Italian firearms brand Beretta has revealed Marc Newson's reinterpretation of the traditional side-by-side shotgun (+ slideshow).
Unveiled at an event in London last night, the 486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta features a new opening lever design and a receiver with an intricate engraving by the London-based industrial designer.
Walnut wood forms a bridge over the tail of the steel receiver surrounding the base of the barrels, separating it from the safety catch and creating a visual break in the metal parts that are usually displayed as a continuous piece.
"The main focus for my design of the 486 was to simplify and rationalise all the surfaces," said Newson in a statement. "Specifically streamlining the area of the action."
The metal is engraved with dragon-like pheasants snaking between flowers in a style that references both traditional Asian illustrations of flora and fauna and the use of shotguns for hunting game.
"My initial source of inspiration came from the idea that pheasants originate and are native to Asia, before being widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird," Newson explained. "For me it was important to somehow pay homage to this and incorporate a subtle Asian influence into the design."
The engraving continues onto the trigger guard, which is seamlessly integrated into the receiver and covers the trigger system.
"While most shotguns screw the guard to the bottom of the receiver, the 486 by Marc Newson inserts the trigger guard into a milled guide," said a statement on Beretta's website. "The result is a perfect junction of two surfaces, which creates a higher aesthetic value."
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The 500-year-old company's OptimaBore double barrels are created without welding lines and are supported by a slimmed wood forend, which features a hand-cut diamond patterned grip.
The diamond cutting is also used towards the back of the gun, where the other hand grips, and continues the full way around the oiled walnut.
"One of the things I like most about my job as a designer is the opportunity I get to immerse myself in different industries and acquire knowledge about their manufacturing processes, materials and technologies," said Newson. "I am interested in the way things work – it's a technical obsession."