The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III in 20 gauge is a highly sought-after over-and-under shotgun, prized for its blend of elegance, reliability, and performance. This review delves deep into its features, handling, and overall shooting experience, providing a comprehensive guide for potential buyers.
Design and Aesthetics
The Silver Pigeon III exudes classic shotgun elegance. Its sleek lines and finely-detailed engraving, available in various styles, make it a head-turner on the sporting clays range or in the hunting field. The 20 gauge model maintains the iconic Beretta design but with a scaled-down grace that makes it exceptionally well-balanced and comfortable to handle. The quality of the materials is evident, from the carefully selected wood to the meticulously crafted metalwork. Beretta's attention to detail is palpable, contributing to the shotgun's overall luxurious feel.
Key Design Features:
- Steel receiver: Provides strength and durability, essential for a shotgun that will likely endure years of use.
- Steelium Plus barrels: Known for their exceptional strength and precision, contributing to consistent shot patterns.
- Selective trigger: Allows for choosing between the top or bottom barrel, enhancing versatility in various shooting situations.
- Adjustable comb: This allows for a personalized fit, maximizing comfort and improving accuracy. This feature is crucial for shooters of all sizes and styles.
- Hand-finished stock: The beautifully crafted stock enhances not only the aesthetics but also contributes to the overall feel and balance of the gun.
Handling and Performance
The 20 gauge Silver Pigeon III is renowned for its exceptional handling. The reduced weight compared to its 12-gauge counterpart makes it exceptionally maneuverable, particularly beneficial for extended shooting sessions or challenging hunting situations. The balanced weight distribution ensures smooth swings and quick target acquisition. The recoil is manageable, even for less experienced shooters.
Shooting Experience:
- Recoil Management: The 20 gauge's lighter recoil is a significant advantage, promoting faster follow-up shots and reducing shooter fatigue.
- Swinging Characteristics: The balanced weight distribution translates to effortless swings, crucial for achieving consistent accuracy.
- Pointing Instincts: Many shooters find the Silver Pigeon III inherently points well, enhancing their intuitive shooting abilities.
- Versatility: Its suitability for various disciplines, from sporting clays to hunting, contributes to its widespread appeal.
Versatility and Applications
The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III 20 gauge shines in its versatility. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for upland bird hunting, where quick target acquisition is critical. It's equally at home on the sporting clays course, demonstrating excellent accuracy and reliability. The 20-gauge versatility allows for effective hunting of smaller game while still delivering sufficient stopping power for larger birds.
Ideal Uses:
- Upland Bird Hunting: The lightweight design is perfect for carrying throughout the day while maintaining maneuverability.
- Sporting Clays: The gun's balance and precision enhance accuracy and score.
- Dove Hunting: Its quick handling makes it effective for fast-moving targets.
Conclusion
The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III 20 gauge is a premium over-and-under shotgun that blends timeless elegance with exceptional performance. Its lightweight design, balanced handling, and versatility make it an ideal choice for various shooting disciplines. While it represents a significant investment, the quality, craftsmanship, and longevity of the Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III justify its price for discerning shooters seeking a top-tier firearm. The 20 gauge variant particularly appeals to those seeking a lighter, more maneuverable shotgun without sacrificing performance or reliability.
