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#5 on this list
686 Silver Pigeon I
Beretta
The over/under that has outlasted trends. A low-profile action, honest walnut, and a lockup that shoots hundreds of thousands of rounds. Handles upland birds, clays and a box of buckshot with the same manners.
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#6 on this list
940 Pro Waterfowl
Mossberg
The gas gun that finally runs dirty. 1,500-round service intervals, an oversized bolt handle and safety you can work with frozen hands, and a shim system to fit the stock to you.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | 686 Silver Pigeon I | 940 Pro Waterfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Beretta | Mossberg |
| Type | Over/Under Shotgun | — |
| Action | Boxlock | Semi-Automatic (Gas-Operated) |
| Stock | Walnut | — |
| Receiver | Steel | — |
| Chamber | 3 inch | 3" |
| Gauge | — | 12 Gauge |
| Capacity | — | 4+1 (2 3/4" shells) |
| Finish | — | Cerakote (Patriot Brown) |
| Sight | — | HIVIZ CompSight Fiber Optic |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
686 Silver Pigeon I
- Exceptional durability and long service life of the action
- Excellent balance and intuitive handling for various shooting disciplines
- Classic aesthetic with honest walnut furniture
- Reliable mechanical triggers and strong lock-up
- Strong resale value due to reputation and quality
- Factory walnut can be plain, lacking high-grade figuring
- Heavier than some alloy-receiver shotguns, especially for long treks
- Lack of customization options compared to modular platforms
940 Pro Waterfowl
- Exceptional reliability in dirty conditions
- Oversized controls are great with cold or gloved hands
- Corrosion-resistant finishes throughout
- Adjustable stock for custom fit
- Manages recoil effectively for comfortable shooting
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- Aesthetics are purely functional, not elegant
- Factory chokes are adequate but not premium
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