Beretta 490 Serpentina: The Ultimate Collector’s Side-by-Side Shotgun, Modifications, Caliber, Price. Article Overview Beretta 490 Serpentina • Introduction & Origins • Design & Modifications • Technical Specifications • Caliber & Shooting Range • Hunting Applications • Accessories & Chokes • Price & Availability • Pros & Cons • Interesting Facts • Final Verdict --- 🎯 Introduction: A Tribute to 490 Years of Excellence The Beretta 490 Serpentina is not just a shotgun — it’s a celebration of Beretta’s legacy. Released in 2016 to mark the company’s 490th anniversary, this one-of-a-kind side-by-side shotgun blends tradition, innovation, and artistry. Built on the 486 Parallelo platform and reimagined by designer Marc Newson, the Serpentina is a collector’s dream and a functional masterpiece. --- 🛠️ Design & Modifications Beretta 490 Serpentina The Serpentina is available in two known editions: • Original Blue Edition: Features a deep blue receiver, white gold inlays, and a polished walnut stock. • Black Edition (“Black Snake”): A sleek, all-black version with ebony wood and black anodized receiver. Both versions share: • A serpentine-shaped side lever for opening the action. • Minimalist design: no engraving or checkering, emphasizing clean lines and craftsmanship. • A custom Churchill-style case with accessories made of ebony, horn, and sterling silver. --- 📐 Technical Specifications Beretta 490 Serpentina • Type: Side-by-side shotgun • Gauge: 20 gauge • Barrel Length: 71 cm • Chamber Length: 76 mm (3”) • Weight: Approx. 2.85 kg • Barrel Material: Steelium® technology, mirror-polished • Receiver: Edgeless, anodized (blue or black) • Trigger: Single selective • Safety: Automatic with selector • Sight Rib: Tapered 8×5 mm • Chokes: Interchangeable, Beretta OCHP system B --- ⛓️💥 Caliber & Shooting Range Beretta 490 Serpentina The 20-gauge configuration offers: • Moderate recoil, ideal for refined shooting. • Effective range of 30–40 meters, depending on choke and load. • Suitable for upland game birds, pheasants, and clay shooting. While not designed for waterfowl or heavy game, its precision and balance make it a top-tier choice for sporting clays and driven hunts. --- 🦆 Hunting Applications Though primarily a collector’s item, the Serpentina is fully functional and excels in: • Pheasant and partridge hunting • Woodcock and grouse • Sporting clays and skeet shooting Its lightweight build and smooth swing make it ideal for fast-moving targets in dense cover or open fields. --- 🧩 Accessories & Chokes Included accessories: • Custom leather case with cleaning tools (ebony, horn, silver) • Steelium barrels compatible with Beretta OCHP chokes, allowing:• Cylinder for close-range • Modified for mid-range • Full for longer shots Additional accessories are limited due to its bespoke nature, but compatible Beretta chokes and cleaning kits are available through premium dealers. --- 💰 Price & Availability The Beretta 490 Serpentina is not commercially available in standard retail channels. It was produced as a custom, one-off firearm, with some editions gifted to organizations like the Countryside Alliance in the UK C. Estimated value: • $50,000–$100,000+, depending on edition and provenance. • Occasionally appears in private auctions or Beretta’s Premium Atelier. --- 👍 Pros & 👎 Cons ✅ Pros: • Unmatched craftsmanship and aesthetics • Lightweight and balanced for field use • Collector-grade exclusivity • Functional and precise for upland hunting ❌ Cons: • Extremely limited availability • Not suitable for waterfowl or heavy game • Price point restricts access to elite collectors • No engraving or checkering may deter traditionalists 🧠 Interesting Facts About the Beretta 490 Serpentina 🔹 A Tribute to the Oldest Firearms Manufacturer The Serpentina was created to commemorate Beretta’s 490th anniversary, making it a symbolic tribute to the world’s oldest active firearms company, founded in 1526. The shotgun’s name and design reflect this deep historical lineage. --- 🔹 Inspired by a 16th-Century Receipt One of the most unique design elements is the white gold inlay on the left side of the receiver, which depicts the original sales receipt from October 3, 1526, when Beretta sold 185 harquebus barrels to the Arsenal of Venice A. This document is considered the earliest known reference to Beretta’s existence. --- 🔹 Designed by Marc Newson The Serpentina was reimagined by Marc Newson, a world-renowned industrial designer known for his work with Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Qantas. His minimalist approach gave the shotgun its edgeless receiver, serpentine lever, and clean, unengraved surfaces, setting it apart from traditional luxury firearms. --- 🔹 No Engraving, No Checkering — Just Pure Form Unlike most premium shotguns, the Serpentina features no engraving or checkering. Instead, it relies on mirror-polished steel, grade 5 walnut, and anodized finishes to express elegance through simplicity. --- 🔹 The “Black Snake” Edition The Black Edition, nicknamed “Black Snake”, uses ebony wood, a black anodized receiver, and a custom black leather case. The opening lever mimics the curve of a snake, reinforcing the “Serpentina” theme (from serpente, Italian for snake). --- 🔹 A Collector’s Case Like No Other Each Serpentina comes in a Churchill-style case handcrafted by Beretta’s PB Custom Atelier. The cleaning tools are made from ebony, horn, and sterling silver, and the case includes a polished insert replicating the 1526 receipt — a nod to Beretta’s legacy. 🧠 Final Verdict The Beretta 490 Serpentina is a rare fusion of art and engineering, designed not just to shoot — but to inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a collector of fine firearms, the Serpentina stands as a testament to Beretta’s 490-year legacy. If you ever get the chance to hold one, you’re not just holding a shotgun — you’re holding history.
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