BL3 | Dogs and Doubles

See this week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

May 10, 2020May 9, 2020 by Gregg

Flli Piotti – Monaco, OU, 16 gauge: CONTESSA ENGRAVED 28″ SOLID RIB TEAGUE CHOKES 2 3/4 SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTORS FIELD FOREARM PISTOL GRIP CHECKERED BUTT AS NEW IN MAKERS OAK & LEATHER CASE 6LBS 12 OZ X 2 1/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 5/16″ Price: $59,500

Garbi 28 gauge Model 100 Sidelock in near new condition: This appears to be a very well made look-alike of a Holland & Holland Royal. For a 28 gauge sidelock that takes 2 3/4″ shells. I do admit that this is a super value, especially as in this case where the gun is in near new condition. Deluxe features include chopper lump barrels, bushed firing pins, Hollands style hand detachable locks, and hinged front trigger. Serial Number: 15439. Ejectors: Yes. Barrels: 26″. Barrel Type: Steel. Action: Boxlock ejector. Gauge: 28 gauge. Stock Comb: 1 1/2″. Stock Heel: 2 1/4″. Stock Cast: 1/8″. LOP: 14 3/8″. Weight: 5 lbs. 9.5 oz. Choke Left: .012″. Choke Right: .003″ Near Cyl. Proof: Nitro: 2 3/4″. Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .036″. Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .035″. Price: $5,400

Parker VHE 20ga 0 frame factory 28 inch barrels Ejectors Double Trigger Original Case Perfect bores 1930: We are proud to bring you this listing for this mostly original condition Parker Brothers VHE 20 gauge shotgun on an “0” frame. Serial Number: 233660. This was originally manufactured in 1930. The shotgun features a set of factory 28 inch Vulcan Steel barrels with perfectly bright and shinny bores. The finish on the barrels display some thinning and older rust spots that have been removed but not cold blued. It displays factory automatic ejectors and 2.75 inch chambers. It is equipped with double triggers. The receiver still displays the factory case color with 85% coverage. The stock has been cut one time in its life and a 2 inch piece of wood has been professionally fitted where it was cut. The length of pull is 14.25 inches with a drop at the comb of 1.5 to 2 ¾ inches at the heel. Neutral cast. Total weight 6.08lbs total weight. Price: $5000

BERETTA – – BL-3 — OU- – 28ga – 28″ M / F – RARE – – MINT As New:1970 – Beretta BL-3 28ga, 28″, 2-3/4″, M / F (.007 / .024), LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″, Very Slight Cast Off, Weight 6 lbs. 3 oz. Like New – Looks Unfired – Metal 99++%, Wood 99% with a couple of very tiny marks. Price: $2075

L. Douard ~ Field ~ 12 Ga. ~ Boxlock ~ Side by Side: This is a very nice Belgian L. Douard double barrel boxlock shotgun in 12 Ga. Very good condition with bright shiny bores. Retains most of the original but thinning barrel blue and about half of the original case colors. The wood is very good to near excellent with minor dings and scratches. Chambers: 2-3/4″ with ejectors. Metal Condition: Very good. Wood Condition: Very good. Bore Condition: Bright and shiny. Barrels: 27″ blued with raised rib. Triggers: Factory double triggers. Stock: Checkered walnut with English style straight grip. Stock Dimensions: 14-1/2″ length of pull. Fore End: Matching checkered walnut splinter fore end. Butt Pad: Serrated wood butt plate. Weight: 6 lb 5 oz. Sights: Brass bead front sight on the raised rib. Chokes: Fixed improved modified x improved modified. Price: $799.97

Auction alert: Minty Beretta BL-3 20g, 28″ …

August 28, 2019 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 BL3 20ga 20 Ga 28" STUNNER NEAR MINT — Beretta BL-3 BL3 20ga 20 Ga 28″ STUNNER NEAR MINT

Here’s another chance for you to get a deal on a great OUs. This Beretta BL-3 is on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends tomorrow, Thursday, 8/29/2019, @ 8:10 PM.

Beretta’s BL OUs are solid, reliable guns, and it looks like this one is in great shape. Here’s more info about it from the seller.

Beretta BL-3 BL3 20ga 20 Ga 28″ STUNNER NEAR MINT: The gun is in excellent condition and functions perfectly. We grade this gun at a conservative 99%. Please look at the pictures and judge for yourself. The 28-inch barrels are marked ++/+++ which in Beretta signifies Improved Modified / Modified. The bores are both shiny and clean. It is equipped with a vented rib and a single brass bead front sight. The receiver is tastefully engraved on all sides. The walnut furniture is gorgeously grained with a matte finish and checkered for a secure comfortable grip. The gun has been shot very little and the mechanics are 100% and very tight as one would expect of a brand new Beretta. This is a perfect lightweight shotgun for bird hunting or a day of clay pigeons. No box is included. The following measurements were are approximate!!! 2.25″ Drop to heal. 7.75″ Drop at comb. 14″ Length of pull.

