Beretta 680 Series
The Beretta 680 Series of shotguns, including the Silver Pigeon, is arguably the gold standard for over/under shotguns. As they have been manufactured and utilized for decades, there are a multitude of variants, with differences ranging from the obvious to the obscure. In this article, we hope to make these distinctions crystal clear. Whether it is configured as a field or sporting, or is one of the I, III, V, or EELL Diamond Pigeon variants, we will outline and compare all the details.
Beretta was founded at the base of the Italian Alps in 1526, in the town of Gardone Val Trompia, by the Beretta family who have been leading the company for 15 generations.
As of Early 2025, Beretta is offering five models in the 680 series family; the Silver Pigeon I, Silver Pigeon III, Silver Pigeon V, EELL Diamond Pigeon, and 688 Performance Sporting. Furthermore, each “pigeon” model comes in a Sporting and a Field variant in select calibers and barrel configurations. Although the models of the 680 series vary greatly in appearance and fit, the heart of any shotgun in the 680 series family is mechanically the same, with respect to the tried and true action and trigger group. All 680 variants have hand-set/fit barrels, ribs, actions, and wood; furthermore, all are inspected and test-fired at the factory prior to shipping.
Before getting into the details, it should be noted that Beretta is a large company that has been operating for a long time. Although we will outline the standard details for each current model and variant, one may find or own a gun that may differ from what is presented here. Even within a single production year, some variations in a model will occur. Futhermore, some shotguns, from previous years and models, will continue to be found on dealer’s racks, now and into the future.
Variants
One of the most obvious distinctions between 680 series guns are the Field and Sporting variants of each model. At first glance, the main difference you will notice is the barrel length. In general, field guns are offered in 26”, 28”, and 30”, while sporting guns feature 30” and 32” barrel sets. Each variant is a best suited to the intended purpose, but many people will use a field to shoot clays and a sporting to hunt birds.
Another difference that one can feel, immediately upon picking one up, is in the weight and volume of the stock. The stock and grip on a field variant are slightly thinner to allow for greater maneuverability in the field by decreasing weight. Conversely, a sporting is slightly thicker to add mass that creates a more consistent swing, mount, and grip. Relatedly, the dimensions of the comb are slightly different between variants. The Sporting comb is slightly lower to accommodate consistent mount, while the field is positioned to accommodate for quickly mounting when birds flush.
Remaining differences are found in the barrels, ribs, and beads.
BARRELS
The barrels on the sporting variant feature a vented rib between both barrels to assist in cooling when firing high volumes of rounds at the range, while the field variant has a solid rib between both barrels. Sporting models generally come with extended chokes (although you can see the model displayed here is one of those aforementioned exceptions) and Field variants generally have flush chokes.
Silver Pigeon I Field on the top, Silver Pigeon I sporting on the bottom with ventilated mid-rib.
RIBS
Differences in the ribs on both variants should be noted as well, but may not be as noticeable at first glance. The Field variant has a straight 6×6 rib that is simple and allows for quick target acquisition, without being too big and covering birds. The Sporting variant has a tapered 10×8 rib; this allows for more precise shots on extended and more difficult targets.
BEAD SIGHTS
Often overlooked, are the advantages to different bead/sight configurations. Bead sights are quite different on both variants as well. The Field variant has a gold front bead to allow for some point of aim while being very minimal to prevent snagging in the field. The Sporting variant has a large white front bead as well as a mid-bead. The white front bead gives a more precise point of aim, while the mid-bead can give a better sense of where the gun is in space.
AUTO SAFETY
Another key mechanical difference between variants is the function of the safety. All the Field models of the 680 series are equipped with an auto-safety. When the action is broken open the safety is automatically placed in the safe position. Sporting variants have a traditional manual safety that needs to be manually actuated from safe to fire.
Stock Drop
Another contrasting feature between the 680 Series variants is the stock drop. The Drop on a Field variant will be minimal, but on a Sporting, the drop is lower and more relaxed.
Silver Pigeon I Sporting on the top, Silver Pigeon I Field on the bottom.
