Beretta S686 Rifle

You’ll find the Beretta S686 Double Rifle is an over-under hunting firearm chambered for 12 bore, 70mm cartridges, produced from 1987-1992. It features full choke upper barrel and modified choke lower barrel, weighing 7 lb 3 oz with barrel lengths of 26″, 28″, or 30″. The rifle’s Italian craftsmanship includes European walnut stock, blue-finished steel barrels, and inertia trigger mechanism. Its proven reliability spans thousands of rounds without malfunction, making it ideal for dangerous game hunting applications across diverse terrains where professional performance standards matter most.

Key Takeaways

• Over-under double rifle chambered in 12 bore with 70mm cartridges, featuring full choke upper and modified choke lower barrels.
• Manufactured by Beretta from 1987-1992, weighing 7 lb 3 oz with barrel length options of 26″, 28″, and 30″.
• Premium Italian craftsmanship with high-quality steel construction, European walnut stock, and laser-engraved floral receiver patterns.
• Proven reliability for dangerous game hunting, including leopards, with documented field performance across diverse terrains worldwide.
• Current pricing ranges from $2,599-$3,249 new, with used models averaging $932 at 80% condition due to discontinued status.

Description

The Beretta S686 stands as an over-under double rifle engineered for 70mm cartridges, delivering the precision and reliability that defines Italian firearms manufacturing.

You’ll find the Beretta S686 Special features a fully choked barrel above and modified choke below. This BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON configuration excels for bird shooting and Sambhar deer hunting, though exercise caution when firing SG cartridge through choked barrels.

Price Range

While the S686’s engineering excellence speaks for yourself, you’ll find its pricing reflects its premium Italian craftsmanship and performance capabilities. This Beretta fire arms investment varies significantly between new and used markets, with walnut stock quality affecting value.

Condition	Price Range	Average
New	$2,599-$3,249	$2,590.02
Used (80%)	$905-$1,600	$932.38
Trade-in	–	$1,683.51

Specifications

You’ll find the Beretta S686’s specifications reflect its dual-purpose design for versatile hunting applications. The rifle’s technical parameters directly impact your shooting performance across different game types. Understanding these core specifications helps you maximize the firearm’s effectiveness in field conditions.

Specification	Detail
Chambering	12 bore, 70mm cartridges
Barrel Configuration	Over-under double barrel
Choke System	Upper: Full choke, Lower: Modified choke

Weight

How does the S686’s weight impact field performance? At 7 lb 3 oz, the Beretta S686 Special delivers optimal balance between maneuverability and stability. You’ll find this weight distribution enhances your swing dynamics while maintaining bore alignment during rapid target acquisition.

The S686’s engineered mass reduces muzzle jump, providing consistent follow-up shot placement in demanding hunting scenarios.

Barrel Length

Available in three distinct configurations, the Beretta S686 offers barrel lengths of 26, 28, and 30 inches to accommodate varying field applications and shooter preferences.

You’ll find the longer 30-inch configuration particularly effective for challenging scenarios requiring extended range capabilities, whether you’re tracking dangerous game like a man-eating leopard or engaging distant targets in open terrain conditions.

Material Made Out Of

Beyond the barrel length considerations, the S686’s construction materials reflect Beretta’s commitment to manufacturing excellence and durability. You’ll find high-quality steel comprising the barrels, receiver, and action components, while finely figured European walnut forms the stock and forearm.

The blue-finished barrels feature matte texture, and laser-engraved floral patterns adorn the receiver—details our site uses cookies to help showcase effectively.

Chambered In

When examining the S686’s chambering specifications, you’ll discover it’s designed for 70mm cartridges, delivering substantial power for diverse hunting scenarios. The chambers accommodate these cartridges effectively, providing optimal performance from bird shooting to Sambhar deer hunting.

This chambering configuration works like cookies to help personalise your hunting experience, matching cartridge selection to specific game requirements and hunting conditions.

Capacity

The S686’s dual-barrel configuration provides a 2-shot capacity through its over-under design, offering immediate follow-up capability for hunting scenarios. You’ll find this capacity sufficient for most field applications, with the upper and lower chambers each accepting one 70mm cartridge.

