With the Ultraleggero, in 2021 Beretta introduced what they claim is “the lightest steel shotgun in the field”, thanks to the most modern technical innovations applied to lighten the steel-receiver shotgun derived from the 690 platform. These ground-breaking innovations made possible to skeletonize the steel receiver including only the structural elements that are essential for the solidity and performance of the gun. Besides the skeletonized receiver with technopolymer inserts on the sides and the bottom, other weight-reducing features include Steelium Optimabore HP barrels without side ribs, a selected walnut stock with increased stock cavity, an aluminum trigger guard, and the 30% lighter Extralight recoil pad. The Ultraleggero over-and-under is now also available in 20-gauge.
20-ga Beretta Ultraleggero, solidity and reliability with an even lower weight
The 12-gauge version came under 6.17 lb/2.8 kg in weight. The smaller bore allowed for a further weight reduction to about 2.5 kg with 24”/61-cm steel ready and Fleur de Lys stamped barrels – an almost incredible technical feat. “The solidity and reliability of a steel receiver with an extremely low weight makes for a lightweight yet sturdy shotgun ideal for hunters looking for a fast-handling gun that swiftly gets onto the game,” they say at Beretta.
In addition to all the technical innovations and the same sleek design of its larger sibling, the 20-gauge version features a steel forend system – different from the 12-gauge version forend, which is aluminum. The trigger guard is aluminum too. Chambers are 3” (76 mm) “magnum” type: the ultra-light over-and-under in fact still guarantees Beretta's level of reliability and resistance to repeated shots using all cartridge types, including magnum cartridges.
The techno-polymer inserts show a cutting-edge floral motif with a fade in-and-out effect that has been achieved using a state-of-the-art technology. This creates unique angles on surfaces, simulating the visual effect of light reflected on steel engravings. The receiver is matte black blued and hinge pins have a glossy black finish, for a very elegant and unique appearance, together with the finely checkered pistol grip stock and forend made from 2.5 grade walnut wood with an oiled finish. The stock has a 35/55 drop and is also available for left-handers, or in Vittoria Version, with a 35/45/55 drop. By the way: the wood is not only selected by grade, but also by weight and density, always selecting the lighter versions to achieve the perfect balance even for short barrel shotguns. Trigger is single-selective, with the selector positioned inside the safety catch.
The Beretta Ultraleggero tri-alloy steel barrels are available in different lengths of 61 cm, 66 cm and 71 cm, characterised by deep drilling, cold hammer forging and special vacuum distension. The 80-mm long Optimabore HP forcing cones provides superior quality performance and consistently uniform shot patterns, regardless of the ammunition. The full 6x6 top rib features anti-flare finishing and bead steel front sight, while the side rib has been removed, keeping only two spacers: one on the muzzle and one under the forend. The 70-mm long Optimachoke High Performance chokes are ideal for use with lead and even with steel shot, or high-performance steel shot. The new rifled (Paradox) Optimachoke HP choke, a 70 mm flush or 20 mm extended black rifled choke featuring a special rifling that increases the width of the patterns on very short distances, is also available.
With a price starting from $3,099 in the U.S., the Ultraleggero comes with an ABS case, a set of 5 chokes with key, lubricating oil, and a card to access the online user manual.
For more information on the Ultraleggero over-and-under please visit the Beretta website.
