Rich very pleased I watched this video as I have just purchased a 694 and with your excellent step by step comparison with older models the improvements in design and for longevity of the gun have been demonstrated very thoroughly and professionally, brilliant and I am very happy that I made a good choice on the model I decided on. Regards from the UK
From over the pond, thank you ever so much. As a retired engineer your detailed analysis of the development of the previous Beretta series to the 694, was just what I was searching for. I have found many reviews of this gun , the balance, the handling, testing on the range, but no one has described the inner workings, like you. In two days time, I hope to be the proud owner of just such.
This is probably the best, and most clear, discussion on the 694 or for that matter any gun. Wonderful to see someone so experienced and knowledgeable talk about some of the technical developments that make the 694 the next step up from the 68x a lot of us are still holding onto !!. Richard - credit from Europe for your perfect presentation style. Please do more.
These videos are amazing, my whole I have been shooting these guns and really never knew how they were put together or what the inner workings were about. I cant believe how easy you make it look to take them apart . This vid really steered me toward a 694 , before this I really didn't know the difference between the other models.
Thank you for the insights. I watched this video before deciding between a 692 and a 694. I opted for the 694 partly on your explanations of the improvements. The 694 just arrived a couple of days ago but undortunately all shooting ranges in my area are Covid-closed.
Guru you are really, 70 yrs. oldy, vetran Renowned Shot of India though I am, still competing. Very thorough your observation is and i Salute you. i have Hollands, Westleys, Blaser and many Berettas and one first 692 that landed India imported by me. Many are using Dt 11 in India. Great you are.
This video is brilliant! Very in-depth information and it gives a clear reason as to why we should buy the new 694 over the other models, it is future-proof! Thanks
I have always been a fan of your work and now that I am considering a 694 I find this great video explaining the technical improvements of the gun. As a bit of a nerd, these types of videos always push me over the edge to a purchase. I'll be visiting your shop in San Antonio soon. Thank you for having a shop in our area.
Thank you for posting this. I just bought a 694 yesterday and I own a DT 11L as well. Glad to see some of the engineering is shared for half of a 3rd of the cost of the DT series.
In Singapore, we do not have a professional gunsmith, and I have ordered a Beretta 694 recommended by my sporting clay coach. After watching this video, I am looking forward to being a proud owner of this gun probably in 2 months' time. Thank you Rich for your overview of this gun.
Love this review. I bought one from Cole and had it shipped to my FFL in California. Kurtis, the service rep, was great, and all went very smoothly. I would definitely buy from Cole again. BTW: The 694 is a Clay Busting Machine. I love this gun.
So I was shooting at the Texas State championship last weekend and the rib on my browning CXS fell off. I took it into Coles, And they helped me with a quick fix for my next event however I lost confidence in my shotgun. After speaking with Tobias, and being a beretta fan, I grabbed a 694 to finish the tournament. I hadn’t done a lot of research on it, so this video provided me a ton of confidence in my choice. Thank you Rich, Adam Blair told me I could count on you cheers LC
great video thank you for that, the 694 is a fantastic shotgun. Handles very well, much 'chunkier' but balances superbly, pistol grip is also way nicer in the hand.
Thanks for the review which made me order one here in Australia. This gun will be my paddock basher knock about gun to my Browning 1975 B2G Skeet and my SO5
Excellent video, sir. I have been deciding between the 960, 962 and 964 models, and you have given me some great details to help with my decision. I hope to stop by and meet you the next time I am in Texas.
I just purchased a 694 and I am very excited about it. I am of smaller stature 5 ft 7" and almost all over under's have a length of pull that is about an inch too long. Is there any advice that you can give? I wanted to prevent sending it out to be cut but if that is the only way.... I would appreciate any words of wisdom on this.
The problem that I had was the mid bead falling out, I was lucky it fell off in my hand when I was cleaning the gun . I put it back in with a little locktite and the trigger screw came loose. Also the screw that holds the stock on came loose.
very well thought out and a promising update for the line. Like you mentioned it looks to have addressed all the issues previously identified by users. can't wait till the fixed choke trap version is available.
So far I like everything about my 694 except the stock. Do you what kind of finish Beretta used on this gun? It's dry and it gets stained and scratches easy. Can I use BLO? I tried renaissance wax, it worked fine but almost have to re-apply after every use. The wood is really thirty.