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta Bl-3, $799

May 23, 2019 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5" VR Barrel 3" Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg — Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5″ VR Barrel 3″ Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg

Here’s a great deal on a fantastic double for grouse, woodcock, quail and even pheasants. There BL3 are well made — and most of the time they’ll cost you a lot more.

Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5″ VR Barrel 3″ Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg: This shotgun features a standard Beretta action mechanism with 26.5″ vent ribbed barrels, choked modified over and improved cylinder under. The shotgun also features walnut furniture with very fine cut checkering, in addition to blued hardware and fine, ornate engraving on the receiver and areas of the barrel. The shotgun is in excellent working condition with a tight action, excellent bores, nice ringing barrels and a solid action mechanism. Some signs of light use is present, but the gun appears to have been well cared for. Please refer to the photos to further assess the condition of the shotgun. A wonderful field gun or it’d be great for trap! 14″ LOP. Price: $799

Auction alert: 20g Beretta BL3 OU, 26″ bbls …

January 17, 2019January 16, 2019 by Gregg

Beretta Model BL-3 OU in 20GA with 26" Barrel (IC/M) — Beretta Model BL-3 OU in 20GA with 26″ Barrel (IC/M)

Yes — another auction alert for 20g Beretta BL-3. I can’t help myself. These are great guns for short money, and I feel obligated to get the word out about everyone one I come across. This one is on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends Sunday, 1/20/2019 @10:00 PM.

But there’s one thing to point out about this listing: It’s an “AS IS – No refund or exchange” sale. So when you buy, it’s yours — regardless of any issues you discover. Even though this guns looks pretty clean and original, here are a few questions I suggest asking the seller before bidding:

Are the barrels tight and on the face?
Are there any dents, dings, or bulges in the barrels? Any pitting?
Does the gun cock, fire, and function as it should?

Beretta Model BL-3 in 20GA with 26″ Barrel: (IC/M) and inertia trigger. Barrels are Improved Cylinder and Modified with a selector which one will go first. Excellent condition. Manufactured about the end of the 60’s, beginning of the 70’s.

Auction alert: 28g Beretta BL-3 OU shotgun, 28″ bbls …

January 4, 2019 by Gregg

28g Beretta BL-3 OU shotgun, 28″ bbls

I’ve gushed about these Berettas many times before. Imported into the U.S. by the Garcia Corporation in the late ’60s and early ’70s, they were good deals in their day. Today, they’re one of the best buys you’ll find in a bird gun.

Simple, rugged, and well made, this 28g is a ton of gun in a sexy, lightweight package. And its 28″ barrels make it extra special.

It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends tomorrow, 1/5/2019 @ 11:23 AM. Even though the bidding on it starts at $950, it’s still a great deal (and it looks like it might sell for close to starting-bid amount).

Beretta BL3 28 gauge. 28″ barrels choked modify and full. Toe has a small crack that has not been repaired. LOP – 14 1/8″ DROP AT COMB – 1.5″ DROP AT HEEL – 2.5″. Weight: 6.00 Pounds

Auction alert: 20g Beretta BL-3 OU, 28″ bbls…

March 6, 2018 by Gregg

Beretta Model BL-3 over & under 20 gauge, 3" chambers — Beretta Model BL-3 over & under 20 gauge, 3″ chambers

Here’s the perfect OU for upland hunting. These Beretta BL-3 were imported into the U.S. in the late ’60s, early ’70s. Today, they’re one of the best buys you’ll ever find in a bird gun. Simple, rugged, and well made, it’s a ton of gun in lightweight, sexy-looking package.

The 28″ barrels on this one make it special (most have 26″ tubes).

It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends 3/12/2018 @ 6:41 PM.

Beretta Model BL-3 over & under 20 gauge, 3″ chambers: A nice Beretta Model BL-3 over & under 20 gauge shotgun, has 28-inch vent rib barrels with fixed modified and full chokes. Single-selective triggers. Extractors. Metal condition is excellent with nice blue and no rust and has engraved receiver. Stock and forearm are original and excellent with no cracks and nice original finish.

