Beretta 686 special Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Berreta 686 Evo”
Written on: 09/05/2013
Hi , I have been shooting a Browning b325 on and off for 15 years , never thought I would swop this gun due to great fit and feel (at least I thought ) Now my son has started clay shooting and just purchased his new 725 sporter I decided to treat myself too. Tried the Browning range and although they felt good, when I mounted this Beretta Evo I couldnt believe how good it felt. Shot on the clay ground twice now and love it ,Feel , Fit , Balance , low recoil (at least compared with my old... (read more)
★★★★★
“Tally ho trash”
Written on: 16/04/2012
I think Tally ho wrote this review to get a rise out of Beretta owners. Wonder if he works for one of the Turkish or Brazilian gun companies? (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“ I bought a 686 White Onyx for skeet shooting Feb...”
Written on: 23/05/2011
I bought a 686 White Onyx for skeet shooting Feb 2011. I've shot about 800 rounds through it and took it to a very reputable gunfitter to have the stock modified. He pattern tested the gun and discovered the upper barrel was shooting about 2-3 inches higher than the lower barrel. In my best interest he refused to modify the stock given the gun didn't shoot straight. I took the gun back to Gander and they sent the gun back to Baretta. That was a little over a week ago and I have not... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 28/06/2011
Brownings are made in Japan!
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 28/06/2011
Sorry, forgot to attach the evidence from the Browning website, all O/U look like they are made in Japan, still great quality though!
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=90
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★☆☆☆☆
“We bought two brand new Beretta 686 in Columbus, Ga....”
Written on: 02/05/2011 by Glenn K (1 review written)
We bought two brand new Beretta 686 in Columbus, Ga. for my kids to begin shooting on the Harris County Shotgun team in skeet and trap competitions. We took both guns to have them properly fitted by a profesional gunfitter 5 hours from my home (who's name I will with hold on his request--but he fits the top shooters in the world). He told us he has had alot of trouble with this brand being accurate. He said about 4 out of 10 shot accurately. We paper tested both guns and neither were... (read more)
★★★★★
“I have the beretta 686 special. i have had it for...”
Written on: 07/03/2011
I have the beretta 686 special. i have had it for about 3 years now and it has turned prety much into my best friend.
It is a great all round gun, great for clays. i mainly use it for pheasant shooting, but like i said it could be used for anything walked up stuff rough shooting whatever. Also it is a lovely weight, not to heavy and not to light. a good thing about it is it could take alot of shot too, you could fire as many shots as you wanted out of it and nothing would happen to the gun....
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have had a 686E sporting 30inch barrels since I had...”
Written on: 07/11/2010
I have had a 686E sporting 30inch barrels since I had my licence in March and I use it for for sporting and skeet and have used it for rough shooting, although I have now purchased a Hatsan Escort magnum for the rough shooting as I just thought the 686 was to good to use under the conditions I shoot. All in all it is a superb gun I have shot a couple of thousand rounds through it and whereas initially my scores were low they are now building up nicely. highly recommended and the build... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I bought a 30" 636 Sporting on the advise of a fellow...”
Written on: 03/11/2009
I bought a 30" 636 Sporting on the advise of a fellow shooter at the club where we shoot trap and skeet in a league. I had been shooting an O/U field gun that was not of the highest quality comparatively. Although I've only shot two rounds of trap since the purchase, it felt very comfortable and the added bit of length (my old gun was a 28") made locking in on the target easier. I look forward to changing out the chokes and trying a few rounds of skeet. If it's as comfortable there as with... (read more)
★★★★★
“I have owned and a 12 gauge 686E Sporter 30 inch multi...”
Written on: 12/08/2009 by johnduncan
I have owned and a 12 gauge 686E Sporter 30 inch multi choke for a little over twelve months.
This is a superb all round shotgun,it is used regularly on clay, rough shooting, pigeon and rabbit,using all types of cartridges ranging from 24 gramme steel to heavy game loads.
The beauty of this gun is that it is lightweight, making it sublime to handle, all be it on a long day out on the field ,or 50 sporting clay on a sunday morning.
Once i had this gun fitted, it is by far the best value for...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 28 gauge that I...”
