2020 687 Silver Pigeon 3 - Review & Test

The New mid-range Game Gun from Beretta is here - a new incarnation of the 687 Silver Pigeon 3 - and we had one down for a look so we reviewed it and took it to the clay ground.
The original was one of our favourite guns at the time - how will the new one fair?
Enjoy!
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[@littledaddynesbit4193]

...I bought a 30" Sporter last week. The wood is very plain (especially compared to my older Silver Pig Classic) but with a pair of extended LM Optima Chokes, I hammered a round of skeet and half-a-dozen sporting stands. Handling is outstanding.... really.

[@duncnz3129]

The MicroCore pads are very good at recoil reduction , and the fact that various thicknesses are available is a easy way to change length of pull . The problem with them is they are fragile and tear/wear easily. Little chunks come out when and if the gun butt is rested on a rough surface , like the floor of a gun safe or a duck blind or any concrete surface .

[@Scooter-dm3qo]

Purchased a 687 SP III Sporting 2 barrel set in 410/28 in 2020 and liked it so much I purchased a duplicate set in 2023 to have a spare for shooting tournaments. BTW, the Fit for the SP III is identical to the Fit for a Browning 525 Sporting. Shot my very first 25 in Skeet with the Browning. Unfortunately I found out that I was just too old to shoot a 4 gun tournament with a tubed 12 gauge, got to the last event, the 410, and shot a 23 on the first box but only hit 8 on the last box because I could not move the gun. Decided to go light and the Beretta has proven to the smartest gun purchase I've ever made.

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

...I've had mine for about 5 weeks, 12G 30" Sporter, and I'm loving! The balance and fit are perfect and its so easy to put the shot on target...

[@rotortip1]

Thank you for this. I bought the sporting version off the back of this video as my 1st purchased gun. Absolutely love it. Started with an old side by side Ligano....what an amazing difference. Thanks again Jonny.

[@darkazion]

TGS posted a video just as I was watching the presentation of Beretta - switched immediately!

[@bengardner5269]

Just ordered one of these and only then came across your video. AND I shoot Comp X's! Always valued and respected your views and now feel I may have a gun to really look forward to! Thanks Jonny and team.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

I adore the SP3 28 small frame I bought in 04’ and I got extremely lucky on the wood. If you saw it, you’d never believe it was original. After many, many hundreds of birds, and thousands of rounds, it’s never let me down. As much as I love it, I have strayed from her, and tend to gravitate toward my S57E 20 Bores much of the time now. Amazingly, their frames are only about .004” wider than hers. In 20 gauge no less. The engraving on these 57 guns is heads and shoulders above all the standard 687 models of today, and they have charm and handling characteristics I’d say much the same about. It’s obvious they gave birth to the 680s but it’s a crying shame they quit making them. Going back a little more, the ASE guns put them all to shame. Enjoyed this review, new to your channel, and wanted to suggest much brighter lighting for them. No Idea why you’d review a gun in such low light.

[@justineldridge3220]

We grew up fishing so my basic knowledge of a gun is extremely limited. I absolutely love the fact I can approach these vids with the amount of (or lack there of, I should say) knowledge I do have and not feel intimidated or left feeling like I missed something (or a lot of things). This is an amazing channel, you just gained a whole house full of happy viewers. If you continue to post super helpful stuff like this We promise to share the heck out of it.

[@steved9147]

Great, great review...you always do a first rate job and have many fans here in the US

[@drumhd1]

Steve D Second that!

[@stog9821]

@@drumhd1 third that.

[@hb7030]

@@stog9821 Fourth that. I just feel bad that they have to do so much to get one lol. I just bought a Beretta A400 Upland and it took me five minutes of paperwork and walked out same day.

[@mmthakurthakur2897]

@@stog9821 to

[@mmthakurthakur2897]

@@stog9821 .

[@marcellomichel1769]

Gorgeous !!! 500 Year Old Company !!!! Ordered Mine Today !!! Wont be here till Dec.24 th. Well Woth The Wait !!!! Great JOB ! THANKS

[@maxmusdan2484]

A year ago I was in the process of buying a nice over and under for upland hunting in Pennsylvania, US (nice being subjective of course) and came across your channel during my research. Enjoy all the topics your cover from various firearms, gun makers, and subjects that will never affect me like hunting and firearm regulations in the U.K. Thoroughly enjoyed the Badger culling and should pheasant releases be regulated videos. I ended up getting a 20 gauge Beretta 691 field and except for the fore end being a a pain to remove I really like it.If the new silver pigeon 3 was available last year I would have scrambled to get the extra cash to get this model. It appears to me that with the release of the silver pigeon 3 and the redesign of the SP 1 that the 690 field series is becoming a redundant line. I wonder if Beretta will phase out the 690 field lineup.