Models
Now that the basics of the Field vs Sporting variants are clear, we can outline the differences between each of the models in the 680 series. As mentioned previously, all of the guns in the 680 series are mechanically identical. They all have similar barrels, hammers, triggers, extractors, and ejectors. Where the Silver Pigeon I, III, V, and EELL Diamond Pigeon differ is on the outside; wood grades, engraving, checkering, forend styles, and more all differ on each model.
WOOD GRADES
The most obvious differences are in the wood grades, which will differ from every manufacturer, utilizing different names and scales. You may hear Grade 8, Super-grade, exhibition-grade, and high-grade. Each grade can refer to a different quality of wood. Most manufacturers will use a numeric grading system that is linear, meaning the higher the number the better the wood.
Beretta has a team of people who will grade the wood, in blank form, using a numeric scale starting at grade 2. Factors considered when grading wood include the burl, grain, and features like fiddleback. Keep in mind that the outer appearance of each blank piece of wood is unfinished/uncut and can only give a glimpse of what the final stock will look like. Sometimes a blank that is graded as a 3 can look like a grade 4 when it is finished or vice versa. Beretta sometimes uses the designation of “EELL” or “Extra Extra Lusso Lusso” which translates as extra luxury or extra fancy. Beretta uses E for extra engraving, and L for the stock finish. EELL (double E double L) just means it has over-the-top engraving and stock finishing.
The 680 Series of shotguns generally feature the Silver Pigeon 1 with grade 2 wood, Silver Pigeon III with grade 2.5, Silver Pigeon V with grade 3, and EELL Diamond Pigeon with grade 3.5. As displayed, clearly the wood can vary quite a bit. From Right to Left: Silver Pigeon 1, Silver Pigeon III, Silver Pigeon V, and EELL Diamond Pigeon.
The Silver Pigeon V displayed, second from the left, was one of those wood blanks that after grading turned out to be an incredible piece of wood and did not last long on our rack.
The finishing on each model is different and generally improves going up through the models. The Silver Pigeon I has an oil matte finish, Silver Pigeon III an oil matte finish with additional coats, Silver Pigeon V features a semi gloss finish, and the EELL has a gloss polish with more coats. One can see the difference in the highlights while holding the gun and moving it in the lighting. All variants have great finishes, but the better the finish the more it brings out the quality and craftsmanship in the shotgun.
ENGRAVING
Another major difference is in the engraving. Prefer a game scene? Scroll engraving? With the 680 series, you have both options available in most of the variants. Years ago, if you bought a 686 it would have scroll engraving, and if you bought a 687 it would have a game scene, but Beretta has varied in offerings over the years. Now, the Silver Pigeon I has scroll engraving with floral motifs, Silver Pigeon III has a game scene featuring a pheasant, while the Silver Pigeon V has a gorgeous deep-cut scroll engraving with floral motifs. The EELL Diamond Pigeon currently features a game scene with pheasant on one side, quail on the other, and a bird dog on the bottom of the receiver.
The game scenes also vary by gauge. 12 gauges have a pheasant on one side and a partridge on the other. Sub-gauges have a woodcock on one side and a quail on the other
The depth of the engraving will vary as well. The Silver Pigeon I has a lightly laser-engraved receiver, whereas the EELL Diamond Pigeon has a deeper, hand-chased, engraving.
686 Silver Pigeon I Engraving
687 Silver Pigeon III Engraving
687 Silver Pigeon V Engraving
687 EELL Diamond Pigeon engraving
FORENDS AND CHECKERING
The 680 series of shotguns also feature different forends with different styles and lines per inch (LPI) of checkering on each model. Some are delivered with a Schnabel forend, while others have a rounded, English-styled, forend. With respect to checkering LPI, it is a preference, but offers variety in appearance and feel of the gun in-hand.
RECOIL PADS
Recoil pads are another place to spot differences. The Silver Pigeon I and III both come with Microcore recoil pads, which is an open-cell polyurethane pad that is soft, light, and adaptable. Different thicknesses of Microcore pads and spacers, to fit the length-of-pull, can be purchased. The Silver Pigeon V and EELL Diamond Pigeons are delivered with wooden buttpads affixed to the stock, but they also both include Microcore recoil pads as an alternative.
Notable Facts
Now that you know the basics of the 680 series of shotguns from Beretta, there are some facts that may not be widely known, but are worth noting.
