Beretta S 57E over/under....**Kinda Pic Heavy**

GameStalker30-06

GameStalker30-06

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
72   0   0
Location
Newfoundland
Just picked one of these up. 12 gauge, 30 inch barrels, chrome lined bores (mirror like), full over modified, single non-selective trigger, very nice hand engraving covering most of the receiver, trigger guard, top tang lever, etc... All metal is in very nice shape...stocks aren't overly that great..have been repaired a few times, refinished etc.. but still ok for hunting, locks up nice and tight, just slightly loose when opened, but apparently it has seen it's share of birds over the years, so was used quite a bit. Am thinking about restocking this gun with a new straight english buttstock and schnabel forend in highly figured walnut.

Anybody know anything about these shotguns??

Sorry that the pics are the best of quality...

DSCF3287.jpg

DSCF3284.jpg

DSCF3285.jpg

DSCF3286.jpg

DSCF3282.jpg

DSCF3289.jpg

DSCF3288.jpg
 
Last edited:
A variation of the basic s55B ( field style rib with no side ribs) and s55Bb.v (vent rib) first introduced in 1956. Double triggers and 70mm (2-3/4") chambers were standard, single selective triggers and 76mm ( 3") chambers were available. In 12 & 20 ga with 67, 71 and 76 cm ( +/- 26, 28 and 30 inch ) chrome-lined barels with fixed chokes bored from 6/10 to 10/10. Some Custom Order guns have shown up, including a 28 gauge s55B and a .222 over 20 ga. s55B O/U "combo" gun.

The higher grade s56E offered automatic ejectors, hand engraving, vent rib, polished side ribs and higher grade walnut stocks .

The s57E had all the basic features of the s56E plus "High Strength Chromium Molybdenum Steel " special steel barrels and a case hardened white super-finished action, more extensive engraving and supposedly better grade walnut.
The s57EL version ( "L" for "Lusso" or "extra" finish) was the side-plated version of this gun with even more elaborate hand engraving. There were also s58 Trap & s58 Skeet Model target guns introduced in 1971 which remained in the Beretta line until the basic
s680 series and variations were introduced in 1980.

You should be able to date your s57E as being manufactured sometime after the introduction of the s55 in 1956 (barrel proof code "XII") and 1974 (barrel proof code "###") The intervening years between these dates
1956 through 1974 being Italian Proof House-marked with these sequential Roman Numeral codes. Letter codes, commencing with AA in 1975, then AB (etc.) through to
1981 with AH ( no AG )

Your gunsmith should be able to advise on tightening the gun up and replacing any worn parts, but from your description and the photos, I would certainly consider having it re-stocked. Nice piece ... I especially like the "silver pigeon" in the top lever !
 
A quality shotgun! I have put around 30000 rounds through my 682 Super Sport with no issues. Beretta shotguns will take the hammering of even competitive shooting for years. Good purchase and good luck with restocking.
 
b6ddie said:
A quality shotgun! I have put around 30000 rounds through my 682 Super Sport with no issues. Beretta shotguns will take the hammering of even competitive shooting for years. Good purchase and good luck with restocking.
Click to expand...

X2 ... I have a DT-10 with well over twice that round count ... no signs of
wear ... and not a single malfunction !
 
I must say, GameStalker, that is one fine looking Beretta. My father has been hunting with an S57 since the early 70's...he swears by it. He has never had any major problems with it, and refuses to "upgrade" to a more current model. Although it's a bit weathered and has gained numerous kilometers of experience, it has never failed to uphold its reputation of being the vinatge woodcock and grouse reaper. Great gun...comes up well and points beautifully. I wish that I could find one for myself.

Congrats on the excellent acquisition...
 
Thanks guys!!! it sure does come up to the shoulder nice..I'm gonna try and brighten up the receiver a bit as well..Just to bring a little more glow back to it. This is my first Beretta, and I can really see the quality of their firearms, even though this one is older. As said, I am gonna re-stock with a straight-english style buttstock and schnabel forend.. I will definately post more detailed pics of the before and after once completed..
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom