Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon

Silver Pigeon I vs. II vs. III: What Changes Between Grades?

All five Silver Pigeon grades use the same 680-series action, barrel quality, and Optima-HP choke system. What changes is the wood and engraving. The Silver Pigeon I features standard walnut with basic engraving—the most common choice for hunting and everyday clay shooting. The Silver Pigeon II adds enhanced wood figure and more detailed engraving coverage. The Silver Pigeon III moves to premium walnut with hand-checkering and more elaborate scroll work. The Silver Pigeon IV and V represent fine gun territory with exhibition-grade wood and deep engraving. For most shooters, the Silver Pigeon I or II delivers everything that matters ballistically and mechanically—the higher grades are primarily for collectors and presentation guns.

686 Silver Pigeon Gauges: 12, 20, 28, and .410

The Silver Pigeon is available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge and .410 bore. The 12-gauge is the most versatile all-purpose option for sporting clays, upland hunting, and waterfowl. The 20-gauge Silver Pigeon is a favorite for upland hunting where weight matters—it balances beautifully and handles high-volume shooting without fatigue. The 28-gauge builds an almost mystical following among upland hunters and small-bore clay shooters for its pointability and gentle recoil. The .410 Silver Pigeon is the specialist’s choice, demanding the most precision but rewarding skilled shooters. Each gauge shares the same action geometry, so a Silver Pigeon shooter who knows the 12 will feel at home immediately in the smaller bores.

Silver Pigeon vs. Browning Citori: The Classic Over-Under Rivalry

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon and Browning Citori have competed for the American over-under market for decades. Both are quality Italian and Japanese-made O/Us respectively, with similar price points across comparable grades. The Beretta uses a boxlock action with trunnions set into the monobloc; the Browning uses a traditional boxlock with a slightly different geometry. Fit and feel vary between them—Beretta tends toward a flatter rib and more neutral stock dimensions, while the Citori’s stock geometry has historically suited American-style sporting clays. For the buyer choosing between them, a shoulder mount and swing of each is the definitive test; both are excellent guns that will last generations with proper care.

Optima-HP Chokes: Beretta’s Extended Choke System

The Silver Pigeon ships with five Optima-HP flush choke tubes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. Beretta’s Optima-HP chokes use a longer parallel section than standard Mobilchokes, improving shot pattern consistency, especially with larger shot sizes. Aftermarket Optima-HP chokes from Kicks, Carlson’s, and Patternmaster expand the options for specific applications including extended chokes for sporting clays and turkey hunting. The system is widely supported and the tubes are interchangeable across all 680-series Beretta shotguns—if you already own other Beretta O/Us, your choke collection transfers directly to the Silver Pigeon.

Silver Pigeon for Sporting Clays, Hunting, and Gifting

The Silver Pigeon I is the workhorse choice for serious sporting clays and skeet shooters who want Italian quality without the premium of the DT11 or A400 competition series. It handles 10,000–20,000+ rounds between service intervals and is rebuildable by any competent gunsmith. For upland hunting, the Silver Pigeon’s slim lines and pointability make it a natural wing-shooting gun that carries well in the field all day. As a gift for a milestone birthday, retirement, or significant achievement, the Silver Pigeon III or IV carries enough visual distinction to communicate the occasion while remaining a functional sporting firearm the recipient will actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions: Beretta Silver Pigeon

What is the difference between the Beretta 686 and 687 Silver Pigeon?
The 686 Silver Pigeon is the base grade over/under with a silver receiver and standard wood finish. The 687 Silver Pigeon is the premium grade with enhanced engraving, higher-grade wood, and more refined fit and finish. The 687 Silver Pigeon EELL is the top of the Silver Pigeon range with hand-engraved receivers and exhibition-grade walnut. All grades share the same reliable 680-series action.

What is the Beretta 500 Years Limited Edition?
The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon 500 Years Limited Edition is a commemorative release celebrating Beretta’s 500th anniversary, produced in a total of 1,526 units each of hunting and sporting configurations — the number 1,526 reflecting the year of Beretta’s founding. The engraved receiver features intricate artwork commemorating five centuries of Beretta history and is considered a collector piece as well as a functional shotgun.

Is the Beretta Silver Pigeon good for sporting clays?
Yes — the Silver Pigeon is one of the most widely used over/under shotguns in sporting clays and skeet competition. Its reliable 680-series action, Optima-HP choke system, and broad gauge availability make it suitable for all clay target disciplines. The Silver Pigeon E (Sporting) configuration is specifically optimized for sporting clays with extended chokes and competition-oriented stock dimensions.

What chokes does the Beretta Silver Pigeon use?
The Silver Pigeon uses Beretta’s Optima-HP extended choke system on most configurations. These are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes from Beretta, Kicks, Patternmaster, and other manufacturers that produce Optima-HP pattern chokes.

What gauges is the Beretta Silver Pigeon available in?
The Beretta Silver Pigeon is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. The 20 gauge and 28 gauge configurations are particularly popular for upland hunting where a lighter gun is preferred for all-day carry in the field.

See Also: Beretta Firearms • Over/Under Shotguns • Browning • Semi-Auto Shotguns