Good morning Mr. Cole, Thank you for this video, very much appreciated. I do have a question regarding my Beretta model 680 Trap 32” barrels (Full/IM). It was a gift from my dad for my 19th birthday. I still have the original brown case with the fabric finish with the leather logo. I have the original receipt but unfortunately I did lose that little skeleton key that locks the case. Here’s my question, for years and years I’ve been looking for a 30” barrel that properly fits the receiver on my Beretta 680. I’ve had absolutely no luck. Every time I tried to fit a 682 barrel to the gun the barrels were to narrow where they locked to the receiver by at least a full 1/8” on both sides, aesthetically unattractive. Also, the forend did not lock with the 682 barrel, would have required some retrofitting. The gun is in near perfect condition. I called Beretta and they told me to contact you. Any suggestion would be welcome, thank you.
Hello Mr Rich, I have been shooting my 694 for about 2 yrs, love my gun, however I have had to return the gun to you twice for broken forend. Can this problem be completely fixed. Please help?
Simply put, fantastic review and excellent presentation. Is the action on 695 the same action as 694? I also have a suggestion and that is to hold the phone in landscape orientation. Look forward to come in to your shop and buying a gun from you in near future although I live in California.
Would you help me and point few main issues why the stock on 694 by the action could be cracking? Was it fitted too loose? Or over tighten? .... Can't explain....:/
Hi on my new 694 the trigger wiggles a little from side to side and front to back. Is this normal. Also changing the trigger position I had to take out the screw. What is a trigger bearing I don't think it came out . Thanks.
I'm curious. Of course my knowledge is very outdated but did the 690 series change the design of the cocking lever plungers? And did the 690 series maybe utilize the older 680 heavy frame?
My local gunsmith has had a few 694s coming back to him having been in the rain. They swelled up and wouldn't let the top lever open!!! I got a 691 the other day, and the wood was pretty poor. He took 2 weeks and several coats of oil to sort it. Seems that Beretta might be saving money on the wood and its treatment. Buyer beware, or be prepared to get a proper oil finish on it before exposing it to rain.
Its definitely not a good idea to leave any fine gun in the rain. When wood gets wet it swells. On production guns with oil finish there is no real weather protection, so your point is well taken, add a protective finish if you are likely to let it get wet.
@@colefinegunsandgunsmithing I have a 686 White Onyx with a finish that handles whatever is thrown at it. Bit of a pig though. As for added protection, I've started using Renaissance micro-crystaline wax polish, which I hope works OK. Can't remember all these problems with my old English side by sides.
You are correct-- the White Onyx and old English side by sides had a more weather resistant finish. Beretta has changed to a flat oil finish on most production guns-- demand is up and the more guns produced the more they must streamline production. Many folks prefer the flat oil finish due to the ease of repair if scratched (as opposed to varnish and urethane). You are right! Desn't like the rain.
do I want to learn something NO. I want to trade my 686 Onyx Pro two barrel set for a 690 series two barrel set. Great video and yes I did learn something, my 686 Onyx is still a great gun. Thank You for this video
Cole, let me ask you if I may. I have bought Beretta 694, came from factory. I have unscrewed chokes from the berrel and one of the choke came off with difficulty, as if it snags against something inside the berrel. I have tried this choke to insert it in my Berreta 692 and it went ok. Do you think it is ok to use it in the shotgun or I need to replace it, because it may demage berrel?
Be very careful or you can blow a barrel if it is not screwed in all the way. Sorry for the delayed response. If you send it in we can take a look, or get you some better chokes. The gunsmith wants to talk to you, please give us a call so we can sort it out!
I have finally come around to my Browning 725 Pro Sporting, but I would never buy it again either. Browning guns are chunky, utilitarian, but a work horse. Where the Italian guns feel way more refined, classy, and feel smoother to me. They seem to swing and handle better too. Now I want to pick up a 694!!! Oh, PS What about compared to CG Summit Accent?
How does the 694 compare to the Summit Accent or Impact? Which is a couple of guns I’m looking at. I want a general do all gun, 50% Trap, 40% Sporting Clay / 5- stand and 10% Skeet, for crosser training. So far I’ve been doing okay with my Browning 725 Pro Sporting, USA version, but it’s not as elegant and sleek as an Italian gun. What is a good all around gun you would recommend in the $5k or less market? Or do you recommend I just buy a dedicated trap gun and use my Browning Pro Sporting for aspiring Clays and Skeet? It’s hard to justify having several nice shotgun for clays when my main thing is USPSA ( American IPSC ).
Rich very pleased I watched this video as I have just purchased a 694 and with your excellent step by step comparison with older models the improvements in design and for longevity of the gun have been demonstrated very thoroughly and professionally, brilliant and I am very happy that I made a good choice on the model I decided on. Regards from the UK
Rich has taken Beretta gunsmithing to the next level. Absolute expert.
