Introducing the Beretta 688 Performance: The New Standard for Competition Excellence
The Beretta 688 Performance represents a bold evolution within the legendary 680-series family, specifically engineered to bridge the gap between entry-level sporting models and high-end competition rigs. Released to widespread acclaim, the 688 Performance is a purpose-built clay-crushing machine that brings professional-grade features to a more accessible price point, making it a premier choice for competitive shooters at Rangeview Sports.
Building on the rock-solid foundation of the 686 and 687, the 688 Performance introduces several key structural and ergonomic upgrades designed to enhance stability, reduce fatigue, and provide a truly customizable shooting experience.
A Beefier Foundation: The 680-Series Receiver
The heart of the 688 Performance is its upgraded steel receiver. While it retains the proven low-profile boxlock design that Beretta is famous for, it has been widened and weighted.
- Increased Mass: The receiver is approximately 55 grams heavier than the standard 686, which shifts the balance point toward the hinge pins. This added weight improves the “swingability” of the gun and significantly aids in recoil absorption during long days at the range.
- Redesigned Top Lever: Beretta has optimized the opening lever for a smoother, lighter action. This reduces hand fatigue over marathon shooting sessions, allowing the competitor to stay focused on the next pair of targets.
- Modern Aesthetic: The receiver features a sleek blued finish with distinctive orange 688 branding and an anti-glare finish on the top to ensure a clear, unobstructed sight picture.
Precision Engineering: Steelium Barrels and OCHP Chokes
Accuracy is non-negotiable in competition, and the 688 Performance delivers using Beretta’s world-class barrel technology.
- Steelium Technology: The barrels are crafted from a proprietary tri-alloy steel, undergoing deep drilling, cold hammer forging, and vacuum distension. This process creates a barrel with exceptional durability and ballistic consistency.
- Optimabore HP (OCHP): Paired with Optima-Choke High Performance tubes, the 18.6mm bore diameter and extended 80mm forcing cones ensure superior patterning and reduced shot deformation, regardless of whether you are using lead or steel shot.
- Ventilated Ribs: The Sporting version features a 10x8mm tapered ventilated top rib and ventilated side ribs to promote cooling and weight reduction.
Custom Fit: Laminated Stock and B-Fast System
Ergonomics are where the 688 Performance truly shines, offering out-of-the-box adjustability that previously required expensive aftermarket work.
- Laminated Birchwood Stock: The two-tone gray/black laminate stock is not just a stylistic choice; it is denser and more rigid than traditional walnut, providing increased durability and additional weight for better balance.
- B-Fast Adjustable Comb: The stock comes standard with the B-Fast adjustable system, allowing shooters to fine-tune the drop and cast for a perfect eye-to-rib alignment.
- Adjustable Trigger: The single-selective inertia trigger features an adjustable shoe, allowing the shooter to customize the length of reach for a consistent and comfortable pull.
- Microcore Recoil Pad: The inclusion of the 18mm Microcore pad further softens the felt recoil, ensuring that the 12-gauge magnum-capable action remains comfortable throughout a 100-target course.
Variants for Every Shooter
The 688 Performance is available in several configurations to suit different disciplines:
- 688 Performance Sporting: Features 30-inch or 32-inch barrels, a 3-inch chamber, and five color-coded extended OCHP chokes.
- 688 Performance Trap: Optimized for the trap field with a 10x10mm rib, fixed chokes, and a 2-3/4 inch chamber.
- 688 Performance Vittoria: Specifically designed for women or smaller-statured shooters, featuring a shorter length of pull and a specialized grip angle.
The Beretta 688 Performance is a “ready-to-compete” platform that offers the heft, balance, and ballistic performance of a premium tournament gun without the ultra-premium price tag.
