Is the round-bodied side-by-side the slimmest, sexiest gun ever built? First introduced by John Robertson in the 1890s and, according to author Donald Dallas, initially “particular to Boss,” the round-body has the look and feel of the organic, near-cylindrical gun. Now Beretta has rolled out a version based on its tried-and-tested 486 Parallelo with an ale-keg-shaped action and circular hand: the EL Tartarugato.
All of this streamlining is made possible by a firing mechanism mounted on the triggerplate that dispenses with the in-body cocking levers of a traditional boxlock, allowing the action to be sensuously shaped. It is built only as 20-bore, has a single selective trigger and is available with 26”, 28” or 30” barrels and five Optima HP chokes. Straight English and pistol-grip stocks are available, and a unique device described as an “exclusive ‘gravitational safety,’ which prevents firing when the shotgun is in an unusual position,” is standard.
Trim sideplates with bouquet & scroll laser engraving add to the elongated aesthetic, and the gun is available in a brushed-bright-silver or color-case finish. “Tartarugato” means tortoiseshell in Italian, and the case hardening gives the gun something of the appearance of that ornamental material so familiar from luxury sunglasses.
Since Robertson introduced the round-body side-by-side, the design has influenced other makers, but over time these guns have become far rarer, since making them requires such a high level of skill. It’s a style that has been occasionally copied but perhaps never more elegantly than with the scintillating 486 Parallelo EL Tartarugato. With no drop points or other unnecessary projections, the gun is guaranteed to be a delight between the wrists.
For more information, visit beretta.com and search for “tartarugato.”
Buy This Issue / Subscribe Now
