Marc Newson is known as a designer for technology giant Apple. So when it was announced that he’d be working with Beretta on an upcoming shotgun, firearms enthusiasts were instantly intrigued.
Two months after the initial announcement and Beretta has unveiled the 486, designed by Newson himself.
The final products is wrapped with elegance and truly is one-of-a-kind in a world of indistinguishable shotguns.
The traditional tail of the 486’s receiver has been lowered allowing the wood to separate the receiver and the safety/selector like a wooden bridge over the steel.
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The traditional design of side by side shotguns has always been very simple and elegant. Over the years, the “round body” design has been introduced to emphasize the slimness and lightness of the gun. Newson has used the characteristics of steel and modern machining to elevate the concept of the “round body,” bringing it to a new level. The receiver of the 486 is edgeless and the lines flow through the entire surface of the shotgun with no sharp edges or breaks.
The 486’s engraving is a clear homage to Asia as the homeland of the pheasant. This unique design is made possible by the high-tech laser technology used in the manufacturing process. This ensures the best texture wrap over the entire surface of the receiver and also allows for a deep contrast and sharp resolution in all the details of the engraving.
The cold-hammer forged Beretta OptimaBore barrels are built to be tough and to last for generations. Moreover, the Triblock technology makes the barrel truly elegant by eliminating the welding lines. The hand-made polishing gives the surface the perfect finish, typical of the most refined shotguns.
The new opening lever design has been specially conceived to emphasize its independence from the rest of the shotgun.
Another distinctive feature is the fixing of the trigger guard to the receiver. While most shotguns screw the guard to the bottom of the receiver, the 486 by from Newson inserts the trigger guard into a milled guide. The result is a perfect junction of two surfaces, which creates a higher aesthetic value.
The forend of Newson’s 486 is leaner and more streamlined, while the coupling point between the receiver and the forend iron has been reduced to a minimum.
The trigger system is an Anson type, with leaf springs.
For more information, please visit Beretta.com.