The design eliminates magazine loading mechanisms, ensuring reliable feeding and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining optimal shot placement control.

Trigger Pull

Although most rifles utilize mechanical trigger systems, the S686 employs an inertia trigger mechanism that delivers exceptional performance characteristics. You’ll experience trigger pull weights ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 pounds with crisp, consistent feel and smooth operation without creep.

Safety?

Safe operation of this over-under double rifle requires understanding its dual-barrel configuration and choke specifications. You must exercise caution when firing SG cartridges through choked barrels to prevent muzzle damage.

The upper barrel’s full choke and lower barrel’s modified choke demand specific ammunition selection.

Professional hunters register successful dispatches using proper safety protocols when engaging dangerous game like man-eating leopards.

Action

Beretta’s S686 operates through a break-action mechanism that chambers 70mm cartridges in its over-under barrel configuration. The Model S features an innovative opening lever system that’s smoother than previous 686 iterations.

You’ll find the upper barrel fully choked while the lower maintains modified choke constriction. This dual-barrel design maximizes versatility across hunting applications from birds to dangerous game.

Optic Ready?

Unlike many modern firearms, the S686 doesn’t come equipped with integral optic mounting systems or accessory rails. This over-under shotgun lacks receiver provisions for scope attachment, maintaining its traditional design philosophy. You’ll rely on the fixed front bead sight for target acquisition.

The B-Fast® stock configuration emphasizes quick handling rather than optic compatibility, prioritizing instinctive shooting techniques.

Picatinny Rail?

The S686 strips away modern tactical features, leaving no provision for Picatinny rail mounting systems. You’ll find no integrated rail sections on this traditional over-under double rifle.

The fixed stock configuration maintains classic hunting aesthetics without accommodation for tactical accessories. Beretta designed this rifle for conventional hunting applications, prioritizing traditional functionality over modern mounting capabilities for optics or accessories.

Review

You’ll find the S686 offers distinct advantages through its over-under configuration and dual choke system, though you should consider its limitations for specific hunting scenarios.

The rifle’s reliability stems from Italian craftsmanship and robust 70mm cartridge performance, making it particularly effective for experienced hunters targeting diverse game from hares to large deer.

Professional hunters and seasoned sportsmen typically favor this platform for its versatility, though you’ll need to evaluate both strengths and weaknesses before selection.

Pros

When evaluating the Beretta S686’s performance capabilities, several distinctive advantages become immediately apparent. You’ll appreciate its hunting versatility through over-under configuration, enabling diverse applications. The 70mm chambering delivers exceptional power for larger game. Steelium® Optimabore® HP chokes ensure dense shot patterns while reducing recoil effectively.

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Chambering	70mm	Enhanced power delivery
Choke System	Optimabore® HP	Uniform shot patterns
Design	Over-under	Multi-barrel versatility
Construction	Steelium® barrels	Reduced recoil impact

Cons

Despite its notable strengths, the Beretta S686 presents several design limitations that merit careful consideration. You’ll encounter ammunition restrictions with the 70mm chamber configuration, limiting cartridge selection.

Limitation	Impact	Consideration
Over-under design	Layout preference issues	Side-by-side familiarity
Fixed choke configuration	Reduced barrel flexibility	Hunting scenario adaptation
Remington SG compatibility	Potential muzzle damage	Half choke barrel caution

Reliability

Although the S686 faces certain design constraints, its reliability record stands as perhaps its most compelling attribute. You’ll find thousands of rounds fire without malfunctions, thanks to premium Steelium® barrels and meticulous manufacturing.

The smooth, well-engineered action operates consistently after years of regular use. This uncompromising reputation makes it exceptionally popular among experienced hunters and marksmen.

Most Commonly Used By

Professional hunters across diverse terrains have consistently chosen the S686 as their primary hunting companion, with documented field experience spanning decades of successful game management.

You’ll find experienced hunters from Darjeeling’s mountainous regions to Bangladesh’s Sundarban forests relying on this rifle’s proven performance. Professional hunters particularly value its versatility for dispatching dangerous game, including documented man-eating leopards.

