Beretta SO Sparviere Shotgun Review: Luxury Sidelock Over-and-Under for Collectors and Upland Hunters

• Introduction Beretta SO Sparviere • Features and Specifications • Modifications and Custom Options • Performance and Shooting Range • Chokes and Accessories • Price and Value Beretta SO Sparviere • Pros and Cons • User Reviews • Why Shooters Choose It • Historical Background and Interesting Facts • Final Thoughts --- Introduction The Beretta SO Sparviere is a masterpiece of Italian gunmaking — a luxury sidelock over-and-under shotgun designed for upland hunting and refined clay shooting. Its defining feature is the hand-detachable sidelock action, allowing both sideplates to open in unison for inspection and maintenance. This mechanism is not only practical but also reveals intricate internal engravings, making the gun as beautiful inside as it is outside. --- 🛠️ Features and Specifications Beretta SO Sparviere The SO Sparviere is available exclusively in 12-gauge, with barrel lengths of 28”, 30”, or 32”. It features cold-hammer-forged Boehler Antinit steel barrels, a cross-bolt locking system on monobloc lugs, and replaceable locking shoulders. The stock is made from Grade 5 walnut briarwood, shaped to custom dimensions and finished with hand-cut diamond checkering and oil polishing. The ventilated rib is file-cut, and the trigger system is mechanical with a single selective trigger. The sidelock action is engineered to open only by deliberate action, ensuring safety during hunting. Once activated, both sideplates swing open simultaneously, offering access to the firing mechanism and internal engravings. --- 🔧 Modifications and Custom Options Each SO Sparviere is built to order. Buyers can choose: • Barrel length and rib style • Stock dimensions and grip type (pistol or English straight) • Engraving themes, including bespoke designs • Gold or silver inlays • Internal and external finishes Special editions include the Marco Polo and Rocky tribute models, which feature over 1,500 hours of engraving and historical motifs. --- 🎯 Performance and Shooting Range The SO Sparviere is designed for upland game hunting and clay disciplines. Its balance and recoil control make it ideal for: • Pheasant, partridge, and grouse hunting • Trap and sporting clays • Precision shooting up to 60–70 meters with appropriate chokes Despite its artistic appeal, it delivers exceptional ballistic performance thanks to its Steelium OptimaBore HP barrels, which are mirror-polished by hand. --- 🔧 Chokes and Accessories Beretta SO Sparviere The shotgun is compatible with Beretta’s OptimaChoke HP system, offering a full range of constrictions from Cylinder to Full. Accessories include: • Custom leather case with silk lining • Choke tube key and storage • Engraved sideplate viewing tool • Optional Tru-Oil finishing kits --- 💰 Price and Value The Beretta SO Sparviere starts at approximately $100,000 and can exceed $125,000 depending on customization. It’s considered an heirloom firearm — a blend of performance, artistry, and legacy. While not practical for everyday use, it’s a prized possession for collectors and elite shooters. --- ✅ Pros and ❌ Cons Pros: • Unmatched craftsmanship and engraving • Innovative sidelock mechanism • Custom fit and finish • Exceptional shooting performance • Collectible and investment-grade Cons: • Extremely high cost • Limited availability • Not suited for rugged field use or beginners --- 💬 User Reviews Owners describe the SO Sparviere as “functional art.” It’s praised for: • Smooth handling and balance • Ease of maintenance via sideplate access • Stunning aesthetics and attention to detail Critics note that its price and exclusivity make it impractical for everyday use, but ideal for ceremonial or high-end sporting occasions. --- 🎯 Why Shooters Choose It • Legacy: Beretta’s centuries-old craftsmanship • Beauty: No visible screws, uninterrupted engraving canvas • Engineering: Precision lockup and barrel alignment • Exclusivity: Each gun is a unique creation --- 📜 Historical Background and Interesting Facts • “Sparviere” means “hawk” in Italian, symbolizing elegance and precision. • The Marco Polo edition commemorates the 700th anniversary of the explorer’s death, with sideplates engraved using the burin technique to depict his travels from Venice to Asia. • The Marco Polo receiver features copper-enamelled compass roses, a portolan map, and symbolic motifs like dragons and lions. • The Rocky edition was created for Sylvester Stallone, celebrating his iconic role and Italian heritage. • Beretta discovered a historical invoice in Venice dating back to 1526, confirming its legacy and allowing it to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2026. • The stock is finished with up to 80 layers of Tru-Oil, and the barrels are hand-polished for ballistic consistency and visual perfection. --- 🏁 Final Thoughts The Beretta SO Sparviere is not just a shotgun — it’s a legacy in steel and walnut. For collectors, connoisseurs, and elite shooters, it represents the pinnacle of firearm artistry and performance. Whether displayed in a gallery or used in the field, it’s a timeless tribute to craftsmanship, history, and innovation.