Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III Review: A Timeless Classic for Field and Clay

Before diving into the 687 Silver Pigeon III, it's crucial to understand its roots. The Beretta 680 series, introduced in the 1950s, revolutionized over-under shotgun design. Its low-profile receiver, achieved through a compact action and dual conical locking lugs, is renowned for its strength, balance, and responsiveness. The 687 Silver Pigeon III inherits this exceptional foundation, ensuring a shotgun that feels lively in hand and handles recoil efficiently. Key Features and Specifications: Action: The heart of the Silver Pigeon III is its 680-series action. It features a single selective trigger (inertia driven), ejectors, and the aforementioned low-profile design. Receiver: The receiver is typically made of nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel, known for its durability and resistance to wear. The Silver Pigeon III distinguishes itself with tasteful, shallow-relief engraving featuring game scenes (often pheasants, ducks, or woodcock) and floral motifs. Barrels: Beretta barrels are world-renowned. The Silver Pigeon III typically features cold-hammer-forged barrels made from a proprietary alloy steel. They are known for their concentricity, straightness, and consistent patterns. Chokes: The Silver Pigeon III usually comes with a set of interchangeable Mobilchokes (Beretta's standard choke system). These allow you to fine-tune your pattern for different ranges and target types. (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full are common). Optima-Choke HP is available in some newer models. Stock and Forend: The stock and forend are typically made of walnut. The quality of the wood varies, but even on standard models, it's generally well-figured and nicely finished. Stock dimensions are generally well-suited to a wide range of shooters. Standard checkering provides a secure grip. Calibers: Primarily available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 28 gauge. The 12 gauge is the most versatile, while the 20 and 28 gauge offer lighter weight and reduced recoil, ideal for upland hunting and smaller-framed shooters. Barrel Lengths: Common barrel lengths include 26", 28", and 30". Shorter barrels are preferred for quick handling in dense cover, while longer barrels provide a smoother swing and longer sight radius for clays. Weight: Weight varies depending on the gauge and barrel length, but expect a 12 gauge to weigh around 7-7.5 lbs, a 20 gauge around 6-6.5 lbs, and a 28 gauge even less. Safety: A tang-mounted safety selector allows you to choose which barrel fires first. Modifications and Variations: Silver Pigeon III vs. Silver Pigeon I: The Silver Pigeon III generally features upgraded engraving compared to the Silver Pigeon I. Wood quality can also be slightly better. Sporting Models: Beretta offers dedicated sporting versions of the Silver Pigeon III. These often feature wider ribs, palm swells on the stock, and heavier barrels for increased stability during clay target shooting. Left-Handed Models: Left-handed versions are available, with stocks designed to fit left-handed shooters comfortably. Performance and Handling: Swing and Balance: The Silver Pigeon III's low-profile action contributes to excellent balance and a natural swing. It points well and feels responsive in the hands. Recoil: Recoil is manageable, especially in the 20 and 28 gauge models. The 12 gauge can kick a bit with heavier loads, but a good recoil pad can help mitigate this. Reliability: Beretta shotguns are known for their reliability. The 687 Silver Pigeon III is no exception. With proper care and maintenance, it will provide years of dependable service. Trigger: The trigger is generally crisp and consistent, with minimal creep. It's well-suited for both hunting and clay shooting. Applications: Hunting: The Silver Pigeon III is a versatile hunting shotgun. It's suitable for upland game (pheasant, quail, grouse), waterfowl (with appropriate steel-shot-compatible chokes), and even some larger game like turkey (with proper loads and chokes). The 20 and 28 gauge models are particularly popular for upland hunting due to their lighter weight. Clay Target Shooting: The Silver Pigeon III is also a capable clay target gun. It's well-suited for sporting clays, skeet, and trap (although dedicated trap guns often have higher combs and different stock dimensions). Performance in Different Conditions: Wet Weather: Beretta's durable finish and corrosion-resistant components make the Silver Pigeon III suitable for use in wet weather. However, it's essential to clean and dry the gun thoroughly after exposure to moisture. Range and Effective Distance: Shotgun range is determined by shot size, choke, and gauge. The effective range of the Silver Pigeon III varies depending on the game being hunted and the shooter's skill. As a general guideline: Upland Birds: 25-40 yards with appropriate choke and shot size. Waterfowl: 30-50 yards with steel shot and appropriate choke. Clay Targets: Similar ranges to upland birds, depending on the discipline. Who is it good for? Hunters: The Silver Pigeon III is an excellent choice for hunters who want a reliable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing shotgun. Clay Shooters: It's a good option for clay shooters who want a well-balanced and responsive gun. Beginners: The Silver Pigeon III is relatively easy to learn to shoot and maintain, making it a good choice for beginners. Experienced Shooters: Experienced shooters will appreciate the gun's quality, performance, and potential for customization. Conclusion: The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III is a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite among hunters and clay shooters. If you're looking for a high-quality over-under shotgun that will perform in the field and turn heads at the range, the Silver Pigeon III is definitely worth considering. #687 #beretta