Written on: 16/07/2009
I have a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 28 gauge that I simply love. Like my other Berettas it is a quality firearm that performs beautifully. The only drawback is the recoil pad. It is OK for light loads but if you shoot sporting clay or heavy field loads in it you will feel it. This is mainly due to the light weight of the 686 small frame. Since I always change my recoil pads out to KickEez pads anyway this was no big problem for me, but Beretta could us a better pad on their shotguns out of... (read more)
★★★★★
“I like the Beretta 686 because it can take out...”
Written on: 15/04/2009
I like the Beretta 686 because it can take out anything I want it to, pigeons, duck, geese etc. I like the stock on it. Quality gun, it would keep the price I paid for it so I wont loose much when i go to sell it. (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 32 Reviews
★★★★★
“I purchased a Beretta 686 Special 12 Ga about 5 years...”
Written on: 31/03/2009
I purchased a Beretta 686 Special 12 Ga about 5 years ago for upland game after carefully checking all other competition.This gun is the best shotgun I have ever handled from the first time I picked it up in the gun shop.At 6.8 lbs you can carry it all day. When you bring it up to the shoulder you are right on target ( with even your eyes closed). I use this gun for all my hunting which includes all upland game and wildfowl. Simple to use, love the safty features, single selective trigger.... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Beretta 686 special is very comfortable gun....”
Written on: 31/01/2009
The Beretta 686 special is very comfortable gun. Excellent choice for its price. Made of fine wood, good assembling with precise hand operations, however the barrel locking do not have long life, the ejectors couldn't been turned off. (read more)
★★★★★
“I owned the Beretta 686 Special since the day my...”
Written on: 16/12/2008 by fredcastiglione (1 review written)
I owned the Beretta 686 Special since the day my daughter was born in 1984, I need to tell you that today i still use it and looks a brand new as removed from the box, I am talking quality of a field gun that has served me to hunt every kind of small game to turkey, If i ever were to buy another gun i would let it be a Beretta over and under again either a Sporting a Special or even a Onyx, The shotgun was expensive in Canada in 1984 for the price of 1800.00$ then, but worth every single... (read more)
★★★★★
“best trap gun I ever had. The stock, barrel, design,...”
Written on: 10/04/2008 by Dom777 (1 review written)
best trap gun I ever had. The stock, barrel, design, price are all great. (read more)
★★★★★
“Quality guns that come in a multitude of...”
Written on: 25/02/2008 by Frekie (1 review written)
Quality guns that come in a multitude of configurations and gauges. I own a 28 bore 28" multichoke 686 Silver Pigeon. The woodwork is pretty plain but straight and functional. Certainly the gun shoots where I point (Which isn't always on target). My only gripe, and the reason for the dropped rating point, is the ejectors which remain raised out of the barrel walls on removal of the barrels for cleaning. No problem if you are careful. If you're not watch out for blooded knuckles! (read more)
★★★★★
“Good looking , good value. If your olny buying one for...”
Written on: 09/02/2008 by jeaff
Good looking , good value. If your olny buying one for skeet/clay this is the one, try the Baretta 686 Special shotgun (read more)
★★★★★
“I bought a 686 Onyx Sporter used six months ago and I...”
Written on: 06/06/2007 by Battue (1 review written)
I bought a 686 Onyx Sporter used six months ago and I must say it is a wonderful gun. I shoot left handed and this gun was fitted with a left hand stock by Beretta for the original owner. Stock fit me perfectly with no modifications. They must have upgraded the wood as it is beautiful! The first owner did have the stock stripped, re-checkered and oil finished. I've replaced the factory chokes with Biley chokes. As mentioned I sent the gun to Cole in Maine for have the trigger creep cleaned... (read more)
★★★★★
“I previously shot a 685 game gun this 686 has a nicer...”
Written on: 01/02/2007 by pete210540 (2 reviews written)
I previously shot a 685 game gun this 686 has a nicer finish but more effort is needed to swing no problem. Overall it's the best sporter on the market. (read more)
★★★★★
“Great gun, I do not shoot anymore, but I owned a...”
