Beretta S56E 20 Gauge Over-Under Shotgun, 28-Inch Barrels, Coin Finish Receiver, 1966 Italian Build
Built in 1966, this Beretta S56E represents an early evolution of Beretta’s break-action line that would later inspire the 680-series. It pairs 28-inch “55” chrome-moly steel barrels with a coin-finished receiver that wears factory machine-cut scroll and rosette engraving. Matching serial numbers and Gardone proof marks confirm its all-original Italian manufacture. Fixed Improved-Modified and Modified chokes, a mechanical single trigger, and automatic ejectors give this 20 gauge the handling and reliability collectors expect from a classic Beretta field gun.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There are light scratches, small scuffs, and minor blemishes on the metal surfaces and walnut stocks, consistent with careful field use.
What’s Included
- Tan suede/leather take-down shotgun soft case
The 28-inch barrels are built from Beretta’s proprietary “55” chrome-moly steel and topped with a vent rib that leads to a silver front bead. Fixed chokes—Improved-Modified in the upper tube and Modified in the lower—deliver versatile patterns for upland birds or clay targets.
A coin-finished steel receiver carries factory scroll engraving and the early “P. Beretta – Gardone V.T.” marking scheme used before 1977. Both barrels, receiver, and forend match on serial number, underscoring the gun’s original configuration.
The S56E variant adds automatic ejectors and an automatic tang safety to the break-action platform. The mechanical single trigger provides a consistent pull for each barrel without relying on recoil inertia.
Oil-finished walnut furniture features a checkered pistol grip, beavertail forend, and hand-cut checkering for a secure purchase. The shotgun balances well at the hinge pin, giving it the lively feel that helped shape Beretta’s later 680-series guns.
Gardone proof marks and the Roman numeral date code “XXII” authenticate its 1966 production, making this S56E both a functional field gun and a tangible piece of Beretta’s design history.