The Beretta 687 EELL Diamond Pigeon draws consistent praise from hunters and collectors, mostly centered on its build quality and handling characteristics.
Craftsmanship is the most common topic. Owners frequently note the quality of the hand engraving and walnut stock finish, and many treat it as much a display piece as a working gun. That said, it does work. Users report good balance and smooth handling in the field, particularly for upland bird hunting where the 28-inch barrel and .410 chambering suit fast shots on small game.
The .410 gauge generates some measured debate. Its low recoil and light weight are genuine advantages, especially for younger or smaller-framed shooters. At the same time, experienced hunters acknowledge that the limited shot charge means tighter chokes and closer ranges than a 20 or 12 gauge would demand. It's a real limitation for anyone expecting the versatility of a larger bore.
Price is acknowledged across the board as significant. Most owners feel the quality justifies it, though a few note that the gap between the 687 EELL and more affordable 687 variants is hard to justify on function alone. The premium here is largely in the hand work and materials. Overall sentiment is positive, with the practical .410 trade-offs treated as known quantities rather than complaints.
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.