Written on: 03/12/2006 by biker4ever (5 reviews written)
Great gun, I do not shoot anymore, but I owned a Beretta 686 from 1997 until 2001 (my first and only gun), it was great all-rounder, and very light weight for a 12 bore shotgun, I had 4 years of very happy shooting with it, only sold it because I my licence period ran out and due to my life going in a different direction I did not renew my licence and thus by default gave up shooting, but a highly recommended gun, and if I even get back into shooting I would buy another Beretta 686, I loved it. (read more)
★★★★★
“Beretta 686 special - if your a first timer buy...”
Written on: 10/07/2006 by fitzi (2 reviews written)
Beretta 686 special - if your a first timer buy Berretta, buy cheap buy twice, don't let a cheap gun put you off shooting. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 32 Reviews
★★★★★
“I've had my Beretta 686E Sporting for 4 months now,...”
Written on: 13/06/2006 by Eddie76 (1 review written)
I've had my Beretta 686E Sporting for 4 months now, with approx 1000 cartridges fired. It was my first purchase of a shotgun since I acquired my licence so I chose carefully. After spending months researching the different models and prices I came to the conclusion that you have to spend at least £1000+ to get a decent, reliable shotgun which will last you a lifetime. As I had decided to stretch my budget to around that amount I decided on the Beretta 686E as it had all the build quality,... (read more)
Eddie76's Response to Eddie76's Review
Written on: 27/02/2007
Further to my review i would like to add that I've now had the gun a year and fired many thousands of cartridges through it with not one single problem. The gun is still as new despite using it in all weathers. In this time I have had the chance to use many other guns including the 682E with Optimer chokes and to be honest i cant tell the difference. Great gun for the price, recommended.
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★★★★★
“I bought a Beretta 686 Sporting (32") 12 gauge two...”
Written on: 13/01/2006 by flyfishmatt
I bought a Beretta 686 Sporting (32") 12 gauge two weeks ago. I have been to the range four times since then to shoot some clay. Let me start out by saying I went to the shop to buy a 30" Browning Cynergy Sporting ($2,500.00). The guy talked me into the 686 Onyx Sporting 32" but it took nearly two hours. As I drove home I was second guessing the purchase. I had read positive reviews about the Cynergy in a couple of publications. Well, was I ever wrong!
I was shooting simultaneous doubles...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I bought the Beretta 686 Special gun for a 14 year old...”
Written on: 14/12/2005 by rajtenn (1 review written)
I bought the Beretta 686 Special gun for a 14 year old female novice trap shooter. She was shooting a 20 ga Remington, and says this 686 12 ga has less kick, and the 32 in barrel points like a laser. She shot her best scores ever on the first time out with the gun. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Overall I really like the 686e. It has nice oiled wood...”
Written on: 20/07/2005 by keefy (1 review written)
Overall I really like the 686e. It has nice oiled wood and generally looks great. It is mechanically reliable with good strong ejectors and in 30in barrels it points and swings very well. The downside seems to be quality control. I have had a few niggly problems which have had to be rectified by the manufacturer which has slightly put me off. Not a bad gun but not as good as Beretta thinks it is. Don't just buy on Beretta's reputation - other makes should be looked at too! (read more)
★★★★☆
“The Beretta 686 special is a very well made gun....”
Written on: 04/11/2004 by mwhelan (2 reviews written)
The Beretta 686 special is a very well made gun. Quick to point, light weight, very attractive to look at. Although some may find that they prefer something more bulky for clays (eg Browning 425) (read more)
233873_Hcleaves's Response to mwhelan's Review
Written on: 13/03/2006
i bought a berrtta 686 recently and can i just say the looks, plain and simply fantastic. it was a 2nd hand gun but in mint condition well keep thats for sure, it fires like a dream. It was 300 pounds and i want to know whether that was a reasonable price bearing in mind it was 2nd hand.
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★★★★★
“Overall, an outstanding, well manufactured, and...”
Written on: 13/12/2003 by provokid (3 reviews written)
Overall, an outstanding, well manufactured, and extremely well engineered shotgun. A gun that so far, works well in the harsh conditions of waterfowling yet looks good and works well in the dove fields. (read more)
★★★★★
“I previously owned a Beretta 686 sporting for years....”
