686 Beretta

[marlin60]

I am considering a low end O/U. Partial to Beretta's.

There are a few variants to the Pigeon, 686's (well 687's now). Cosmetics not important to me, but are there functional differences?

I do like auto ejector/extractor though.

Any of these a stand out for $2,000+.

It will be a trap gun.

 

[Claybuster]

With the exception of pre-Gold 682s and older Beretta 680's that were built on slightly wider frames all of the 680 series Berettas are made on the same action. The differences are cosmetic otherwise.

 

[Sharptail]

For a new Beretta trap gun, consider the 686 E Trap as it is built as a competition gun and has the required weight and balance. It can also be had as a single barrel model for ATA competition. A used example might be hard to locate as the model is still relatively new. A previously owned 682 might be had for a price similar to a new 686 E Trap.

There are no real differences in the action design of the various 686 / 687 models, but there is a difference in the assembly and build quality as the guns go up the price range. Barrel to frame fit in particular gets better in the more expensive models. Of course, you should evaluate each example on its own merits (they are after all mass produced guns).

Sharptail

 

[beretta boy]

Good advice from Sharptail.

Very good value in the "pre Gold E" 682's (and, IMHO, they look
a lot better too )

Try a WTB in the EE forum, and a few feelers around the local gun clubs.