Beretta Model S56E 28” 20GA 3” O/U Shotgun Fixed Full / MOD MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB250708MS016
Make: Beretta
Model: S56E
Serial Number: B48820B
Year of Manufacture: 1978 Beretta AD Date Code
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2.75″ and 3” Chamber.
Action Type: Top-Break, Over/Under with Single Selective inertial trigger with dual ejectors and auto resetting safety.
Barrel Length: 28” Barrels with a low vented rib that has been finely checkered for glare reduction.
Choke: Fixed chokes Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed brass bead mounted to the rib. There is also a brass mid-bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece checkered select walnut with a slab side forend, and the stock is a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb stock with Beretta plastic butt plate. The cast is slightly right handed and the LOP measures 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.5”. The wood shows scattered surface level lines and minor compressions. The most notable of which is on the right side of the belly of the forend. There is a notable compression on the belly of the stock in front of the toe towards the right side. There are no visible chips or cracks. The butt plate shows only minor wear. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. There is plastic fouling from wads present in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its finish. The receiver shows the majority of the finish loss, mainly the bottom in front of the trigger guard. Where the finish has rubbed away there is now some rust freckling. The left side barrel lugs also show finish loss. The balance of the finish shows some light wear and scattered minor marks. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp but show surface rust. Overall this shotgun is in Good+ to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action locks up tight with no play. The safety/selector does set automatically and functions properly when set manually. 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: This shotgun includes two snap caps.
Our Assessment: This Beretta S56E in 20 gauge, made in 1978, is a classic over/under field shotgun from Beretta’s long-running S-series line. This example is built with 28″ barrels chambered for 3″ shells, fitted with fixed Full over Modified chokes for versatile field use. It is equipped with automatic ejectors, an auto-resetting safety, and an inertial single trigger, all features designed to ensure fast handling and reliability in the field.
The shotgun is stocked in finely checkered walnut, showing the elegant fit and finish that Beretta is known for. The 20 gauge configuration offers lighter weight and excellent balance, making it well-suited for upland hunting. The S56E series has long been regarded as a durable and well-made working shotgun, and this 1978 example represents Beretta’s craftsmanship during a golden era of Italian shotgun production. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
