Beretta Model S686 Special 28 GA 28″ Over Under O/U Shotgun MFD 1985
SOLD FOR: $1875
LSB#: 211204EJ12
Make: Beretta
Model: S 686 Special
Serial Number: E02485B
Year of Manufacture: 1985 (AN Date Code)
Gauge: 28 Gauge 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break, Over/Under with Single Selective Trigger and Individual Ejectors
Markings: The top tang is marked “E02485B”. The water table is marked with Italian proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “MADE IN ITALY”, “P. Beretta / GARDONE V.T.”, and “Mod. S 686 SPECIAL”. The trigger plate is marked “PATENTED”. Each side of the receiver is marked “P. Beretta”. The receiver has scroll engraving coverage. The left top barrel is marked “P. Beretta – Gardone V.T. – ITALY -“, “PB” in oval and “28 GA. 2 3/4 IN. – 28 INCHES F/M” on the left, the right is marked “BERBEN CORPORATION N.Y.-N.Y. / MADE IN ITALY”. Below the forend, the left of each barrel has a series of Italian proofs and the bottom is marked “HIGH STRENGTH CR. MO. STEEL S. CAL. 28“. The left sides of the barrels also have proofs. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with Italian proofs and “AN” in box date code and the serial number. The bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “BB”. The inside of the forend iron is marked “02485”.
Barrel Length: 28″ Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead on the barrel at the front of the rib. The rib is checkered for glare reduction
Weight: 6 lb. 0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, inlaid initial plate on the bottom of the pistol grip, finger groove forend, and a serrated black plastic Beretta buttplate. There are some scattered draglines, minor scuffs, a few marks through the finish, and some light compressions. Some of the most noticeable marks are on the comb towards the heel and right side of the forend behind the checkering. There are a few light handling marks. The checkering is mostly strong. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The drop at comb measures approximately 1 7/16” and 2 3/16” at the heel. The cast is neutral. The pad has light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. There is a bit of stubborn fouling that should clean up with patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 97% of its metal finish. There is a dent in the rib at about the midsection. There is light handling wear on the frame. There are some little scuffs and tiny little nicks through the finish scattered over the barrels. There is some spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation on the bright front of the rib and muzzles. There is some standard operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The action locks up tight with no play. The safety engages automatically when opening the action. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Beretta S686 Special in 28 gauge that has a 28” barrel set choked Full over Modified. The 686 is built around an action that has become an unrivaled benchmark for over-unders. It features a dual locking-lug system that ensures both strength and sleekness: the dual lugs in the middle of the action dispense with the need of a cross-bolt on top, thus enabling the receiver to be thin and low-profile. The point of balance is right at the hinge-pin, meaning that this Beretta shotgun will shoulder and point better than other brands costing several times as much. This shotgun is in Fine condition and has some light use. When aiming the eye is quickly drawn to the bead and the dent in the rib is hardly noticed, I would certainly have no issues with dusting some clays or dropping some birds with this shotgun. This is a well made Italian double gun made by one of the best, it will serve its new owner well for years to come. Please see our photos and good luck!