Beretta 694 Sporting Review

With winter over and spring upon us, I’m very much looking forward to some sunny, warmer weather. With better conditions on the horizon, many fair-weather shooters will be keen to get out to a clay ground with friends and bust a few clays.

For this review, I’m going to look at a sporting shotgun that’s been specifically designed for clay target shooting. It’s a gun I’ve had the pleasure of using a couple of times over the past few years. A few months ago, I reviewed the Beretta DT11 Sporting, and I received numerous messages asking how it compares with the Beretta 694 Sporting. These are two very different shotguns, and I’ve found that most people prefer one or the other.

Let me explain some key specifications of the Beretta 694 Sporting, then I’ll share my experience of using this model. Hopefully, you can decide whether the 694 could be an option for your clay shooting this summer.

Beretta 694 Sporting

Launched in 2019, the 694 remains a popular choice among clay shooters across the UK. In my opinion, there are good reasons for this, thanks to some smart improvements over the previous 69 series guns.

One of the most significant upgrades is the stock and forend. The stock has a relatively chunky profile, so the butt sits very comfortably in my shoulder pocket, and my cheek makes solid contact with the wider comb. This creates a smooth shooting experience.

Left-handed models are available, which is great news for fellow lefties. The adjustable stock is also a plus for shooters like me who prefer a higher point of impact. The slight palm swell fits the hand well and supports a consistent, solid mount.

I really like the simple design of the receiver and the fairly basic, yet attractive, wood set. This gun is built to break clays—not to sit in a cabinet—and the price reflects that.

Weighing in at 8lb, the 694 offers a sensible weight for a sporting shotgun. It feels steady on longer targets but still moves quickly on closer ones, making it ideal for a wide variety of sporting clay scenarios. I’d be happy to take it out for live quarry too—it’s well suited as an all-round shotgun.

My favourite feature of the 694 is the view down the rib. A sleek top lever flows into a 10-8mm top rib that naturally guides your eye to the target. It inspires confidence and helps you connect with the target cleanly.

Modern Beretta barrel technology really impresses me. The 694 features Steelium Plus barrels, which offer several advantages. Thanks to an elongated forcing cone and tapered bore, the barrels produce a more consistent pattern with less pellet deformation. They also reduce muzzle flip, helping you recover quickly for the second shot.

As you’d expect, the 694 is high-performance steel-proofed and has 3in chambers. It comes with a Beretta hard case and five Optima HP extended chokes.

First Impressions at Beretta Worlds 2020

I first used a Beretta 694 a few years ago at the Beretta Worlds competition at the former Wylye Valley Shooting Ground in Wiltshire. That morning, I borrowed a left-handed model with an adjustable stock from the GMK stand. I quickly set the comb to fit, adjusted the trigger to the closest position, installed a ¼ and a ½ choke, and I was ready.

The first stand offered a relatively easy report pair—a quartering-away bird and a mid-range crosser. It was a perfect opportunity to get a feel for the 694. I hit every target, felt confident in my setup, and loved how the gun performed. The smooth transition between targets and the lack of noticeable muzzle flip stood out immediately. I was also surprised by how little recoil I felt when using 28g fibre-wad cartridges. The stock design and barrel technology clearly work.

I made my way through the course and finished with a reasonable score, thoroughly enjoying the experience. I’ll admit I struggled slightly with my timing—the gun handled faster than I’m used to, and I occasionally missed in front. This 32in-barrel model balanced perfectly on the hinge pin. Adding some barrel weights would easily slow down its handling.

Watching James Bradley-Day shoot the 694 Sporting to score an impressive 95/100 was inspiring. I later asked him why he uses this model. He said: “The 694 is extremely reliable and excellent value for money. I had the first one that came into the country when it was released. It has been heavily used ever since and has never missed a beat.”

Confidence in your shotgun makes a big difference. Watching James handle the 694 with such ease was a testament to the model’s quality.

694 or DT11?

We’re lucky to have several mid-week evening shoots nearby, where you can enjoy a relaxed round with friends. Last summer, I managed to escape work and head to one of these shoots. I hadn’t planned to shoot, so I left my gun at home—but when a friend offered me his left-handed 694, I couldn’t resist.

I hit the ground running. It was only my second time using the 694, but it felt just as good as I remembered. It was easy to hold and mount, quick to handle, and smooth on recoil. I can see why it’s such a popular choice.

But how does it stack up against the DT11?

Having used both guns multiple times, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed shooting them both. They’re very different and appeal to different shooters. The DT11 is heavier, with a chunkier build, which may not suit everyone. The 694 is lighter, slimmer, and often more accessible.

In terms of build and technology, the DT11 likely has the edge. It’s also significantly more expensive, due to its components and grade of wood. If budget weren’t a concern, I’d pick the DT11—it suits my style better. But for the money, the 694 is an excellent shotgun and offers superb value.

Final Thoughts

The Beretta 694 Sporting suits everyone from club-level shooters to serious competitors. One of the UK’s top sporting shooters chose this model and continues to prove its reliability.

I’m a big fan of the revised stock dimensions. The palm swell makes it a joy to hold, and the gun feels quick without being overly light. With options like adjustable combs and barrel weights, the 694 is easy to customise for individual preferences.

Although it’s built for sporting clays, I’d also take it game shooting or use it for pigeons and corvids. For the all-round shooter, the 694 offers solid performance and excellent value.