Auction alert: two nice Beretta OUs, 20g & 28g…

February 7, 2018 by Gregg

Beretta Model 686 Quail Unlimited Covey Limited Edition Over/Under 20g / 28g Shotgun

Beretta OUs are some of best doubles out there, especially the earlier models like these two. Both of these shotguns are coming to auction next week. If you’re looking for a great bird gun, you need to check them out.

Carol Watson’s Orange Coast Auctions has this one. The sale starts Sunday, February 11, 2018 @ 12:00 PM Pacific.

Beretta Model 686 Quail Unlimited Covey Limited Edition Over/Under Shotgun: With fitted pair of 20 ga. barrels, #QU2770, 28” vent rib 28 ga. barrels and 28” vent rib 20 ga. barrels, both fitted for Beretta mobil-chokes (28 ga. IC/IC.; 20 ga. IC/Mod.) Receiver with six gold quail inlaid on sides, plus gold QU logo inlaid on bottom, Beretta logo and other markings, ”1 of 750” on right-hand side; nice dark European walnut wood; 28 ga. forend with Schnaubel tip; 20 ga. is standard; buttstock with 14.5” length of pull to original Beretta pad. In Browning two-barrel hard case. Mfg’d 2003. Condition is excellent showing very little use, with few small handling marks to buttstock. Lockups are tight, bores are bright. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.

Beretta Model 686 Quail Unlimited Covey Limited Edition Over/Under 20g / 28g Shotgun

Rock Island Auction Company has this one. It’s coming up for sale Thursday, February 15, 2018, @ 9:00 AM Central.

Engraved Beretta BL3 Over/Under 20 Gauge Shotgun 28″ with with Extra 26″ Barrels:

Engraved Beretta BL3 Over/Under 20 Gauge Shotgun 28″ with with Extra 26″ Barrels: Serial #: V11890. 3″ chambers, choke tube system (improved cylinder/skeet installed), and 14″ LOP. With extra 26″ vent rib 20 gauge barrels with 3″ chambers, and modified/improved cylinder chokes. Also includes 3 Briley choke tubes, and choke tool. Estimate: $1,600-$2,500.

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta BL-3, 28″ bbls…

December 2, 2017 by Gregg

Beretta BL 3 O/U 20 Gauge Shotgun, 28" barrels — Beretta BL 3 O/U 20 Gauge Shotgun, 28″ barrels

If this OU is as good as it looks, it’s a steal. It’s on Gunbroker.com with a “Buy Now” price of just $895.

Beretta BL-3s are the precursor to the company’s 686 line of over unders. Personally, I think they’re nicer shotguns. This one has a bit of decent engraving on it and it looks unused. Best of all, it has 28″ barrels — something that’s hard to find on these.

Beretta BL 3 O/U 20 Gauge Shotgun: Very nice BL 3 with 28″barrel choked modified and full. Appears to have been fired very little, with beautiful wood. Beretta hand engraving throughout. Superior handling and balance. Overall this Italian made Beretta is about 95%. Excellent for smaller framed shooters. Comes with owner’s manual. Price: $895

Great gun alert: 28g Beretta BL-3 OU…

September 20, 2017 by Gregg

BERETTA - Model BL-3 - 28ga, 28" M/F - Single Selective Trigger - RARE - 1971 — BERETTA – Model BL-3 – 28ga, 28″ M/F – Single Selective Trigger – RARE – 1971

Here’s a great excuse to get a another double. This Beretta BL-3 is an awesome OU and just about perfect as-is for grouse and woodcock.

The Garcia Corporation imported Beretta BLs in the ’60s & ’70s. Personally, I think they’re better over-unders than the 686s and other boxlock models Beretta built afterwards.

For a long time, Beretta BLs were under appreciated. That’s not the case any longer. So if you like what you see, get on it now. This little 28 gauge won’t be on the market long.

BERETTA – Model BL-3 – 28ga, 28″ M/F – Single Selective Trigger – RARE – 1971: Vent Rib, Extractors, Single Selective Trigger, LOP 14-3/8″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. Price: $1975

Good gun alerts: Beretta BLs in grades 3, 4, & 5 …

October 22, 2015 by Gregg

If I had to name one shotgun a best buy, it would be Beretta’s BL line of OUs. These guns were imported into the US in the ’60s & ’70s by the Garcia Corporation. With various degrees of engraving and a touch better finishing, I think they’re a bit more refined the 686s Beretta offered in years later.

This first Beretta BL is a BL-3 in 28g. It’s listed on Gunbroker.com at No Reserve, and the auction ends on 10/25/2015 5:58:16 PM ET.

