Beretta shotguns in the UK: Over-and-under, semi-auto and side-by-side compared

Mark Eves
Mark Eves
Date icon26-Oct-2026

Few names in shooting carry as much weight as Beretta. Walk into a gun shop, a clay ground or a game fair and you will see the name on over-and-unders, semi-autos and side-by-sides, in everything from sensible working guns to superbly finished competition and game guns. That breadth is a strength, but it can make the range feel daunting if you are new to it.


This guide is a map of the Beretta shotgun range for UK buyers. It explains the three main families, who each tends to suit, and how to start narrowing your search, whether you are buying new, buying second-hand or thinking about selling. We keep to general guidance rather than quoting prices or detailed specifications, because both change with the model year, the variant and the condition of the gun.


Why Beretta is so widely chosen

Beretta is one of the oldest firearms manufacturers in the world, and in the UK it has built a reputation for dependable, well-made shotguns that hold their value. Part of the appeal is simple familiarity. There are lots of Berettas about, which means it is easy to find spares, accessories, advice and, if you are buying second-hand, a wide choice of guns.


The other part is range. Beretta makes guns for clay shooters, game shooters and pigeon and pest shooters, across several price levels. That is helpful, but it also means the brand name alone tells you little. A Beretta in a field is not the same gun as a Beretta on a trap layout, so it pays to understand the families.


Browse: All Beretta shotguns · Beretta 686 · Beretta 682 · Beretta A400 · Beretta 626


Beretta over-and-under shotguns

The over-and-under is the family most closely associated with Beretta in the UK. It covers a wide spread, from field-oriented guns through to high-end competition guns.


At the field end, the 686 Silver Pigeon is a long-standing favourite for people who want one gun for game, pigeon and the occasional round of clays. The 687 sits alongside it with a more decorative approach. At the competition end, the 682 family is a staple of trap, skeet and sporting clays, and the DT10 and DT11 are top-level competition guns that regularly appear in serious clay shooting. Above those, the SO series covers high-grade guns for buyers who want something special.


If you are shortlisting an over-and-under, start with what you shoot. A clay shooter will look first at the 682 and the DT range, a game shooter at the Silver Pigeon and the 687. Then compare fit, because fit matters more than the badge.


Browse: Beretta Silver Pigeon · Beretta 687 · Beretta DT10 · Beretta DT11 · Beretta SO5


Beretta semi-automatic shotguns

The semi-auto family is the other big part of the Beretta line-up, and it is popular for pigeon shooting, rough shooting, wildfowling, and clay shooting. Semi-autos are valued for their softer felt recoil and for the ability to fire several shots without reloading, within the rules of the shoot or the law that applies.


The A300 range is generally seen as the more affordable way into Beretta semi-autos, while the A350 and A400 move up the range with refinements that appeal to keen shooters. Older guns such as the A303 also appear regularly on the used market. If you are weighing semi-autos against over-and-unders, think about the work the gun will do. A semi-auto is often a practical choice for pigeons and pest control, while many game and clay shooters prefer the handling of an over-and-under.


Browse: Beretta A300 · Beretta A350 · Beretta A400 · Beretta A303 · Beretta 1301


Beretta side-by-side shotguns

Side-by-sides are the quieter part of the Beretta range, and they tend to appeal to traditional game shooters who like the classic handling and appearance. Searches for Beretta side-by-sides are steady, which suggests plenty of people are looking for something different to the usual over-and-under.


Listings on Rightgun.uk include models such as the 626 and 627, which are worth a look if you want a traditional game gun. As with any side-by-side, check the condition of the barrels, the fit of the action, and the stock dimensions carefully, because older guns can vary a lot.


Browse: Beretta 626 · Beretta 627 · Shotguns · Gun parts and accessories · Safes and cabinets


New or second-hand Beretta?

Both routes make sense, and many buyers use both at different stages. A new gun gives you the latest specification and, usually, the manufacturer’s warranty. A second-hand Beretta can offer a very good gun for the money, and because the brand is so widely owned, there is a deep pool to choose from.


When buying second-hand, look at the condition of the stock and forend, the barrels, the choke tubes if fitted, and the general feel of the action. Ask about servicing history and whether the seller has the original case and accessories. If you are unsure, ask a gunsmith to look the gun over before you commit.


Browse: Beretta 686 · Beretta 682 · Beretta Silver Pigeon I · Beretta A400 · All Beretta shotguns


Choosing the right Beretta for you

A few questions will narrow things down quickly. What will you shoot most: clays, game, or pigeons? Do you prefer the handling of an over-and-under, the recoil comfort of a semi-auto, or the feel of a side-by-side? How much do you want to spend, and are you comfortable buying second-hand?


Once you know those answers, the range makes much more sense. A clay shooter will look at the 682 or DT range, a game shooter at the Silver Pigeon or a side-by-side, and a pigeon shooter at an A300 or A400. Whichever you choose, aim to handle the gun before you buy.


Frequently asked questions

What is the best Beretta shotgun for a beginner? There is no single answer. Many beginners choose a 686 Silver Pigeon or a 682 for clay and game shooting, or an A300 for general use. The most important thing is that the gun fits you.


What is the difference between a Beretta 686 and a 682? Broadly, the 686 is thought of as a field and all-round gun, while the 682 family is aimed at competition clay shooting. Specifications vary by variant, so check each listing.


Are Beretta shotguns good value second-hand? Many shooters think so, because the brand is widely owned and well supported. Condition, service history and fit matter more than the name.


Where can I buy or sell a Beretta shotgun in the UK? You can browse Beretta shotguns from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk, and list your own for sale on the same dedicated marketplace.


Find your Beretta on Rightgun.uk

Browse Beretta shotguns on Rightgun.uk, from over-and-unders to semi-autos and side-by-sides, and compare them in one place. If you have a Beretta of your own to sell, listing it in a specialist shooting marketplace puts it in front of buyers who already know exactly what they want.


Further reading: Beretta DT11 UK buyer’s guide, Beretta Silver Pigeon buyer’s guide, Beretta A301, A302 and A303 compared, Beretta 682 vs 686 vs 687 second hand and Second-hand shotguns: best buys.

Tags:
Beretta shotguns UK Beretta shotgun range UK Beretta over-and-under shotguns Beretta semi-automatic shotguns Beretta side-by-side shotguns Beretta over-under vs semi-auto Beretta semi-auto vs side-by-side Beretta shotgun models compared best Beretta shotgun UK Beretta shotgun buying guide Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon UK