It’s refreshing watching these reviews and seeing you don’t have sponsorships (for guns). This channel is by far the best for honest reviews. Keep up the great work and hope to bump into you again at the BSS in Feb.
As you said Lloydy Johnny has done a first class review of one hell of a gun. You have just added the icing on the well constructed cake. Well done to you both. ML.
Great vlog as always :) Picked my 688 up last week and shot it for the first time yesterday… loved it, 694 ergo feel to the stock and really nice recoil management.. shoots great..
I really like this new 688, thanks for the review! My 16 year old has been eyeing my DT-11 so I think this will be a great Christmas present this year if I don’t keep it myself…
Beretta have been quite 'brave' by introducing a 'lower budget' gun with minimal action detailing and composite woodwork - all the things that would have smacked 'Budget spec' but no more! Plus it shoots bloody well! If I hadn't just picked up a different Beretta, this would have definitely been on the 'Buy Me' list!
@kawazukisoddbits2717 Nahh. not really. Browning did it years ago, so Beretta just watched the sales and decided to make this 688. Not a particular fan of either, that´s just the way it is.
Just so you are aware it's not composite it's strips of walnut soaked in resin. Not trying to sound like a know it all I just think there's a big difference between composite and laminate.
I got my first look at this gun yesterday. Without shooting it, I have to agree that this is a great gun. I feel it will be Berretas new entry level gun. With the b-fast stock, palm swell and balance adjustment, I would recommend this gun to any new shooter looking for solid O/U.
Lloyd I appreciate your honesty unbiased reviews. You said the gun shoots great for the money. Is it the case that it shoots too good for the money in which case moving on to a much more expensive gun in the Beretta range would be more for the guns looks rather than how it performs? Thanks always enjoy your reviews.
>>>Now most of the older shotgun shooters are going to hate the vibe of this. Yep you're right there. . when you get to my age you realise that the olympics might be dream, but the one thing i can take solace in is that i have a nice looking gun , IMHO this isn't! Ive nothing against laminate ( I have a rifle with a laminate stock) but orange text on black? cheapens the entire gun ( again IMO)
Good review. Everyone that's giving this cracking reviews can't be in beretta s pocket . There's obviously some truth in the fact that it's a great gun that shoots extremely well. I've got a 694 but tempted to get one of these
I've been looking forward to your review. I've not seen a bad review on this gun yet. i certainly don't need one but I think it's going yo be my next Beretta. Thanks for the good work!
Terrific review Lloyd !!! I notice that when you shoot- theres barely any recoil. Not sure what shells you were using-but there hardly any recoil. Seems like this model has a lot going for it for the money too. 8 pounds 12 is really not too bad in my book. This was an excellent follow up to your first review a couple weeks ago. Definately a great gun for the money. Has Beretta done it again ? Another winner ?
I'm a beretta fan but I had a 686e and found it to be dead in the hands for the want of a better word Like to see what you think of the browning 825 Great reviews as always
Cracking review, I think Beretta have made another belter of a gun. Just wondering if it was a 30 or 32 inch gun? I own two Brownings a Grade one 525 and a 525sl (sporter laminate) Was surprised how well a laminate stock soaks up recoil. Laminate seems to make a good Gun into Great Gun. Possibly by virtue of the extra weight?
Thanks Lloyd. Would be interested to see this gun head to head with the Browning XS Pro Black Laminate. They seem pretty close in price. Great review of this Beretta. Thanks for posting 👍👍💥💥
I like this new model. Now most of the older shotgun shooters are going to hate the vibe of this. At the very least we shouldn't see nearly as many cracked stocks coming out of Beretta production. For what it's worth, what do you think about this is a back-up or loaner?
Hey Lloyd, thanks for the unbiased opinion. I finally saved my money for a new DT11. I’m not into the status or the looks of things, would you recommend the 688 over the DT11? I don’t shoot comp just a weekend hacker
I own 2 682 gold E 32ou 34 us xtrap. 30 ou skeet I use for sporting clays. My question is wil they be coming out with a full on trap ou and un single with adjustable ribs ?????