[@mrmatthewjflanagan]

G’day Johnny. You should be very proud of your spot on the world wide Beretta release for this gun! Well done Fella!!

[@craigsusen5551]

Man, your enthusiasm could be measured in metric tons. Love this channel.

[@chrissywhiskers]

10:08 😎 Great tunes Sash and JC. Great review too! I’ll be looking out for the 20 bore for sure.

[@rhubarb021]

It's testament to the underlying quality of the gun that this latest model is visually indistinguishable to the S687 Game I bought 20 years ago apart from the steel proof and a slightly different fore end

[@DFox-ud3gx]

Johnny those receivers are smashing love the birds and the engraving they come together.I have a 686 SP 1 sporter and yesterday morning I bought a 694 and what a difference the 694 is I own the B Fast model she's sweet and destroys clays .

[@tgsoutdoors]

Great move - should dominate some clay grounds so that thing

[@christaylor2642]

Thanks to this video I just spent 2k I really didn't need to 😂 thanks TGS! Giving it it's first outing soon!

[@chrisraine7468]

Would love more silver pigeon videos, really great work recently. It would be cool to see best sxs you can get for under 2000

[@bobbyfisherUnbelivable]

Liked just from the name of the video! Really like the individual gun reviews and comparisons. Great work!

[@ChristianRysgaard]

rushed off to see your review immediately after the press event. as always, you desperately fail to disappoint - thank you!!

[@dankruger2890]

just got a 687 silver pigeon III Trap Special Combo - unsingle. For the price of $6,000.00 The gun is awesome. Highly recommend getting one. Shot 300 shells at doubles yesterday and today my shoulder is fine. Doesn't kick for such a light Trap gun. Beretta has Brilliant setup with a 32inch Doubles and 34inch unsingle and big blue carrying case.

[@dominiccampbell947]

They should have shown your B-roll footage (is that the right term?) of the disassembled gun on the latest Fieldsports Britain episode instead of just footage of a string of scared looking game animals by way of a teaser for this. Swing and a miss there Beretta. That is still a sweet gun though, I'd be keen to play with one! Great video as usual.

[@Pipeafield]

Great review! Huge fan of the show here in the US. A multi Beretta owner. Keep up the great work!

[@markbateman703]

I have a fixed chocked with 28 inch barrels. I think it handling is spot on. Love the gun.

[@ferociousfrankie]

Thanks for integrating field tests into your reviews.

[@jimbobakabrutus1230]

Love this channel from eastern NC USA. I have hae one of these on order for a while. Should arrive this week. Can't wait

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

The 687 also comes in a 26” version. Personally, I believe that 26” is the perfect upland game barrel size for a 12ga.

[@sdriza]

Agree - and 26" barrels here seem to be out fashion lately

[@shirtlesslager]

@@sdriza You will deafen your hunting mates in a blind. We shoot 32s.

[@nocknload5287]

This is a nice surprise, didn't know they Beretta introduced this gun recently and I was just at the Dallas Beretta store. I love my bird slaying 687 Silver Pigeon 2 w/32" barrels. Great gun and great video. Thx for sharing...

[@adrianhurley3909]

Lol....I didn't want another gun until watching this! I wonder if a fixed choke version might give the gun a little less forward balance?? 🤔

[@e2.com1973]

As always what a great presentation! Bravo Johnny! And the music. Oh the music! Marvellus!!!!

[@sassoenator]

Get the new SP III gun, you'll change your tune in no time at all. Crappy gun. Get an older model or move to a Citori. I'll try to sell my piece of crap and get something decent.

[@billflythe4092]

Great review Johnny....artful camera work....good humor....the music was excellent and the content was really good!

[@melanthiosdemetriou75]

this video made me pull the trigger;) i used a 35 year old beretta 686 which acted flawlessly. But i wanted something new and i bought this! Great gun!

[@TheKetamineSquid]

nice choice of music! my orchestra is playing this in a performance in two weeks!

[@VinceWatches]

I chose this gun before seeing your video. Now I am reassured about my choice and the amazing value of the new SPIII

[@stevenbaker2363]

Loved my silver pigeon 5 wished I hadn't sold it in 20 bore it looks as good if not better I imagine there is a 20 bore version great review 👍👍

[@stanb915]

I have been on the fence about a new gun and the Silver Pigeon was in the running. After seeing this the new model might be the winner.