Written on: 09/05/2003 by Ali.
I previously owned a Beretta 686 sporting for years. Recently though I acquired a 686 onyx sporting. In my opinion it is probably the most handsome gun beretta has ever made (they previously had a 682 with similay finish).
The gun is reliable and responsive. I think it is a great value for money, since 687s and 682s, which are really the same gun with some cosmetic upgrades, cost almost twice as much.
Now to the back boring phenomenon. There is very little to gain in terms of either recoil...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I love my 686 Onyx, but this is definately NOT an...”
Written on: 25/04/2003 by gt.
I love my 686 Onyx, but this is definately NOT an all-weather gun. During a rainy dove hunt, mine swelled up so bad that the action would not open. I inadvertantly badly scratched the stock with the lever trying to break it open to unload it. It swelled so badly that I ultimately had to discharge the shells & leave the gun in front of a small space heater for 24 hours before it dried out enough to open.
Good news is that Beretta stood behind their product & replaced all of the wood at no...
(read more)
118648_Jake.'s Response to 92120_gt.'s Review
Written on: 25/07/2003
The fact that, given the opportunity the company fixed the problem is a very good sign. I have an old beretta I recieved from my grandfather (I love it). He swears berettas are the best shotguns made.
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Platinum Matt's Response to 92120_gt.'s Review
Written on: 15/04/2004
I agree with Jake. If beretta replaced the wood at no charge it shows not only is this shotgun good, but it has a reliable manufacturer!
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★★★★★
“I have used the Beretta 686 special sporting for over...”
Written on: 27/01/2003 by Willie.
I have used the Beretta 686 special sporting for over 10 years now both at the range for trap/skeet and in the field on a variety of game. I have never had any problem whatsoever with this firearm. The fit and pointability are superb. An excellent waterfowl gun. The balance and weight are perfect for swingthrough and it has never let me down. The styling and engraving give it a nice apperance. A good solid firearm for the money. If I had to use just one O/U this would be my choice for... (read more)
★★★★★
“Well, the Beretta 686 special is a real beauty... ”
Written on: 26/10/2002 by BGsquad.
Well, the Beretta 686 special is a real beauty...
it's handling is very easy: it just fits on my shoulder and gives me quick aiming.
it's range and precision are perfect and it's light weight...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 32 Reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
“When I brought the Beretta 686 special, I had really...”
Written on: 30/04/2002 by tally ho.
When I brought the Beretta 686 special, I had really high hopes as I had read a lot of positive reviews.
However, when I got it out of it's box, I found the stock to be badly scratched and the barrel to be well under the legal length. I wrote to Beretta and they said that was how it was designed.
I do not recommend this gun to anyone, as it is a danger to yourself when you fire it.
(read more)
22113_Mm.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 02/05/2002
best review. helped me a lot
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22494_Rob.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 06/05/2002
The Beretta 686 special is a world class sporting gun. Beretta do not manufacture illegal guns.
<br>Tally Ho either bought some dodgy bit of kit off of the back of a lorry or he has no idea what he is on about.
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26634_Mark.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 06/06/2002
I recently bought a 686 special second hand and it performs wonderfully. The stock is excellent and I don't have any issues with the trigger or barrel length at all. I have fitted Teague chokes to it (1/2 and 1/4 - English spec) and it knocks everything out of the sky I point it at.
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30888_Hotshot.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 28/07/2002
As Rob said it is a world class sporting shotgun. I have used quite a few top market guns and the Beretta 68's are extremly reliable and well built.
<br>I have never heard a fairy tale like that before on the way the gun was built and supposely illegal barrel length....You're meant to measure the barrel from the action to the end of the barrel, Not the end of the barrel to the forend.......Adding a reply yourself "tally ho" is just lame!!!
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35472_Hot Browning.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 30/08/2002
Lucky we have stringent gun laws in the UK - I'd hate to meet this guy with his mail order weapon!
<br>
<br>Interesting to hear about the Teague chokes - I'm looking into getting some myself (which is why Google found this review!!!)
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44098_I Love Sheep.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 16/10/2002
this tally ho dude is the best reviewer in the world. the berreta 686 is garbage and illegal.
