Beretta 455
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: Beretta 455 EELL, Beretta Model 455
Overview
The Beretta 455 is a hand-detachable sidelock ejector side-by-side double rifle built for dangerous-game hunting. Its heavily reinforced special-steel action was engineered with a 60mm long reinforcing plate and triple locking lugs to withstand the pressures of heavy big-game cartridges, while cold-hammer-forged barrels, intercepting sears, and an articulated front trigger with a mechanism to prevent an accidental double discharge round out one of the most expensive rifles Beretta has ever cataloged.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5330 g (188.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1070 mm (42.13") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 640 m/s (2100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6636 J (4894 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .470 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .470 NE
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Intercepting Sears, Double Discharge Prevention
- Features: Hand Detachable Sidelocks, Automatic Ejectors, Triple Locking Lugs, Cold Hammer Forged Barrels, Articulated Front Trigger, Bulino Engraving, Buttstock Cartridge Trap
Variants
- Beretta 455 EELL - Engraved
Production
Production years: 1990-2000s
Low-volume, built-to-order bespoke double rifle with catalog prices around USD 60,000; higher for custom engraved examples
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
Offered in .375 H&H Magnum, .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, .470 Nitro Express and .500 Nitro Express, with 60cm or 65cm barrels. The premium 455 EELL added bulino game-scene engraving and an ornate walnut briar stock. No longer listed in Beretta catalogs.
Background
As Beretta's flagship dangerous-game double rifle, the 455 competed with British and German best-guns for the African safari market, offered chambered for classic Nitro Express cartridges intended to stop the 'Big Five'.