by Joseph P. Tartaro
Executive Editor

Traditionally, the day before the opening of each annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show is unofficially reserved for a number of gun writer seminars hosted by manufacturers who are introducing new products. These come complete with breakfast or lunch, and transportation to a shooting facility where everyone has an opportunity to hear about, examine and test the new products being introduced by the hosts. Since it is almost impossible for one person to attend all of the seminars, Gun Week, like most publications, tries to assign staffers to different events.

The day before the show is also the last day scheduled for set-up of exhibits, and the morning is also earmarked for booth selection at the following year's show. Needless to say it can be a very busy day for many.

This is one of the reasons I got out to the seminar hosted by Beretta USA and Federal Cartridge a couple of hours after it started. I drove to the ranges southeast of Orlando with my brother, Sal, and started with the shotgun and lunch part of the program which was set up at the magnificant TM Ranch Shotgun Sports facilities, located on the same road as the Orange County, FL, Sheriff's Department range and training center where the rifle and handgun shooting would take place.

(Actually, the Heckler & Koch seminar was originally scheduled for the sheriff's range as well, but was moved to another facility at the last moment. The sheriff's range certainly would have been big enough for both events, especially since we could hear deputies training on several of the other ranges with MP5s and other arms during our visit. The berms were so high and wrapped around so well that you could hear the action on other nearby ranges, but not see them.)

Cathy Williams, communications director for Beretta USA, and other members of the public relations and marketing staffs of Beretta and Federal welcomed the writers in a large pavillion at the TM Ranch, where all the new products were on display. Since we began at the shotgun facility, let's start this report there. Beretta had a number of new items, and so did their ammunition host partners.

Shotguns
Williams began by noting that many American shooters look at a Beretta over/under (O/U) as the dream sports car that they can never afford. "Like that bright red European roadster that never gets out of the garage, many think a Beretta over/under is too expensive and shiny to be in a duck blind or hunt a covey of quail," she said," adding that fortunately, "that is just not true."

Beretta's Onyx series, may look like they're in the expensive "sports car" class but don't be fooled. These are workhorse guns that belong in any goose pit or cornfield-year after year after year. And they are quite competitively priced.

Two of the new guns in the series for 2003 are the White Onyx and the Onyx Pro. These are both loaded with features you'd expect to find at much higher prices, but have MSRPs in the $1,500 to $1,800 range.

The new White Onyx has a distinctive, white satin, nickel-alloy receiver that has Beretta's unique Dura-JewelTM tooling pattern that is both attractive and durable. The White Onyx has the same elegant Schnabel forend as the original Onyx, which gives it a classic profile. Most wing shooters will also appreciate the slimmer forend for quicker shots. The White Onyx is offered with 26- or 28-inch barrels in 12- and 20-gauge, as well as in a 28-gauge that's new for 2003.

As a matter of fact, most manufacturers and importers of shotguns were introducing a number of new products chambered for the .410 and .28-gauge, both of which smaller bores are being more frequently sought after these days.

The Onyx Pro is fitted with Beretta's X-Tra Wood feature, a handsome stock that offers the kind of rich wood grain usually found on collector guns at a fraction of the expected price. The X-Tra Wood's outer finish is waterproof and durable and is made for rugged use in the field. The finish can be easily and affordably refurbished like any Beretta firearm. The shoulder end of the stock is fitted with Beretta's patented Gel-Tek recoil pad. The Onyx Pro's black receiver is also enhanced by the Dura-Jewel finish.

This O/U also has Beretta's Truglo Tru-Bead fiber optic front bead, with luminous color beads that can be changed to suit different light conditions. The Onyx Pro is chambered in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge, in choice of 26- or 28-inch barrels, and comes with five extended choke tubes that are easier to change. A model with 3.5-inch chambers is also available.

These two, and all of the other Onyx shotguns, come packaged in a molded carrying case.

