Beretta 692

[Gasanwu]

Issue I had with my 682 Gold E drove me to look at possible backup options.

While browsing, I checked out a 692 at a friend's place, and I have to say, the fit and finish has really declined.

Took a few photos:

The 682 GOLD E:

Now the 692 Sporting:

Notice the bigger gaps and terrible mix matched fit circled in yellow.

And this on the 692:

The bottom of the lever is rubbing against the wood stock.

Just a side note, in some forums I read the trigger groups are interchangeable, but it seems to be a bit different:

682:

692:

And lastly,

692 had a over flow of silver solder on one side of the rib, really small but visible...

And after maybe 250 rounds the ejector selector broke for the bottom barrel:

All in all, not that impressed, especially considering that the 692 cost more than the 682 gold e. It's a trade off between newer features (B-fast stock, Steelium plus barrel, longer chokes, thicker receiver, etc) vs. much better fit and finish.

Hope this helpes anyone who's trying to decide buying a used 682 vs. newer 692.

 

[Claybuster]

Issue I had with my 682 Gold E drove me to look at possible backup options.

While browsing, I checked out a 692 at a friend's place, and I have to say, the fit and finish has really declined.

All in all, not that impressed, especially considering that the 692 cost more than the 682 gold e. It's a trade off between newer features (B-fast stock, Steelium plus barrel, longer chokes, thicker receiver, etc) vs. much better fit and finish.

Hope this hopes anyone who's trying to decide buying a used 682 vs. newer 692.

It's the inevitable result of cutting costs, relying more on CNC machines and reducing the amount of hand finishing as much as possible. Recently I compared a new DT11 with a twenty year old ASE90, the gun the DT10/11 is based on. The ASE90 was superior in fit, finish and function.

Beretta isn't the only one that has cut corners over the years and isn't the worst offender.

 

[dunki]

It's the inevitable result of cutting costs, relying more on CNC machines and reducing the amount of hand finishing as much as possible. Recently I compared a new DT11 with a twenty year old ASE90, the gun the DT10/11 is based on. The ASE90 was superior in fit, finish and function.

Beretta isn't the only one that has cut corners over the years and isn't the worst offender.

That's funny, my experience is exactly the opposite with the 692 clearly being a significant cut above the 682. Maybe your friend got a bad example.

 

[opto55]

I am going to order one in January. I will be checking it close before I commit. Ordering it through from Prophet so am confident he will stand behind it.

 

[hnachaj]

It might be an early example. All the shotguns, military rifles and pistols are now cnc machined and checked by machines. The tolerances are very tight. I have watched the gunsmiths assemble and check for fit and finish. After assembly, there are two gunsmiths that check the shotgun before going to packaging. One can now change barrels of different length without needing a gunsmith to fit. All parts are now interchangeable. Hand fitting equals poor machining and human error. Even the stocks of the premium guns are cnc machined in a three step process and oiled used Bearchwood/Casey! LOL

But in the premium gunshop, they are also hand adjusted as there are no machine testing of the stocks.

 

[Claybuster]

One can now change barrels of different length without needing a gunsmith to fit. All parts are now interchangeable.

Another line of complete BS. I know for a fact that barrels from a 692 cannot be automatically swapped from one gun to another. I know this because I tried it. It doesn't work swapping barrels between DT11s either.

Does the shilling every stop? Although to be fair many self-styled "firearms writers" lose their connection with the truth in return for favours from gun makers.

 

[Gasanwu]

Yeah, my friend who had shown me the 692 said the same thing.

When he bought the gun at the store, he wanted to have the barrel changed with a non-b-fast 692 due to the little imperfection at the muzzle, the owner of the shop was going to entertain that idea but ended up not able to do it because the other barrel also from a 692 sporter, when assembled, doesn't allow the locking lugs to engage.

So not all barrels are swappable between 692's. Although, we did find out that stocks are exactly the same from 682 and 692, only difference is 682's stock is slimmer so when it's installed on the 692 the side matches exceptionally well with the receiver and it's actully smooth. The fore-end has different hardware so they are not interchangeable between 682 and 692.

 

[BJP]

"Hand fitting equals poor machining and human error" !!! Tell that to the craftsmen at Piotti, Holland & Holland, Purdey's, et al !

 

[the spank]

"Hand fitting equals poor machining and human error" !!! Tell that to the craftsmen at Piotti, Holland & Holland, Purdey's, et al !

No kidding!!! I wonder how much ole hnajach is getting paid by Beretta to spread that drivel?!!

 

[Claybuster]

No kidding!!! I wonder how much ole hnajach is getting paid by Beretta to spread that drivel?!!

Based on my acquaintance with a couple of gun writers/TV hosts the companies do not pay directly but may provide the occasional upgrade, extra service and are very generous wining and dining firearms "journalists." Some of the more accomplished and recognized writers/commentators might get a gun for a "long term evaluation" and the maker conveniently forgets to ask for it back.

The more astute commentators are generally more subtle and cautious when it comes to on-line forums. There is too much chance they'll be called on their BS by people with actual experience with the guns and who are not beholding to the last maker who bought him a bottle of mid-range Amarone.

Beretta makes decent guns. I own three currently and have owned 4 others previously. But they are most certainly not magical wands of wonderfulness and are not head and shoulders above comparable guns in the same price ranges.

 

[the spank]

Well said!!

 

[hnachaj]

Barrels will not trade to other frames as they are mechanically made. All other parts are interchangeable, including the trigger groups.

