Beretta DT10 Trident. 28 November 2001



The Beretta DT10 is not really a new model now but it is one of the newest, and was launched at a
similar time to the latest generation of the 682; the 682 Gold E. 

It is really the next step up from the 682E, before we get to the ASE range. The ASE is really a boxlock
version of the premium grade SO sidelock, or more correctly a drop out trigger version of the SO.

The DT10 is very similar if not the same mechanically as an ASE, but is not quite finished to as higher
standard as the ASE. That may sound detrimental to the DT10, but it is not mean’t to.

The DT10 is in itself a high-grade gun, and is made in the same manner as the ASE. It is certainly
treated in terms of its manufacture as a high-grade gun. In fact you have to look closely to see that this
gun is not an ASE. The main difference between the two is the shape of the action frame around the
fences. 

The ASE has what I would call bolstered fences, similar to that found on double rifles. This work is cut by
hand and is called detonating by British gunmakers. It is very precise work and takes considerable time
and skill.

The DT10 on the other hand, has had its sidewalls made thicker to add inherent strength. The action
frame itself has been very nicely shaped; with side panels that appear to stand out from the frame, but
are actually flush thanks to cleverly engraving their shape. 

On the sporting gun, the action has been finished in silver; the side panels are polished and the rest of
the action frame is finished in matt silver which gives a very pleasant contrast effect. There is really no
engraving to speak of on the DT10. Though the makers name is set in gold on the bottom side of the
action frame, and the Beretta logo and the model name is inlayed in gold script on the bottom of the
frame. And in fairness this seems to be enough. If you want engraving, buy an SO sidelock.

Lock up of the barrels to the action is achieved by a top cross bolt in exactly the same way as the SO
sidelocks.

One of the most noticeable features that were introduced on the DT10, is an ergonomically designed top
lever.

Basically it is a paddle formed on the end of the lever angled to comfortably fit the thumb. At first glance
I didn’t think that it did much for this gun at all. But on reflection it is actually a very practical idea, and
works well whether you happen to be left or right handed. I would think that it is the most comfortable
lever that I have come across for a left hander.

The safe bottom has also received similar attention and has been made much bigger, so again it feels
more comfortable and is certainly more positive. It also forms the selector switch in much the same way
as the other Beretta models.

The safe button also forms part of the release mechanism to drop out the trigger unit. This operation is
a little more complex than most other guns of its type. But Beretta have done this deliberately so that
the gun has to be broken, and therefore safe, in order to get the trigger mechanism out.

To make this happen, the safe button should be pushed fully forwards- one step further than its normal
fire position- and the top lever then pushed across. If you then pull the trigger unit it will come free from
the action.

The trigger unit is very compact, and has its hammers powered by powerful vee springs. Second barrel
pick up is achieved by inertia. And the hammers and sears have obviously been arranged to give very
crisp precise trigger pulls.

The trigger blade is fully adjustable to give a comfortable grip to blade relationship.

The forend on this gun is a semi beavertail, but on most sporters it is the more often seen schnabel
type.

The chequer pattern on the forend covers the bulk of the forend area and appears to be hand cut,
though some how I doubt that this is the case because it is a little too perfect. It is also very fine and
comfortable.

The iron is held on the wood by captive screws, so they are not visible from the outside.

The iron has been fitted with an adjustment system so that should it become loose it can be adjusted to
keep the gun tight indefinitely.

The wood to metal fit all around the gun is exceptional; great care has been taken in this area.

On this gun the stock is for a left-hander, and there is a subtle palm swell as the most obvious indicator
of this.

The stock also has a significant cast on for left hand.

In order to make the gun as versatile as possible this one has an adjustable comb so variations for
comb height and to a degree, cast can be allowed for.

A rubber recoil pad has been fitted for comfortable shooting.

Wood quality itself is very good; this one having quite dark wood that is well figured and matches the
forend well. The finish on the wood is a fairly thick polyurethane varnish. It is not to my taste and I think
that the wood figure would be seen far better if it were oiled. But this can quite easily be done and would
only enhance the gun.

Barrels are made in the usual Beretta mono-bloc form. And are chambered for 2 ¾ and 3” cartridges.

This gun is a 32”, and the tubes are made in the new Optima-bore format. This has tube diameters at
18.6mm; slightly smaller than Browning’s 18.8mm plus overbored system. The forcing cones are so long
they appear to blend into the diameter of the barrel. And the barrels are bored in such a way that the
pattern of shot stays denser in terms of string. So you get better target breaks.

The choke system is new to compliment the boring and has far longer tubes than normal Beretta
multichoke systems. The tubes also extend out of the muzzle as is most popular now. But there is a
clever colour coding system so that it can be seen at a glance what choke is in the gun. The tubes have
parallel slots cut in them to make them easier to get out; this is just as well as the choke key really
does not do the system justice. Incidentally, they also do a flush fitting version of the same tubes.

Both top and side ribs are ventilated to keep weight in check and keep the thing cool. The top rib is
tapered from 10mm down to 7mm. A feature I always like to make a gun more pointable. 

The extractors in this gun have been made thicker at the ends to add strength to them. And shoulder
inserts are also added into the lumps for ease of tightening should it become necessary.

Overall a very well made gun for the clay shooter who takes his sport very seriously. You basically get an
ASE without the frills and beefed up to do a lot of shooting without complaint. The obvious competitors
are Perazzi and Gamba, maybe Kemen.

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