More New Scatterguns
This year, Beretta is introducing another shotgun-the Silver Pigeon IV-designed exclusively for the US market. The beautiful receiver of the Silver Pigeon IV is notable for its contrasts; the deep black finish is fully covered with scroll engravings and is contrasted by gold-filled bird scenes. The 12-gauge is decorated with a pair of landing mallards on one side and flushing pheasants on the other side. The 20 and 28 gauges have flushing grouse and quail in flight, all beautifully detailed. To add the finishing touch, a gold-filled Beretta Trident logo graces the base of the scrolled receiver which is fitted perfectly to a hand-selected oil-finished walnut stock with a Gel-Tek recoil pad. Of course, there's Beretta's exclusive Truglo front bead sight up front. With the molded carrying case that holds the five choke tubes, choke wrench, sling swivels and oil, the new Silver Pigeon IV is in the $2,500 price range.

For autoloader shotgun fans, Beretta is adding to the 391 series, with three new Beretta AL391 Teknys models, starting with the basic, that will retail for about $1,100, and moving up to the Gold and Silver models, which sell for a few hundred more. All of the Teknys models have the same dependable gas action as all 391 Urikas, a self-compensating gas system that will function with any 2- or 3-inch shell. The handsome nickel receiver of the Teknys is mated to the nicely figured X-Tra Wood stock, finished off with a Gel-Tek recoil pad.

Of course, there's an interchangeable color Truglo light-gathering front bead.

The Teknys' Optima-Bore is an overbored system that improves patterns, lessens shot deformation and reduces recoil. And the stock can easily be fitted to any shooter because its drop at comb and cast off can be adjusted with Beretta's patented shim system.

The Teknys Gold model's deep-relief receiver is attractively engraved with a flushing ringneck on one side and flying mallards on the other.

All three Teknys models are available in 12- and 20-gauge with either a 28-inch or a 30-inch barrel. All are presented in a customized-molded case that also includes: five Optima-Bore choke tubes; a choke tube wrench; a butt plate or rubber recoil pad, and Beretta oil. To lessen recoil even more, the stock has been designed to accept Beretta's optional new stock recoil reducer that can be purchased separately and installed by your local gunsmith.

Beretta hasn't forgotten the higher-end, side-by-side shooters in their 2003 new product offerings. They have two new models: the 471 Silver Hawk and the 470 EL, which you really have to see to appreciate. The Silver Hawk has an elegant nickel-chromium-molybdenum receiver that has been coined in a floral relief and then covered with a protective nickel finish. The 470 EL has color case-hardened side plates, embellished with bird-in-flight engravings covered in gold. Both side-by-sides are available in 12- and 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers. The Silver Hawk is priced a little below or above $3,000 depending on model, while the 470 EL-available only from Beretta showcase dealers-is in the $6,000 class.

I did get to examine and heft these new shotguns, but unfortunately didn't get to shoot them on the amazingly varied and creatively landscaped sporting clays, trap or skeet ranges set up at the TM Ranch. Our late arrival and the need to see the Sako rifles, Beretta handguns and the new Storm carbine at the Orange County range before they closed down at 3 p.m. meant we were on the move again.

Rifles
As many of you know, Beretta acquired the 80-year-old Sako, a world-renowned Finnish rifle manufacturer, a few years ago, and last year they added Burris scopes to their stable. This may be a smart business move for the Beretta folks, but an even smarter one for shooters on the lookout for a great rifle and optics combo. I'll explain in a moment, but first, we'll touch on the newest Sako model-the Tikka T3.

Tikka rifles by Sako have become increasingly popular in the US in recent years, and the new T3 has even more to offer.

"The new T3 will get a great deal of attention in the gun stores," said Gabriele de Plano, product marketing manager at Beretta USA. "Its accuracy is what a shooter would expect from rifles costing much more. Its balance, lightweight design and shooter friendly ergonomics are evident when shooters shoulder it at the gun counter for the first time," he said.

