08-Oct-2026
Beretta is best known in the UK for its Silver Pigeon and 686 families, but at the top of the catalogue sits something quite different: the SO range of sidelock over-and-under shotguns. These are the guns people mean when they talk about Beretta as a maker of “best guns”, built to a standard that puts them in conversation with the finest British and Italian names. They also turn up on the second-hand market more often than you might expect, which is why searches for the SO5, SO6 and SO9 keep climbing. This guide explains how the range fits together, what separates one grade from the next, and what to check before you buy.
What makes the SO range different
Most over-and-under shotguns, including Beretta’s own 686 and 687, are boxlocks, where the lock mechanism sits inside the action body. The SO guns are sidelocks, with the locks mounted on removable plates at the sides. The design has a long pedigree in fine gunmaking and allows a high standard of hand finishing and engraving. For a lot of owners, the appeal is a combination of reliable handling, a slim and elegant action, and the pride of owning something made with exceptional care.
That is also why the SO guns are priced and valued differently from standard production guns. Condition, originality, and the quality of the wood and engraving all matter, and two guns with the same model name can look and feel quite different. If you are weighing an SO against Beretta’s more affordable boxlocks, our Beretta SL3 vs 687 EELL vs SO5 guide explains how they compare.
Browse: Beretta shotguns · Beretta SO5 · Beretta SO6 · Beretta SO9 · Beretta 687
SO3 and SO4: The entry points
The SO3 and SO4 sit at the more accessible end of the sidelock range, and they are a way to experience a Beretta sidelock without moving to the highest grades of finish. Expect the same underlying approach as the rest of the family, with more restrained decoration than the grades above them. Exactly how a given gun is specified, from barrel length and chokes to stock dimensions and wood, depends on when and how it was ordered, so treat every gun as an individual.
For many buyers, these are the sensible starting point, especially if the gun will be shot regularly rather than kept for best. They tend to suit people who want sidelock handling and quality without paying extra for elaborate engraving that will pick up marks in the field. Look carefully at the history, because a clean, well-looked-after example is worth far more than a tired one.
Browse: Beretta SO3 · Beretta SO4 · Beretta SL3 · Beretta SL2 · Beretta shotguns
SO5: The one most people search for
The SO5 is the best-known name in the range and the one that attracts the most searches. It has a strong reputation among clay shooters, with trap, skeet, and sporting versions all well known, and it is also seen in the game field. It sits at the point where the quality of the finish is clearly high, but the gun is still something people are willing to use rather than just admire.
Because it is the most recognised, the SO5 also attracts the most variation in the used market. Barrel lengths, chokes, stock dimensions and finish differ between guns, and so does condition. Our Beretta SO5 review goes through the gun in detail, and it is worth reading before you shortlist. As ever, be wary of quoting prices from memory; check what comparable guns are actually listed for before you make an offer.
Browse: Beretta SO5 · Beretta SO6 · Beretta DT11 · Perazzi shotguns · Krieghoff shotguns
SO6, SO9 and SO10: The top of the range
Step up to the SO6, SO9 and SO10 and the emphasis moves further towards fine finish. Engraving becomes more elaborate, the quality of the wood is more important, and the guns are the ones most likely to be bought as lifelong, best-gun purchases. The SO9 in particular has been drawing growing interest in UK searches, and listings tend to attract attention because they are far less common than the lower grades.
At this level, the details really matter. Originality of finish, quality of engraving and the care the gun has received will all affect its character and its value. With so few examples on the market at any one time, it is worth being patient, setting alerts and being ready to move when the right gun appears. If you are comparing the SO guns with British makers, our Purdey vs Holland and Holland guide sets out how those two houses differ.
Browse: Beretta SO6 · Beretta SO9 · Beretta SO10 · Holland and Holland · Westley Richards
What to check when buying a used SO
Start with the basics you would check on any second-hand shotgun: the bores for pitting or dents, the barrels for signs of repair, and whether the gun closes crisply and stays tight. On a sidelock, also look at the finish around the lock plates and action, as well as the fit of the wood to metal. Ask whether the gun has been refinished or re-stocked, and be cautious if the seller is vague.
Next, consider the fit. A high-grade gun that does not fit you will never shoot as well as a modest one that does, so ask about stock length, drop, and cast and how they compare with what you need. Finally, ask for good photographs of the action, locks, and wood, and consider having the gun looked over by a gunsmith you trust before you commit. For more general second-hand advice, see our guide to second-hand shotguns: best buys.
Browse: Shotguns · Beretta shotguns · Beretta SO5 · Gun parts and accessories · Safes and cabinets
Which SO is right for you?
If you shoot clays regularly and want a sidelock that works hard, the SO5 is the obvious place to look. If you want the quality and the heritage but would rather save money for cartridges and shooting days, the SO3 and SO4 are well worth considering. If you are buying a gun for life, and the finish is part of the pleasure, the SO6, SO9 and SO10 are the grades to watch, even if you need to wait for the right one to appear.
Whatever you choose, take your time. Handle as many guns as you can, ask plenty of questions, and compare listings before you decide. Our best over-and-under shotguns by budget guide is a good way to see where the SO range sits in the wider market.
Browse: Beretta shotguns · Beretta SO3 · Beretta SO4 · Beretta SO5 · Beretta SO9
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Beretta SO5 and an SO9? Both are sidelock over-and-unders, but the SO9 sits higher in the range, with a more elaborate level of finish and engraving. Each gun is individual, so compare the specific examples rather than the names.
Is the Beretta SO5 a good clay gun? Yes. The SO5 has a strong reputation among clay shooters, with trap, skeet, and sporting versions all well known.
What is the difference between a sidelock and a boxlock? In a boxlock, the lock mechanism is housed in the action body, while a sidelock mounts the locks on removable side plates. Sidelocks are associated with the highest level of hand finishing.
Where can I find a used Beretta SO for sale in the UK? Browse the Beretta pages on Rightgun.uk, set up alerts for new listings, and compare condition and asking prices before contacting the seller.
Find your Beretta SO
The SO range does not appear on the market every day, so it pays to know what you want and to check regularly. Browse Beretta shotguns on Rightgun.uk to see what is listed now, or list your own SO where serious UK shotgun buyers are already looking.
Further reading: Beretta SO5 review, Beretta SL3 vs 687 EELL vs SO5, Beretta DT11 vs Perazzi MX8, Purdey vs Holland and Holland, and Best over-and-under shotguns by budget.
