Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Optima Choke HP

Description

For the American wingshooter or field hunter who values a firearm that balances tradition with modern performance, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 in 20 Gauge offers a compelling option. Whether you are working a covey of quail in the Georgia brush, walking a cornfield for pheasants in the Midwest, or simply enjoying a round of sporting clays at your local range, this over-under shotgun delivers reliable handling and consistent patterns. As a licensed FFL retailer serving U.S. customers, we appreciate the 686’s reputation for dependability and its place in the field as a workhorse shotgun that doesn’t compromise on fit or finish.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 is a field-grade over-under shotgun chambered in 20 Gauge, featuring 28-inch barrels and Beretta’s Optima Choke HP system. This firearm is designed primarily for upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and clay target sports such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It is not intended for home defense or concealed carry—this is a dedicated shotgun for the shooter who spends time in the field or at the range. The 20 Gauge configuration makes it particularly suitable for hunters who prefer a lighter, faster-handling gun for long days afield, as well as for smaller-framed shooters or those new to shotgunning who want reduced recoil without sacrificing pattern density. Collectors and enthusiasts also appreciate the Silver Pigeon line for its classic lines and functional aesthetics, though this is a shooter’s gun first and foremost.

Key Specifications

• Caliber/Gauge: 20 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Over-under, break-action
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Choke System: Beretta Optima Choke HP (flush-mount, interchangeable chokes included)
• Overall Length: Approximately 45.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
• Stock: Select Grade Walnut with hand-checkering (field-style, oil-finished)
• Receiver: Silver nickel finish with engraved game scene (traditional scroll and game bird motif)
• Trigger: Single selective trigger (barrel selection via tang-mounted safety)
• Ejectors: Automatic ejectors (extract and eject spent shells)
• Capacity: 2 rounds (standard over-under configuration)
• Sights: Red front bead (mid-bead optional on some models)
• Safety: Manual tang-mounted safety/barrel selector
• Length of Pull: Approximately 14.375 inches (with standard butt pad)
• Drop at Comb: Approximately 1.375 inches
• Drop at Heel: Approximately 2.125 inches
• UPC: 082442915098
• Manufacturer Number: J686FK8

Feature Deep-Dive

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 is built around a monobloc barrel construction, which means the barrels are machined from a single block of steel and then joined to the receiver. This method provides consistent barrel alignment and durability over years of use. The 28-inch barrels are paired with Beretta’s Optima Choke HP system, which uses a longer choke tube design to improve pattern consistency and reduce shot deformation. This system allows the shooter to switch between flush-mounted choke tubes for different hunting or target scenarios without tools, though a choke wrench is provided for installation and removal. The barrels also feature a ventilated rib that helps dissipate heat and provides a flat sighting plane, which is useful for tracking moving targets.

The receiver is machined from a solid block of steel and finished with a silver nickel plating that resists corrosion and wear. The engraving on the receiver is a traditional scroll pattern with a game bird scene, which is classically understated without being overly ornate. The single selective trigger is adjustable for pull weight by a qualified gunsmith, and the tang-mounted safety doubles as a barrel selector—pushing the safety to the left or right selects which barrel fires first. This is a practical feature for hunters who want to set up a tighter choke for the first shot and a more open choke for the second.

The stock and forend are made from select grade walnut with an oil finish that highlights the wood grain. The hand-cut checkering at the grip and forend provides a secure hold in wet or gloved conditions. The stock geometry is designed for a field gun, with a moderate drop at comb and heel that accommodates a natural cheek weld for most shooters. The recoil pad is a solid rubber unit that reduces felt recoil, though the 20 Gauge platform already produces less recoil than a 12 Gauge, making this gun comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The automatic ejectors are a standard feature, kicking spent shells clear of the action for faster reloading—a benefit when birds are flushing in quick succession.