Available in three models, the T3 Hunter offers all the same features as Beretta's Tikka Whitetail Hunter: an extremely accurate cold hammer-forged barrel and silky smooth bolt action. The T3 is available with a solid-walnut stock at an unloaded weight of slightly under or over 6.5 pounds, depending on caliber (the magnum chamberings are heavier), or with a synthetic stock in the Lite model. Barrels are blued or stainless.

All of the Tikka T3 models feature a crisp trigger that is owner-adjustable for weight-of-pull from 2-4 pounds, two-position safety, soft rubber recoil pad, and corrosion-proof detachable three-round magazine (four rounds in the .223). All of these proven features are brought together in a new modern, but classic, design styled by the world famous Giugiaro Design. The receiver is trim and sleek and the bolt lever has a sweeping angle that makes it very easy to reach and cycle. The bolt handle is also recessed on the end, adding to the classic styling and reducing weight.

The basic Tikka T3 has a classic walnut stock and weighs slightly less than 7 pounds (closer to 7 if it's a magnum chambering that has a slightly longer barrel and overall length). It is also available in two lightweight composite models. The T3 Lite and T3 Lite Stainless, which are among the lightest weight production rifles found anywhere, tipping the scales at only 6 pounds, 3 ounces, which can make a big difference in high country.

All T3 models come without iron sights, but have aluminum scope-ring mounts ready for the scope of your choice. All models are available in 13 popular calibers, ranging from the .223 Rem. up to the .338 Win. Mag., and including newer two short magnum calibers-the .270 and .300 WSM.

The T3 is packed with great features but its best draw may be its $549 starting price. Beretta advertises that every Tikka rifle must fire a 1-inch, 3-shot group at 100 yards before leaving the factory, which should be another big selling point.

MOA or sub-MOA performance usually require some experimentation with ammo. However, we got a chance to check this out with the sample rifles at the Orange County range. When we arrived at the seminar we received a package that contained a neat new Daisy target idea. It's called the Daisy ShatterBlast and the basic package includes four target holders measuring about 7.25 inches high and eight biodegradable orange target disks
1/8-inch thick that measure 2 inches in diameter. The starter package sells for about $7. For $12.99, you can buy a 60-count box of refill target disks. Daisy probably figured these would make great reactive targets for their airguns, but they work just fine for short-range handgunning and longer-range rifle shooting.

While my brother and I were testing the new T3s on paper targets at 100 yards-one in .300 WSM and one in .270 Win.-both equipped with Burris variables scopes and loaded with Federal ammo, shooting stopped for a target change. We decided to set up the little Daisy reactive targets down below the paper targets. (You just poke the holder into the ground and place a target disk in the curved top.)

When shooting resumed, the little Daisy targets came first. And yes, dirty or not from much test firing by many different people, the T3s do shoot MOA and you can easily see the orange Daisy ShatterBlast disks break at 100 yards-without a scope.

Range Change
From the rifle range, we were transported to another range where the Storm carbine and Beretta handguns were set-up for examination and test firing.

What's a Storm carbine? It's a new semi-automatic Beretta is introducing this year for the home defense market. Actually, it's officially the the CX4 Storm-an amazingly ambidextrous 5.75-pound bullpup-type carbine that can be paired with many of Beretta's pistols because it uses the same magazines. This innovative new polymer carbine design is offered in variants that link to the Beretta 92, 96 or Cougar lines, in the same caliber as your pistol, be it 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP.

As early Americans moved west, those who faced the harsh new frontier commonly carried the combination of a handgun and a carbine that shot the same ammunition. If you couldn't carry a lot of stuff, one ammunition that served the handgun for close-range and a rifle/carbine for longer range defense, or meat gathering made sense. Beretta has taken this proven concept from American history and incorporated it into the new CX4 Storm.

But that isn't all they did. They've designed this lightweight carbine so that the cross-bolt safety, magazine release button and the bolt handle are reversible for right- or left-hand shooters. What's more, spent cases can be ejected from either side and can be switched for right or left ejection without using tools or added parts. And length-of-pull can be adjusted in .6-inch increments from 13.25 to 15 inches) by adding one of three stock spacers (one provided). Multiple sling attachment points allow many carrying options. And the controls are also very similar to Beretta's popular 92FS pistol, so many shooters will be immediately familiar with the Storm's operation.

Accessories such as a laser sight or tactical light can be quickly mounted on a retractable forward rail that extends from the forend. Also available are hard mounted "Picatinny" rails that fit the side, top and bottom and will accept optics, lights, lasers and vertical grips. One side rail is included. The Storm comes standard with a front post sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation, also included is a rear ghost ring sight that has long- and short-range apertures. Both sights fold down and are protected by a rugged "ear" system.

At the 25-yard distance we tested the Storm, we found it very easy-handling, quick on target and accurate. Switching the pistol magazines is fast and positive. With a suggested retail for the basic carbine of $687 it seems to have a great future for home defense, recreational shooting and, with the old-style magazines, law enforcement. Come to think of it, many citizens still own the pre-ban Beretta pistol magazines!

The popularity of the U22 Neos exceeded Beretta's expectations for its release last year. As the first Beretta firearm designed and built exclusively in the United States, the polymer-framed Neos gives beginning and experienced shooters a dependable, accurate, value-priced rimfire with a fresh, cutting-edge design.

For 2003, Beretta has added a deluxe model of this versatile plinker called the Neos DLX. The new pistol-available with 6- or 7.5-inch barrel-has the same modular design as the original-allowing the owner to interchange optional slides, grips, front and rear sight blades, and even add optional forearm, adjustable shoulder stock, and red-dot or optical sights. The new DLX model offers a number of innovative new features such as an adjustable trigger that allows the shooter to adjust pre- and over-travel.

The DLX comes standard with interchangeable front and rear sights, and a contrasting blue, soft rubber inlay grip, with a tire tread pattern insures a positive grip in any condition. The Neos DLX is also available in an Inox model featuring a stainless barrel, slide and gray-inlayed grip. The Neos DLX has a suggested retail of $336 while the Inox DLX would retail for about $50 more.

New Stampede
As previously reported in Gun Week, Beretta has introduced its first-ever revolver, called the Stampede, which is intended for Cowboy Action shooting. Available in three configurations, this unique replica Colt Single Action Army is made in Italy by Uberti, a sister company of Beretta.

The new Stampede is available in three finishes, in three barrel lengths: 4.75, 5.5 and 7.5 inches, and chambered in three calibers: .45LC, .44-40 and .357 Mag. The basic model has a blued cylinder, barrel and trigger guard with a Beretta Color-Case frame and polymer grip. The nickel model boasts an entire polished-nickel finish set off by a set of select walnut grips with trident logo and the deluxe model mixes charcoal bluing, Beretta Color-Case and high-grade deluxe walnut grips. Stampede models vary in price from around $460 to about $620.

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the bench where the Stampede samples had been tested all day with lead Cowboy ammo, they had become so dirty that the cylinders wouldn't index properly. Since it was almost time to close down the seminar anyway, we had to forego taking a few shots. However, we are looking forward to doing so later this year, most likely stoked with some of the Black Hills Cowboy fodder that has become so popular.

The Beretta catalog lists a number of other new enhanced models which we did not see at the seminar. You can visit a Beretta retailer, contact the company for a catalog, or log onto their website. The same goes for Federal Cartridge. Beretta USA Corp., 17601 Beretta Dr., Dept. GWK, Accokeek, MD 20607; phone: 301-283-2191; on-line: www.berettausa.com. Federal Cartridge, 900 Ehlen Dr., Dept. GWK, Anoka, MN 55303; phone: 763-323-2300; on-line: www.federalcartridge.com.