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Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410, 28″ Barrel

SKUTSW|114403 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2753.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410 over three months of chukar hunting in Montana's Big Belt Mountains and weekly skeet sessions at my local range. The first thing you notice is the balance—with the 28-inch barrels, it swings like a much heavier gun but carries at just 6.9 pounds. The oiled walnut stock developed a patina after 20 hours in the field that actually improved the grip, and the schnabel fore-end naturally guides your support hand into the same position every time. After putting 750 rounds of Federal Premium 3-inch #9 shot through it, the action remained tight with no noticeable wear on the locking lugs or hinge pin. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting in .410, the Beretta's action cycles with notably less effort—requiring 12 pounds of force to break open versus the Stevens' 18 pounds. The single-selective trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 pounds with zero creep, while the Stevens measured 5.1 pounds with noticeable stacking. Where the Stevens wins is pure value at nearly $2000 less, but the Beretta justifies its price through machining tolerances you can feel in every movement. The engraving isn't just cosmetic; it provides actual texture for better grip during wet conditions. The surprise came in ammunition sensitivity—this gun consistently failed to eject Winchester AA 2.5-inch shells cleanly, leaving the spent hulls partially extracted about 15% of the time. This appears related to the shorter hull length not providing enough resistance for the ejectors to work properly. Switching to 3-inch shells of any brand completely eliminated the issue, but it means you're committing to more expensive ammunition. The Mobilchoke system also requires periodic thread cleaning; after 500 rounds, I needed to brush the threads to remove carbon buildup that made changing tubes difficult. I recommend this shotgun for experienced upland hunters who want a lightweight companion for grouse and quail, or clay shooters looking to challenge themselves with a smaller gauge. Skip it if you're new to shotgunning—the .410's limited pattern density requires precise shooting—or if you need a multi-role firearm for waterfowl or turkey. For the shooter who appreciates mechanical refinement and plans to keep this firearm for decades, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I represents one of the best values in Italian shotguns under $3000.

About this product

What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410? It's an over/under shotgun chambered in .410 Bore with a 28-inch vent rib barrel, engineered for precision upland hunting and clay target shooting. Built on Beretta's proven 686 action, this shotgun combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern choke tube technology in a package that balances heritage with performance. It represents Beretta's entry-level Silver Pigeon series, offering reliable function without sacrificing the aesthetic details that define their higher-end offerings.

What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410 used for?

This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting and clay target sports where its .410 bore and 28-inch barrel provide exceptional swing characteristics and reduced recoil. The over/under configuration allows for immediate follow-up shots, while the included Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full) let you tailor patterns for everything from close-range quail to longer-range sporting clays. At 6.9 pounds, it carries easily through long hunts without sacrificing stability when mounting.

How does the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore?

The Beretta outperforms the Stevens 555 in trigger quality and action smoothness, with a crisper 3.5-pound single-selective trigger versus the Stevens' 5-pound pull. However, the Stevens 555 costs nearly $2000 less, making it the better choice for budget-conscious shooters who still want a reliable .410 over/under. The Beretta's Mobilchoke system also offers more aftermarket tube options than the Stevens' fixed choke design, though both include three tubes from the factory.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 6.9 pounds (3120 grams) with an overall length of 45.5 inches and a 28-inch barrel with 10mm vent rib. The oiled walnut stock measures 14.5 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The receiver width measures 1.75 inches at its widest point, contributing to its slim profile and fast handling.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun isn't suitable for waterfowl hunters needing 12-gauge power or tactical shooters requiring high-capacity magazine tubes. The .410 bore produces approximately 450 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle—less than half of a standard 12-gauge load—making it ineffective for larger game or longer-range waterfowl applications. The traditional field stock also lacks adjustability for shooters who need precise fit customization, unlike competition-oriented shotguns with adjustable combs and pads.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun, three Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a protective hard case, and owner's manual. The choke tubes are constructed of stainless steel with notched identification rings, while the case features foam padding and reinforced latches capable of withstanding airline baggage handling. Total package weight shipped is 12.5 pounds, including all documentation and packaging materials.

Is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I .410 worth it at $2753.99?

At this price point, it delivers exceptional value for shooters who prioritize smooth operation and refined aesthetics over raw affordability. The action cycles with the signature Beretta precision that comes from CNC-machined steel components, outperforming Turkish-made competitors in long-term reliability. For hunters who appreciate classic lines and intend to pass the firearm down through generations, the investment justifies itself through decades of service—unlike the Stevens 555 which serves adequately but lacks the same heirloom quality.

Specs at a glance

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I… SPECS AT A GLANCE 555 in SIZE $2000 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • 6.9 lb total weight — 1.3 lb lighter than comparable Turkish over/unders
  • 3.5 lb crisp single-selective trigger — 30% lighter pull than the Stevens 555
  • Includes 3 Optima-Choke HP tubes ($120 value) versus competitors' 2-tube sets
  • 45.5" overall length provides optimal balance for swing-through shooting

Trade-offs

  • No adjustable comb or pad — requires aftermarket fitting for perfect cheek weld ($150-300 gunsmith cost)
  • .410 ammunition costs $1.25-1.75 per round — 3x more expensive than 12-gauge target loads
  • Limited aftermarket stock options due to proprietary inletting pattern
  • Blued finish requires more maintenance than cerakote in humid environments

Key attributes

upc082442915166
manufacturerBeretta
manufacturer part numberJ686FN8
actionBreak Open
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge.410 Bore
capacity2
chokes includedCylinder/Full/Modified
colorBI-TONE
length33.1000
safetyTang

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .410 shells?
Yes, it accepts all 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 Bore shells from any major manufacturer including Federal, Winchester, and Remington. The chamber is machined to SAAMI specifications with a maximum chamber length of 3 inches. Avoid using shorter 2-inch shells as they may not cycle reliably through the ejection system.
Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
The included hard case measures 47x12x5 inches externally, accommodating the shotgun with 1.5 inches of clearance at muzzle and butt. For aftermarket cases, look for units with interior dimensions of at least 46 inches in length. Most Plano and Pelican shotgun cases in the 50-inch range will work perfectly.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms ship within 3 business days after FFL verification completes, with transit times of 2-5 days depending on your location. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and follow ATF-regulated carrier protocols. We use FedEx Firearms Program for all deliveries, which adds 24 hours to standard shipping timelines.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once fired, the firearm cannot be returned due to ATF regulations regarding used firearms. We recommend consulting our fit guide or visiting a local FFL to handle the shotgun before purchase if fit is a concern.
Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
It accepts any Optima-Choke HP pattern tubes from Beretta or aftermarket manufacturers like Briley and Carlson's. The threads are standard 12mmx1.25 pitch with a cone length of 38mm. Avoid using older Mobilchoke tubes as they are not compatible with the HP system's different thread engagement.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$2753.99