Beretta 688 Over Under: Precision Adjustable for Competition

The competitive shooter looks for gear that blends precision, ergonomics, and reliability. On the range, the right balance and the ability to fine-tune fit are as important as a crisp break and consistent patterns. This review walks through how a modern over/under answers those demands and what to expect when choosing a high-performance competition shotgun.

BERETTA 688

The BERETTA 688 Performance Sporting is a purposeful reinvention of a legendary platform, purpose-built for competition shooters who demand adjustability and repeatable performance. Priced at $3610.99, this Over Under brings a suite of refinements over the older 686 Sporting that directly impact shot-to-shot consistency and shooter comfort.

Fit and Ergonomics: The B-Fast Advantage

Adjustability is the core of competitive shooting. The B-Fast stock on the BERETTA 688 provides a fully adjustable length-of-pull and comb position so you can dial in a precision fit for your cheek weld and eye alignment. That adjustability reduces the need to compensate between shots, helping you maintain a consistent sight picture across repetitive strings. The adjustable travel of the trigger shoe lets the shooter position the pad for a consistent reach and finger placement, which translates into more predictable trigger breaks.

Ambidextrous Control and Palm Swell

The ambidextrous palm swell builds control into both hands, making transitions smoother whether you’re breaking clays or running rounds in a competitive heat. Combined with a two-tone gray birch wood laminate stock, you get both rigidity and a modern aesthetic—laminate that resists seasonal warping and holds its zero under heavy use.

Balance and Recoil Management

Balance and mass distribution are often undervalued until you spend a full day on the line. The BERETTA 688 is intentionally heavier and better balanced than many sport shotguns—the added mass dampens recoil and stabilizes the muzzle during follow-through. With weight held evenly between your hands, the gun swings and points more naturally, helping you present to target faster and more accurately.

Steelium Barrels and OCHP Chokes

Barrel technology matters. The gold medal-winning Steelium barrels paired with OCHP chokes are engineered to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at competition distances. Those components are not cosmetic; they alter pellet distribution and energy retention at the target zone, which is critical for sighting your pattern and calling breaks with confidence.

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Action, Durability, and Operation

Beretta redesigned the top lever and bolt geometry on the BERETTA 688 to make the action easier to open and close. That might sound like a minor convenience, but in long sessions it reduces hand fatigue and keeps you focused. The mechanisms are built to withstand repeated cycles in a competition environment where speed and reliability are mandatory.

Materials and Finish

The two-tone gray birch laminate stock adds structural rigidity and resists the environmental changes that can affect traditional wood. The finish choice contributes to a modern, low-maintenance appearance while giving the gun the feel of a purpose-built sporting tool rather than a delicate showpiece.

Performance on the Range

From a practical standpoint, the BERETTA 688 is tuned for target-crushing consistency. The combination of a balanced frame, Steelium barrels, and OCHP chokes produces tight patterns that simplify range calls and recoveries. Those characteristics reduce the learning curve when moving between stations and make patterning with different loads straightforward.

12 Gauge Specifics and Use Cases

This Performance Sporting is available in 12 Gauge with a 30″ barrel length—an ideal configuration for many competition formats. The 12 Gauge offers the most flexible shot charge options and consistent downrange energy for standard clay targets and sporting clays presentations. The 30″ barrel promotes a smoother swing and a longer sight plane, helping skilled shooters fine-tune their lead and timing.

Who Should Consider the BERETTA 688?

If you compete regularly or intend to, the BERETTA 688 is targeted at shooters who want a finely adjustable platform with premium barrel and choke technology. Its laminate stock and adjustable features make it suitable for serious amateurs and professional competitors alike. As an Over Under in the sporting category, it’s particularly well-suited to clay-target disciplines where repeatability and ergonomics decide the day.

View product details and pricing to confirm specifications, barrel length options, and current stock.

Final Notes from the Line

On the firing line you trade milliseconds and millimeters for points. The BERETTA 688 brings adjustability, high-grade barrel tech, and a robust action into a package that’s built for those fine margins. At $3610.99, you’re investing in a shotgun that prioritizes fit, patterning consistency, and repeatable ergonomics—qualities that matter when targets are downrange and the clock is running.

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People Also Ask

What makes this product stand out from competitors?

This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Is this product suitable for beginners?

Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.

What warranty or support is available?

The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.

How does this compare to similar products in its price range?

This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.

What maintenance is required?

Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.