Beretta's Ultraleggero over-and-under represented the culmination of a seemingly impossible technological challenge: to make an over-and-under with a steel receiver that was lighter and therefore easier to handle than one with a light alloy receiver. Thanks to the latest engineering techniques, the receiver was skeletonised, retaining the material only where strength is needed and lightening the parts that are less subject to structural stress. The increased stock cavity, the Steelium Optimabore HP barrels with no side ribs, the trigger guard and the aluminum forend iron system all contribute to making this over-and-under 404 grams lighter than a standard shotgun. The Beretta Ultraleggero in 12-gauge with 61 cm barrels and 76-mm magnum chamber weighs only 2.5 kilograms and is capable of safely firing steel and HP steel shot cartridges with loads up to 56 grams. Trigger is single selective, with a selector switch positioned on the top tang along the safety slide. Upon request, a double trigger system is also available, which allows the firing order of the two barrels to be selected without having to move the finger from the trigger.
Beretta Kick Off Plus recoil reduction system
It is, however, impossible to escape the laws of physics, and it is well known that a lightweight gun also tends to produce a stronger felt recoil than a heavier one. Beretta technicians have found a solution to this problem as well: the Ultraleggero over-and-under takes advantage of Kick-Off Plus technology, which reduces felt recoil by up to 40%. Recoil and muzzle rise, already cushioned by the exceptional balance of the 690 platform and the smooth ballistic performance of the Steelium barrels, are further reduced by a system of elastomer shock absorbers and return springs in the wooden stock, for the first time ever on an over-and-under. This also allows the follow-up shot to be released effectively without losing line of sight. A set of shims in the pistol grip and stock also allows for customisation of cast and drop
The new Silver version of the Beretta Ultraleggero will also be on show at the Verona exhibition, with a Nistan-finished steel receiver, offering high strength and durability, PVD-treated technopolymer inserts and glossy wood finish.
Daniele Piva, Vice President Business Commercial Market at Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, said: "It is fantastic to see the Ultraleggero expand its range. When we launched the first version in 2021, it was a gamble for Beretta: we were not sure how the market would react.
Today, here we are perfecting a successful model and enriching it with one of our most advanced technologies to enable hunters to enjoy this shotgun with even more comfort and performance.
The Kick-Off recoil reduction technology, combined with Ultraleggero's light weight, ballistics and modern aesthetics, is another step forward in a platform that will continue to evolve in the future."
The new versions of the Beretta Ultraleggero over-and-under, and all the other new products from the Italian company will be showcased at the EOS Show from 8 to 10 February 2025, in the halls of the Verona exhibition centre, Italy.
To find out more about the Ultraleggero Kick Off Plus and Silver over-and-unders please visit the Beretta website.