[@b1gda1]

I bought one off of this review! Thanks Johnny, my go to for the most detailed reviews. I bought an A400 black from an old review you did also... You're a bad boy!

[@ron5545]

Nice review. I have to say though I much prefer the older style engraving over laser-etching. Sure, you can be more intricate with the designs but that's not necessarily a plus. I think a simpler design that allows for deeper, well-defined engraving gives the gun a classier look that's more in line with its old-world aesthetic. "Less is more" as they say. The newer design looks too 'modern' as opposed to something vintage. Just by looking at them side-by-side on the table it was easy to see which 687 was the older and which was the newer.

[@steveryal7446]

A very, very good review. I have always favoured Beretta shot guns and was the proud owner of a 687 sporting multi choke quite some time ago, but the thing is, I am so sorry I sold it. I felt as though I was one with that gun and enjoyed using it so much. I used it mainly for clay's as I had side by sides for game, which I believe is what the sporting etiquete requires.

[@BikeGunCarGav]

I’d love to give you an long term review of my ownership of one of these…90% great… I changed from a silver pigeon 5 (which is essentially a silver pigeon 3 with a sharp suit on!)

[@BikeGunCarGav]

Just to add - I bought a new SP3, I have an old SP5 and so I wanted a steel proofed gun, and it’s been utter rubbish. Finish is peeling and flaking off the wood (the new gloss finish), the ejectors were out of time and the wood to metal fit is laughable. Also the new engraving looks good but feels rough and unfinished. Safe to say I’ll be getting rid of it.

[@ctubridy]

Just bought one in 28 gauge and 28". Really looking forward to it.

[@AliShooting]

You liked it because of the front heavy balance, that will make your swing smoother and absorbs recoil. Greetings

[@sassoenator]

I just got one yesterday. Sincerely, the quality is not there at all. It looks like and feels like something made in the bad parts of China. I'd gladly sell you mine.

[@AliShooting]

@@sassoenator hahaha thanks ,, I have 2 Perazzi shotguns.

[@DrDankoff]

More mature review, filled with information without being a list of specs. Thank you. PS: love the new format.

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

...one of biggest things I've noticed between the older Silver Pigs and the newer models (apart from the cosmetics) is the comb hight. The newer models are about 3mm higher ..

[@csamby1694]

Had a order one 😢lol miss my 687 three woos a lovely gun Grass isn’t always better in the other side good video T G S and do you agree about moving forward the 690 three is lovely to shot and barrel technology does make a difference

[@brianmacwilliams276]

I really enjoyed the Beretta Silver Pigeon 3 review. I'm in the market for a new trap gun and this is one of the contenders. The review information is good. Please don't assume that I know what your thoughts are, such as when you were talking about the barrels and manufacturing. Also, in the beginning your pictures of the stock and receiver are too dark. Otherwise as you Britts say "I'm chuffed to bits" with this review. Keep up the good work!

[@BPFnSC]

Just picked up this gun because of this review! Can’t wait to get it in and take it out shooting.

[@simoncrooks7441]

Thanks, grate review, you have at least one fan here in Fiji

[@darksidecarnival5385]

Outstanding review!! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about your opinion of this model

[@gregwright2988]

Great review, as always. Do you think the 28” might balance better with the shorter length? Trying to pick between 28” or 30” in 12 gauge for a versatile-do-everything gun, primarily pheasant hunting and sporting clays. Advice/comments would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Ha great review, I really liked it, I wish I knew about it 2 weeks ago, I’d buy one

[@johnnyhonda4404]

I love this channel! I have been thinking about a new pheasant gun. I have been going with the fear the man with 1 gun theory but chasing pheasants with a camo Super Black Eagle feels wrong. This gun looks awesome. I wasn't too fond of the wood on the SP1. I do wish it came with an oval like the older SP3. Questions: 1 - was this the 28 inch barrel version? 2 - is this currently or will it be available in America? 3 - is there a model number or something to make sure I order the right one?

[@marcovanassen]

Your review made my choice!!

[@khaleddz.]

You enjoyed shooting and I enjoyed watching since I can't get hold of the gun

[@georgeanaxagora1134]

Johnny I think is time to leave the old miroku 😊 Great video Great review great gun

[@MrBenski81]

You'll regret it!

[@JudahMaccabee_]

Excellent review and presentation. I wonder if it would be a worthy upgrade to my beloved 686 SP1, from a practical standpoint.

