Description
The Beretta 686 Vittoria Silver Pigeon I 20 Ga 28″ 2 3″ Silver/Blued Wood Right Youth/Compact Hand is a scaled-down, high-quality over-and-under shotgun designed for smaller-framed shooters. It offers the legendary Silver Pigeon reliability and handling in a 20-gauge package with a shorter length of pull, making it an ideal entry point into serious clay sports or hunting without the bulk of a full-size 12-gauge. At $1879.06, it represents a significant but value-conscious step up from entry-level guns, delivering Beretta’s renowned build quality and longevity where it counts.
Key Features
- Youth/Compact Frame: Shorter 13.5″ length of pull fits younger shooters or adults with smaller stature.
- 20-Gauge Chamber: Lighter recoil and weight than 12-gauge, perfect for learning or upland hunting.
- 28″ Barrels: Provides excellent swing dynamics for clays and birds.
- Silver/Blued Finish: Classic, durable aesthetic with a silvered receiver and blued barrels.
- Beretta Quality: Built on the proven 686 action known for its durability and smooth operation.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 2 3/4″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
| Length of Pull | 13.5 Inches |
| Chokes | Includes 3 Beretta Mobilchoke Tubes (IC, M, F) |
Weighing in at around 6.3 pounds, this shotgun is easy to carry all day in the field. The 20-gauge chambering handles 2 3/4″ shells, which are plentiful and offer a wide range of loads for everything from target practice to hunting small game. Here’s the thing—while it’s a ‘youth’ model, many adult shooters, particularly those with shorter arms, find this compact configuration to be a perfect, nimble fit. It’s a gun that can grow with a young shooter or serve an adult for a lifetime. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for a specific user. First, it’s for the young or new shooter stepping up from a single-shot or autoloader to a proper over-under. Second, it’s for the smaller-statured adult hunter or clay shooter who finds standard stocks too long. Finally, it’s for the value-focused buyer who wants a ‘forever gun’ from a top-tier maker like Beretta without stepping into the $3,000+ price bracket of their higher-grade models. It’s compatible with the vast ecosystem of Beretta Mobilchokes, the same system used on most of their field guns, so finding aftermarket tubes is simple.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Superior build quality and brand heritage for the price. The scaled dimensions are a genuine benefit, not a compromise. Lighter weight reduces fatigue. Uses proven, widely available Mobilchoke system. The 20-gauge offers manageable recoil, making practice more enjoyable. It’s essentially drop-in ready for the right-sized shooter, requiring no immediate gunsmithing for fit.
Cons: The price point is a serious investment compared to Turkish or budget American over-unders. The 2 3/4″-only chamber may limit versatility for some who want to shoot 3″ magnum waterfowl loads. The compact stock may eventually need to be replaced with a standard-length stock if a young shooter grows significantly, adding to long-term cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an adult use this youth model effectively?
A: Absolutely. Many adults, especially women or those with shorter arm lengths, prefer a shorter length of pull for better control and mount. The 28″ barrels and overall balance are identical to the full-size version, so performance isn’t sacrificed.
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for hunting?
A: Yes, with the right load. The 20-gauge is excellent for upland birds like pheasant, grouse, and quail, as well as for clay targets like skeet and sporting clays. It’s not typically recommended for larger game like geese or turkey, where a 12-gauge or a 20-gauge with a 3″ chamber is preferred.
Q: What’s the main value argument vs. a cheaper over-under?
A: Long-term durability and resale. A Beretta 686 is built on a steel action with proper locking lugs and a proven design. Less expensive guns often use lighter alloys and simpler mechanisms that may not hold up to tens of thousands of rounds. The Beretta will last generations and retain a much higher portion of its value.
If you’re seeking a heirloom-quality over-under that fits a smaller frame without sacrificing the performance Beretta is known for, the Silver Pigeon I Vittoria in 20-gauge warrants a close look. Check its availability for shipment to your local FFL.
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