Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20/28 Ga Combo

Description

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20/28 Ga Combo represents a considered choice for the American shooter who values adaptability in the field. Whether you are pursuing quail in the Georgia brush, working a flushing dog over pheasants in the Dakotas, or stepping onto a sporting clays course in the Northeast, this over-under provides the option to switch between a 20-gauge and a 28-gauge barrel set without purchasing an entirely new firearm. For the upland hunter or clay target enthusiast who appreciates the balance of a traditional side-by-side or over-under action, this combo offers a practical way to cover a wider range of shooting scenarios with a single, well-fitted frame.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 20/28 Ga Combo is a two-barrel set over-under shotgun built on Beretta’s proven 686 action. It is designed for the shooter who wants both a 20-gauge and a 28-gauge option in one package, without the expense of buying two separate firearms. This model is particularly suited for upland bird hunters who may encounter different game birds—from woodcock and grouse to chukar and valley quail—and appreciate the lighter recoil and tighter patterns of the 28-gauge for smaller birds, while keeping the 20-gauge for pheasants or heavier cover. It also appeals to sporting clays shooters who enjoy the challenge of using a sub-gauge gun on the course, as well as collectors who recognize the value of a factory-fitted combo set from a reputable Italian manufacturer. This is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; it is a purpose-built field and target gun for those who pursue wing shooting or clay sports with an emphasis on craftsmanship and reliability.

Key Specifications

• Action Type: Over-under, break-open
• Gauges: 20-gauge (3-inch chamber) and 28-gauge (2 3/4-inch chamber)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches (both barrel sets)
• Barrel Finish: Blued steel
• Receiver Finish: Silver nickel alloy with engraved game scenes
• Stock and Forend: Select walnut, oil-finished, with checkering at 20 lines per inch
• Chokes: Fixed chokes (typically improved cylinder and modified for both gauges; verify with your specific set)
• Rib: Ventilated, tapered, with a front brass bead sight
• Overall Weight: Approximately 6.4 to 6.7 pounds depending on barrel set
• Length of Pull: 14 3/8 inches
• Drop at Comb: Approximately 1 1/2 inches
• Drop at Heel: Approximately 2 1/4 inches
• Safety: Manual tang safety with barrel selector
• Extraction: Automatic ejectors
• Sights: Front brass bead only
• Capacity: 2 rounds (standard field configuration)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Beretta 686 action has been a benchmark in the over-under market for decades, and the Silver Pigeon I represents the entry point into Beretta’s premium line without sacrificing the core engineering that makes these shotguns reliable. The monobloc construction—where the barrels are joined to a single steel block—ensures consistent alignment and durability over thousands of rounds. This is not a lightweight, mass-produced receiver; the steel is machined from a solid billet and then polished and blued on the barrels, while the receiver gets a silver nickel finish that resists corrosion and wear from field use. The fit between the barrels and the receiver is tight, with no noticeable play, which contributes to the consistent point of impact that shooters expect from a Beretta.

The stock geometry on the 686 Silver Pigeon I is designed for a natural mount. The oil-finished walnut is selected for grain density and stability, and the checkering is cut cleanly at 20 lines per inch, providing a secure grip without being overly aggressive on bare hands or gloves. The comb is straight, with a slight cast-off for right-handed shooters, and the length of pull at 14 3/8 inches fits the average adult shooter well. For those who need a custom fit, the stock can be adjusted by a competent gunsmith, but many shooters find the factory dimensions suitable for field shooting and casual clays. The forend is a traditional beavertail shape, which offers a comfortable hold and allows the shooter to control the gun’s swing effectively.

The two-barrel set is the standout feature of this model. Switching between the 20-gauge and 28-gauge barrels is straightforward: you remove the forend, lift the barrels off the hinge pin, and replace them with the other set. The headspacing and chamber dimensions are matched to the receiver, so there is no need for additional fitting. The 20-gauge barrels are chambered for 3-inch shells, allowing you to use heavier loads for larger birds or longer shots, while the 28-gauge barrels are chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells, which are standard for that gauge. The fixed chokes (typically improved cylinder and modified) are a practical choice for upland hunting, as they provide a good spread for close-flushing birds and a tighter pattern for more distant targets. If you prefer interchangeable choke tubes, the Silver Pigeon I is also available in a version with Mobilchoke threading, but this specific combo comes with fixed chokes—check the listing to confirm.

