Beretta Model 409 Silver Hawk 12 GA 26” Side by Side Shotgun, MFD 1961 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,075.00

LSB#:  LSB250722JS002

Make: Beretta

Model: Silver Hawk 

Serial Number: C46879

Year of Manufacture: 1961 (XVII date code.)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾”

Action Type: Top Break Box-lock Side by Side, Single Trigger and Extractors, with automatic reset safety. 

Markings: The frame has fine engraving with, “SILVER HAWK” on the bottom. The water table is marked, “C46879 / BERETTA / GARDONE V.T. ”.  The ironwork inside the beavertail foregrip is marked “C46879”.  The top of the barrels are marked, “CHROMIUM MOLYBDENUM ALLOY STEEL / PIETRO BERETTA / 12 GAUGE / FOUNDED IN 1680 / MADE IN ITALY”. The rib is marked, “BERETTA”. The barrel flats are marked “C46879 / CHOKE BERETTA / XVII”.  There are various Italian proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Fixed:  Right: Improved Cylinder.  Left:  Full.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is equipped with a brass bead front sight.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: This shotgun has a two piece checkered walnut stock with a beavertail forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight fluted comb, with a soft Pachmayr Old English rubber buttpad.  There are pressure dents throughout and a few  scratches. The checkering is smooth with deep valleys. There are no chips, cracks or areas of finish. The length of pull is 13.5”. Overall the wood is in Fine condition. The stock has a slight right hand cast. The drop at comb is, 1 1/2”. The drop at heel is, 2 1/4“.  It weighs 6lb, 13.3oz.

Type of Finish: Blued Barrels with a coin finished receiver. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The smooth bores are very bright. There is no erosion in the bores. There are a few longitudinal scratches. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates at a 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 99% of its metal finish.  The engraving is still sharp.  There is some wear in the action, but little field wear.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action locks up tightly with no play. The safety sets automatically after firing. 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:  Soft-Sided case.

Our Assessment:   Beretta was founded in 1526.  It has sold arms for every European war since 1650.  It is still run by a Beretta, Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO, 499 years after its founding.  This is a legacy that is hard for an American to comprehend.  

The Beretta model 409 is a classic side-by-side shotgun built by Beretta from 1934 to 1964.  The term Silver Hawk was an U.S. import term used in the 1950s and 1960s.  

This beautiful, yet functional shotgun is adorned with tasteful engraving, showcasing Beretta’s commitment to combining function with form. The shotgun’s balance and ergonomics contribute to its reputation for smooth handling and ease of use in the field.  It weighs a rather light 6pounds, 13.3 ounces but seems to this gun writer to tip the scales at even less — as it balances so well.  It has been well cared for.

There are two good reasons to check out our photos.  One would be that the potential bidder wants a fine, lightweight and stylish gun for his or her upland hunting that retains 12 gauge stopping power.  The other would be that he or she is a collector of fine Italian firearms and might enjoy indulging an aesthetic curiosity.  Either reason would do…succumbing to both reasons is possible.  -CB