Like so many of the Baby Boomer generation, my initiation into the wonderful world of shotgunning was with a .410. The caliber was inadequate, the bolt was difficult to operate and the gun seemed stocked for somebody else. Now Beretta has come up with a newly designed over/under with the novice in mind.
“We are happy to add the 688 Performance to our range of shooting products, now more complete than ever for every need of the brand’s fans,” said Carlo Ferlito, the General Manager and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta. “Thanks to this new platform, we aim to reach young shooters and beginners in the fascinating world of clay shooting.”
Designed specifically for taking targets, the model has three features intended to be easier on newcomers. The first is an adjustable laminated stock of two-tone gray birch. The choice of timber is clearly intended to make the gun more affordable than one stocked with select walnut. The second is a heavier steel action for greater stability and less felt recoil. And the third is a toplever designed for simpler opening.
Two versions of the 688 are available: one for trap and the other for sporting clays. Both come in 12 gauge with single adjustable triggers. The Performance Trap model features 32" barrels with 2¾" chambers and fixed chokes, while the Performance Sporting comes with 30" or 32" barrels, 3" chambers and five Optimachoke HP chokes. Both come with Beretta’s B-Fast adjustable stock, a Microcore recoil pad and an adjustable single trigger. (Both models are also available with 28" barrels and Vittoria stocks for female shooters).
Dedicated to the champions of tomorrow and with prices starting at $3,600, both versions are welcome additions for those only now becoming familiar with clay shooting.
For more information, visit beretta.com.
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