Question this is a gun that i would buy for sure. But my question is, I love benelli semi autos for hunting and back yard clays. That is all I use and can shoot dang good with them, this upcoming season I want to start shooting sporting clays. I was going to buy the ethos performance shop for sporting clays or would you prefer this over under?
Personally I prefer an OU, but I am not you. If you shoot well with a semi then stick with it. If you start getting into clays properly you may find your style develops over time to where you want to try something different in which case you can look at other options. I would not be in a hurry to buy a new gun just for clays until you actually need one. Hope this makes sense to you.
@ man this is literally the best response and takes off a lot of stress for me, thank you so much!!! You have always had the best feedback and most honest opinions.
Any chance you can do a comparison with the 694 sporting ? Would love to get your thoughts. Maybe team up with Jonny again ? That’s a lot of knowledge and experience with both of you.
Good spec, the same specs that should be on a 686 sporter- following on from 682,, but hey thats beretta, charge an arm and a leg for any increase over standard. For the money though you could have 2 yildiz pros
Loyd has the ability to do unbiased judgement on his reviews. He doesn't have a sponsorship to appease. Loyd also is a better shooter than others putting out similar material. If he says the 688 punches above it's weight I believe him.
If you had to choose between this and the new mk38 competition and blaser f3 which would it be? I’m stuck between the blaser and the other two. I’m going to try shooting all 3 before I commit to buy but looking for some guidance from fellow shooters that have had experience with them
@@StealthSurviveYT wildly different budget for a line up. The f3 is engineered to a complete different level. That’s like comparing a McLaren to a Volkswagen Golf.
@ not really. The new mk38 competition retails for around £3500 with the beretta touching £3000, look at a private sale for a second blazer f3 competition you can pick a decent one up for £4000. I was only asking as for the little bit of extra money would it be worth getting the top tier gun.
Hi Lloyd, i have a Browning XS pro, and was thinking of changing it for a Berretta and was thinking of the 688. Would this be a step down. Not sure i would get enough back on the Browning to get a 694.
@@darrenlaithwaite7810 i'm not a beretta fan- and thats putting it lightly. The spec on their guns is good, but in fit and finish i am yet to handle one inside 10,000 dollars that has impressed dollar to dollar. At 694 money if you want italian i'd say look to guerini, the 694 is ok, but again dollar to dollar its not a front runner for me
@MR12GAUGE thank you , I must admit , the finish isn't always that good on Beretta under 6K. I did have a 691 that jammed, the wood would turn white in the rain and wood to metal finish wasn't great.
@@darrenlaithwaite7810 they are a very mass produced packet gun to a point, even the Dt range isn't what you would call overly exciting in finish. If you get a chance compare a guerini and beretta of similar proce points and the gap is wide. Since you shoot browning Miroku is the easiest swap
Nice review, but I can't be enthused. Laminated stocks, though "cool" remind me of late WWII Mausers. Germany didn't have enough solid wood for stocks.
Vor einigen Tagen hatte ich die 688 in der Hand, leider konnte ich keinen Schiesstest machen. Mein persönlicher Eindruck. Das Design finde ich gut. Die Farbkombinationen vom Holz und der Basküle ist gut gelungen. Der Vorderschaft fühlt sich leider wie Kunststoff an und ist etwas scharfkantig. Der Öffner am Vorderschaft ist in meinen Augen etwas minderwertig. Ich bin mir nicht sicher wie lange dieser seine Funktion erfüllt. Es wurde gespart , um eine preiswerte Flinte auf den Markt bringen zu können, so mein Eindruck. Bei 3.300 Euro hätte ich mir bei einer Einstiegswaffe mehr erwartet. Wer eine hochwertige und solide Flinte kaufen möchte, dem empfehle ich die 694. Sie kostet etwa 1500 Euro mehr, aber sie ist ihr Geld wert. Eine grundsolide, zuverlässige und wertige Flinte.
Life is to short to shoot an overpriced ugly gun. If you want a heavy gun, put the weight in the action where it will do some good, not in fake wood. Enjoyed the video though 👍🏼
It's just too ugly. However, when you're ready for a new stock you just need to run to the hardware store and grab a can of black spray paint and some plywood.
It’s refreshing watching these reviews and seeing you don’t have sponsorships (for guns).
