I recently had the privilege of visiting the Beretta production facility in Italy to witness the unveiling of their newest premium shotgun, the SL3. It was a short whirlwind trip, but the display of Italian hospitality and craftsmanship left an impression that lasted far beyond the 48 hours I was there.
Nestled in the valley of Gardone Val Trompia in the village of Brescia, the Beretta family has been seeking perfection since 1526, through fifteen generations. But the sense of family extended beyond those who carry the name, as the designers, artisans, and engineers we met were contagiously passionate about their craft. For most this was not just a job, but a matter of heritage and craftsman’s pride, something Italians take very seriously.
From the fabled family villa to the world-class firearms museum, the engraving studio to the production facility floor, we were shown a sweeping history of Beretta’s passion and innovation in gunmaking.
It was impressive to say the least, and their approach has a sensible balance of artistry and technology, while still keeping to many of the old ways. I learned quite a bit about the process, which was the perfect preamble to help me understand the story of the new shotguns we were to be shown the following day.