Beretta 690 Black, what's the current opinion on it?

JimB1 · Feb 13, 2018

So I am 80% decided on a Beretta 686 SP1 sporting or an Onyx Pro sporting but I wanted to get an current opinion on the 690.

I have read in the 2014 - 2016 time frame there were a few issues with the 690/692 line with extractor issues and the occasional bolt shear causing the stock to break from the reciever. The extractor issue seems to be something that has sort of turned into a maintenance thing with most saying keep some spare parts around and change out the spring and o rings every so often. Apparently Beretta changed the extractor the a different gauge part at some point according to one report I came across on the issue but no idea if that helped or not. The bolt shear thing is a little more unusual. I only read about 3 instances that apparently happened back in 2015 but haven't found any current info on that problem, just a lot of people talking about the same instances from a few years back.

So has Beretta fixed these issues in the new ones? I like the look of this gun and by most accounts it handles a little more like a dedicated competition gun then the sp1 sporting. Most YouTube and magazine reviews seem to like it (always taken with a grain of salt) and the price is decent right between the SP1 sporting and the Onyx Pro.

I am looking primarily for a sporting clays/informal fun clay shooting gun so this seems a good option.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
-Jim

valkrider · Feb 13, 2018

I bought a used 692 after Christmas even though there were the issues you describe. I don't think the 690 had both of the problems that the 692 had. I've read that the 690 ejector selector design was different than the two-tabbed version of the 692. They would have to be removed for comparison to be sure. This could be wrong since I have no first-hand experience with the 690, only my 692 and forum posts.

I sent the gun back to beretta for a health checkup and to get new ejector selectors fitted with a second spare set for "just in case". I got what I thought was a great deal so I decided to take the chance. As typical on the internet you hear mostly horror stories on any product. You rarely hear of the 99% that are no problem.

It remains to be seen if I have future problems, but until that time I'm a happy owner. I still believe that the vast majority of these shotguns will never see the problems and horror stories that we have read about on forums.

Good luck on your decision. There's a high probability that whatever you choose will be a good choice. I was always told to buy the best you can afford...in my case the DT11 was a bit out of my price range. I believe that the 692 will be all the gun I need (but not the ultimate gun I would ever want

)

kjs · Feb 14, 2018

I got to handle a black 690 a couple weeks ago. I own a 692. I had heard that the ejector selectors were redesigned. I didn't take it completely apart (ejector removal) but the guy did let me take the forend off and the ejector selectors were exactly the same as mine. Also there was no screw in front of the trigger guard so I think the receivers are very similar (meaning the two receiver halves are held together by the top tang bolt and the slot machined in front of the trigger guard).

tash · Feb 15, 2018

I know of several 692's & one 690 being used on a regular basis with no issues.

1958jr · Feb 15, 2018

The 686 onyx pro and the Joel Etchen 687 All Around gun are the best deals in a shotgun around $3k.

TQ · Feb 15, 2018

I've had a 690 black for over two years with no issues. Shot some of my best scores with it.

Beretta 690 Black, what's the current opinion on it?

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