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88236_Wing Shooter.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 11/04/2003
BERETTAS ARE GREAT GUNS. I HAVE A WHITEWING, SILVER PIGION, AND MY DAD OWNES A SILVER HAWK. MONETY SPENT ON A BERETTA GUN, SHOULD BE CONSIDERD AN INVESTMENT. BUY ONE YOU WONT REGRET IT!!
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95999_Muggs.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 08/05/2003
You talk rubbish. This Gun is very good, since when will Beretta design something dangerous and not comfortable? The scratched barrel was probably the packing fault not the actual gun. Ive had this gun for almost 3years and i go shooting every weekend, i've had no prblems at all and is very easy to maintain.
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Doc.'s Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 20/06/2003
The comments put forward by Tally . I have been using a Beretta shotgun to shoot many competitions. And this shotgun performs well round after round without fail. The wood is carefully chosen by the reputable company with the utmost scrutiny in order to uphold its excellent reputation. I recommend you attend the next Olympics or Major Competition in your area and look around, count how many Berettas you see!!
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Bf016A3399's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 13/12/2003
I have been shooting Clays vermine and game with a Beretta 686 sporting Onyx for as long as this gun came out, I have great respect for Beretta as it makes good all round guns I dont know what gun that nut is talking about it does not sound like a Beretta scatches on a gun does not make a gun shoot crooked and I think he has been tearing the bottom out of his trigger press the trigger gently dont tug at it. Good Shooting
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Calcuttr's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 15/02/2004
Even though i completely disregard these comments in any way, if "tally ho" does serve as a testament to anything, it is try before you buy. Not to is a waste of your money, and a gun to someone who would happily take it off the dealers hands, and enjoy it with a knowledge of guns that the person who wrote this reveiw obviously doesnt have.
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Platinum Matt's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 15/04/2004
I know very little about shotguns, but I'd say tally ho probably got a one in a hundred dodgy one or something. It was probably not his fault in anyway and perhaps he should try for a refund or new 686? Also nowhere in this review does it mention what gauge this shotgun is, please enlighten me :)
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Chris Willett's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 22/11/2004
As a real novice clay shooter I have found my lessons which have been on the 686 to be fine. I find the gun well balanced and I manage to hit the clays on a regular basis, what more can a novice want. So much so that I will probably buy a new 686/682 in the new year. I have also had a lesson with a Browning 525 which I found to be a cumbersome gun. Thats my view for what it is worth.
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Danny Boy30's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 03/11/2005
having just purchased a 686 i find it to be one of the best o/u guns i have ever had the pleasure of shooting with its smooth good looking furniture and easy to maintain working parts it is an absolute dream of a weapon ,im afraid tally ho old chap that you are talking out of ones hoop!!!!!
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Frekie's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 25/02/2008
I can't believe that Beretta would sell an illegal gun into the UK market. As for the scratches to the woodwork all I can say is this can happen in transportation and I've never heard of Beretta refusing to put this right. My experience of gun purchases made over thirty years and including guns such as Browning B25's, 325's, 425's, Winchester 101, Fabarm, Franchi, Lanber, Remington and yes Beretta, including 686's, 687EELL and SO grades, are that Beretta are overall the best quality and hold their price on re-sale.
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459918_Oursus's Response to 21800_tally ho.'s Review
Written on: 13/05/2009
For god's sake guys - this idiot is a Troll - wandering around the internet - trying to wind people up....we all know that a Beretta will not be supplied with illegal barrels - unless he bought a sawn-off from the local armed blagger!!!
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★★★★★
“This is a really nice looking streamline gun, the...”
Written on: 27/10/2001 by Pecontools.
This is a really nice looking streamline gun, the quality of manufacture is stunning and the vented centre and top rib looks the part. It performs as well as it looks, I have had no glitches with reliability, the only grievance I have is the action is very shallow and when breaking the gun the last part of the movement is stiff. This means that you have to open the gun with some authority or have to keep ensuring the gun is fully open, otherwise the cartridge cannot be inserted into the... (read more)
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 24/06/2012
i have just bought a beretta 686 special and im trying to find out what chokes you should get with this gun and what they are ie full choke,1/4 choke ect many thanks andy