The engraving is of a simple scroll design, which is very much in keeping with the place the Silver Pigeon holds in the market! It’s fair to say that it’s instantly recognisable as Beretta, as is the shape of the boxlock action both have worked well for so long, so why change it? Another feature on the forend, which I prefer, is there is no sharp scroll at the end, meaning that it flows in a sleek line, which is very much an advantage for those of us with large hands and long arms.Ĭhequering is diamond-cut, providing a firm grip, whilst not being too sharp. The slim forend still provides plenty of meat to maintain good control for those with larger hands, while not being too substantial so those with smaller paws either. Standard butt length is 14½-inches, but changing the LOP is relatively easy for any competent gunsmith, and as ever, I have taken it out to around 15 3/8-inches to fit me properly. My tester has rather well grained timber and the stock and forend match perfectly, the oil finish brings out the grain very well. The engraving and wood may not look as fancy, but it works just as well. The Silver Pigeon 1 is about the least expensive O/U made by Beretta but don’t think that makes it any less of a gun compared to more expensive models. While they are not the cheapest, they offer excellent value for money and will probably go on for ever, given the sort of use most shooters give their guns.

As the spark of interest has been re-ignited, so manufacturers have stepped up to the mark, offering many different grades to suit all pockets, and Beretta have certainly done their bit on this front. Improvements in ammunition in all calibres, has no doubt helped some of the less common numbers take their rightful place with all shooters.

On test is a 686 Silver Pigeon 1 in 28-bore, a calibre that’s becoming ever more popular and not just as a starting point for youngsters, but one for serious use too. They have a rightly deserved tradition of excellence that has been maintained since 1526, or to put it another way they have been making reliable and desirable firearms for a very long time! Beretta is synonymous with shooting and the manufacture of firearms and are probably the best known of the Italian manufacturers and doubtless in the top few on the world stage.

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