This channel is by far the best for honest reviews. Keep up the great work and hope to bump into you again at the BSS in Feb.
Thank you Chris, See you there.
As you said Lloydy Johnny has done a first class review of one hell of a gun. You have just added the icing on the well constructed cake. Well done to you both. ML.
When Lloyd's at a loss for words, you know it's something very special. Just wishing now I'd have held off on my 687 purchase.
A decent, no bullshit, unbiased review as always. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions.
@@Luke_148 thanks man.
Im really glad everything worked out for you. And you were able to keep doing videos.
Thank you
Agree.
Great vlog as always :)
Picked my 688 up last week and shot it for the first time yesterday… loved it, 694 ergo feel to the stock and really nice recoil management.. shoots great..
bought one last week.. LOVE IT!
I really like this new 688, thanks for the review! My 16 year old has been eyeing my DT-11 so I think this will be a great Christmas present this year if I don’t keep it myself…
Bought a 688! 32 inch , LOVE IT! Moved out of a Citori 725 Pro Sporting.. NO COMPARISON!
Great non biased review. Keep up the great work.
Thank you.
Beretta have been quite 'brave' by introducing a 'lower budget' gun with minimal action detailing and composite woodwork - all the things that would have smacked 'Budget spec' but no more! Plus it shoots bloody well! If I hadn't just picked up a different Beretta, this would have definitely been on the 'Buy Me' list!
@kawazukisoddbits2717 Nahh. not really. Browning did it years ago, so Beretta just watched the sales and decided to make this 688. Not a particular fan of either, that´s just the way it is.
Browning set this standard and forced their hand. 525 SL is still better imo.
Just so you are aware it's not composite it's strips of walnut soaked in resin. Not trying to sound like a know it all I just think there's a big difference between composite and laminate.
I thought it was a birch lamininate like the 525sl. I couldnbe wrong tho@@matthartshorn9483
@@matthartshorn9483 Some people are ignorant when it comes to ugly cheap wood.
I got my first look at this gun yesterday. Without shooting it, I have to agree that this is a great gun. I feel it will be Berretas new entry level gun. With the b-fast stock, palm swell and balance adjustment, I would recommend this gun to any new shooter looking for solid O/U.
Spiritual successor to 682 Gold E …
That’s high praise
I have a 682 gold e - this has now intrigued me…..
As well it should. It’s not praise given lightly.
Lloyd I appreciate your honesty unbiased reviews. You said the gun shoots great for the money. Is it the case that it shoots too good for the money in which case moving on to a much more expensive gun in the Beretta range would be more for the guns looks rather than how it performs? Thanks always enjoy your reviews.
Love it, just wondering what I could hop in to get one 😊 great review as always Lloyd 👍👍👍🥇
>>>Now most of the older shotgun shooters are going to hate the vibe of this.
Yep you're right there. . when you get to my age you realise that the olympics might be dream, but the one thing i can take solace in is that i have a nice looking gun , IMHO this isn't!
Ive nothing against laminate ( I have a rifle with a laminate stock) but orange text on black? cheapens the entire gun ( again IMO)
That was an excellent review as always
Good review. Everyone that's giving this cracking reviews can't be in beretta s pocket . There's obviously some truth in the fact that it's a great gun that shoots extremely well. I've got a 694 but tempted to get one of these
Good review. I'm not ready for a laminate stock yet, so I'll stick with my 694.
I've been looking forward to your review. I've not seen a bad review on this gun yet. i certainly don't need one but I think it's going yo be my next Beretta. Thanks for the good work!
Terrific review Lloyd !!! I notice that when you shoot- theres barely any recoil. Not sure what shells you were using-but there hardly any recoil. Seems like this model has a lot going for it for the money too. 8 pounds 12 is really not too bad in my book. This was an excellent follow up to your first review a couple weeks ago. Definately a great gun for the money. Has Beretta done it again ? Another winner ?
That looks like a cracking gun with a smooth swing. I have a 682 sporter , however I would like to try this 688.
Great review. Think I'm really sold on this gun. Would love to know what you think about the comparison of the webley xsl against this gun.
