looking for opinions from anybody that has used this shotgun...and whats the deal with the "X-tra wood" finish?

I have had a 686 onyx for well over 10 years. Last fall it choked on ND dust and needed a lube and oil change, but that was all. It has been used a bunch for all sorts of birds and fits me better than others... I have a bunch of O/Us and it is one of my favorite three with an old BL-4 and a 101. In the same time frame I have had or have examples of most other brands and they mostly left.

No idea what the X-tra wood" means exactly as it was not an option when I was searching. Wood on Berettas in general is much plainer than Citoris at the same price point.
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X-tra wood is a film finish to make the wood look like it has a lot of figure when the wood is actually plain. Looks great, wears OK from what I have seen, but it is not high-grade walnut as one might think at first look.
I think it is applied much like the factory camo jobs but looks better at the seams.

To me, personally, it is not a selling point. Sort of like giving the wife a CZ ring. Looks nice, but sooner or later she is going to find out it ain't real....

Can't comment on the pro model or the Xtra wood, but can highly recommend the 686 onyx models.

I shoot the white onyx sporting and it has performed flawlessly in the field for doves and pheasants and swings nice for clays. It has been totally reliable in all sorts of conditions and has a great rep.

I have never personally handled the pro model, but from what I have read, it appears to be a "plain-jane" working version of a very classy and reliable action.

I use a 686 Onyx 20 ga on sage grouse. I have installed extended choke tubes from Carlson's, just because they look cool. Limit on sage grouse is 2 per day. The 686 Oxyx is a very good value and would not pay extra money for wood. It is also much more sleek than the Brownings.

However once I get into quail or chukar I switch to an A5 or M2 in 20 ga.

686 Berettas are rock solid guns. I can't stand "Xtra Wood". I have a 20ga Silver Pigeon that has been flawless. My next gun purchase will probably be the same gun in 28 ga. Beretta has been making 6 series O/U shoguns for a long time. I don't know anyone that owns one or sells them that doesn't speak very highly of 686s. Buy one and shoot it a lot!

Xtra wood - He11 No! It's a decal of fancy wood.

686 Onyx is prolly the best O/U value today.

Glad to hear it guys. I just worked a deal to get a lightly used 686 silver pigeon, 20 ga. 28" barrels and very nice wood, I should have it in 8-10 days, can't wait. Out of all the o/u's I've handled the berettas fit me best and felt oh so good upon shouldering.