I’ve never been into modern shotguns. It’s not that I have anything against them, it’s just that they’ve never done anything for me, kind of like Chevy pickups and the color yellow. That being said, there is one line of modern shotguns I admire: Beretta 686s.

Beretta 686s are affordable, easy to fix, versatile, and good looking. They handle well, too. If you’re looking for a new gun that’s just about all you can ask for.

Like lightweight? Then this Beretta is first you. At just over 6 pounds, it’s about as trim as you can get in a 12 gauge double (or would want to get).

BERETTA S686 ULTRALIGHT 12 GAUGE OVER/UNDER DOUBLE BARREL ITALIAN SHOTGUN: 28″ MOBIL CHOKE BARRELS, SKEET & MODIFIED TUBES INCLUDED, 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS, 14 1/4″ LOP 1 1/2″- 2 1/4″, 6LBS 2OZ, 99% BLUE, A FEW LIGHT HANDLING MARKS IN WOOD. Price: $1,550

If you’re into “different”, this Beretta’s a good choice. Its color-case hardened action gives it a unique look. At the same, its long stock (14 3/4″ LOP) is just what most people need for a shotgun to fit well.

Beretta Custom 686, 12 gauge, OU, Italian Double, color-case hardened with straight grip stock:  With a 1.3Kg mobilchoke, 28-inch barrel.  The barrel is un-numbered Ultra-lite which has been properly fit to the beautiful color-cased receiver.  Three choke tubes included. LOP is 14.75 to factory pad.  The drop is 1 3/8 to 2 3/8’ with slight RH cast.  Weight is 7 lbs.  Metal is 99% and wood is new.   The result is a very well handling gun in factory case. Price: $1,875