Beretta Model S56E S-56-E 20 GA 26″ M/IC Over Under Shotgun MFD 1979
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 211204EJ04
Make: Beretta
Model: S56E
Serial Number: B05855B
Year of Manufacture: 1979 (AE Date Code)
Gauge: 20 Gauge 3″ Shells
Action Type: Top-Break, Over/Under with Single Selective Inertial Trigger and Individual Ejectors
Markings: The top tang is marked “B05855B”. The water table is marked with Italian proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “MADE IN ITALY” and “P. BERETTA”. The trigger plate is marked “S 56 E / PATENT”. The trigger guard has scroll engraving. The sides of the receiver are marked “P. BERETTA / GARDONE V.T.”. The receiver has scroll engraving. The left of the top chamber is marked “20 GA. 3 IN. – 26 INCHES M/IC” and the right is marked “BERBEN CORPORATION N.Y.-N.Y.”. The left side of the top barrel is marked “P. BERETTA GARDONE V.T.” and the right side is marked “HIGH STRENGTH CHROMIUM MOLYBDENUM STEEL -S-“. The bottom of the monoblock is marked “MADE IN ITALY / B05855B”, with proof marks, and the date code. The bottom of the lower barrel is marked “BB7M”.The left sides of the barrels have proofs under the stock line. The forend iron is marked “05855”.
Barrel Length: 26” Vent Rib
Choke: Modified over Improved Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead at the front of the rib and there is a smaller alignment bead at the midsection. The rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 5 lbs, 11 oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and serrated black plastic Beretta buttplate. The most noticeable defect is a crack on the toe. There are some scattered light handling marks, small compressions, and draglines. There are a few minor scuffs. The checkering is generally strong with light handling wear. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Beretta buttplate. The drop at the comb measures approximately 1 1/2” and 2 3/8” at the heel. The cast is about neutral. The plate has some scattered wear, mostly at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered spots of surface oxidation and discoloration from previous oxidation on the metal, some of the most noticeable is scattered over the left side and bottom of the barrels. There are a couple little nicks through the finish. There is light handling wear and standard operational wear. There is finish loss on the trigger and lever from use. One of the red beads is missing from the safety. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety automatically engages. 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: Beretta is one of the oldest manufacturing houses that has been producing some of the best quality competition shotguns around, and this piece is no exception. With the immense quality of a Beretta, beautiful finishing and nice walnut stocks, this is a gun that comes alive in your hands and promises to be an absolute nightmare for both clay and flesh birds. This is a Model S56E chambered in 20 gauge with 26″ barrels choked Modified over Improved Cylinder. This is a quality Italian shotgun with nice lines and crisp mechanics. Drop a bid on this 20 gauge if you’re looking to challenge yourself at the range or want a nice lightweight gun that can be carried all day chasing birds. Please see our photos and good luck!