Beretta Ultraleggero Silver Review: Lightweight 12-Gauge Over/Under Shotgun for Upland Hunting and Clay Shooting.

Beretta Ultraleggero Silver Review: Lightweight 12-Gauge Over/Under Shotgun for Upland Hunting and Clay Shooting. The Beretta Ultraleggero Silver is a groundbreaking over/under shotgun designed for hunters and sport shooters who demand performance without the burden of weight. As part of Beretta’s prestigious 690 series, it redefines what a lightweight shotgun can be—delivering steel durability, elegant design, and field-ready functionality in a package that weighs less than many 20-gauge models. Whether you’re trekking through upland terrain or smashing clays at the range, the Ultraleggero Silver offers a rare combination of agility, reliability, and customization. Let’s dive into everything that makes this shotgun a standout choice. --- 🛠️ Design and Build Quality Beretta Ultraleggero Silver Unlike most lightweight shotguns that rely on aluminum receivers, the Ultraleggero Silver features a skeletonized steel receiver—a bold move that preserves strength while shedding unnecessary weight. Beretta achieves this by removing non-essential steel and replacing it with techno-polymer inserts, which are not only functional but also customizable with engraved scrollwork or game scenes. The gun is built on the Beretta 690 boxlock action, known for its durability and smooth operation. It retains Beretta’s signature dual conical locking lugs and trapezoidal shoulders, ensuring a secure lockup and long-term reliability. --- 🔧 Modifications and Customization One of the Ultraleggero Silver’s most unique features is its interchangeable side panel inserts. These polymer plates can be swapped out for different designs, allowing shooters to personalize their firearm with floral scrolls, hunting motifs, or even custom logos. While the standard model comes with a single selective inertia trigger, some European versions offer double triggers—though this option isn’t currently available in the U.S. The safety is automatic by default but can be converted to manual by a qualified gunsmith, which is a popular tweak among clay shooters. --- 📊 Technical Specifications The Ultraleggero Silver is chambered in 12-gauge and available with 26-inch or 28-inch barrels, giving shooters flexibility based on their preferred balance and swing. The gun weighs approximately 6 lbs (26”) to 6 lbs 5 oz (28”), making it one of the lightest steel-frame 12-gauge shotguns on the market. It features Beretta’s Optima-Choke HP system, compatible with both flush and extended chokes for tailored shot patterns. The stock is crafted from oil-finished walnut, offering a classic look with modern ergonomics. --- ⛓️‍💥 Performance and Shooting Range In the field, the Ultraleggero Silver excels at upland bird hunting, with an effective range of 30–40 yards for game like pheasant, grouse, and quail. Its lightweight frame allows for quick shouldering and fast target acquisition, especially useful in dense cover or fast-flushing scenarios. On the range, it performs admirably in sporting clays, trap, and skeet. While some shooters prefer heavier guns for recoil absorption, the Ultraleggero’s balance and responsive trigger make it a strong contender for competitive shooting. --- 🦃 Hunting Applications Beretta Ultraleggero Silver This shotgun is purpose-built for: • Upland birds: pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail • Small game: rabbit, squirrel • Light waterfowl: with appropriate chokes and loads Its portability and fast handling make it ideal for long days in the field, especially for hunters who cover a lot of ground. --- 🎯 Clay Shooting Suitability Though designed with hunters in mind, the Ultraleggero Silver is also a favorite among clay shooters who value speed and maneuverability. Its crisp trigger and balanced swing make it suitable for sporting clays and recreational trap shooting. However, competitive shooters may prefer a heavier gun for recoil management during extended sessions. --- 🧩 Accessories and Add-Ons Beretta offers a range of accessories for the Ultraleggero Silver, including: • Custom side plates with engraved designs • Recoil pads for added comfort • Sling swivels for field carry • Hard case for transport and storage • Aftermarket chokes for specialized shooting scenarios These options allow shooters to tailor the gun to their specific needs, whether in the field or on the range. --- 💰 Price and Value With an MSRP of around $2,999 USD, the Ultraleggero Silver sits in the premium tier of hunting shotguns. While it’s more expensive than Beretta’s older Ultralight models, the added durability of a steel receiver and the customization options justify the price for serious hunters and shooters. --- 👍 Pros and 👎 Cons Pros • Ultra-lightweight with steel durability • Customizable side panels • Smooth trigger and reliable lockup • Excellent balance and fast handling • Ideal for upland hunting and clay sports Cons • No double trigger option in U.S. models • Automatic safety may be inconvenient for sport shooters • Higher price point than aluminum-frame competitors --- 🗣️ User Reviews and Feedback Hunters consistently praise the Ultraleggero Silver for its portability, balance, and field performance. Clay shooters appreciate its responsive trigger and sleek design, though some wish for manual safety and more trigger options. Overall, it receives high marks for innovation and reliability. --- 🧠 Why Shooters Choose the Ultraleggero Silver The Ultraleggero Silver is chosen by those who want: • A lightweight shotgun that doesn’t sacrifice strength • A customizable firearm with aesthetic appeal • A reliable platform for both hunting and sport shooting • The prestige and performance of the Beretta brand It’s especially popular among upland hunters who prioritize mobility and fast target engagement. --- 🤩 Interesting Fact Beretta Ultraleggero Silver “Ultraleggero” means “ultralight” in Italian—a fitting name for one of the lightest steel-frame shotguns ever made.