I'm a beretta fan but I had a 686e and found it to be dead in the hands for the want of a better word
Like to see what you think of the browning 825
Great reviews as always
Great review Lloyd, I'm glad it wasn't available a couple of years ago. Would have made my gun choice a bit tougher.
Cracking review, I think Beretta have made another belter of a gun.
Just wondering if it was a 30 or 32 inch gun?
I own two Brownings a Grade one 525 and a 525sl (sporter laminate)
Was surprised how well a laminate stock soaks up recoil.
Laminate seems to make a good Gun into Great Gun.
Possibly by virtue of the extra weight?
32”. It’s not just the weight, it’s the material itself. It works really well at absorbing recoil.
Nice review. Thanks
Hi Lloyd, what do you think on the 688 compared to the 725 pro master what are your thoughts please
Nice review. It’s an interesting gun. Thanks for sharing
Cheers grant.
Great Review.
Thanks Lloyd. Would be interested to see this gun head to head with the Browning XS Pro Black Laminate. They seem pretty close in price. Great review of this Beretta. Thanks for posting 👍👍💥💥
@@markbutler1616 thanks Mark.
Hi Lloyd. Would you recommend getting this with 30” or 32” barrels?
I tested 32” and that’s what I would get, however the 30 will probably balance out of the box without needing additional weights.
@@lloydyp thank you!
Great review. Too bad about the camera focus …
I like this new model. Now most of the older shotgun shooters are going to hate the vibe of this. At the very least we shouldn't see nearly as many cracked stocks coming out of Beretta production.
For what it's worth, what do you think about this is a back-up or loaner?
Hey Lloyd, thanks for the unbiased opinion. I finally saved my money for a new DT11. I’m not into the status or the looks of things, would you recommend the 688 over the DT11? I don’t shoot comp just a weekend hacker
@@MegaChocs no, it’s not in the same league as a DT.
Great no nonsense review .👍
Ta.
@lloydyp good to see you back.
I own 2 682 gold E 32ou 34 us xtrap. 30 ou skeet I use for sporting clays. My question is wil they be coming out with a full on trap ou and un single with adjustable ribs ?????
There is a trap version I can comment on future plans.
@lloydyp ya but low fixed rib. I am looking for them to add an adjustable high rib for doubles Trap, or an Xtrap with 32 ou and 34 un single
Question this is a gun that i would buy for sure. But my question is, I love benelli semi autos for hunting and back yard clays. That is all I use and can shoot dang good with them, this upcoming season I want to start shooting sporting clays. I was going to buy the ethos performance shop for sporting clays or would you prefer this over under?
Personally I prefer an OU, but I am not you. If you shoot well with a semi then stick with it. If you start getting into clays properly you may find your style develops over time to where you want to try something different in which case you can look at other options. I would not be in a hurry to buy a new gun just for clays until you actually need one. Hope this makes sense to you.
@ man this is literally the best response and takes off a lot of stress for me, thank you so much!!! You have always had the best feedback and most honest opinions.
You are very welcome sir. You might consider joining the channel. We have a WhatsApp group chat I think you would find interesting.
@ is the WhatsApp on the channel?
I think You and Jonny have made up my mind 🙂
@@micu6778 sorry🤣
Any chance you can do a comparison with the 694 sporting ?
Would love to get your thoughts.
Maybe team up with Jonny again ?
That’s a lot of knowledge and experience with both of you.
@ would love to, however Mr Carter is a very busy man these days.
hi Lloyd i have the 525 sport lamiate and looking at the ultra xs bl or the 688 which would be your choice
I was looking for someone to tell me not to upgrade from my 686 to the new 688........... guess I'm going to the gun shop to try one out now!!!
Good spec, the same specs that should be on a 686 sporter- following on from 682,, but hey thats beretta, charge an arm and a leg for any increase over standard.
For the money though you could have 2 yildiz pros
How you found the trigger feeling in comparison 692/694 ?
Same basically.
Loyd has the ability to do unbiased judgement on his reviews. He doesn't have a sponsorship to appease. Loyd also is a better shooter than others putting out similar material. If he says the 688 punches above it's weight I believe him.
