Nope, totally not in the market for a $20,000 shotgun. But damn, after being at the Beretta SL3 Premium unveiling party in New York City on Nov. 8, we sure wish there was enough coin in our future to score one of these wonderfully crafted beauties.
They really are functional works of art; a combination of the finest Beretta technology available from the manufacturer’s various product families.
The new SL3s are handmade in Gardone Val Trompia by Beretta’s most-talented gunsmiths. Their craftsmanship, passion and pursuit of perfection is tops in the premium-gun world.
Beretta SL3 Premium Features
Again, there’s art and then functional art; the Beretta SL3 Premium falls into the latter category. If you have the means, get one and shoot it. Don’t let it waste away on display behind a glass.
Beretta engineered elegant and reliable boxlock system to provide the best performance in the field and withstand intensive use.
The Action
The SL3 action offers the perfect action/barrel locking system. Beretta anchored the barrels at three separate points: hinge pins, lower hooks and locking pins.
Firing Mechanism
Trigger pulls are fast and crisp due to the hammer leaf spring, as used in Beretta’s medal-winning competition shotguns.
Ejectors
The newly designed ejectors are now even more reliable and made easier to inspect and clean.
The Barrels
What drives the guns’ performance are the Optima Bore HP barrels are of exclusive tri-alloy Beretta steel (Ni, CR, Mo), deep drilling, the cold hammering process and the vacuum distension. The Optima Bore HP barrel profile was designed specifically to provide excellent patterns with every type of shot: lead, steel and other lead alternatives.
The Receivers & Stocks
The rounded and fluid design of the SL3 receiver emphasizes the flowing profile of the gun, enhancing its graceful looks while improving target acquisition. The unique shape of the top lever was created to match the elegant lines of the top of the receiver.
Then comes the engravings. Oh, the engravings. Beretta used its most modern technology for the engravings — specifically a five-axis laser, which engraves rounded surfaces with perfect pattern continuity. Choose from three different engravings designed by Beretta’s Master Engravers: Floral, Deep-Relief Scroll, Game Scene or Fine English Scroll. The SL3 is also available in a mirror polished version ($5,000 more), which requires hours of hand-polishing on every surface.
The lever’s tail end is tapered, blending the slim shape of the receiver into the wood. A new design of triggerguard gives the SL3 a contemporary look, while the pistol grip is comfortable in the hand with a firm hold provided by checkering.
Beretta constructed the stock and forend from high-grade selected walnut wood and finished them in matte oil.
Box ’Er Up
The SL3 is the first Beretta shotgun provided with a new dedicated gun case entirely handmade in Beretta’s Custom Gun Case Atelier. The case’s buckles take inspiration from the SL3 receiver’s profile. Meanwhile, the case locks feature the Pietro Beretta logo shield.
The SL3s are available in both 12 and 20 gauge.
Beretta’s SL3 starts at $20,000 and the manufacturer. Schedule your consultation at Beretta.com/en-us/sl3.
