Beretta A303 Supersport | In-Depth Review

Published on May 16, 2022
Duration: 7:04

This in-depth review of the Beretta A303 Supersport highlights its significance as the first Beretta semi-auto offered in long barrel variants, making it exceptionally popular with clay shooters. The video details its introduction in 1987, its success against over-and-under shotguns in the UK market, and its key features like ported barrels for reduced muzzle flip and mobile multi-chokes. The reviewer emphasizes its reliability and enduring appeal, suggesting it remains a superior choice over many modern Turkish semi-autos.

Quick Summary

The Beretta A303 semi-automatic shotgun, launched around 1987, revolutionized clay shooting by being the first Beretta semi-auto offered in long barrel variants. Its Supersport model featured ported barrels for reduced muzzle flip and mobile multi-chokes, making it a highly reliable and user-friendly choice that remains a valuable purchase today.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Beretta A303
  2. 00:05Beretta A303 Launch and Popularity
  3. 00:13Long Barrel Variants for Clay Shooting
  4. 00:3730-inch Barrels: Unheard of at the Time
  5. 00:42Competition with Over-and-Unders
  6. 00:52Field vs. Sporter Versions
  7. 01:04Examining the A303 Sporter
  8. 01:13Sporter Engraving and Aesthetics
  9. 01:31Barrel Lengths: 28, 30, 32 inches
  10. 01:39The Super Sport and Poly Barrels
  11. 01:50Production Years: 1987-1996
  12. 02:02Transition to Beretta 390 and 391
  13. 02:06Sporting Rib and Weight
  14. 02:12Recoil Pad Comparison
  15. 02:22Weight and Balance for Shooting
  16. 02:31Semi-Beaver Tail Forend
  17. 02:40Reliability: 'Never Went Wrong'
  18. 02:43Comparison with Beretta 682
  19. 03:00Personal Attachment to the A303
  20. 03:15Best Beretta Semi-Auto of All Time?
  21. 03:23The Super Sport Model Explained
  22. 03:33Ported Barrels and Muzzle Flip Reduction
  23. 03:52Versatility: Clay and Down-the-Line
  24. 04:05Mobile Multi-Chokes Introduced
  25. 04:23Specific Example: 28-inch Barrel Super Sport
  26. 04:34Assessing Wear on Older Semi-Autos
  27. 04:42Ejection Port Wear as an Indicator
  28. 05:06Interpreting Anodizing/Blacking Loss
  29. 05:10Wood Quality and Original Parts
  30. 06:23Recommendation: A303 vs. Modern Turkish Autos
  31. 06:35Value Proposition: £400-£500 Price Point
  32. 06:41Conclusion: The Beretta A303

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Beretta A303 shotgun first introduced and what made it significant?

The Beretta A303 semi-automatic shotgun was launched around 1987. Its key significance lies in being the first Beretta semi-auto offered in long barrel variants, which made it exceptionally popular with clay shooters who desired longer barrels for their sport.

What were the advantages of the Beretta A303 Supersport model for clay shooting?

The A303 Supersport was designed for clay shooting and often featured ported barrels to reduce muzzle flip, making it more user-friendly. It was also available in longer barrel lengths (up to 32 inches) and was one of the first Beretta semi-autos to use mobile multi-chokes.

How can one assess the condition of a used Beretta A303 shotgun?

When inspecting a used Beretta A303 with an anodized action, pay close attention to the ejection port. Significant wear or missing anodizing/blacking around this area indicates heavy use, whereas minimal wear suggests it has been lightly shot.

Is the Beretta A303 still a relevant shotgun for purchase today?

Yes, the Beretta A303 remains highly relevant. The reviewer suggests choosing one over many new Turkish semi-autos, citing their long-standing reliability and significant following. They can often be found for around £400-£500, offering excellent value.

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