Beretta 688 Performance Trap AS: the brand new over-and-under shotgun for trap shooters tested (with a look at the 688 Sporting and 688 Vittoria model variants)

Thanks to a well-placed advertising campaign, the tester was not entirely unfamiliar with the new release from the Italian gunmaker, so the test could begin accordingly: here at all4shooters.com we already presented the Beretta 688 in detail, but in any case, Beretta created a new platform with the 688, whose advanced technology is sure to gradually find its way into other Beretta models. With the new shotgun, the company wants to appeal to newcomers to the sport of shotgun shooting in particular, but also to ambitious shooters. The pricing is moderate and will encourage interested parties to take a closer look at the new model.

Beretta offers the new over-amd-under as a Sporting and a Trap version to ensure it is ideally equipped for the various disciplines. The 688 is available as a Vittoria Sporting for ladies and "slender-built shooters" , in which case the gun has a shorter buttstock, with a length-of-pull (the distance from the trigger to the butt plate) of 359 mm instead of 376 mm. As with the Trap version,  81 and 76 cm  barrel lengths are available. The Trap version of the 688 was provided for this test. In contrast to the Sporting version, the Beretta 688 Performance Trap features barrels with integrated instead of interchangeable chokes and the fore-end is manufactured in beavertail style. All three model variants feature the Beretta AS (Adjustable Stock) as standard.

Design characteristics, technical details and features of the Beretta 688 Performance over-and-under shotgun series

What immediately catches the eye on the Beretta 688 is the black-grey laminated wood stock. The laminated wood not only looks modern, but is also particularly durable and resistant to cracks, deformation and weathering. Different types of wood or special veneers are often used in the production of laminated wood. This technique increases the stability and strength of the stock, which is laminated from several layers of wood. The AS stock of the 688 Performance is already equipped with the so-called B-Fast technology. This allows the shooter to individually adjust the height, cast and drop of the stock. The tool required to make the adjustments to the stock is supplied with the shotgun on delivery. Spacer discs for adjusting the stock height were also included in the selection of standard equipment. At the end of the stock, Beretta also relies on its own development – the MicroCore recoil plate. Beretta promises excellent gliding properties of the butt plate on clothing for perfect shouldering as well as lightness and good damping performance in terms of felt recoil – which is also reflected in the previous experience of the all4shooter/all4hunters.com team with the MicroCore recoil plate.

The receiver of the 688 Performance has become wider and the weight has been increased by 55 grams compared to the other shotguns in the 680 family. These changes to the proven design are intended to improve the stability and handling of the new competition model. The final test on the shooting stand should show whether felt recoil has changed noticeably. In any case, the weight did not have a negative effect on the balance of the gun. The steel receiver has a black blued finish and features modern design elements on the sides in the form of two engraved lines and the model designation 688. The brand logo and model designation can also be found on the underside of the receiver. The model number and the brand logo are highlighted by their orange colour and emphasise the modern appearance. One innovation is not immediately noticeable: a laser engraving of the surface on the top of the barrel bundle intended to improve glare protection. 

The shotgun features a locking mechanism with trapezoidal shoulders and conical locking lugs. Experience has shown that this design will provide many years of service. This locking system is used in various models of Beretta's 680 series. The trigger blade of the 688 Performance is individually adjustable within a range of plus/minus 4 mm. The safety slide is located on the receiver's tang. If this is pushed forwards, the shotgun is ready to fire. In the Sporting and Vittoria versions of the 688 Performance, the safety slide is also used to select the barrels. The mechanism for breaking open the gun has been optimised. The redesigned opening key is intended to enable a smoother break, which should make handling easier and reduce hand fatigue.

Let's move on to one of the most important components of any firearm: Beretta gives the 688 Performance the well-known Steelium Optimabore HP barrels. Optimabore HP barrels are manufactured using Steelium technology, which utilises triple-alloyed steel. The barrels are given their final quality through a deep drilling process, cold hammer forging and vacuum distension. "Steelium" is the hallmark of all barrels manufactured by Beretta. Barrel lengths of 71 cm, 76 cm and 81 cm are available for the Sporting version .

The Trap version is available in 76 and 81 cm barrel lengths and the Vittoria only with 71 and 76 cm barrels. The Trap version comes with fixed chokes (¾ and full), the Sporting version and the Vittoria are equipped with extended chokes and are supplied with a total of five interchangeable choke inserts. All barrels are of course suitable for the steel shot used in sport shooting, including the narrow barrels of the trap version with fixed chokes. The muzzle constriction only applies to steel shot from 3.25 mm diameter. A ventilated sight rib with a guilloche pattern on the top is mounted on the barrels. The Trap variant has a 10x10 mm rib and the Sporting a 10x8 mm rib, both variants have a white front bead in common.

The gun is supplied in a blue plastic case with an eye-catching Beretta logo on the lid. Inside there is an Allen key to remove the stock and a small case with the necessary tools to adjust the stock and trigger. The 688 Sporting also comes with interchangeable chokes as an accessory. The Beretta models are now available in stores.

Beretta 688 Trap AS over-and-under shotgun Technical specifications

Shooting range test with the Beretta 688 Performance Trap AS

So much for the theoretical part of this test, let's now move on to the practical part: the visit to the shooting range. With plenty of ammunition in our luggage, we travelled to the nearby range. Only minor changes had to be made to the set-up of the gun – a little adjustment to the stock height and that was it. Beforehand, the clay target system was set to sporty trap and we were ready to go. It should be briefly mentioned that the ammunition of choice for this test was Fiocchi TT with a 24-gram load. Even with the first clay targets, the gun's origin was clearly recognisable.

A super balanced swing behaviour, paired with a recoil behaviour that was not perceived as unpleasant. Simply put, the shotgun is fun to shoot. Even after over 100 shots from the 688, there were no visible bruises on the shoulder or cheek: an indication of the great performance of this gun. However, after this number of shots with the brand new and not yet run-in shotgun, it is not yet possible to make any conclusive statements about the promised improved opening of the gun thanks to the newly designed top lever and the associated action. The author subjectively felt that the gun opened no differently to his own Beretta shotgun. But what can already be confirmed is that the ejectors work powerfully and positively. The empty shells fly over the stand in a high arc.

Overall, the test of the Beretta 688 can be considered a success. Everything is solidly made, the 688 is well balanced, the mechanics work without failures and the hits were better than expected.

Conclusion on the Beretta 688 Performance

The Beretta 688 Performance is a solid gun that is neatly finished and really worth the money. Thanks to the different variants (Trap, Sporting, Vittoria), there is a gun on offer for all requirements. Coupled with the barrel lengths on offer and the optional accessories, individuality is more than catered for. All in all, the 688 is a successful combination of traditional Beretta quality and modern features at a reasonable price starting at €3,280 for the Trap version and €3,575 (RRP) for the Sporting and Vittoria versions. The "from" here is because all three versions are also available with left-hand stocks for an additional €95 each.

Further information can be found on the Beretta website.