doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Beretta 450-451-452 Side by Sides

I have been seeing a few older Beretta 450 series side by sides around and have been impressed by the quality. My search for information and articles on them hasn't turned up much, except for a book by Gianoberto Lupi, which doesn't appear to have been translated into English, and some nice photos in RL Wilson's Beretta book.

Could anyone share some information, experiences, etc on them?

DGM,

Unable to offer anything useful other than to say I agree with your appreciation of P Beretta sxs guns and am impressed at the build quality I've seen. My very much used 1949 403 Stella looks its age but locks up with a silky smooth solidity hardly seen on new guns. There's something about it that feels just right. I'm with you in being interested in learning more about the sxs models and range of production, seems to be some strong traditions there.

FM

"Buxton's Guide to Foreign Firearms", which is basically a collection of catalog copy from the 60's, shows the 450 series guns, but no good photos. By way of price comparison, the 410E was the highest grade typically seen in the States at that time. Cost was $160 retail in Italy. Compare to the 450E ($375), EL ($460), and EELL ($650). Per the information in Buxton's, the 450 guns were all 12ga only at that time.

Here are some nice photos of one on a dealers website:

http://www.pendletonfirearms.com/shotguns/Beretta/451EL/451EL.htm

I saw one that sold on a Christies auction that had 2" chambers, seemed unusual for a heavy gun.

The 450EL is a very nice SxS and for me a pleasure to shoot. I have only found information in R.L. Wilson's book on the legend of Beretta. He covers the time line and discriptions pretty well. I sent my 450 back to Rich Cole for a cleaning and check up and I was pleased and surprised when he told me it was one of the nicest he had seen. He may have just been curtious to a customer but it sure made me feel good. My 450EL was proofed in 1964 and has 28" barrels, double triggers, and a straight stock. I haven't seen many for sale since I found mine.
Ron