[ArtS]

I owned a Baby Frame 28 Ga Beretta 686 Special several years ago and sold it. Since then I have regretted it. Not long ago, I came across the same gun on GB but built on a 20 ga size frame. It had double triggers, so I decided it was time to replace the old pne. Nice gun and in good shape. I always thought that this gun had the most pleasing engraving of all the entry level Berettas I have handled.

After looking it over I realized I had previously purchased a second barrel in 28 ga from Coles for a 20 gauge SP gun I own. I tried it and it fit perfectly; just like the fit on my 20 ga gun. The forearm also worked correctly. I thought they would make a great 2 barrel hunting set.

I then checked eBay and found that Coles sells surplus stocks through eBay. They had a 687 EELL stock listed for $100 complete with English grip.
Given the price, I ordered it to see if I could somehow mate them.

The stock fit my frame with just a little inletting scraping. I already had a Beretta butt plate that fit the stock. I had to deepen the stock bolt hole by 1/2" for a better fit. I was please to note that the new stock had 1/2" more length, 1/2" less DAH, and 1/2" more cast off. The result was a much better fit for me.

I started by mounting the stock, taping over the inlet with wide heavy tape, cutting out templates then pasting them on a chunk of English walnut. I slabbed off pieces 1/4" thick and bandsawed the fillers to a point close to the template lines. Working with a dremel carver, then sandpaper, I worked them down to a good fit in the sideplate recesses. Once glued into place, I used a guitar maker's detail plane to shave them down to a point where I just cut the tape off the inserts but not off the original cheek surfaces. I then carefully worked with a scraper and sandpaper until I had removed just the finish on the original cheek surfaces.

I used gel stain to blend in the colors, then put on 3 quick coats of finish. The last picture shows the gun as it exists now. My plan is to blend in the colors a little more then put on a final finish. It should make a great 2 barrel combo, with the difference in weight and balance between the light original barrels and the newer longer and heavier Sporting barrels. The are 28" and 30" but the feel and performance are much different. As a bonus, I now have another dual trigger O/U for the stable.

Once the gun is finished, I will include it the next time I send something to the checkerer. I am going to have the cheeks checkered, with a panel added from the back of the action to the glue line of the new inset panels. I will have the border run directly over the glue line and darken the checkered panel. That should hide the inset panels completely.