Let me begin by saying that in no way would I consider myself an expert on the engineering or inner workings of shotguns. While I certainly have a necessary understanding of gauges, styles, makers, and sporting applications, I went into this Beretta SL3 launch trip with eyes and ears wide open, in hopes of gaining further insight into what sets this gun apart, and the inspiration behind it.
While jet-lag might have prevented me from comprehending the finer points of engineering, what struck me was Beretta’s fanatical desire to constantly improve the design and performance of their shotguns. I kept wondering how after five hundred some years of gunmaking they keep coming up with something new, and better.
To me, beyond any technical specs, the answer mostly lies within people like “il Maestro,” Ferdinando Belleri, who is basically their firearms guru. He personally presented the SL3 to us, and from my understanding of Italian (which surpasses my knowledge of shotgun technology), the goal was to build upon the popular SO system, and produce a gun that was more sleek, accurate, and moderately priced. It still embodies the classic elements of a Beretta shotgun, but is the culmination of 2 ½ to 3 years of work to make something fresh, modern, and stylish.
With a rounded receiver, newly designed ejectors, updated trigger guard, and integration of barrel tapering technology, they have accomplished all of that. Besides three classic engraving options, the SL3 also comes in a hand-polished mirror finish, which made it easy to see the reflections of impressed faces as it was passed around, as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Italian Alps looming outside the factory windows.