If you had to choose between this and the new mk38 competition and blaser f3 which would it be? I’m stuck between the blaser and the other two. I’m going to try shooting all 3 before I commit to buy but looking for some guidance from fellow shooters that have had experience with them
@@StealthSurviveYT wildly different budget for a line up. The f3 is engineered to a complete different level. That’s like comparing a McLaren to a Volkswagen Golf.
@ not really. The new mk38 competition retails for around £3500 with the beretta touching £3000, look at a private sale for a second blazer f3 competition you can pick a decent one up for £4000. I was only asking as for the little bit of extra money would it be worth getting the top tier gun.
I really like that gun, i am a browning man through and through but that 688 could really make me switch
So you would prefer this over an XS pro with laminate stock? If so, why?
Hi Lloyd, i have a Browning XS pro, and was thinking of changing it for a Berretta and was thinking of the 688. Would this be a step down. Not sure i would get enough back on the Browning to get a 694.
A step sideways in spec, a step down in what you get looks and overall quality wise
@MR12GAUGE I think your right. What do you think of the 694
@@darrenlaithwaite7810 i'm not a beretta fan- and thats putting it lightly.
The spec on their guns is good, but in fit and finish i am yet to handle one inside 10,000 dollars that has impressed dollar to dollar. At 694 money if you want italian i'd say look to guerini, the 694 is ok, but again dollar to dollar its not a front runner for me
@MR12GAUGE thank you , I must admit , the finish isn't always that good on Beretta under 6K. I did have a 691 that jammed, the wood would turn white in the rain and wood to metal finish wasn't great.
@@darrenlaithwaite7810 they are a very mass produced packet gun to a point, even the Dt range isn't what you would call overly exciting in finish. If you get a chance compare a guerini and beretta of similar proce points and the gap is wide. Since you shoot browning Miroku is the easiest swap
Compared to the Fabarm Elos N2 RS?
where would this sit in relation to a 725 pro sport?
It's definitely a contender.
Nice review, but I can't be enthused. Laminated stocks, though "cool" remind me of late WWII Mausers. Germany didn't have enough solid wood for stocks.
shells and chokes used ?
Hull pro ones, 1/4 and 1/2.
24 or 28 gram?@lloydyp
@ 28g pro ones.
No porting?
No, because it’s pointless.
Bought one today,watch this space..
Vor einigen Tagen hatte ich die 688 in der Hand, leider konnte ich keinen Schiesstest machen. Mein persönlicher Eindruck. Das Design finde ich gut. Die Farbkombinationen vom Holz und der Basküle ist gut gelungen. Der Vorderschaft fühlt sich leider wie Kunststoff an und ist etwas scharfkantig. Der Öffner am Vorderschaft ist in meinen Augen etwas minderwertig. Ich bin mir nicht sicher wie lange dieser seine Funktion erfüllt. Es wurde gespart , um eine preiswerte Flinte auf den Markt bringen zu können, so mein Eindruck. Bei 3.300 Euro hätte ich mir bei einer Einstiegswaffe mehr erwartet. Wer eine hochwertige und solide Flinte kaufen möchte, dem empfehle ich die 694. Sie kostet etwa 1500 Euro mehr, aber sie ist ihr Geld wert. Eine grundsolide, zuverlässige und wertige Flinte.
Following in Browning's wake I'm afraid.
Es buena o no?Es laminada la culata?
This may end up being the gun I recommend people instead of the 725 Sporting
👌
Surely its competitor is the browning ultra xs black laminate not the silver laminate?
I’ve just got a 694 adjustable in aug and just getting used to it I know it’s a clay gun but using it currently on pheasants
Can yall get the impala plus semi auto shotguns? Or the 301pump or 601 semi charles daly shotguns?
you almost seem upset that it’s so good…lol
I sense a Beretta sponsorship deal coming on
No, you do not.
Shame Im a Beretta man myself. I have a 682 Gold E and may consider a px for one
Life is to short to shoot an overpriced ugly gun. If you want a heavy gun, put the weight in the action where it will do some good, not in fake wood. Enjoyed the video though 👍🏼
It's just too ugly. However, when you're ready for a new stock you just need to run to the hardware store and grab a can of black spray paint and some plywood.
Would love to have a round of clays with you ?
Join the members group, we to get together if possible depending on where everyone lives 👍🏻