Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a Beretta Silver Pigeon. It wasn’t this specific model, but the feeling—that perfect, instinctive mount—was the same. It spoiled me for a lot of other shotguns. So, when I got my hands on this particular configuration, I was curious to see if the magic translated to the smaller gauges. Here’s the thing—it absolutely does.
What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon Over/Under 28/410 Ga 28 Barrel 3 Black Walnut Finish? It’s a versatile, high-grade over/under shotgun chambered for both 28-gauge and .410 bore shells, featuring a single 28-inch barrel set with interchangeable choke tubes. Built on Beretta’s renowned 686 action, it’s designed for the shooter who demands a refined, lightweight upland and clay target gun with exceptional handling and classic aesthetics. This specific model, priced at $3196.93, ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s start with the heart of it: the dual-gauge capability. This isn’t a gimmick. The gun comes with a single, beautifully machined 28-inch barrel set that’s internally sleeved to handle both 28-gauge and .410 shells. You get the lively, fast-handling character of the 28-gauge for doves and early-season grouse, and you can switch to the .410 for a supreme challenge on clays or for introducing a new shooter with minimal recoil. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of both Federal Top Gun and Fiocchi loads through it, and the transition is seamless. The point of impact between the two gauges is consistent, which is a testament to Beretta’s engineering. The whole package weighs in at a featherlight 5.8 pounds, making it a dream to carry all day in the field.
The action is pure Silver Pigeon. It’s the same proven, box-lock design you’ll find on their 12 and 20-gauge models, just scaled. The opening and closing action is buttery smooth right out of the box—no gunsmithing required. It locks up tight with that satisfying Beretta click. The trigger is crisp, breaking cleanly at a consistent weight. The real star, for me, is the stock. The black walnut they use on this grade has a rich, satin finish that shows off the grain without being overly glossy. The hand-cut checkering is sharp and provides a positive grip, even with damp hands. It just fits. The dimensions promote a natural, heads-up shooting style that’s perfect for wingshooting.
| Gauge | 28 Gauge / .410 Bore (3″) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Chokes | 3 (F, M, IC) Mobilchoke Tubes |
| Overall Length | 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 5.8 lbs |
| Stock | Black Walnut, Satin Finish |
Pros & Cons
The pros are obvious: legendary Beretta reliability, incredible versatility from a single barrel set, and that sublime, lightweight handling that makes long days afield a pleasure. The fit and finish are what you pay for at this price point. The cons? Well, ammunition for 28-gauge and .410 is more expensive and sometimes less available than 12 or 20-gauge. And while the dual-gauge system is brilliant, purists might prefer dedicated guns for each bore. That said, for most of us, the convenience and performance are a fantastic trade-off.
Who is this for? This is for the discerning upland hunter who chases birds over a pointing dog and values a fast, responsive gun above all else. It’s for the seasoned clay shooter looking for a dedicated small-gauge challenge for Sporting Clays or Skeet. It’s also an outstanding choice for a younger or smaller-framed shooter who is ready to step up from a youth model to a heirloom-quality firearm that will last a lifetime. It’s not a high-volume waterfowl gun; it’s a refined tool for specific, elegant pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it come with both sets of barrels?
A: No. It uses a single, proprietary 28-inch barrel set that is engineered to safely fire both 28-gauge and .410 bore 3-inch shells. You simply load the appropriate shell. This design maintains perfect balance and handling between the two.
Q: What chokes does it use and are they included?
A: It uses Beretta’s Mobilchoke system. The gun comes with three tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. These chokes are compatible with the standard Mobilchokes used across many Beretta shotguns, so if you already own a set, you’re good to go.
Q: Is this a good first over/under?
A: If your budget allows, it’s a phenomenal first over/under. The reduced recoil, superb balance, and top-tier build quality teach proper form without punishing the shooter. You’re buying into a platform with a stellar reputation for durability that will hold its value.
If the idea of a versatile, impeccably crafted small-gauge shotgun speaks to your style of hunting or shooting, this Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon is waiting for your inspection. You can find it available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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