Beretta Model BL-4 BL4 BL 4 12 GA 26″ M IC Over Under O/U Shotgun MFD 1973

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210215CG02

Make: Beretta

Model: BL-4

Serial Number: A391558B

Year of Manufacture: 1974 (XXX Date code)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Over Under O/U, Top Break, Single Selective Trigger Shotgun with Extractor

Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “P. BERETTA – GARDONE V.T.” in front of the chamber with “12 GA. – 2 3/4 IN. – 26 INCHES M/IC” at the chamber, the right of the top barrel is marked “HIGH STRENGTH CHROMIUM MOLYBDENUM STEEL – SS -” in front of the chamber and “THE GARCIA CORP., WASH., D.C” on the chamber. Under the forend, the left side of each barrel is marked with proofs. The left of the top barrel is marked “M” and the left of the bottom is marked “IC”. The monoblock is marked with the serial number, date code, “MADE IN ITALY”, and proofs. Each side of the receiver has “P. BERETTA / GARDONE V.T.” on a banner. The frame, trigger guard, and lever have scroll engraving. There is also decorative engraving on the forend iron and chamber. The shoulder behind the right wing is marked “CAL. 12”, the water table has Italian proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “MADE IN ITALY / ***”, “P. BERETTA”, and “BL-4” in circle. The interior of the forend iron is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Modified over Improved Cylinder, Fixed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bright steel bead fixed to the vent rib at the muzzle and there is a smaller alignment bead at the midsection. The rib is checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 6 lb., 13 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic buttplate. There are some scattered little compressions, dings, scratches, and draglines. The most noticeable defects are on the left side of the buttstock towards the heel, bottom of the forend at the front, and on the belly. The checkering has light rub wear but is strong. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 13 1/2″ to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The plate has some scattered marks mostly at the heel and toe. The cast is neutral. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There are a few very small spots of what appears to be either oxidation or fouling.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some thinning on the muzzles and there is some thinning on the bottom of the bottom barrel at the muzzle. There are a few little nicks through the finish and spots of oxidation on the trigger guard. There is a dent on the rib behind the midbead. There are a few scattered light marks and scuffs on the receiver. The lever is plum. There are light handling marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is recoil operated. The barrel selector is a switch on the safety-slider. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. 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 is an excellent example of an early, budget-minded, Beretta over-under field double gun. While their Sovrapposto (superimposed or SO) series guns were introduced in 1932, they were not aimed at the average hunter, but rather at wealthy patrons who were willing to pay a small fortune for a work of art. The BL series guns had everything you needed and nothing you didn’t, though there were six grades with varying levels of engraving. This example is a BL-4 in Very Good-Fine condition with minor wear, bright bores, and still locks up tight as a bank vault. With its 26″ barrels and Modified over Improved Cylinder choke, it ought to be great for upland bird hunting For the Beretta collector, it would also add nicely to a collection missing a BL series gun. Please see our photos and good luck!