Similar Models

When exploring alternatives to the Beretta S686 rifle, you’ll find several comparable over-under double rifle configurations from both Beretta and competing manufacturers.

The 686 series includes exotic models with varying choke combinations – fully choked upper barrels paired with modified lower barrels. These 12-gauge, 70mm chambered configurations deliver versatile hunting performance for dangerous game applications requiring precision and power.

Similar Models From Other Manufacturers

How do competing manufacturers stack up against Beretta’s S686 rifle platform? You’ll find excellent alternative recommendations including Winchester’s Model 21, Browning’s Citori, and Remington’s 3200, all delivering comparable performance.

CZ’s Redhead Premier offers exceptional workmanship, while Krieghoff’s K-80 provides premium craftsmanship with superior shooting characteristics. Each manufacturer brings distinct engineering approaches to over-under shotgun design.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance of the Beretta S686 requires methodical attention to several critical components that directly impact reliability and longevity. You’ll need to clean the barrel, action, and trigger mechanism after each use.

Preventative maintenance includes lubricating pivot points, inspecting firing pins, and checking extractor function. Store your rifle in controlled humidity conditions to prevent corrosion and wood warping.

History

Although Beretta discontinued the S686 Double Rifle after just five years of production (1987-1992), this over-under hunting rifle established itself as a formidable field weapon among serious hunters. The manufacturer background reveals Beretta’s Italian craftsmanship excellence, creating a versatile platform chambered for 70mm cartridges.

You’ll find this rifle’s proven field performance includes successfully dispatching dangerous game like man-eating leopards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is the Beretta 686?

When considering Beretta 686 pricing considerations, you’ll find new models averaging $2,590.02, while used versions typically cost $1,434.44.

You can expect to pay between $2,599-$3,249 for new shotguns, with used models ranging $905-$1,600.

If you’re trading in an 80% condition unit, you’ll receive approximately $1,683.51.

Private party transactions maintain these same valuation parameters, ensuring you’re working with consistent market-based pricing structures across all purchase channels.

Is the Beretta 686 a Good Gun?

Precision-proven performance defines your reliability assessment of this exceptional firearm. You’ll find the 686’s meticulously-machined action delivers consistent cycling and dependable ejection across thousands of rounds.

The Steelium barrel construction provides superior durability while Optimabore chokes ensure repeatable shot patterns. You’re investing in Italian craftsmanship that’s earned its reputation through rigorous field testing.

The 686’s mechanical tolerances, premium metallurgy, and proven track record make it a technically sound choice for serious shooters demanding unwavering performance.

What Is the Difference Between Beretta 686 and 688?

You’ll find the primary difference between the Beretta 686 and 688 lies in their barrel configuration: the 686 features an over-under design while the 688 uses a side-by-side arrangement.

Both shotguns don’t utilize magazine capacity since they’re break-action firearms with two-shot capability. You’ll notice the 686 has a narrower, streamlined receiver versus the 688’s wider, squared-off frame.

The 686 offers more gauge options including 28-gauge, while the 688’s limited to 12 and 20-gauge configurations.

What Gun Is the S686?

Like a Swiss watchmaker’s precision instrument, you’re looking at an over-under action shotgun that exemplifies Italian craftsmanship.

The S686 is Beretta’s double-barrel configuration featuring superimposed barrels with distinct choke specifications. You’ll find the upper barrel carries full choke restriction while the lower maintains modified choke geometry.

This over-under action shotgun delivers versatility through its dual-barrel system, enabling you to select appropriate choke constriction for varying shot patterns and hunting applications.

Conclusion

You’ve discovered the S686 isn’t actually a rifle—it’s Beretta’s over/under shotgun, brilliantly demonstrating how firearm terminology works when you’re shopping online at 2 AM. You’ll appreciate the 12 or 20-gauge chambering, selective triggers, and automatic ejectors, assuming you can overlook the minor detail that shotguns fire shells, not cartridges. Don’t worry—every seasoned hunter has confused smoothbore and rifled barrels at least once during their illustrious career.