[jfon]

Saw but did not handle an S686E (20 ga/28") at Dick's today... too many Christmas shoppers to get at the gun. Nice looking, seemed a low price for a Beretta.

I've been considering a Franchi Veloce 20ga, like the light weight for quail hunting. Will also use the gun for sporting clays, but casually. Couldn't find the S686E on the Beretta site, but am interested in opinions as to how the two guns compare.

Also, any other suggestions for a versatile 20ga?

Thanks!

 

[claysmoker]

My 2 cents says both would be great quail guns and both would be on the light side for sporting clays. If an ultra light quail gun is what you're after go for the Veloce, if you are looking for a little better all around gun get the Beretta. The Beretta should last longer, but unless you do a lot of shooting, you probably won't notice.

 

[scars&scrapes]

686E 20 is a great gun, had one in 28" barrels. shoots great and is lightweight, i don't beleive the listed weight. I also don't beleive the gun is available in the states anymore.

 

[RWH24]

http://www.joeletchenguns.com/berettan.htm

686E Sporting clays 20 gauge with 30" barrels ( out of 28"), cased $1495*

http://www.jaquas.com/gunlist/details.asp?stocknumber=102468

 

[NEDiver2]

Don't have any experience with the Franchi, but own a 686E in 20ga with 28" barrels. Use her for upland hunting(pheasnat/grouse/quail) and occasional sportingclays. Weight is approx 6 1/2 lbs, well balanced. Light enough to carry all day and spot shoot at quick birds, heavy enough to swing well on sporting targets. I previously owned a Whitewing in 20ga with 26" barrels but the extra weight of the 686E and slightly longer barrel length made a big difference for me. The Whitewing seemed too light for me to shoot well. I also beleive that the 686E is no longer being imported for the US market (The White Onyx has supplanted them as the entry level SC gun) but are still being produced. I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up, Mine is a keeper. See Jaquas and/or Joel Etchen Guns if you can't find them local. Borh have decent prices.

 

[obx351]

You might be able to find one on the following sites"

www.gunbroker.com
www.auctionarms.com
www.gunsamerica.com

Also you might be able to get a used one for around $1000 to $1300. Spend the extra money on clays or a hunting trip!

FYI, my buddy shoots that Franchi and likes it, however he had some mechanical issues w/ it. I have 4 Berettas and I have never had any mechanical issues w/ any of them. I bought 2 used and 2 new.

My friend's Franchi might be an exception to the rule because I have always heard that Franchi makes a very good gun, however if it were me I would spend a little more money for the Beretta. You'll get most of the difference back between the 2 guns if you ever sell the Beretta. They tend to hold their value very well. Just my $0.02.