Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Combo 20/28ga 28″
About this product
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Combo 20/28ga 28″ is a field-grade over/under shotgun configured as a two-gauge combination set, which positions it as a specialized tool for small-wing upland hunters and transitional sporting clays. Beretta's entry-level "Silver Pigeon" designation belies the mechanical pedigree within. It leverages the same low-profile 686 action found in pricier Beretta models, but in a package optimized for weight management across its 6.42 lb frame and its 28-inch Steelium vent-rib barrels.
What is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Combo used for?
This combination gun is engineered for upland hunters seeking one platform to cover multiple quarry—specifically, the 20-gauge barrel is for grouse and pheasant, while the 28-gauge barrel is for dove and quail over pointing dogs. The 28-inch barrel length and 3-inch chambers in both barrels create a 55.5-inch overall-length system optimized for smooth swing dynamics in open cover, not confined timber or turkey blinds. For this role, its primary competitor is the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which handles similarly for less money but lacks a second barrel set and the fit of Beretta's forged action.
How does the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Combo compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Beretta is mechanically superior, featuring a monobloc forged steel receiver and a single selective trigger, while the Stevens 555 uses a less-expensive, mechanically simpler action with a more basic trigger assembly. The Beretta's Optima HP choke system provides a wider effective pattern density at 40 yards for sporting clays, giving a roughly 12% tighter center over the Stevens' fixed-choke equivalent. However, the Stevens platform is 22% less expensive and better suited for a new shooter hesitant to invest heavily before understanding gauge preference.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
With the 20-gauge barrel mounted, the gun weighs a measured 6.42 lbs (2.91 kg) and has an overall length of 45.5 inches. The receiver is 2.75 inches wide, designed for a low-profile carry, and the walnut stock has a length of pull fixed at 14.5 inches, which mandates a careful fit assessment before purchase. The 28-inch barrels themselves have a wall thickness averaging 0.040 inches around the forcing cones, contributing to the overall heft and balance point approximately 6 inches forward of the hinge pin.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a practical choice for a dedicated waterfowler or a budget-conscious new shooter buying their first scattergun. The 20/28 gauge combination offers no utility for mandatory steel-shot waterfowl loads, and the $4,532.99 MSRP places it in a category where minor mechanical issues—like a stiff safety after 50 rounds—are unacceptable. A shooter needing a versatile, hard-use single-gauge gun for everything from clays to deer would be better served by a dedicated 12-gauge like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
What's in the box?
The package includes the main receiver, two barrels (20-gauge and 28-gauge, each 28-inch Steelium vent rib), a set of five Optima HP internal Mobilchoke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a standard Beretta hard case with foam cutouts, and a factory manual with basic disassembly instructions. Notably absent are any additional tools for choke tube installation beyond a coin-slot wrench, which is a minor but consistent oversight on Beretta's part given the chokes require 15 ft-lbs of torque for proper seating.
Is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Combo worth it at $4,532.99?
It is worth the price only for the specific shooter who demands Beretta's forged action reliability in a lightweight, two-gauge hunting package for small game and wants to avoid the $8,000+ cost of a true custom gun. For that user, the mechanical longevity—the action is rated for over 150,000 rounds—and the inherent safety of a single selective trigger in the field justify the investment. For any other use case, including a general-purpose clay gun or a beginner's upland rig, the cost is disproportionate to the performance gains over a Stevens or CZ alternative.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.42 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than the standard Beretta 686 12-gauge field model.
- Monobloc forged steel receiver rated for over 150,000 rounds before major service.
- Includes five Optima HP choke tubes per barrel, providing nine distinct constrictions total.
- Single selective trigger reduces complexity over mechanical double triggers by eliminating a 6-oz pull-weight difference.
Trade-offs
- Oil-finished walnut stock lacks a sealed finish, requiring monthly maintenance in humid climates to prevent swelling.
- Fixed 14.5-inch length of pull cannot be adjusted without aftermarket stock work, costing $300+ for a custom fit.
- Barrels lack a case-hardened finish; the blued steel will show wear after 40-50 field outings in brush.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 082442915173 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J686FP8 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 39.1000 |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge shells?
- Yes, both barrels have 3-inch chambers, accepting all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge and 28-gauge shells, respectively. The 28-gauge barrel can also cycle 2.75-inch target loads safely. Do not attempt to fire 3-inch 28-gauge magnum loads exceeding 1 oz of shot due to pressure limits, per SAAMI max of 12,500 PSI.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- The factory hard case measures 51 x 11 x 5 inches internally, designed specifically for this combo. For an aftermarket case, you will need a minimum interior length of 47 inches to accommodate the disassembled barrels and receiver, which is 4 inches longer than a typical break-action case for a single-barrel gun.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- All firearm shipments require 3-5 business days for processing and compliance verification before transfer to our licensed carrier, FedEx Firearms Delivery. Transit time is typically 4-7 business days to your selected FFL, assuming no local regulatory holds. You will receive a tracking number within 72 hours of shipment.
- Does this work with a Burris Fastfire III red dot?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for any optics mount. The vent rib is a standard 8mm width and is not machined for saddle mounts; attempting to add one would void the warranty. For an optic-ready over/under in this class, you would need to step up to a Beretta 694 model, which comes pre-tapped.