From over the pond, thank you ever so much. As a retired engineer your detailed analysis of the development of the previous Beretta series to the 694, was just what I was searching for. I have found many reviews of this gun , the balance, the handling, testing on the range, but no one has described the inner workings, like you. In two days time, I hope to be the proud owner of just such.
It is a true pleasure watching a master explain his craft. Well done!
Thank you very much! Happy New Year!
This is probably the best, and most clear, discussion on the 694 or for that matter any gun. Wonderful to see someone so experienced and knowledgeable talk about some of the technical developments that make the 694 the next step up from the 68x a lot of us are still holding onto !!. Richard - credit from Europe for your perfect presentation style. Please do more.
Thank you so much! Please share!
This is a great explanation, thank you for taking the time to go into so much detail.
Glad you found it interesting! Thank you for your support!
These videos are amazing, my whole I have been shooting these guns and really never knew how they were put together or what the inner workings were about. I cant believe how easy you make it look to take them apart . This vid really steered me toward a 694 , before this I really didn't know the difference between the other models.
Thank you Mr. Cole, you bring amazing insight and enthusiasm to this line of guns.
Thank you for the insights. I watched this video before deciding between a 692 and a 694. I opted for the 694 partly on your explanations of the improvements. The 694 just arrived a couple of days ago but undortunately all shooting ranges in my area are Covid-closed.
Wow
Now THESE are the types of reviews I look for in ANY product.
Thank you
Thank you Rich! Bought my 694 from Cole's. Super excited to receive and shoot this gun!
Guru you are really, 70 yrs. oldy, vetran Renowned Shot of India though I am, still competing. Very thorough your observation is and i Salute you. i have Hollands, Westleys, Blaser and many Berettas and one first 692 that landed India imported by me. Many are using Dt 11 in India. Great you are.
This video is brilliant! Very in-depth information and it gives a clear reason as to why we should buy the new 694 over the other models, it is future-proof! Thanks
I have always been a fan of your work and now that I am considering a 694 I find this great video explaining the technical improvements of the gun. As a bit of a nerd, these types of videos always push me over the edge to a purchase. I'll be visiting your shop in San Antonio soon. Thank you for having a shop in our area.
This is the best 694 video on the web. Nice work guys
Thank you for posting this. I just bought a 694 yesterday and I own a DT 11L as well. Glad to see some of the engineering is shared for half of a 3rd of the cost of the DT series.
hello, I have a question why the forend breaks on the Beretta 694, this is a common problem and how to prevent this from happening?
In Singapore, we do not have a professional gunsmith, and I have ordered a Beretta 694 recommended by my sporting clay coach. After watching this video, I am looking forward to being a proud owner of this gun probably in 2 months' time. Thank you Rich for your overview of this gun.
Your review was outstanding. Thank you. I own a 682 Gold and love it. More important, at 81, I shoot it well.
Thank you! Keep shooting!
Awesome video explaining the improvement on the 694.
Should I upgrade my 692?
The forend cracked on mine after only 2 months of use! This appears to be a common issue. no response from Beretta!!
Thanks for the excellent review! Can you go into more detail on how to remove/replace the ejector retaining disc?
Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail about the difference. I’m now looking to purchase the 694.
Glad to hear!
Great Video. I have a browning 725 Sporting I'm happy with but I've been contemplating trying one of these out.
I just picked one up this week - fantastic handling for sure!
Love this review.
I bought one from Cole and had it shipped to my FFL in California. Kurtis, the service rep, was great, and all went very smoothly. I would definitely buy from Cole again.
BTW: The 694 is a Clay Busting Machine. I love this gun.
So I was shooting at the Texas State championship last weekend and the rib on my browning CXS fell off. I took it into Coles, And they helped me with a quick fix for my next event however I lost confidence in my shotgun. After speaking with Tobias, and being a beretta fan, I grabbed a 694 to finish the tournament. I hadn’t done a lot of research on it, so this video provided me a ton of confidence in my choice. Thank you Rich, Adam Blair told me I could count on you cheers LC
Thoroughly enjoyed this vid...thanks !!
Amazing display of technical know how !!! Merci !!
Looks good Rich. Interesting how Beretta is make their guns easier to maintain. I look forward to see the 694. Don’t loose any of those parts.
Thanks, Chad!
Superb video, great to see expert comment and breakdown versus the usual review. Thanks!
Thank you so much for taking the trouble in making this video, it was most informative and much appreciated.
Thank you for watching! Glad you found it interesting!
Tremendous video on Beretta 694
great video thank you for that, the 694 is a fantastic shotgun. Handles very well, much 'chunkier' but balances superbly, pistol grip is also way nicer in the hand.
