Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns What can you tell me about this Beretta 686?

Found this in a local shop that someone had traded in. It was in very good condition and shows little wear.

I use to shoot with a friend who used 686s and I always liked how well they fit me. With the English stock and the 26" barrels this is obviously more of a field gun but I will use it for "informal" skeet.

Anything special about this one? I can't seem to find too much about a 686 onyx with a matte finish and a straight stock. Any input is appreciated.

Great find!!

The Beretta Onyx in a straight black receiver with the gold P Beretta signature is one of the most pleasing configurations of the 686 to my eye. Meant to be an economical model of the 686 it reminds me of the British all black "Funeral" guns.

There are a quiet groups of Beretta collectors that find these early ONYX models very attractive. Unusual configurations like the 3 1/2" Water-Fowler or your Upland model with straight stock and short fore end are very desirable.

Here a good article on ONYX 686 in general: http://mallardofdiscontent.blogspot.com/2014/01/return-of-onyx.html

Me? I just sold a mint 1997 686 ONYX with 3 1/2" chambers and am looking for a sub gauge Onyx shotgun

Seems like I remember these were made for one of the big distributors. Orvis maybe?

Will last forever with proper lubrication.

That is a very nice gun. The Beretta 68_ series guns are sleepers, with good barrels and a terrific action. There is more hand fitting than meets the eye with these guns, and that is the main reason for the 69_ series guns.

The bolt on these guns, which comes through the breech quite high on the receiver (a mechanical advantage), evidences itself as two conical tapered pins. Very strong and elegant. These are technically teigger plate actions, are sealed very well against crud and moisture. These are so good that Rich Cole uses them as the basis for his custom line, with prices well into five figures.

Go buy it.

Are you trying to tell me that my reloading bench looks like a pawn shop?


I bought it as soon as I saw it. I just wanted to know more about this model specifically.



Thanks for the feedback gentleman. Now for the next question. I feel as if i got it for a good price. Any idea as to what
I should have paid for it?

I got it for 1,387 out the door taxes and all.

they are great guns.

After a false start with a Turkish CZ, I’m only buying Beretta or Browning O/Us from now on. Good guns, and you’ll never want for parts and service. Among the guys I shoot with, there is a wide variety in autos, but to a man, the two Bs are the only O/Us seen.

If the price is fair, buy it!

I’d say $1400 in todays market I’d say is a good buy.

Dad has a 686 Onyx Sporting and my wife bought herself a White Onyx (polished silver colored action). Great guns.

You didn’t steal it, but got a good buy. You won’t be hurt.