The 686 Silver Pigeon 1 also benefits from Beretta’s steel bolt system, which uses a hardened steel locking block that engages with the barrel monobloc. This design provides a secure lockup and contributes to the gun’s longevity. The forend iron is machined from steel and includes a simple lever release for quick barrel removal during cleaning or transport. The gun’s overall balance point is just forward of the hinge pin, which gives it a lively feel in the hands—important for swing and follow-through on crossing targets. The 20 Gauge version specifically weighs around 6.2 pounds, making it one of the lighter over-under shotguns in this class, which is a genuine advantage for hunters covering ground.

Beretta’s quality control on the 686 line is consistent, with attention to barrel-to-receiver fit and wood-to-metal fit. The action is smooth out of the box, with a break action that requires minimal effort to open and close. The trigger pull is crisp, typically breaking around 5 to 6 pounds, which is appropriate for a field gun. The Optima Choke HP tubes are marked with notches for easy identification, and the set includes Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes, covering most hunting and target needs. The gun also accepts Beretta’s extended choke tubes for those who prefer a slightly longer tube for pattern tuning.

For the U.S. hunter, the 20 Gauge Silver Pigeon 1 is a practical choice for species like bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, woodcock, and pheasants, where a lighter gun reduces fatigue. It is also suitable for dove hunting and can handle waterfowl loads with the appropriate choke and non-toxic shot. The 28-inch barrel length is a versatile compromise—long enough for good sight radius and swing, short enough for maneuvering in tight cover. The gun’s reliability in various weather conditions is supported by the nickel-finished receiver and oil-finished stock, which resist moisture better than high-gloss finishes in field conditions.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: The 20 Gauge and 28-inch barrel combination is well-suited for walking up birds in brush, fields, and forest edges. The light weight reduces fatigue over long days.
• Waterfowl Hunting: With the ability to chamber 3-inch shells and use appropriate choke tubes, this shotgun can handle ducks and geese over decoys or in pass shooting scenarios.
• Clay Target Sports: Suitable for recreational trap, skeet, and sporting clays. The 20 Gauge offers a manageable recoil for practice or competition, though dedicated target shooters may prefer a 12 Gauge for higher payloads.
• Small Game Hunting: Effective for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game where shot sizes #6 to #8 are appropriate.
• Collecting and Field Use: The Silver Pigeon 1 is a production-grade gun with classic styling that appeals to shooters who want a firearm that looks as good as it performs.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun accepts 20 Gauge shells in 2.75-inch and 3-inch lengths. It is compatible with lead shot, steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types. Do not use shells longer than 3 inches. For steel shot, use chokes rated for steel (the included Optima HP chokes are steel-rated).
• Chokes: Uses Beretta Optima Choke HP (flush-mount) and Optima Choke HP extended tubes. Do not use older Beretta Mobilchoke tubes or other non-Optima HP chokes, as they are not compatible with the longer HP system.
• Holsters and Slings: Not applicable for holsters. A sling can be added using a barrel-mounted swivel stud or a stock-mounted stud, though the forend does not come with pre-installed studs. Aftermarket sling stud kits are available.
• Accessories: Compatible with Beretta factory choke tubes, replacement firing pins, and recoil pads. Aftermarket trigger upgrades and stock adjustments should be performed by a qualified gunsmith. The gun accepts standard 20 Gauge snap caps for dry firing practice.
• Maintenance: Use standard shotgun cleaning kits with 20 Gauge bore brushes and mops. The monobloc design requires routine barrel cleaning and occasional lubrication of the hinge pin and locking bolt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my U.S. address?
Yes, we ship this firearm to U.S. addresses only, including all 50 states where legal. However, the shipment must go to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for transfer. We cannot ship directly to a residence. Please verify that your state and local laws permit the ownership and use of this shotgun before ordering.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After placing your order, we will contact you to obtain the FFL information of a licensed dealer in your area who is willing to process the transfer. You may also provide us with your preferred FFL’s contact details during checkout. We ship the firearm to that dealer, and upon arrival, you complete the ATF Form 4473 and any required background check. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this 20 Gauge shotgun?
This Beretta 686 is chambered for 20 Gauge shells with a maximum length of 3 inches. It will safely fire 2.75-inch and 3-inch ammunition, including target loads, field loads, and magnum waterfowl loads. Use only SAAMI-spec ammunition. Do not use