Older Beretta O/U question

[Dsiwy]

I am looking to buy this Beretta S686 and wondering whats up with the grooves craved in the breech face?

I assume this is for if a primer ruptures? If so, was this done at the factory or by bubba?

 

[Falconflyer]

Factory job and you are correct, gas escape route for a ruptured primer.

 

[Ashcroft]

Yes, gas escape vents. This is a holdover from the late 19th century when primer quality was not as universally good as it is now, most makers discontinued this feature years ago, and I believe Beretta has as well.

 

[FLHTCUI]

Looks minty.
When was it ever shot?
Good score.
Rob

 

[kamlooky]

When did they start tagging gauges cal?

 

[Falconflyer]

Beretta was tagging gauges cal in the 60's and 70's which is what I'd presume this gun's vintage to be.

 

[1963beretta]

The word “Gauge” in Italian is “Calibro”. Having said that, Italian guns have been stamped Cal. since they’ve been required to stamp shotguns.

 

[Garaldtao]

Beretta was tagging gauges cal in the 60's and 70's which is what I'd presume this gun's vintage to be.

Strange, none of my Berettas from the 60s has that and I didn't think they made the 6 series that far back but then again what do I know, I am just a fan and no expert!

 

[Westward1]

I have one from that era. Nothing on the breech face.

 

[Falconflyer]

Strange, none of my Berettas from the 60s has that and I didn't think they made the 6 series that far back but then again what do I know, I am just a fan and no expert!

I don't think that's a 6 series, more likely an S series, just guessing but I'd say an S57.

I have a Beretta 409 which is the early Silver Hawk SXS made in 1960 which is stamped 16 CAL

 

[Westward1]

They are usually clearly identified on the bottom of the receiver.

 

[Garaldtao]

I don't think that's a 6 series, more likely an S series, just guessing but I'd say an S57.

I have a Beretta 409 which is the early Silver Hawk SXS made in 1960 which is stamped 16 CAL

I have the s55 and s56 and that ain't it in the picture. And still no channels.

 

[Ashcroft]

This is a 68- series gun made for the British or european market, not terribly uncommon in Canada but never imported into the USA. The previous S 5- series guns had the cocking lever exposed in the bottom of the receiver.

 

[Falconflyer]

This is a 68- series gun made for the British or european market, not terribly uncommon in Canada but never imported into the USA. The previous S 5- series guns had the cocking lever exposed in the bottom of the receiver.

Well that makes the most sense so far, I've never seen a 686 with gas channels and the stamp "cal" made for Europe in Canada and it's been so long since I looked at a 55/56/57 so I forgot about the cocking lever being exposed.

 

[Dsiwy]

Just got the gun today it's a 1979 S686 and the gas vents are professionally done. The gun cost me $1200 so am pretty happy ether way

 

[hogiron]

i've got a s687 12 gauge and a s686 special in 20 ga. built in '84 and '83. i don't have the gas channels either.