may have Optima HP chokes like the newer SP1s but I'm not sure. Edit: I think the designation 'S686E' was for the US market but they dropped the model when the White Onyx came along which, for the USA only, had Optima barrels up to 32". Our version of the White Onyx had Mobil barrels. Edited June 16, 2014 by Westward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernneil Posted June 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 That fits in with what I've got then, the date code on the barrels dates to 2001, and I was wondering the difference in the S and normal E. That there, is fantastic info, thank you! :-) I have to admit, it feels totally different to my normal 686S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 In the early 2000s Beretta seemed to have a more cohesive way of designating their O/U guns. There was a couple of White and Black Onyx models, various Silver Pigeons, Gold Pigeons and Diamond Pigeons, most of which were available in field or sporter format, and then there was what they called the competition guns. These were built in the custom shop and offered in various trap, Xtrap and trap combo guises along with skeet and sporter models. The DT10 was the range topper followed by the 682 Gold E and with the 686E as the entry level. Today's 686E is a reasonable gun but in truth it's a somewhat overpriced parts bin special with retro styling to make it look like a minor classic shotgun. Original 686Es in good condition can and do sell for considerably more today than they cost new and what they offer is handling like the much vaunted earlier 682s but with modern styling and at a 686 price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernneil Posted June 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 So, I'm assuming that my 2001 evo is called as an early original then? You have my attention now lol, other than a few small 'dinks' in the stock it's very good condition. (I'm looking to see if it can be steamed without the wood being sanded back) So, what would be a price for it? I know it's difficult to say without seeing it, but a ball park figure? I'm trying to get to a 682 Gold E.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 Condition is much more important than age. Retail prices seem to be anywhere from £800 - 1295. In January 2012 my 686E was 5 years old with oil finished woodwork and in very good condition when I traded it in against a new Beretta. I would have accepted £800 but they offered me £900 which was made me very happy as I was getting a competitive price on the new gun. Happy days! They put it on the rack for £1250 and it was gone within a month so we all did okay. Hope you get to the Gold E, never got on too well with them myself but they are very good guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardwoods Green Posted June 16, 2014 Report Share Posted June 16, 2014 So, I'm assuming that my 2001 evo is called as an early original then? You have my attention now lol, other than a few small 'dinks' in the stock it's very good condition. (I'm looking to see if it can be steamed without the wood being sanded back) So, what would be a price for it? I know it's difficult to say without seeing it, but a ball park figure? I'm trying to get to a 682 Gold E.... You can't have 2001 Evo, they came out in 2012 and all have Optima chokes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernneil Posted June 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 I'm happy to take photos for you..... (Of the gun!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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