Beretta Shotgun ID help

[xl_target]

When we were over at Mark's place for the IFG 2012-USA meet, a friend of his came over with a Beretta shotgun that has been in his family for about 50 years. He wanted to know if we could ID it. I'm more of a pump person and not knowing much about side by side shotguns, I thought maybe someone on here would have an idea as to what exactly this is. Any information as to its age would be welcome. In fact any information that you could come up with would be welcome. For example, what do the choke number mean? How do they relate to the American full, improved cylinder, cylinder, etc?

I believe it is a Beretta Model 403 Stella that was made in the 1950's. On top of each barrel is stamped "Alloy Steel" and "Special Nee Titania ".

[captrakshitsharma]

Vikram and grumpy be the best .... Any body here good at Italian?

[ckkalyan]

Wow! XL-Ji,

Great shots of the weapon and certificate, I am glad they are so crisp and clear!

I am sure that we will have some news on this lovely example; if not we could always try P. Beretta - who knows maybe they have records going that far back?! Fingers crossed!

Over to Vikram and Grumpy!

[captrakshitsharma]

Is it color case hardening or some grime on the sxs ..? Lovely gun... I love old hammers

[shooter]

In american terms its full and light-full. the latter is not common esp these days. In british-indian terms its somewhere between 3/4 and full.

The ID is correct.

[TC]

Went fishing and found this in a shot gunner's forum... hope the link is working











Cheers

TC

[shooter]

Long live shotgunworld.com

[TC]

Long live shotgunworld.com

Yup.. that's the site I guess. Was in a hurry. Forgot to paste the link...


TC

[Vikram]

XL,

Very interesting gun. I haven't seen one like this.

Rakshit and Kalyan, thanks for the confidence in me but I mostly try to mine Grumpy's knowledge . I am anything but an expert.I asked him to take a look at this.

Best-
Vikram

[xl_target]

Is it color case hardening or some grime on the sxs ..? Lovely gun... I love old hammers

It is oil and/or preservative that it was covered with. I'm sure a good wipe down would change the color.

Thanks all for the help. If Mark will direct John's attention to this post, I'm sure he will be happy.


Next question, how do you take the forearm off? There is button on the front of the forearm that depresses but the wood does not budge.

[xl_target]

In american terms its full and light-full. the latter is not common esp these days. In british-indian terms its somewhere between 3/4 and full.

The ID is correct.

Thanks shooter, so whichever barrel fires first, I assume that is the tighter choke?

[Grumpy]

Yes, the gun is a `proper` Beretta ( there is - and have - been more than one Italian gunmaker called Beretta but this is the genuine article by Pietro Beretta. )
Made before the company were really famous - the 403 was introduced 1947 and ceased to be offered 1958.
No real value but quite interesting.

[TC]

Is it color case hardening or some grime on the sxs ..? Lovely gun... I love old hammers

It is oil and/or preservative that it was covered with. I'm sure a good wipe down would change the color.

Thanks all for the help. If Mark will direct John's attention to this post, I'm sure he will be happy.


Next question, how do you take the forearm off? There is button on the front of the forearm that depresses but the wood does not budge.

XL the forepart lock has jammed for some reason it seems. The button is the only key. Try spraying WD40 through the gap between the wood and steel and let it stay for a few hours. Should work.

Cheers
TC

[Grumpy]

And hopefully the WD40 won`t get into the wood because WD40 really rots wood .....
Might be a case of having to apply brute force and ignorance - yanking hard with the button depressed.
If all else fails try a hammer. LOL

[Mack The Knife]

Next question, how do you take the forearm off? There is button on the front of the forearm that depresses but the wood does not budge.

Spray or squirt some Ballistol Sportsman Oil, from the top, whilst keeping the gun almost vertical. Let it stand for 24 hours and then try to remove the fore-end. Keep wiping of any excess oil that comes out from the sides.

Ballistol is available in the U.S. but if for any reason it is not available, you can also use Napiers Gun Oil / Gun Cleaner or any other creeping oil that does not harm wood. Not sure if Kano Kroil is safe for wood but if it is it should do the job.