I just purchased a 694 what a nicely design shotgun so glad I bought the 694 30" B-Fast Sporter
Amazing description and a knowledge man , thank you .
Thanks for the review which made me order one here in Australia. This gun will be my paddock basher knock about gun to my Browning 1975 B2G Skeet and my SO5
Terrific! Thank you for your support! Tell your friends!
Excellent video, sir. I have been deciding between the 960, 962 and 964 models, and you have given me some great details to help with my decision. I hope to stop by and meet you the next time I am in Texas.
Thank you! Hope to meet you soon!
Excellent video. I've reviewed the 694 for Shootinguk and I absolutely loved the gun.
Great job and a proper explanation! Well done!
Thanks, Jim! Happy New Year!
I’d love to see this type of comparison between a 694 and a DT10/11.
Great informative video, thank you...
Just put in an order of the 694 pro with TSK Stock just minutes ago. No ETA yet because there is nothing in Canada but put in my order anyways.
I just purchased a 694 and I am very excited about it. I am of smaller stature 5 ft 7" and almost all over under's have a length of pull that is about an inch too long. Is there any advice that you can give? I wanted to prevent sending it out to be cut but if that is the only way.... I would appreciate any words of wisdom on this.
WOW, I've heard about this guy for years now. Glad he's doing videos. Subscribed! I think I'm #155. LOL
We're working on more! Thanks for your support!
Thank you Rich. Excellent overview. it was a pleasure meeting you during our visit to your store in Naples. Best wishes Sir.
Thank you! Great meeting you. Happy New Year!
The problem that I had was the mid bead falling out, I was lucky it fell off in my hand when I was cleaning the gun . I put it back in with a little locktite and the trigger screw came loose. Also the screw that holds the stock on came loose.
Thank you very much the wonderful review.
Thank you for the good video !!! this is my next purchase 694
I have already ordered with beretta
But after watching this video
I feel iam correct
Thank bro
Awesome informational
very well thought out and a promising update for the line. Like you mentioned it looks to have addressed all the issues previously identified by users. can't wait till the fixed choke trap version is available.
Thank you! Happy New Year!
So far I like everything about my 694 except the stock. Do you what kind of finish Beretta used on this gun? It's dry and it gets stained and scratches easy. Can I use BLO? I tried renaissance wax, it worked fine but almost have to re-apply after every use. The wood is really thirty.
and of course it cracked the 4rth time I took it to the range! good job Beretta!
this man is top draw !! respect sir .. just bought a 694 fingers crossed !
Good morning Mr. Cole,
Thank you for this video, very much appreciated. I do have a question regarding my Beretta model 680 Trap 32” barrels (Full/IM). It was a gift from my dad for my 19th birthday. I still have the original brown case with the fabric finish with the leather logo. I have the original receipt but unfortunately I did lose that little skeleton key that locks the case. Here’s my question, for years and years I’ve been looking for a 30” barrel that properly fits the receiver on my Beretta 680. I’ve had absolutely no luck. Every time I tried to fit a 682 barrel to the gun the barrels were to narrow where they locked to the receiver by at least a full 1/8” on both sides, aesthetically unattractive. Also, the forend did not lock with the 682 barrel, would have required some retrofitting. The gun is in near perfect condition. I called Beretta and they told me to contact you. Any suggestion would be welcome, thank you.
Give us a call at the Naples location and let's see if we can do help you!
Love my 694 :)
Hello Mr Rich, I have been shooting my 694 for about 2 yrs, love my gun, however I have had to return the gun to you twice for broken forend. Can this problem be completely fixed. Please help?
Please submit a work order through our website → www.colegun.com/gunsmithing and our service coordinator will reach out to assist.
great comments Rich..!!! excelent explanation..! Do you recommend 692 or 694...?
694!
694 is the next iteration of the 690 series, a great gun if you can find one in stock! We have a couple now.
Excellent video, thanks for the detailed explainations
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic vid man
Hi Rich!
Pleace advice the P/N for the top tang screw of 694
excellent.
Simply put, fantastic review and excellent presentation. Is the action on 695 the same action as 694? I also have a suggestion and that is to hold the phone in landscape orientation. Look forward to come in to your shop and buying a gun from you in near future although I live in California.
Thank you for the kind feedback.The action of the 694 is slightly different-- although many internal parts are the same
Great stuff MR Wikipedia:)))
Would you help me and point few main issues why the stock on 694 by the action could be cracking? Was it fitted too loose? Or over tighten? .... Can't explain....:/
Super!!!!!