SCALED RECEIVERS
One fact about the 680 series, that has made it such a widely adopted shotgun, is the scaled receiver. In the 680 series, 12 GA has a dedicated receiver size, the 20 has a smaller dedicated receiver, and 410 and 28 Gauge share an even smaller receiver.
Scaled receivers are perfect for outfitting shooters with a gun that is weighted and matched for the intended load.
Silver Pigeon III 12 GA on top, Silver Pigeon III 20 GA in the middle, and a Silver Pigeon III 410 on the bottom
Chokes
The chokes for each gun in the 680 Series change depending on the model and variant.
- The Silver Pigeon I comes with flush chokes on both the Sporting and the Field variant
- The Silver Pigeon III, Silver Pigeon V, and EELL Diamond Pigeon come with flush chokes on the Field variant, and extended on the Sporting.
- All Silver Pigeon (and EELL Diamond Pigeon) chokes are Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder
B-FAST SYSTEM
The Beretta B-Fast System is an option on the Silver Pigeon V (and other non 680 series shotguns) that allows the user to customize the stock balance and fit to their liking.
The adjustable comb in the B-Fast system provides the following:
- Max 11 mm height (parallel to towers axis)
- Max 6″ drop
- Max 11 degree rotation (with respect to the axis perpendicular to the stock drop)
- Max 13mm lateral (perpendicular to the stock)
The spacers provide a “memory” feature that allows the shooter to adjust the cast without changing the height of the comb.
The stock balancing feature of the B-Fast system allows the user to affix 20 gram or 40 gram tungsten washers to a screw in the rear of the stock.
Beretta B-Fast adjustable comb on a Beretta 694 and the included toolkit with weights
VITTORIA
A third less common variant of each model is the Vittoria. The Vittoria has a shortened stock and reduced-size pistol-grip, making it a phenomenal option for smaller-statured shooters. Some shooters find that using the scaled-down receiver of the 20 gauge is small enough, but for those who find themselves wanting smaller, the Vittoria is a great option.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 Vittoria
688 PERFORMANCE SPORTING B-Fast
The newest member of the 680 family is the 688 Performance Sporting. As with the other 680 series offerings the 688 features the same action, but with many features and options new to the 680 line.
The most obvious difference from the pigeon guns is the birch laminate stock, which provides additional weight and rigidity. This stock is then mated to a heavier steel receiver with a redesigned top-lever. The combination of Steelium barrels, OCHP chokes, Bfast system, and an adjustable trigger make for an amazing modern sporting gun.
The 688 Performance Sporting comes with color-banded silver extended chokes in IM, M, IC, C, and Skeet.
Options for the 688 include a 12 gauge receiver in right/left hand versions and a barrel length of 30” in the standard and Vittoria models, with a 32” also offered in the standard configuration.
Beretta 688 Performance Sporting B-Fast
ANOMALIES
Being such a widely available shotgun as the 680 series is, Beretta does occasionally manufacture special runs for some of their distributors. An example of this would be that, although Silver Pigeon III’s are usually delivered with a rounded forend to complement the rounded checkering, the 410 Silver Pigeon III pictured below has a schnabel forend.
Silver Pigeon III 12 GA on top, Silver Pigeon III 20 GA in the middle, and a Silver Pigeon III 410 on the bottom
Discontinued Models & Variants
Beretta is a large company that has made a number of variants and models throughout their years in business. Some interesting examples of models that have been discontinued are the Silver Pigeon II, with deep-relief engraving, and the Silver Pigeon V, with a Color Case-Hardened finish. The Silver Pigeon II’s engraving style gives it a unique three-dimensional look. The Silver Pigeon V with a color case-hardened finish has gorgeous hues that attract any distinguished eye. However, the chemical process for this finish is no longer available in Italy, making existing examples highly desirable.
686 Silver Pigeon 2
687 Silver Pigeon V with Case Color Hardened Receiver
Summary
As Beretta continues to improve and evolve, we will work to highlight their progress and add to the information outline herein. Keep an eye out for new articles as Beretta continues to innovate on classic shotgun designs.
The new 2025 686 Silver Pigeon has undergone significantly more changes than in previous years and we will be detailing those changes soon.
The new Beretta 688 Performance Sporting is a welcomed addition to the 680 series and we cannot wait to get our hands on one! Article coming soon!