doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com A Darkside Jaunt

I'm posting this sorta preemptively since there are a couple people here that know of this and would likely take some deserved pleasure in ratting me out if the proper situation presented itself.

So for the past couple years I've been casually perusing the relatively modern SxS market for something suitable to use on targets. Berettas and SKB's seemed the most likely to provide a useful item. Recently I came across a Beretta GR3 (426) for a bargain basement price considering that it looked near unused. Not NIB, prolly lostsa different closets and racks over the last 40 years but not shot much - must of been near none.

The GR3 met most of the criteria I had in mind, 'cept for the stock of course. NBD since even the SKB target SxS's have those stupid field derived stocks. So I bought it.

Spent some time yesterday pimping it up best as possible and making the first attempts to usefulfy the stock. The gun functions perfectly and that is certainly a plus. The bbls are super clean with just a tiny (gunrack?) zit on the side of the left bbl, 71cm, 1.45kg, and +/+++. With the .722 bores those are 0.685 and 0.700 for some decided solid chokes. Definitely solid targets breaks with it out the first time today.

But the stock really sux. I won't bother to go into the details but it doesn't really work for me well at all. I hesitate to cut up the original. So if anyone know where there may be a GR stock available, I'd be interested to know too. Doesn't have to be a prom queen since it's gonna get "fixed up some'.

TIA

have a day
Dr.WtS

Wonk, good luck with that Beretta. I see you referred to it as a "GR3 (426)". Those are actually two different models. It's not like the BL series OU's sold in the States being essentially the same guns as the S-55/56 etc guns made for the European market. The GR's were imported from the late 60's to the mid-70's, after which they were succeeded by the 424-426 series guns. One difference between a GR3 and a 426 would be ejectors on the latter, extractors on the former.

The guy that runs our club five stand acquired a 30" GR3..super condition too!! Very lively but too short and low for me. He's already added a stickon comb and is shooting it well!

As I understand it from Ken Pendleton the GR3/GR4 and the 426/426E are respectively the same guns (rebadged for Garcia).

FWIW

have a day

Dr.WtS

Maybe. I have a 12ga GR3 and a 20ga 426E and although they may be mechanically the same inside, there is a lot of difference in finish. For example, my GR3 has a vent rib and my 426E has a solid rib, maybe reflecting the GR3's destination in the U.S. market.

Re stocks, I bought two sets of GR3 wood from Cole a few years ago. I know 425 wood will fit the GR3 and I think 426 wood will fit. There is also GR2 wood, if you can find it. Coles can tell you what's what re fit, and may have something that will work.

Why not look at the Miroku guns (BSS, Charles Daly, and Miroku nameplates) for a target SxS? Both the Daly and BSS can be had in 12 ga, 30 inch variations if desired. The Daly will have double triggers, the BSS will have a single trigger.

The GR4's that I've seen certainly have more elaborate engraving than the GR3 (and ejectors)but that is not a surprise. I'm not sure that rib configuration is a defining criteria, it isn't for other Italian guns I know of. Thanks for the Cole ref - I sent them an email even tho Ken Pendleton looks to have a couple to dig out. JIC kinda stuff.

I have no objection to the MIJ guns. They do seem a bit overpriced usually and I didn't come across one w/ the specs I was sorta looking for. I was interested in the SKB 385 or 485 but they just didn't show up either. The screw-ins would have been of a def advantage. Tho the fixed chokes in the GR3 are just plenty OK for what I do.

The good new for me is that I don't have to bother looking anymore. I have one. One SxS is plenty.

have a day

Dr.WtS

Wonko, One would have to look long and hard to find any person more knowledgeable on Beretta than Ken Pendleton. Plus, he is a real stand up guy and extremely honest. He can find you whatever you want in terms of Beretta and often times has very rare pieces in his inventory. I always enjoy doing business with him.