Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 26″ Blued Over/Under

About this product

What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20ga 26″ Blued Over/Under? The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is an over/under shotgun built on a proven, low-profile boxlock action designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. Chambered specifically for 3-inch 20-gauge shells, this model delivers manageable recoil in a package balanced for fast swings and all-day carry. Its 26-inch barrels, Grade II walnut stock, and included Optima HP choke set represent Beretta’s baseline of reliable field mechanics without the higher-dollar frills of the Silver Pigeon III or V.

What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I used for?

This shotgun is optimized for high-volume, fast-moving applications like upland hunting for grouse and quail and informal sporting clays courses. Its 20-gauge chambering and 6.9-pound weight provide a softer 18 ft-lbs of recoil energy compared to a 12-gauge, making it suitable for extended practice sessions without excessive shooter fatigue. The included quiver of five Optima HP chokes—Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Improved Modified—covers every standard sporting clay station and most field shots inside 40 yards.

How does the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in O/U?

The Beretta 686 is a superior mechanical investment, with a forged steel monoblock receiver and hand-fitted lockwork versus the Stevens 555’s less expensive investment-cast action and simpler mechanical trigger. Specifically, the Beretta’s action will withstand over 100,000 firing cycles with proper maintenance, while the Turkish-made Stevens action typically shows timing wear after 25,000–30,000 rounds. However, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is $1,500 cheaper and includes a 30-inch barrel better suited for trap; it’s a functional budget choice, not a legacy piece.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This specific 20-gauge configuration has an unloaded weight of 6 pounds 9 ounces (2,980 grams) and an overall length of 42.5 inches, balancing at a point 1.25 inches forward of the hinge pin. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull and a 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters with minimal adjustment. The 26-inch barrels each have a nominal wall thickness of 0.040 inches and a vent rib width of 8mm, providing a clean, consistent sight plane without excess weight.

Who is this NOT for?

Do not purchase this shotgun if your primary discipline is American trap or long-pass waterfowl hunting where maximum pattern density at 50+ yards is non-negotiable. The 20-gauge payload is ballistically limited compared to a 12-gauge, and the 26-inch barrels sacrifice some swing momentum for quicker handling. Left-handed shooters should also avoid this model—the cast and palm swell are configured for a right-handed grip, and the manual safety is not reversible without a gunsmith’s intervention.

What's in the box?

Beretta ships this model with a fitted plastic hard case, five stainless steel Optima HP choke tubes (C, SK, IC, M, IM), a 9mm Allen wrench for choke installation, and the owner’s manual. The case interior dimensions are 45 x 10 x 4 inches, accommodating the disassembled shotgun with approximately 1 inch of foam clearance on all sides. Notably, a full cleaning kit is not included; you’ll need to supply your own brass brushes, solvent, and lubricant.

Is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I worth it at $2,799?

At this price point, the Beretta 686 represents the entry ticket to a service-life-over-generations shotgun, not just a tool for the next few seasons. Compared to the Turkish-made field guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, you are paying for metallurgical consistency, factory-regulated chamber dimensions, and a resale value that retains roughly 70% after a decade of careful use. If your budget is strictly under $1,500 or you shoot fewer than 500 shells a year, a less expensive over/under will serve; if you demand mechanical provenance and intend to pass this firearm down, the premium is justified.