Beretta has introduced the 694 Black DLC, a new variant of its established 694 sporting-clays shotgun. The model updates the existing platform with a Diamond-Like Carbon–coated receiver and revised detailing aimed at durability and long-term competitive use.
The 694 Sporting platform has been in regular use among sporting-clays shooters for several years. It is known for balance and reliability. The Black DLC version builds on that foundation through changes to materials and finishes rather than alterations to core geometry or handling.
The most obvious update is the receiver. Beretta applies a Diamond-Like Carbon coating that has already proven itself on the DT11 and across the company’s pistol lineup. The finish resists wear and corrosion while reducing friction in moving parts. It also gives the shotgun a subdued black appearance that feels modern without being flashy.
That darker surface is paired with a traditional stock. The European 2.5+ grade walnut shows visible figure under a gloss finish. The shape favors a neutral mount and consistent cheek weld. An adjustable cheek piece is available for shooters who want a more tailored fit.
Balance remains central to the 694 experience. Beretta’s B-Fast system allows small adjustments to weight distribution in both barrel and stock. This gives shooters a way to tune swing and follow through without altering the gun’s natural pointability. There are 5-gram or 10-gram weights that can be applied magnetically and up to 15-gram weights that can be clamped into available spaces in the side ribs.
The sighting plane receives a modest update. A tapered 10x7 mm rib now includes a tramline designed to aid alignment. It does not dominate the sight picture. Instead, it offers subtle guidance that fades once the target is moving.
Steelium Pro barrels, made from tri-alloy steel and shaped through Beretta’s cold hammer process, feature an extended forcing cone reaching up to 450 mm on a 30-inch barrel. The result is reduced recoil and consistent patterns across lead, steel and high-performance steel loads.
Internally the action remains familiar to anyone who has spent time with the Beretta 694. Its durability and consistency are already well established among clay-target shooters. The DLC coating contributes to smoother operation over time rather than changing how the gun feels on day one.
Small visual details distinguish the Black DLC model. An acid-green accent on the receiver adds contrast without overwhelming the design. Blued barrels provide a traditional counterpoint to the darker action.
The new Beretta 694 Black DLC underscores how competition shotguns tend to advance, through small material changes and accumulated experience rather than dramatic redesigns, guided by performance measured over thousands of targets rather than a single season. Priced at $6,599, it is aimed at shooters who value longevity and predictability as much as performance.
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