Exploring Beretta's Best: Highlights from the Beretta Range Day

What’s up, everyone! Welcome to Target Focused Life. Recently we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Beretta Range Day at the Pro Gun Club in Boulder City, Nevada right before SHOT Show 2025. From getting hands-on with legendary shotguns to chatting with world-class shooters, the event was packed with exciting highlights. Let’s dive into what shotguns Beretta had on display for 2025.

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The DT11 Pyramid Edition: Honoring Olympic Greatness

One standout of the day was the DT11 Pyramid Edition, a tribute to the 14 medals Beretta shooters claimed at the Paris Games. This limited-edition shotgun is more than a showpiece—it’s designed for peak performance. The intricate pyramid-themed engraving on the receiver and rib showcases its craftsmanship, while its chromium steel barrel offers unparalleled recoil reduction. Shooting the 001 serial number of this beauty was a surreal experience. It’s a perfectly balanced competition gun, with a crisp trigger pull around 4 pounds (or less). Designed with feedback from top athletes, it’s no wonder the DT11 dominates in the competitive world. We had the pleasure of shooting this shotgun with Olympic legend Kim Rhode who is the only person ever to medal in all 3 Olympic disciplines.

The SL2: Beretta’s Next Evolution in Competition Shotguns

Beretta also showcased the SL2, the latest innovation in their competition lineup. This shotgun pushes the boundaries with its Steelium Pro X barrels, longer chokes, and optimized weight distribution. By lowering the gun’s center of gravity, Beretta engineers have significantly reduced felt recoil, making it a joy to shoot even with its hefty 9+ pounds. World champion shooter Vincent Hancock walked me through its design, explaining how features like a 50mm parallel forcing cone and drop-trigger system enhance precision and reliability. He’s already preparing to use the SL2 in the next Olympics—a testament to its potential.

486 Marc Newson: A Side-by-Side Masterpiece

For those who love elegant, lightweight firearms, the 486 Marc Newson is a stunner. This side-by-side shotgun features a straight English stock, splinter forend, and intricate laser-engraved artwork. Weighing under 6 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry in the field, and its auto safety feature makes it perfect for upland hunters. Beretta collaborated with famous industrial designer Marc Newson who designed the intricate receiver artwork. This isn't just your average shotgun: It's functional art.

The 688: A New Option for Aspiring Competitors

Beretta’s 688 is designed for shooters entering the competitive scene. It combines modern aesthetics, added receiver weight, and a laminate stock to create a gun that’s both affordable and effective. Its similarity to the 694 gives it a familiar feel, but the upgraded weight and stock dimensions make it a step up. At an MSRP around $3,500, it’s a great value for experienced shooters, or SCTP shooters and others starting their journey into clay shooting.

The A300 Ultima Series: Versatility at Its Finest

The A300 Ultima Sporting is a solid, value-driven option for those seeking reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. Its gas system ensures smooth operation with light recoil, and it features a Monte Carlo comb for better ergonomics. For tactical enthusiasts, Beretta’s 1301 Tactical and A300 Ultima Tactical models add versatility to the lineup. Aggressive grips, adjustable stocks, and options for suppressors make these shotguns stand out, even for those who may not venture into the tactical world. Should Target Focused Life dive deeper into tactical shotguns? Let us know!

Beretta’s presence in the competitive shooting world is unmatched. From classic designs like the 686 Silver Pigeon to cutting-edge innovations like the SL2, their commitment to excellence is evident. Whether you're an Olympic-level competitor or just starting out, Beretta has something for everyone. The Beretta Range Day was an unforgettable experience. With so many incredible guns to try, world-class shooters to hang out with, and innovations to explore, it’s clear that Beretta continues to set the bar in the shooting industry.