For those looking for a great value in an over/under shotgun, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I comes with high remarks from the Orion team. The firearm prioritizes function over form and has all the attributes to make it a worthy clay and field gun. The mechanical design is sound and proven for more than 35 years and it fits most people without need for much adjustment. To be frank, the price is deeply attractive considering the high ceiling on price for a reliable over-under.
Barrels Built for Precision
The 686 comes in all forms from the 26in field barrels to the 32in sporting. Gauges range from .410 bore to 12ga and can be found in combo barrel sets as well. They use a tri-alloy steel comprised of Nickel, Chromium, and Molybdenum. You’d be forgiven for thinking this alloy is what they call “Steelium” but the title refers to the overall technical process instead. In the words of Beretta, “Deep drilling, cold hammer forging, vacuum distension” all come together to provide the shooter with “smoother ballistics that help reduce recoil and muzzle rise effect, ensuring perfect, dense and uniform patterns with any type of ammunition”. In part this is thanks to forcing cones. Forcing cones accomplish these by gradually constricting and widening along the barrel bringing the shot together and widening them at a much later point producing a tighter pattern further out. Beretta grades their barrels based on how long the forcing cones go into the length of the barrel. Their grading for the length of forcing cones ranks as: Steelium, Steelium Plus, Steelium Pro, Steelium Pro X. In the Silver Pigeon series graded at “Steelium”, the forcing cone is the first 80mm of the barrel beginning from the end of the chamber.
Receiver and Engravings
The lock up on these firearms encompasses a boxlock design that has proved reliable throughout the years. Little has changed in this regard and the 2024 updated model now possesses a smoother and redesigned top lever and “improved receiver balance.” Prior to the 2024 release the SPI was engraved with “vines and grapes” and now they have moved on to a design with floral motifs which fill the space more completely along the sides and bottom, while also now extending to the receiver tail. The designs are laser engraved with a relatively shallow relief compared to more expensive models such as the 687 Silver Pigeon V. The engraving colors also lack a sharp contrast found in models like the 687 Diamond Pigeon.
European Walnut Stock and Fit
Besides mechanical features this firearm is one of the few at this price point that sports engraving, european walnut, and oiled wood. The wood doesn’t have much notable grain either. It’s a very flat look without much contrast or pop found on the Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III and 687 Silver Pigeon V. Designed to fit most, the grip has a thin pistol style with practically no palm swell. In addition to the wide variety of models that fill various niches of sport or fit, there is also a set of Berettas geared toward fitting most women. These models are called “Vittoria” and sport greater toe cast at the stock for a better fit. They also have what the Beretta website calls a Semi-Monte Carlo stock that bridges the distance between shoulder and cheek better than a regular stock would. Note that these features are most commonly beneficial to women but are not exclusive. We urge everyone to buy the gun that fits them best.
Accessories and Options
Starting in 2025, the Beretta Silver Pigeon I will include B-Fast adjustable combs and integrated Kick-Off recoil system options. The B-Fast allows for precise adjustments to comb height and balance weights, while the Kick-Off system minimizes recoil and is built directly into the stock. These updates elevate the SPI’s performance, further enhancing its reputation as one of the best entry-level shotguns. The package also includes a hard case and a set of chokes, rare at this price point.
In Conclusion
The Beretta Silver Pigeon I is a shotgun that emphasizes functionality without losing sight of tradition. While it doesn’t boast the aesthetic flourishes of higher-grade models, its robust design and versatile features make it a standout choice for both newcomers and seasoned shooters.