*First Year MFG* 1968 Beretta BL-3 20 GA Over Under BBLs 3" Chambers Fixed Chokes Field & Clay Target Upland Shotgun
Description:
MANUFACTURER: BERETTA
MODEL: BL-3
YEAR MANUFACTURED: 1968 (FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION, AS INDICATED BY BARREL CODE XXIV)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ITALY
SERIAL NUMBER: V01398
GAUGE: 20 GAUGE
CHAMBER SIZE: 3"
CAPACITY: 2 ROUNDS
BARREL LENGTH: 28"
CHOKE SYSTEM: FIXED CHOKES (IMPROVED CYL / IMPROVED MOD)
RIB / SIGHTING PLANE: VENTILATED RIB
BORE / RIFLING: SMOOTHBORE
OVERALL LENGTH: 44.75"
LENGTH OF PULL: 14"
OPERATING SYSTEM: BREAK-ACTION
ACTION: OVER/UNDER
TRIGGER: SINGLE GOLD TRIGGER
SIGHTS: FRONT BEAD
SAFETY: TANG SAFETY WITH BARREL SELECTOR
STOCK / FOREND: CHECKERED PISTOL GRIP WALNUT STOCK AND FOREND
FIREARM FINISH: BLUED BARRELS WITH ENGRAVED SATIN RECEIVER
CONDITION: VERY GOOD FOR AGE
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: FIRST YEAR BL-3 PRODUCTION, ITALIAN-MADE BERETTA OVER/UNDER, SELECTIVE BARREL SYSTEM, LONG TANG, FIELD AND CLAY TARGET CONFIGURATION
WHAT’S INCLUDED: SHOTGUN ONLY
This Beretta BL-3 is a highly desirable first-year production example manufactured in 1968, identified by the XXIV Italian proof date code found beneath the barrels. Chambered in versatile 20 Gauge and fitted with 28-inch over/under barrels, this classic Italian shotgun was built to excel as an upland bird gun while remaining equally capable on the skeet field, sporting clays course, or dove stand. Early BL-series Berettas helped establish the company's reputation for producing durable and elegant over/under shotguns that continue to be sought after decades later.
The 28-inch barrels provide the ideal balance between lively handling and smooth follow-through. Long enough to deliver a controlled swing on crossing targets yet light enough for all-day carry in the field, this configuration represents one of the most popular setups Beretta ever offered. The 20 Gauge chambering further enhances handling characteristics by reducing overall weight and recoil while maintaining excellent effectiveness on game birds and clay targets.
Beretta's BL-series actions earned a reputation for strength, longevity, and dependable lockup. The BL-3 features a selective single trigger paired with a tang-mounted safety and barrel selector, allowing the shooter to choose which barrel fires first. Combined with Beretta's proven locking system and quality Italian craftsmanship, the result is a shotgun designed to provide generations of reliable service. The engraved receiver, checkered walnut furniture, and tasteful styling give the firearm the classic appearance that has made vintage Beretta over/unders enduring favorites among shooters and collectors alike.
Its 3-inch chambers allow the use of both standard field loads and heavier magnum hunting ammunition, increasing versatility across a wide range of applications. The fixed choke arrangement appears to be configured as Improved Modified over Improved Cylinder, a traditional combination highly favored for hunting and sporting use. The Improved Cylinder barrel delivers effective patterns in the 30 to 40 yard range while the Improved Modified choke barrel extends performance beyond 40 yards, giving shooters flexibility when engaging targets at varying distances.
As a first-year BL-3 bearing the 1968 XXIV date code, this shotgun offers additional collector appeal beyond its practical field utility. Beretta remains one of the oldest and most respected firearms manufacturers in the world, and early BL-series over/unders represent an important chapter in the company's modern sporting shotgun lineage. Whether destined for the uplands, the sporting clays course, or a collection of classic European doubles, this BL-3 stands as a fine example of traditional Italian shotgun craftsmanship.
***Please see pictures for condition and wear***
SHIPPING INFORMATION:
IF C&R ELIGIBLE WE ACCEPT C&R LICENSE
WE SHIP SAME DAY WHEN POSSIBLE
INSURANCE OPTIONAL UNDER “OTHER”
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
MONEY ORDER / CERTIFIED / CASHIER / CREDIT CARD (3%)
CHECKS PAYABLE TO NATIONAL ARMORY
LAYAWAY ON $749.99+
PROCEDURES:
CANCELLED WINNING BIDS = 20% RESTOCK FEE
SALES TAX:
SUBJECT TO
TAX RULES
STATE & LOCAL LAWS:
BUYER RESPONSIBLE FOR LEGAL COMPLIANCE
DISCLAIMER:
All pre-owned firearms inspected; buyer responsible for legal compliance; all sales final.
Curio/Relic: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge
Manufacturer:
Beretta
Model:
BL-3
Serial Number:
V01398
Barrel Length:
28
Condition:
Very Good
Manufacture Date:
1968
Price:
$1,749.99
Shipping:
$39.99
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