Beretta Model Silver Snipe 12 GA 28″ Double Barrel O/U Shotgun MFD 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1455
LSB#: 220419JR007
Make: Beretta
Model: Silver Snipe
Serial Number: 63344
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (XIX date code)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Top-Break, Over/Under with Inertially Set Single Non-Selective Trigger (bottom barrel first) and Extractor
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “CHROMIUM MOLYBDENUM ALLOY STEEL” in front of the chamber and “P. BERETTA – GARDONE V.T. / CAL. 12 – MADE IN ITALY” on the chamber. The left of the top barrel is marked “*” and the bottom “**” under the forend. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with crowned “PB”, three Italian proofs, “S.55”, “63344” and “XIX” date code. Each side of the receiver is marked “PIETRO BERETTA / FOUNDED IN 1680 / SILVER SNIPE 12 GAUGE / MADE IN ITALY” and with Beretta’s rings and arrows logo at the hinge. The bottom of the receiver has an engraving of an angel with a ring over “P.BERETTA” and the front of the trigger plate has a knight’s helm over a shield marked “ARMS / AMMUNITION” and “MONOBLOC”. The water table has three Italian proofs and crowned “PB”, the left shoulder is marked “63344” behind the wing, the right “S.55”. The top of the forend iron is marked “63344”. The bottom of the forend has a medallion with an embossed silver snipe in flight.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver colored bead at the front of the ventilated rib. The top of the rib is checkered to reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lb., 3.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb, and ventilated brown rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. The stocks have several scattered light compressions, drag lines, scuffs and handling marks. There is some stubborn adhesive on the bottom of the forearm. The checkering has light handling wear and a light scuff on the right side of the grip, well defined and nearly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12″ to the end of the wood. The drop at comb is about 1 1/2″, drop at heel is about 2 1/16″. The cast is about neutral. The recoil pad remains soft and has scattered minor wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver Nitride
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There appears to be very light erosion in front of the top chamber, but this will likely prove to be stubborn fouling after a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The barrels have scattered minor marks, light wear from the forend which is concealed while assembled and light finish wear at the band of engraving at the front of the chamber. There is light thinning around the muzzle. The edges of the rib show minor thinning. The receiver has only light handling marks. The lever shows some faint surface oxidation. The trigger guard has thinning at edges and light finish wear. The exposed portion of the forend iron has handling wear on the bottom. The safety slider has handling wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action locks up tight with no play. 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 Silver Snipe is a great example of quality Beretta shotguns, and the Silver Snipe set the tone for the 680 series which was to follow. From the solid action to the beautiful contrast between the blue barrels and silver nitride receiver, this is a shotgun that will turn some heads at the range with performance to match its looks. The shotgun is in about Fine condition with some light wear in the stocks consistent with use in the field, about 94% of its metal finish, bright bores and strong mechanics. If you’re looking for a nice sporting shotgun, this is the one. Please see our photos and good luck!