Beretta SL3 500 Years Limited Edition Review Price and Specs

Table of Contents

• History and the 500th Anniversary Legacy
• Action Design and Internal Mechanisms
• Engraving Wood and Aesthetics
• Calibers Chokes and Ballistics
• Field Performance and Hunting Applications
• Shooter Reviews Pros and Cons
• Price Collector Value and Final Verdict

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History and the 500th Anniversary Legacy

The Beretta SL3 500 Years Limited Edition was introduced in 2016 to mark the company's 500th anniversary since 1526. The SL3 (Sovrapposto Leggero or Light Over Under) bridged the commercial 680 series and the bespoke SO series. This edition elevates the platform into a true collector piece, celebrating five centuries of uninterrupted Italian gunmaking in Gardone Val Trompia.

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Action Design and Internal Mechanisms

The core of the SL3 is its exceptional bossed hinge action. Unlike traditional hinge pins, the SL3 features massive hardened steel bosses locking directly into the barrel monobloc, providing incredible structural rigidity for decades of heavy use.

The lockwork is housed in a fully detachable trigger group. The mechanical single trigger is crisp with an inertia blocking system preventing double firing. Automatic ejectors are precisely timed for fast follow up shots.

The barrels are cold hammer forged from Beretta proprietary steel, stress relieved to guarantee straightness and durability under magnum pressures.

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Engraving Wood and Aesthetics

The receiver and trigger guard feature a breathtaking engraving blending traditional English scrollwork with modern game scenes. Beretta achieved this through:

• State of the art laser engraving
• Deep rolling techniques
• Meticulous hand finishing by master engravers from the pb selection team

The metalwork is complemented by hand selected Grade 4 walnut with deep vibrant figuring, finished in rich oil.

Exclusive markings:

• Receiver bottom: Gold inlaid Beretta 500 Years logo
• Trigger guard: Deeply engraved pb selection logo

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Calibers Chokes and Ballistics

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Calibers	12 Gauge and 20 Gauge
Barrel Lengths	28 inches and 30 inches
Chamber Size	3 inches (Magnum)
Choke System	Optima Choke HP (Flush and Extended)
Bore Type	Optima Bore HP
Weight (12g)	Approximately 7.2 lbs
Weight (20g)	Approximately 6.6 lbs

Ballistic Performance

The SL3 500 Years features Beretta Optima Bore HP internal barrel geometry. This slightly oversized tapered bore reduces pellet deformation, resulting in denser patterns, lowered felt recoil, and improved shot string consistency.

The Optima Choke HP system offers flush and extended tubes. With a full choke, effective range extends to a reliable 45 yards with pattern densities exceeding 80 percent.

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Field Performance and Hunting Applications

Upland Hunting

The SL3 500 Years is a quintessential upland gun. Its quick pointability, low profile receiver, and perfect balance make it ideal for driven pheasant, partridge, grouse, and mountain hunting with the 20 gauge variant.

Waterfowl and Turkey

The 12 gauge version handles waterfowl and turkey effortlessly with magnum loads, delivering power and pattern density for pass shooting.

Sporting Clays and Target Sports

Excellent rib ventilation and smooth swing dynamics make it a formidable competitor in sporting clays, skeet, and trap. The gun tracks crossing targets with minimal effort.

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Shooter Reviews Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional handling: Low profile action makes the gun feel lighter with perfect balance ahead of the hinge pin
• Superior recoil management: Optima Bore HP significantly reduces recoil
• Museum quality aesthetics: Breathtaking engraving and wood selection
• Collector value: Limited production ensures appreciation
• Versatility: Equally at home in field and on clay course

Cons

• Premium price point: Places it out of reach for most buyers
• Maintenance requirements: Intricate engraving and high grade wood require strict care
• Weight considerations: Some upland hunters might prefer lighter sidelock guns
• Limited availability: Discontinued model requires patience and investment

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Price Collector Value and Final Verdict

Market Pricing

The original retail price was around 25000 to 30000 USD. Today, as a discontinued collector item, prices frequently exceed 35000 USD, appreciating due to limited production and historical significance.

Final Verdict

The Beretta SL3 500 Years Limited Edition is a triumph of modern manufacturing and traditional artistry. For the discerning collector, serious upland hunter, or sporting clays enthusiast demanding perfection, the SL3 500 Years is not just a shotgun but the absolute pinnacle of the over under breed. It represents everything that makes Beretta great: innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. An heirloom piece to be cherished for centuries.