I’m a big fan of Beretta’s original line of ASE boxlock O/U shotguns. Beretta introduced the ASEs in 1949 as lightweight hunting guns, and the company made them into the 1960s (the current ASEs are heavier, target guns, and not as nice). The early ASEs shotguns came in 2 gauges (12g and 20g) and 3 grades (ASE, ASEL, and ASEELL).
Most of the ASEs I’ve seen have been 20 gauges. The few 12 bores I’ve come across have had 26″ or 28″ barrels.
This is the first one I’ve seen with longer, 30″, tubes. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the auction ends tomorrow, 1/4/2014, @ 12:29:31 PM ET.
Beretta ASE-L 12ga, double triggers, 30″ light full and improved cylinder barrels: Ejectors, solid rib, new Beretta hammer springs and lever springs. New 3/4″ recoil pad with changeable 1/2″ recoil pad included. LOP to wood 14 1/16″, with 3/4″ pad 14 7/8″. Drop at heel 2 1/4″, drop at comb 1 1/2″. Made in 1954. Rare with 30″ barrels. Excellent mechanical condition with a few light handling marks.
