We have had a very exciting delivery here in the gunroom at Bywell Shooting Ground.  A Beretta SL3, but not any ordinary SL3...

After many months waiting after placing this unique and bespoke order at the factory it is finally with us in the flesh.  We take a detailed look…. 

The SL3 has been a gun of major success and popularity since it’s launch into the Beretta range back in 2020.  The SL3 series certainly wasn't just a facelift when it was launched, it’s a brand-new model in itself taking the popular and well designed features from other Beretta models, and bringing them into one complete gun.  It’s not only the gun that was something new, the presentation case that comes with it is something in itself.  Most gun manufacturers supply their guns in a presentation case which range greatly in both quality and the finished standard, but they are almost always manufactured by a third party company.  This however was something Beretta wanted to change with the introduction of the new SL3 model.

The presentation case for this gun is made entirely in house at the Beretta factory.  The effort put into the case’s production alone is clear to see, from the lining, stitching and finish being well above what you would normally expect to find on a premium gun case such as this.  The dark navy colour contrasting with the fine leather and chrome corners and trim really make it stand out.

So we take a look at this particularly exciting arrival.  This single SL3 is 12 gauge in the game configuration.  The 32” barrels make it ideal for all forms of driven quarry, particularly those high birds encountered in January.  The barrels are multi choked giving full versatility and with high performance steel shot proof really give full flexibility in ammunition choice for many years to come.  Moving back towards the action the sideplates are adorned with something you won’t have seen before on the SL3 range.  This gun features hand engraved gamescene surrounded by a fine scroll pattern.  The craftsmanship and detail is simply stunning in this vignette styled approach.  The left hand plate depicts Pheasants in flight with the right hand plate featuring Partridge.  This is further complimented by the bottom of the action having a single woodcock.  All of these gamescenes are brought truly to life by the skill and hard work of the engravers, taking many painstaking hours to create what is a a work of art.  Moving back from the action the stock is crafted from a highly figured piece of European Walnut, which has then been finished in a matte English oil really bringing the grain, contrast and figure out.  The concealed butt plate gives a smart and traditional finish, whilst on the practical side allows for a consistent and sang free gun mount, something very important in the game field.

Not only on aesthetics, but when picking up the SL3 it’s quality and handling characteristics quickly become apparent.  I’m sure this won’t be here long, especially with the season fast approaching.