Marc Newson's "streamlined" 486 shotgun unveiled by Beretta
Italian firearms brand Beretta has revealed Marc Newson's reinterpretation of the traditional side-by-side shotgun (+ slideshow).
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
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.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
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.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"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."
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
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.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
"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."
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
The engraving continues onto the trigger guard, which is seamlessly integrated into the receiver and covers the trigger system.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"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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![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
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.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
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.
![486 shotgun by Marc Newson for Beretta](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/486-shotgun-by-Marc-Newson-for-Beretta_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
"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."