Rare Beretta BL-3 28 ga. O/U: Arguably the finest Box Lock Beretta ever manufactured. This rare 28 gauge is choked S/S. Barrels measure a tad over 26 in. Length of pull is about 14 inches from the pachmyer pad (done right) to the trigger. This beauty is in Excellent condition. I am including a reprint of a Garcia Imports magazine featuring the shotguns from Beretta dated from 1969-1970. A true quail destroyer!

This next one is 20g BL-4. It’s also listed on Gunbroker.com at No Reserve, and the auction ends on 11/1/2015 8:00:00 PM ET.

Beretta BL-4 O/U 20 gauge, 20 ga, 26″ bbls: Really nice Beretta BL-4 over/under 20 gauge. LOP at 14&1/8″. IC & Mod barrels. Takes 3″ shells. $45 shipping via USPS priority to FFL. Sales to California okay with prior permission from your FFL.

This last one is a BL-5 in 20g. This one is on Gunbroker.com, but it’s being offered at a fixed price: $2,475. That’s a lot, but I’ve seen very few BL-5s. If you have to have one, here it is.

BERETTA BL-5 Over Under, 20g, 27″ bbls: This is a rare, and highly sought after Beretta BL-5. Please do not confuse this with the S-57 models. Each is clearly marked on the receiver. Some individuals would have buyers believe they are the same. They are not. The BL series is the finest box lock guns that Beretta ever made. This example has a 27″ barrel, vent rib, single trigger, and gorgeous wood. The chokes are F/M.

Good gun alert: a 28g Beretta BL-3 O/U, 28″ barrels…

November 18, 2014 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 - 28ga, Over Under, 2-3/4", 28": — Beretta BL-3 – 28ga, Over Under, 2-3/4″, 28″:

The twenty-eight gauge is one shotgun I’ve never talked myself into buying. But after seeing this one, I’ve been having the 28g-talk with myself again. This little Beretta is an awfully nice looking, and the BL-3s are super all around doubles. I doubt I’ll run across another one like it with 28″ barrels. Pistol-grip aren’t usually for me, but on a gun this light, I bet the extra wood gives you a little more control over things going on at the other end of the gun.

From what I’ve heard, the 28g has a lot going for it. Loaded with 3/4-oz shells, they deliver more than enough lead to put down a grouse or woodcock, provided you put the lead in the right place.

McIntosh said the 3/4 oz., 28g is “…one of the most balistically efficient shotshells ever devised” when loaded with hard shot and pushed along by a quality shot cup. He knew a lot more about balistics than I ever will, so I’ll have to agree.

Beretta BL-3 – 28ga, 2-3/4″, 28″: M / F (.020 / .025), Extractors, SST, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. Hard to find gun with 28″ barrels! Great 28ga Dove Gun! Nice Tight Gun – Lever to Right of Center, Tight to Open. Wood shows some handling marks and scratches. Metal 97%. Wood 93%. Price: $1,675

Did you miss that 28 gauge Beretta BL3? Here’s another…

August 22, 2014 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 28ga, 28" with fixed chokes, Mod and Full — Beretta BL-3 28ga, 28″ with fixed chokes, Mod and Full

Opportunity knocks, and you say “Hey, wait a minute, let me finish watching this awesome shark video on YouTube.” Then the moment passes. I bet that’s what happened for at least a couple guys on this 28g Beretta BL-3 that I posted last week. They hesitated, and it was gone. I think it sold in less than a day.

I wasn’t surprised. Beretta’s BL3s are great guns. I think they;re built on true 28g frames (rather than 20g frames), so they’re trim and light. They’re also as rugged and reliable as any just about any O/U out there ,and their single trigger is very dependable. If you still want one, here’s your chance. While it costs about a third more than the one I posted last week, it does appear to be in even nicer overall condition — maybe even close to new. And for a gun of this quality, $1999 is still a decent price.

Beretta BL-3 28ga, 28″ with fixed chokes, Mod and Full: Single selective trigger, auto ejectors. SN N003xx. Factory finish on both wood and metal, clean and nice gun! Price: $1999

Great gun alert: a real nice 28g Beretta BL-3….

August 15, 2014August 15, 2014 by Gregg

BERETTA - BL-3 - 28ga - 28" M / F - — BERETTA – BL-3 – 28ga – 28″ M / F –

This one will be gone soon. These BL-3s are great guns, and it’s rare to find one set up like this. If you’re looking for a 28g, this one looks like a bargain. Get it now….

Beretta BL-3 – 28ga, 2-3/4″, 28″ M / F (.020 / .025), Extractors, SST, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. Hard to find gun with 28″ barrels! Nice Tight Gun – Lever to Right of Center, Tight to Open. Wood shows some handling marks and scratches. Metal 97%. Wood 93%. Price: $1,675