Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

#berettashotguns

History of the Beretta 303 Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #berettasemiautomaticshotguns, #berettashotguns, #berreta303

The Beretta 303 semi-automatic shotgun is a versatile and dependable firearm that has a rich history dating back to its beginnings in the early 1970s. With its innovative design and reliable performance, the Beretta 303 has become a popular choice among hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement agencies around the world.

303 1 4

The Beginnings of the Beretta 303 Shotgun

The Beretta 303 shotgun was first introduced by the Italian firearms manufacturer in 1974. It was designd as a successor to the popular Beretta 302, with improvements made to the gas system and overall reliability. The Beretta 303 quickly gained a reputation for its smooth operation and durability, making it a favorite among shooters looking for a reliable semi-automatic shotgun.

Innovations and Advancements in Design

One of the key innovations of the Beretta 303 shotgun was its self-regulating gas system, which helped reduce recoil and improve overall shooting comfort. The gun also featured a distinctive cross-bolt safety and a reversible shell ejector, making it user-friendly and versatile for shooters of all levels. Additionally, the Beretta 303 was known for its sleek and ergonomic design, with a slim profile and comfortable grip that made it easy to handle in the field.

303 2

Legacy and Impact of the Beretta 303

The Beretta 303 semi-automatic shotgun has left a lasting legacy in the world of firearms. Its reliable performance and innovative design have made it a popular choice for hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement agencies alike. The Beretta 303 has also influenced the development of other semi-automatic shotguns, setting a high standard for quality and performance in the industry.

The Beretta 303 shotgun, produced in the mid-1980s through early 1990s, was a landmark semi-automatic design that cemented Beretta’s reputation for reliable, versatile, and high-quality sporting shotguns. It bridged the gap between the early 300-series autos and the modern 390/391/A400 lineage.

# # #

Beretta Team Takes the Podium at World English Sporting Championship

Sunday, July 27, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #anthonymataresejr, #berettashotguns, #connordaniel, #desiraeednumds, #worldenglishchampionship
Beretta English

Accokeek, MD – Beretta USA proudly congratulates Team Beretta athletes Anthony Matarese Jr., Desirae Edmunds, and Connor Daniel on their impressive performances at the 2025 World English Sporting Clays Championship, held in England this July. The prestigious international competition brought together the finest clay target shooters from across the globe, and Team Beretta rose to the challenge with podium-worthy finishes.

Anthony Matarese Jr. clinched the title of Overall Runner-Up, reaffirming his place among the world’s elite sporting clays competitors with consistent high-level performance throughout the event. Desirae Edmunds earned Lady Runner-Up honors, showcasing her dedication, precision, and competitive spirit on the international stage. Zachary Kienbaum secured 3rd place in AAA Class, earning an Individual World Title and further cementing his reputation as a top-tier competitor. Connor Daniel captured the title of Junior World Champion, a testament to his skill and bright future in the sport.

“Watching our athletes stand among the best in the world is both humbling and inspiring,” said Trang Dam, Beretta USA Marketing Director. “Their performances reflect not only their personal dedication, but also the trust they place in their Beretta shotguns to deliver when it matters most.”

Beretta is proud to support top-tier competitors with firearms engineered for excellence, including the Beretta SL2, DT11 L Sporting, DT11 Black DLC, and A400 XCel Sporting that are trusted by professionals around the world. For more information on Team Beretta and its competition firearms, visit www.beretta.com/en-us/team-beretta.

Stay connected with Beretta USA by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest news, products, and updates.

About Beretta

Established in 1526, Beretta is the world’s longest-standing industrial dynasty, with a legacy spanning 16 generations of continuous family ownership. For nearly 500 years, firearms bearing the Beretta name have been trusted and used around the world. Beretta USA Corp. was established in 1977 and quickly became the provider of the most widely deployed sidearm in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta USA is part of Beretta Holding Group, which includes over 50 global subsidiaries and 20 renowned brands. Beretta manufactures, distributes, and markets a complete range of firearms, accessories, and apparel. The company also owns and operates six Beretta Gallery retail stores worldwide.

For more information, visit www.Beretta.com.

The Beretta 688 Performance is a Baby Olympian DT11 Clays Crusher

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Shotguns
Tags: #beretta686silverpigeon, #beretta688performance, #berettashotguns, #claysshotguns

The saying “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” is a long-standing belief in the automotive industry. It captures the view that winning a race, especially a prominent one, can boost sales and buff up the entire brand. In essence, taking the checkered flag becomes an adverting campaign that fuels demand by everyday drivers looking to capture some of the glory and performance. 

We see it all the time from Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Porsche, Cadillac and Audi, among others. But for them, race cars also serve as rolling laboratories. Features we take for granted including disk brakes, fuel injection, turbochargers, aerodynamics, active suspensions and paddle shifters started at grueling races such as the 24 hours of Le Mans, 24 hours of Sebring and Daytona 500 to eventually make their way into their bread-and-butter cars and trucks.

Read More

Bruno Civolani: The Father of Inertia-Driven Shotguns

Friday, December 13, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #benellishotguns, #berettashotguns, #inertiashotguns, #semiautomaticshotguns, #stoegershotguns, #turkishshotguns

Bruno Civolani, an Italian engineer born in 1922, revolutionized shotgun design with his inertia-driven action in the 1960s. While not the first to develop an inertia system, as Carl Axel Theodor Sjogren of Sweden had previously worked on a similar concept, Civolani’s design significantly improved upon earlier attempts.Civolani’s fascination with firearms began in his youth, and he was inspired by Axel Sjögren’s recoil-operated shotgun.

Read More

Here’s the Specs for Beretta’s New 688 Performance Sporting B-FAST (Yes, the wood is laminate)

Monday, November 25, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #beretta688, #berettaoverundershotguns, #berettashotguns, #berettasportingclaysguns

THE BERETTA 688 PERFORMANCE SPORTING is not just a new name and model but completely different from its predecessor, the legendary 686 Sporting. The new Beretta 688 Performance is packed with features that give the shooter advantages over the competition. The laminated stock and forend give the shotgun a stylish and modern look. The adjustable B-Fast stock gives the shooter adjustability for a precision fit, allowing for reduced recoil and comfort, while the ambidextrous palm swell gives the shooter more control.

Read More

What is a Beretta Steelium Shotgun Barrel?

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #berettashotguns, berettasteeliumbarrels

The Steelium technology is Beretta’s proprietary barrel production method, designed to optimize performance and longevity.

The manufacturing process of Beretta Steelium shotgun barrels is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. It begins with the selection of high-grade steel, specifically chosen for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear. This steel is then subjected to a series of processes that enhance its properties and prepare it for shaping into a shotgun barrel.

Read More

Shotgun Life Newsletters

Join an elite group of readers who receive their FREE e-letter every week from Shotgun Life. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you.