Beretta 1301 downsides?

[psychophd]

Hi all,

I'm seriously considering purchasing a Beretta 1301 tactical. I'm currently reliant on my Mossberg 590 for HD, and am thinking of switching to the Beretta (less likely to short stroke a semi... and the Beretta is lighter, shorter). I've been to my LGS and fondled the Beretta, and indeed it is very fondle-worthy. I like the light weight, ambi controls, and seems to point naturally for me. The reviews I've read seem quite positive, with the only downsides being a 'robust' recoil and lack of aftermarket options. I am planning to add a +2 extension (one made by Beretta, one by Nordic), a light, and a one point sling point (no sling attached most of the time) and that's about it. I MAY add shotgun cards/side saddle, but not sure it's necessary.

What downsides are there for the Beretta? Especially from 1301 owners, what do you dislike about it?

Thanks all.

[Merc1138]

Recoil isn't like a pump or o/u as long as the shotgun fits you and you're mounting it correctly. Not the softest shooting, but it's not going to beat you up. The noise of the action in the stock is annoying, it's kind of like an AR with the loud "sproing".

[Chilidaugz]

People on the internet added loctite to the enlarged button because it would loosen up.

[cindynles]

I have the 21" 1301 COMP. It is a great shotgun. I loctite'd the carrier release button because it does have a tendency to work its self loose.

The only negative thing I have encountered (and its really just a difference in the manual of arms) is that since the bolt release is connected to the magazine shell stop, its possible to hit it wrong and wind up dumping 2 shells on to the lifter at the same time.

I love shooting mine. It runs even the cheapest Walmart bulk ammo without any issues at all.

[tmh1]

I have the 21" 1301 COMP. It is a great shotgun...

I have the same gun. It is FANTASTIC - Never a single issue loading, feeding, shooting ANY ammo I have used with it, whether 00 Buck or target/field loads, high or low brass, full power or reduced recoil loads. This is from round #1 - no break-in or any other nonsense required.

My 1301 Comp with 00 buck is my first line HD shotty.

I've also put a Nordic +2 extension on mine. Love the ability to customize LOP with the spacers that come with the gun (not sure whether they also come with the "Tactical" model). Love the Blink gas system - Beretta touts its SA shotguns as "the most reliable on the market", and I don't doubt that one bit. Night and day better reliability as compared to my Mossy 930 (very ammo finicky). Love the standard oversized controls - no need for any aftermarket "upgrades" there. Love the fact that the safety is in the "correct" location at the front of the trigger guard, where your trigger finger normally resides (you don't have to reach back to the back of the trigger guard from normal "ready" position like on Remingtons and others).

Recoil? What recoil? Especially as compared to a pump gun, even a heavy one like a 590.

My 1301 Comp was my very first Beretta shotgun, and it has been so reliable and well built that I followed it up with an A300 Outlander for trap shooting. And it has been just as reliable as my 1301. Eats anything and everything.

Sorry but I can't give you any downsides to a 1301.

Saw that Botach recently had the 1301 Tacticals on sale for $770

I don't like Botach much but depending on the transfer cost of your local FFL, that could be a screaming price for that gun for you. I seriously don't need another HD shotgun, but I was really tempted at that price. Seems like they currently have 2 left in their inventory:

http://www.botach.com/beretta-1301-tactical-12ga-semi-auto-shotgun-add-to-cart-to-see-our-price/

[trackhazard]

What are your guys thoughts between the 1301 comp 21" vs the 1301 tactical 18" for HD? 21" vs 18" is a detriment in close quarters but the comp has the bigger loading port (3.5" receiver vs. 3" for tac) which makes reloading easier. The vent rib *might* be slightly faster than the ghost rings up close and I'm guessing gives better field of vision when sighting down the barrel. Plus, the 21" comp may be more versatile in terms of overall usage as you can bust clays with it and you wont get as many weird looks when lugging it down to the sporting range vs some tac'd out shorter barrel gun. Are those 2" giving up too much when it comes to HD? Some of the pump guns come in at 20" so I am thinking maybe not so much and the added versatility might be worth the longer barrel.

Ideally I'd have both but if you only had one, which would you have?

-Charlie

[cindynles]

The Comp is more versatile. In addition to the larger loading point it also has the barrel threaded for removable choke tubes.

[psychophd]

Thanks for the feedback - glad to see lots of positive experiences, which mirrors what I've been reading online. TMH1, I appreciate the heads up re: Botach, but I had a negative experience with them years ago, and do not feel comfortable using them. Best price I've come across so far is around $875, give or take. Problem becomes those tend to be farther afield than where I live (OC), and then the transfer fees even out the price to the LGS ($920).

[SuperSet]

I do wish the loading port could be widened more and the walls lowered even further to make dual/quad loading easier. That's it.

I have a couple of 21" 1301 Competitions and underestimated how good my 1301 Competition would be. Just awesome.

[Merc1138]

I do wish the loading port could be widened more and the walls lowered even further to make dual/quad loading easier. That's it.

By the factory? There are people who have done that on their own, but having beretta do it could present a problem for those looking to tailor it to exactly what they want.

I do wish the factory forend transitioned better in front of the loading port.

[SuperSet]

I think the bevel direction leading into the mag tube should be reversed. The way it comes now doesn't really make sense.
Also, the location of the serial number makes lowering the wall on that one side impossible, without relocating the serial number.

[Merc1138]

I think the bevel direction leading into the mag tube should be reversed. The way it comes now doesn't really make sense.
Also, the location of the serial number makes lowering the wall on that one side impossible, without relocating the serial number.

Considering they had the entire rest of the receiver to put the freakin' serial... yeah that is pretty lame.