[@cinnreds18]

I really hope you’re able to review a tristar setter someday. I think the entertainment value would be top notch

[@tgsoutdoors]

When America calms down we will be over and see if we can get our hands on some ‘luxury goods’

[@sassoenator]

@@tgsoutdoors When you say America, which of the 35 countries that comprises it are you referring to? Could it be the United States of America? Geography still important.

[@andrewhindle4291]

Great video chap - only started watching your channel as looking for my first gun and what a revelation, and what a change from videos 4 years ago! I know it’s horses for courses, but as a first gun for only clay shooting circa. once a month with a circa £2k budget, this new Silver Pigeon or second hand 690 Grade 3/693? So many choices and a Sporter could be the answer but a local gun shop has this new field model at £1800! Cheers

[@grahammarshall9328]

Thanks I’m looking for a New a gun you just made my mind up on the687

[@jeanmorin3247]

You have to make choices in life. When you have already made your choice, don't dream to be a bachelor again. It ruins everything. Your old gun was so good then, don't let it be diminished by a new particularly bright star walking across the view. That old gun is yours, and that's why it's better. The Pigeon 2020 is very nice, but it's for another man.

[@brucechennell860]

All this technology being used to a good standard at last, let's hope other manufacturers start doing the same to push everyone into making better and more affordable shotguns and rifles. If this was added to you cabinet Johnny would it make you leave the MK38 behind?

[@tgsoutdoors]

It did turn my eye - with a custom stock of course!

[@znewc14]

I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of all of your gun reviews, great work! Have you ever looked at the Rizzini BR110’s field or light luxe?

[@karelvanlierde1603]

Nice I got also this beretta ❤

[@bunnybasheruk]

Nice gun, look forward to seeing one in the flesh.

[@rotortip1]

What a great review. Thank you for your insight. I have a question to you or anyone who has shot the 2020 silver pigeon 3 and the silver pigeon 3 sporting. Do they feel or handle differently to each other? I would like to buy only 1 gun and it’s the silver pigeon, but I prefer the look of the sporting. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@huntergunchestercc3988]

Brilliant gun and if you want the same brilliant gun but something extra lovely you can always go for the 687 EELL slightly better balanced too

[@tgsoutdoors]

Just 2.5 times the price!

[@huntergunchestercc3988]

@@tgsoutdoors it is 2.5 times the price but in my opinion 2.5 time more lovely :) regarding wood, design and finish. If my pocket could afford the next level up to the S3 EELL i would.

[@martinwentz2472]

Hi there, If I understand correctly, there is a shotgun: Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon 3 and Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon 3 (2020). or have I misunderstood that? greetings Martin

[@nickallen5477]

I have just ordered this little beauty in the sporter version, should be here early January, can’t wait. John would it be possible to review the new CZ Hamer classic, was thinking of adding a 12 g hammer to the collection and really liked the look of the CZ. Love the show bye the way. Cheers from Australia.

[@tgsoutdoors]

Not a Model we can get here in the U.K. I’m afraid. Will look when we do our US road trip!

[@timchuang1051]

I just got a 686 silver pigeon 1 now you make me wish I should’ve gotten this instead

[@chrishorner8589]

Think I'm sold!

[@piersmarchington]

Beautiful cinematography

[@tgsoutdoors]

The legendary Sasha Novakovic at his finest

[@piersmarchington]

@@tgsoutdoors I heard Sasha Novakovic was so hard he beat up Jason Doyle.

[@tgsoutdoors]

I heard Sasha Novakovic was so tough he thought he could take on Paul Childerley

[@drumhd1]

Piers Marchington Really great! Go Sasha......

[@darellkettley6622]

Loved this one Johnny great video 👌

[@tgsoutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petervang9012]

Ordered one and it finally came in for me to go see it. Unfortunately, the one they sent me has an ugly lighter color brown which I would grade a 1 compared to this one. The other bad was the butt pad felt like foam and it was like glued on crooked. I was very disappointed, especially expecting it to look as good as this one...

[@dannym8590]

Just went to a Bass Pro Shops to look at it before buying and the 2 they had were just like the one you described. I will definitely not buy it online. Wood was not even close to the one on this review.

[@johngoody4322]

a damned good review. looks a good gun. well done

[@petyt8]

Get it added to the cabinet john

[@tgsoutdoors]

I am sorely tempted

[@h.f.bourlot8831]

Thanks for this very complete review. Being a beginner I have a may be a silly question, is this gun comparable with the Growing B725? Thanks again

[@geordieal8196]

Love the vid fantastic gun but tut tut no safety glasses 🤭

[@ralphmazraani5925]

When are they releasing it in the USA??