As for freebies, most American and Euro writers get free trips to the manufacturers. I pay my own way. I also PAY for my Beretta shotguns (with a discount) but they have ALWAYS been paid for. I have also reviewed other shotguns including Fausti and Peruginni & Visini recently, at MY expense. I did have a lunch last August with Enrico Gamba. He paid and we had a large carafe of wine from who knows where! No Amarone but I did have two private tasting that month at Negrar and Mastrobernardino because I do buy a lot of wine. In Hungary this year, I bought the wines for the enjoyment of the VP of Gamebore, several top shooters including Mark Winser, the Gamba girls, some of the Beretta people and others. The Beretta people had my wine with a number of us at the Renato Gamba trailer! We all get along fine with no attempts of bribery! I have been involved with the firearm industry with my own company, since 1984. I have also been a consultant to some manufacturers. To be a consultant, one needs to be independent! Hearsay is hearsay and has no validity in our legal system! Show the proof that I am bribed by a manufacturer!

 

[the spank]

Consultants are paid in any other trade so if you are acting as a consultant for the industry makers you surely are not doing so free, especially if that is your line of business. Bribery no but paid by a customer and promoting yes. Favouratism? Well that goes without saying to one's best customer?!!

 

[BJP]

The harder you defend your biased view the more you sound liken a shill. I happen to think Beretta (value wise) makes a decent gun but don't own one at the moment as my current Caesar Guerini and Brownings just "feel" better in my hands. I have had the opportunity to handle and shoot all of the big names in shotguns and can honestly say that almost every manufacturer makes a pretty good product these days (and every once in a while a lemon, no one, not even your beloved Beretta is immune) .
I've also been to Italy and toured Beretta and the Beretta museum in the company of Ugo Beretta and Steve Fjstad and even that didn't convince me they're the "be all, end all" of shotguns !
Enjoy your gun(s), we'll enjoy ours ......

 

[hnachaj]

I do get a free lunch or dinner and preferential treatment when doing consults. But I reciprocate with my own paid lunches or dinners when they are here. It is an European thing. In Europe your friend takes care of everything. I do the same when they are here. This way I don't owe anybody. You go to the SHOT show and everyone is throwing stuff at you and some not. I did a review of Clean Lubricate Protect products. Yes, I got a number of free samples. But my favorite that I always buy came second. I only revealed the top two products. When one has integrity, everyone in the industry respects you. BTW my 28 gauge bespoke 30 inch is a Chapuis! I have known René and his son Vincent for over 30 years!

Where I make my money has nothing to do with the firearm industry! I am a member of CSA B149.1 and B149.2 and the only voting member that pays his ways. I do litigation and forensic work as a consultant which pays. I have three patents. I have contributed to some firearm patents. Shilling? I like to know how things work and why. When one is better and works, I stick with the brand. I had a 390 Beretta with 25024 with only 20 FTF. Meanwhile my 2003 391 Optima Gold has not been cleaned since 2003. Am I a Beretta fan? Yes! But I have others! I have something special coming soon from another Premium Italian and is paid for!

We do get some special treatment, but I always reciprocate with arranging special treatment for them at clients of mine in the hotel and food industry.

 

[hnachaj]

Ugo does not do visits. He was in his Maserati Quadroportto behind me in August when I drove into the mansion. He does not do the tour.
He gives the tour to Canada's and UK biggest retailers!

 

[hnachaj]

CG are completely CNC made and laser engraved. Ask Wes Lang!

 

[Claybuster]

FFS, pick and lane and stick to it.

One can now change barrels of different length without needing a gunsmith to fit. All parts are now interchangeable.

But now the story has changed.

Barrels will not trade to other frames as they are mechanically made. All other parts are interchangeable, including the trigger groups.

Wow! Trigger groups are interchangeable? Meaning Beretta is now doing what Perazzi has been doing since the 1960's. LOL

I have also been a consultant to some manufacturers. To be a consultant, one needs to be independent!

Which manufacturers? If you are going to write in magazines and promote companies on the Internet do your readers not deserve to know whose money you've taken in the past, what "discounts" you received and what favours you've got owing from the companies you write about?

Or do those ethical issues not concern you when you are boasting about how wonderful certain manufacturers are?

I do get a free lunch or dinner and preferential treatment when doing consults. But I reciprocate with my own paid lunches or dinners when they are here. It is an European thing. In Europe your friend takes care of everything.

What a complete pantload. You are not the only person who has ever been to Europe. I've seen when gun companies foot the bill and seen what they get in return.

I did a review of Clean Lubricate Protect products. Yes, I got a number of free samples. But my favorite that I always buy came second.

Very informative. The favourite brand you buy comes in second. CLP comes in first with free samples.

When one has integrity, everyone in the industry respects you. BTW my 28 gauge bespoke 30 inch is a Chapuis! I have known René and his son Vincent for over 30 years!

What kind of discount did you get? 25%? 30%

We do get some special treatment, but I always reciprocate with arranging special treatment for them at clients of mine in the hotel and food industry.

You steer them to hotels and restaurants owned by your clients. How cosy. Do you get a kickback from the hotels and restaurants for directing your gun company contacts to them? Free meal? Maybe something special from the cellar?

Are you consulting with SNC Lavalin? Sounds like you'd fit right in.

 

[the spank]

Claybuster.......





Now where is the foot in the mouth icon?!!

 

[adamg]

Nothing to see here folks, just a regular old conflict of interest.