Beretta’s unveiling of the 694 Black DLC Sporting Shotgun for 2026 isn’t just another incremental tweak—it’s a precision-engineered evolution of one of the Italian giant’s flagship over/unders, born from the sweat and feedback of pro clay busters who demand perfection on the trap line. Coated in a stealthy black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish that’s as tough as it is low-glare, this beast boasts upgraded Steelium Pro barrels with elongated forcing cones for butter-smooth shot patterns, a redesigned trigger group for crisper pulls, and an adjustable rib that lets you dial in your sight picture like a sniper. Weighing in at a svelte 7.8 pounds with extended chokes for versatility across sporting clays, skeet, or trap, it’s styled to dominate the range while shrugging off the abuse of endless rounds. Priced around $4,500 (street price TBD), it’s premium without apology, proving Beretta listens when the pros whisper about marginal gains that shatter clays at 50 yards.
For the 2A community, this drop is a subtle flex on the shotgun’s enduring role as America’s utilitarian workhorse—far beyond hunting or home defense, it’s a gateway to the precision sport of clays that hooks new shooters into the fold. In an era where anti-gunners demonize assault weapons, Beretta’s investment in high-end sporting arms underscores the Second Amendment’s protection of recreational pursuits that build skill, safety, and community. The Black DLC’s corrosion-resistant armor and competition-ready ergonomics make it a no-brainer upgrade for serious wingshooters, while its over/under reliability echoes the timeless engineering that keeps shotguns off regulatory hit lists. Expect this to ripple through competitive circuits, boosting participation and reminding bureaucrats that our rights fuel industries employing thousands—smashing clays today means safeguarding ranges tomorrow.
Implications? Beretta’s move signals confidence amid political headwinds, betting on enthusiasts who value heritage craftsmanship over mass-produced polymer. For 2A advocates, it’s ammo in the cultural ammo dump: promote clays events, stock these bad boys at your local FFL, and watch as the 694 Black DLC turns skeptics into stackers of empties. If you’re chasing that next-level edge, this is your cue—Beretta just raised the bar, and the clays won’t know what hit ’em.