[@michaelbyrne5428]

HI TGS! so im from ireland and bought this 2020 687 s3 ! i have had it out a few times and am impressed but ive noticed the trigger gaurd wobbles side to side and the trigger the same but also front and back. they feel quite loose and its from factory! for a gun over 2 grand do you think this is acceptable or is this normal! is this a case on all berretas? its my first and to be honest ive been following you a years and youre reveiw sold me! ive numrous guns and hunted for over 18 years slightly un impressed! regards1

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great review, love it and it certainly looks great! Do you own one?

[@peteacher52]

The Silver Pigeon was a motor scooter released, I think, by Mitsubishi in the 50s and 60s, chunky-looking but very reliable. Reasonably common in NZ. So now you know . . . let's get back to shotguns!

[@tgsoutdoors]

Worth a lot more than the shotgun unfortunately

[@dave_724]

The silver pigeon 3 reminds me the time around or just before I left school 10 years ago the 5 and 3 where the guns to have I remember they did a SC too which was just like the 5 but without gold birds

[@tgsoutdoors]

Was a good time for bereft back then, simpler range. Never thought I’d see the SP3 trumped in the beretta range again (£for£ of course)

[@dave_724]

TGS Outdoors I think my next gun may be a Breda zenith I’d like to try one after your review the GMK berreta rep didn’t like me saying that the other day I have a pre 2019 SP1 I wouldn’t want to buy a SP1 now I don’t like the engraving the 691 I looked at when buying the SP1 looks the same berreta need more guns in the 3k-4K range or even less good quality of engraving laser engraving can look cheap

[@shug2795]

Excellent review!!

[@davidatkin619]

Great Review, want to see one for real as soon as I can!

[@Dial8Transmition]

This gun is so beautiful, it's almost too good for me to take out and use

[@ShootingAndReloading]

Nice! How would you compare it to the 693 field which comes in at about the same price?

[@tgsoutdoors]

Comparison in the not to distant future

[@tomstrickland4665]

Beautiful gun. Great review

[@Jonsoh811]

I was wondering, I’m thinking about buying the pigeon 3 as my first gun for hunting. Due to the balance (but also size through bushes) I’m doubting between a 28 inch and the 30 inch barrel. What are your thoughts between the two?

[@deadhorizon6087]

Ive seen one of these at the local gun shop had shocking wood

[@dajusebox2893]

So, is this same gun than 686 silver pigeon 1 30 inch barrel but just with better looks? Great review tho

[@mchughcb]

Beretta started advertising for these today in Australia. I'll have go and check it now. I need a gun which I can bash blackberry bushes down looking for foxes so I hope the finish its tough.

[@tgsoutdoors]

One barrel too few for you?

[@mchughcb]

@@tgsoutdoors Not legal to hunt ducks with a triple, need a double. So i still use doubles as backup.

[@mattdonaldson4439]

Would you take this model over the 725 field? In between these 2 guns and would love your feedback. Or the 725 sporting I know it doesn't have the engravings but which do you think is the superior?

[@mikemorse7058]

You spoke of it being a bit front heavy. Would 28" barrels improve balance? Or is it more down to preference?

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I love it!! I just bought my 686 20 ga over under 28” barrels n just love it. Yeah not the 687 but for me it’s perfect.

[@orion7873]

You said it shot higher than expected, do Game guns generally shoot lower than Sporting shotguns ? I like to be able to put the front sight right under the clay and shoot... so should I stick with a Sporter ?

[@tgsoutdoors]

This is how this gun shoots. Bead on the base of the target and 💥 Might not be the best for more testing sporting clays but plenty good enough for having fun at the local clay ground and putting in respectable scores

[@dimosthenismagos7982]

What about adding some weight inside the stock and balance the gun on the pin ? Would this make it any better ?

[@willwobs7030]

My dad's hand his pigeon 2 for 20 years put well over 4 thousand cartrges threw it nothing gone wrong

[@TeensierPython]

Looking for my first dedicated clay gun. Leaning toward the beretta O/U. Now which one…

[@kmg3144]

In your opinion if this SP3 could be had for a $300 premium over a 2020 browning 725 field would you say it was worth it? I find both guns fit me nicely but I’m pretty torn between the two.

[@frozendawg9300]

...do you think the 28 in. barrel would balance out the front heavy of the 30 in...I am looking at the 20 ga. in a 28 in. barrel for upland hunting...