The automatic ejectors are a functional upgrade over a simple extractor system. When you break open the action after firing, the spent shells are ejected clear of the receiver, which speeds up reloading in the field or on the station. The ejectors are adjustable and can be set to extract only (for use with reloads or if you prefer to catch your empties) by a gunsmith, but they come from the factory set to eject. The tang safety is ambidextrous and includes a barrel selector button, allowing you to choose which barrel fires first (typically the bottom barrel for a more natural point of aim on the first shot). The trigger is a single, mechanical trigger that does not rely on the inertia of the first shot to reset, which means it will function reliably even with light target loads.

Finish quality on the Silver Pigeon I is consistent with Beretta’s reputation. The bluing on the barrels is deep and even, with no streaks or thin spots. The silver receiver features a simple game scene engraving of a pheasant and a woodcock, which is tasteful without being overly ornate. The checkering patterns on the stock and forend are cut to a consistent depth, and the wood-to-metal fit is very good, with minimal gaps. This is a field-grade shotgun, so it is not intended for display cases, but it will hold up well to the bumps and scratches of regular hunting use. The overall weight—around 6.5 pounds depending on the barrel set—makes it easy to carry all day in the field, yet it still has enough mass to swing smoothly on crossing targets.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: This is the primary use case. The 20-gauge is suitable for pheasants, chukar, and grouse in heavier cover, while the 28-gauge excels on quail, woodcock, and doves. The lightweight design and quick handling make it a natural for walking up birds behind a pointing dog.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet: Many shooters enjoy the challenge of using a sub-gauge gun on the clays course. The 28-gauge, in particular, is a favorite for skeet and sporting clays because of its light recoil and tight patterns. The fixed chokes (IC and Mod) are versatile enough for most stations.
• Collectors and Enthusiasts: The combo set is a practical addition to a collection, as it offers two gauges in one serial-numbered firearm. The factory-fitted barrels are a value-add compared to buying a second barrel set separately.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Use 20-gauge shells with a maximum length of 3 inches for the 20-gauge barrel set, and 28-gauge shells with a maximum length of 2 3/4 inches for the 28-gauge barrel set. Steel shot is not recommended in fixed choke barrels unless the choke is specifically rated for it; check the choke markings on the barrel flats. Lead target loads and field loads are the standard choice.
• Holsters and Slings: This is not a handgun, so holsters do not apply. A quality shotgun sling (such as a leather or nylon quick-detach model) can be used, but the gun does not come with swivel studs. You may need to install aftermarket studs or use a barrel-mounted sling adapter.
• Accessories: Beretta offers factory replacement choke tubes for models with Mobilchoke threading, but this specific combo uses fixed chokes. Aftermarket recoil pads (like those from Kick-eez) can be fitted by a gunsmith if you need to adjust length of pull or reduce felt recoil. A hard case for two-barrel sets is recommended for transport and storage.
• Magazines: Not applicable; this is a break-action shotgun with no detachable magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
A: No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed FFL dealer be shipped to another licensed FFL dealer in your state. After your purchase, we will ship the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I to the FFL holder you designate. You must coordinate with that dealer for the transfer and any required background check. We do not ship firearms to residential addresses.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After placing your order, you will need to provide us with the contact information for a licensed FFL dealer in your area who is willing to accept the transfer. We will verify their license with the ATF. Once confirmed, we ship the firearm to that dealer. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass the NICS background check (if required in your state). The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from your purchase price. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers and to ask about their fees.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this combo set?
A: The 20-gauge barrels are chambered for shells up to 3 inches in length, which includes 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells. The 28-gauge barrels are chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells only. Always