Hi on my new 694 the trigger wiggles a little from side to side and front to back. Is this normal. Also changing the trigger position I had to take out the screw. What is a trigger bearing I don't think it came out . Thanks.
I have a 692 and was wonder how do I know If it’s got the better top tang screw
I would like to see a similar video on Beretta 486 (DS) SHS SxS.
I wish I can give you 100 thumb ups.
What would cause the forearm to crack?
I'm curious. Of course my knowledge is very outdated but did the 690 series change the design of the cocking lever plungers? And did the 690 series maybe utilize the older 680 heavy frame?
Hey Albert! The 694 is different than the old 680- and different (improved) over the initial 690 guns. Hope you are well.
My local gunsmith has had a few 694s coming back to him having been in the rain. They swelled up and wouldn't let the top lever open!!! I got a 691 the other day, and the wood was pretty poor. He took 2 weeks and several coats of oil to sort it. Seems that Beretta might be saving money on the wood and its treatment. Buyer beware, or be prepared to get a proper oil finish on it before exposing it to rain.
Its definitely not a good idea to leave any fine gun in the rain. When wood gets wet it swells. On production guns with oil finish there is no real weather protection, so your point is well taken, add a protective finish if you are likely to let it get wet.
@@colefinegunsandgunsmithing I have a 686 White Onyx with a finish that handles whatever is thrown at it. Bit of a pig though.
As for added protection, I've started using Renaissance micro-crystaline wax polish, which I hope works OK.
Can't remember all these problems with my old English side by sides.
You are correct-- the White Onyx and old English side by sides had a more weather resistant finish. Beretta has changed to a flat oil finish on most production guns-- demand is up and the more guns produced the more they must streamline production. Many folks prefer the flat oil finish due to the ease of repair if scratched (as opposed to varnish and urethane). You are right! Desn't like the rain.
do I want to learn something NO. I want to trade my 686 Onyx Pro two barrel set for a 690 series two barrel set. Great video and yes I did learn something, my 686 Onyx is still a great gun. Thank You for this video
Cole, let me ask you if I may. I have bought Beretta 694, came from factory. I have unscrewed chokes from the berrel and one of the choke came off with difficulty, as if it snags against something inside the berrel.
I have tried this choke to insert it in my Berreta 692 and it went ok. Do you think it is ok to use it in the shotgun or I need to replace it, because it may demage berrel?
Be very careful or you can blow a barrel if it is not screwed in all the way. Sorry for the delayed response. If you send it in we can take a look, or get you some better chokes. The gunsmith wants to talk to you, please give us a call so we can sort it out!
I have finally come around to my Browning 725 Pro Sporting, but I would never buy it again either.
Browning guns are chunky, utilitarian, but a work horse. Where the Italian guns feel way more refined, classy, and feel smoother to me. They seem to swing and handle better too. Now I want to pick up a 694!!!
Oh, PS What about compared to CG Summit Accent?
How does the 694 compare to the Summit Accent or Impact? Which is a couple of guns I’m looking at. I want a general do all gun, 50% Trap, 40% Sporting Clay / 5- stand and 10% Skeet, for crosser training. So far I’ve been doing okay with my Browning 725 Pro Sporting, USA version, but it’s not as elegant and sleek as an Italian gun.
What is a good all around gun you would recommend in the $5k or less market?
Or do you recommend I just buy a dedicated trap gun and use my Browning Pro Sporting for aspiring Clays and Skeet?
It’s hard to justify having several nice shotgun for clays when my main thing is USPSA ( American IPSC ).
Can someone tell me the weight of the 694 30 inch sporting barrel.
Merci pour la vidéo ! Une dés seule, ou l’on peux voir un démontage de ce super fusil.
Cela va m’aider !
Dommage que la vidéo soit pas HD...
I think Rich got tired of pulling only the caps off of his markers so he cut out the bottom of his pencil pockets on his smock. LOL
Barrel convergence on 694?
I think that, Pound for Pound or Dollar for Dollar, the Beretta 694 is almost impossible to beat...
Does 692 broke in half so easy as I see in some forums? They are so "sensitive" ?
That was a rare incident. All issues in the 692 have been addressed with the 694 and improvements to the 692.
How do you remove the ejector and retaining disk?
use a small magnet to pull the disk out while sliding the ejector halfway down
THANK YOU..... AND WHO THE HELL DID A THUMBS DOWN.....
Thats beretta for you, updates a couple of screws and makes an overly complex "tech" change in forend and voila, sales and it department guns
Great review!
Lots of technical info.
Bravo!
Greetings from Greece
Thank you! Happy New Year!