The Beretta S04 Review

Published on March 9, 2019
Duration: 10:32

This review of the Beretta S04 over-under shotgun highlights its status as a fine, handcrafted firearm. The presenter details its side-lock action, revolutionary design elements like stop pins, and the quality of its Grade 5 European wood. The review covers its balance, the semi-beavertail forend, and the semi-stainless steel barrels, noting potential wear points around the headwork. It's presented as a sophisticated and well-balanced sporting gun with a rich history.

Quick Summary

The Beretta S04 is a highly regarded over-under shotgun known for its true side-lock action, which provides excellent balance. Its action design, featuring stop pins and trunnions, was revolutionary for its time, offering a shallower profile. The gun typically features Grade 5 wood, semi-stainless steel barrels, and a well-crafted pistol grip with a palm swell, contributing to its superb handling and shooting characteristics.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to Beretta S04
  2. 01:23Beretta S04 Sporting Overview
  3. 01:31Side-Lock Action Explained
  4. 02:06History of the S0 Series
  5. 02:36Action Design: Stop Pins & Trunnions
  6. 03:03S04 Sporting Model Release
  7. 03:11Serial Number and Year Stamp
  8. 03:24Barrel Choke Options
  9. 03:59Stock and Grip Details
  10. 04:36Safety Mechanism
  11. 04:40Action Engraving and Lock-Up
  12. 05:06Cross-Bar Locking System
  13. 05:26S04 vs. S05
  14. 05:43Forend Design
  15. 05:47Barrel Rib and Sights
  16. 06:02Market Value of S04
  17. 06:34Barrel Construction: Monoblocks
  18. 06:41Barrel Material: Semi-Stainless Steel
  19. 07:09Potential Headwork Issues
  20. 07:48How the S04 Shoots
  21. 07:54Balance and Weight Distribution
  22. 08:11Forend Versatility
  23. 08:24Stock Balance
  24. 08:51Grip Ergonomics
  25. 09:12Overall Performance and Handling
  26. 09:30Long-Term Ownership Considerations
  27. 09:57High-Grade Engraving
  28. 10:07Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Beretta S04 a 'side-lock' gun?

The Beretta S04 is a true side-lock gun because its stock is held onto the action by bolts and screws, similar to a side-by-side shotgun. This construction method contributes to its balanced handling and honest weight distribution.

What was the historical significance of the Beretta S04's action design?

The S04's action, developed from the S0 series, featured a shallower profile than contemporary designs like Browning's Superposed. It utilized stop pins and trunnions instead of a full-length hinge pin, a revolutionary approach that influenced many future Beretta firearms.

What are the typical barrel specifications for a Beretta S04?

Beretta S04 barrels are typically high gloss with a parallel 8mm rib and a classic bead sight. While originally fixed-choked, many have been updated to multi-choke systems. The barrels are constructed from a semi-stainless steel, offering good durability.

What are potential maintenance concerns for a Beretta S04?

A common area of concern for the Beretta S04 is the headwork, where the wood-to-metal fit can sometimes lead to cracks. This is due to less material around the head, especially if the wood is fine or the gun has seen extensive use.

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