s and Enthusiasts. System & Price. The Beretta 688 Performance is a bold evolution in the world of clay shooting and sport hunting. Designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and competition-grade firearms, this over-and-under shotgun blends Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge features. Whether you’re a weekend shooter or an aspiring champion, the 688 Performance offers precision, comfort, and style in one sleek package. 🧱 Design & Build Quality Beretta 688 Beretta’s 688 Performance is built on the proven 680-series boxlock action, but with a wider and heavier receiver for improved balance and recoil absorption. The black laminated wood stock is not only visually striking but also more resistant to moisture and wear than traditional walnut. • Receiver: Steel, blued finish with orange 688 branding • Stock: Laminated birch with B-Fast® adjustable comb • Weight: ~3.75–3.80 kg depending on barrel length • Length of Pull: 376 mm, adjustable via trigger shoe • Recoil Pad: MicroCore® 18 mm for enhanced comfort ⚙️ Trigger & Operating System Beretta 688 The 688 Performance features a single-selective adjustable trigger, allowing shooters to fine-tune length of pull and trigger feel. The redesigned top lever offers smoother opening and reduced hand fatigue during long shooting sessions. • Trigger Type: Inertia-driven, adjustable • Safety: Manual, with barrel selector (Sporting version only) • Palm Swell: Ambidextrous for improved grip and control Barrel Technology & Chokes Beretta 688 Beretta equips the 688 with Steelium® Optimabore HP barrels, crafted from tri-alloy steel and cold hammer-forged for superior ballistic performance. The extended 80 mm forcing cone ensures dense, uniform patterns and reduced muzzle rise. • Gauge: 12 • Chamber: 3” (Sporting), 2¾” (Trap) • Barrel Lengths: 71 cm (28”), 76 cm (30”), 81 cm (32”) • Rib: Ventilated, 10×8 mm (Sporting), 10×10 mm (Trap) • Chokes: 5 interchangeable Optimachoke HP (Sporting); fixed */ (Trap) 🎯 Performance & Applications Beretta 688 The 688 Performance is engineered for clay disciplines like Sporting and Trap, but its robust build and recoil management also make it suitable for upland bird hunting and small game. • Effective Range: Up to 50–60 meters with proper choke and load • Use Cases: Sporting clays, Trap, Skeet, pheasant, partridge, rabbit 💰 Price & Value Beretta 688 The 688 Performance sits between Beretta’s 686 Silver Pigeon and 694 models, offering competition-grade features at a more accessible price point. • MSRP: €3,299 (Trap) to €3,499 (Sporting) • Street Price: Varies by region; often ~$3,000–$3,600 USD 🗣️ User Feedback: Pros & Cons Beretta 688 Pros: • Excellent recoil control and balance • Adjustable stock and trigger for custom fit • Durable laminated wood and modern aesthetics • Olympic-grade barrel technology • Smooth operation and reliable cycling Cons: • Laminated stock may not appeal to traditionalists • Inertia trigger less ideal for high-volume shooting • Limited aftermarket customization compared to modular platforms 🏁 Why Shooters Choose the 688 Performance Beretta’s legacy in Olympic shooting is embedded in the DNA of the 688 Performance. It’s a shotgun that delivers confidence-inspiring handling, competition-ready features, and long-term durability. For shooters who want a serious sporting gun without stepping into the ultra-premium tier, the 688 Performance is a compelling choice. 🔍 Frequently Asked Questions • What is the Beretta 688 Performance? Users often want to know how it differs from the 686 Sporting. The 688 features a heavier receiver, laminated stock, and upgraded barrel technology for better recoil control and balance • Does the Beretta 688 have a recoil pad? Yes, it comes with a MicroCore® recoil pad, praised for its comfort and ability to absorb recoil during long shooting sessions • Is the 688 Performance good for beginners? Many ask if it’s suitable for newcomers. Beretta markets it as ideal for young shooters and beginners entering clay shooting, thanks to its adjustability and smooth operation • What’s the difference between the 688 and older Beretta models like the 686 or 687? Shooters compare the 688 to previous models, noting the wider receiver, modern aesthetics, and Steelium® barrel technology as key upgrades • What barrel lengths and chokes are available? The 688 comes in 28”, 30”, and 32” barrels, with Optimachoke HP interchangeable chokes for the Sporting version and fixed chokes for the Trap version • How much does the Beretta 688 Performance cost? Pricing varies, but most sources list it between $3,000–$3,600 USD, depending on configuration and region