Beretta 1201 FP

[CRTguns]

Just picked up a Beretta 1201 FP after lusting after one for almost 2 decades- finally found a nice one at the right price. CDNN has had them listed for ages, but always refused to send them to CA. So- great gun, light as a feather, uses the Benelli ARMI system- but, some older dudes- like cops from the late 80s say this gun sucked. More than a few have said the same thing. Any merit to this staement?

[SCMA-1]

I picked up a 1200FP back in the day for $400; my experience and that of others I know that own them have been nothing but positive. They are just Benelli M1's in a slightly different package and quite a bit cheaper. The only drawback I can see is that the recoil is pretty stout because the standard stock is VERY light making a very light weapon. The Benelli and Beretta counterparts just don't take well to accessories and modifications; changing the weight of these guns seem to have an adverse affect on reliability because of their recoil operation. I made the mistake of having my M1 S90 barrel Pro-Ported; that tamed the recoil a bit but actually made the gun less reliable particularly with lighter loads.

SCMA-1

[Rawny]

I bought one four years ago. It runs great, even with light birdshots. Went through a class and fired 200+ rounds in one day with no stoppages. It's very accurate too. Shot a clover leaf with Federal light recoil slugs at about 20yds during the class. I even used it for skeet a couple of times.

I'd avoid hanging anything on the receiver, or you might affect it's reliability.

[SCMA-1]

I bought one four years ago. It runs great, even with light birdshots. Went through a class and fired 200+ rounds in one day with no stoppages. It's very accurate too. Shot a clover leaf with Federal light recoil slugs at about 20yds during the class. I even used it for skeet a couple of times.

I'd avoid hanging anything on the receiver, or you might affect it's reliability.

My 1200FP came with the straight stock. Did yours come with those PG stocks? They look like the Benilli M1 S90 stock; I'm assuming the Benelli stocks should fit?

SCMA-1

[Rawny]

Mine came with both, and the Benelli PG stock was attached at the time of the sale.

[APNF128]

Well my friends, I had two of these with both stock configuration back in the days when they are easily available for sale in our beloved state, unfortunately after being safe queen for more than a decade I eventually sold them. My personal opinion with these shotgun is that while they are reliable with standard (no-managed recoil type) load because of their light weight it's not pleasant to shoot them especially in a shotgun class which I take every year. It also need a lot of thorough cleaning and lubricating everytime you shoot them. Again my personal experience is that there is no better shotgun in terms of maintenance free, reliability,and durability other than Remington 870 or Mossberg 590 series in that order bar-none.

[RogueSniper]

Who makes that barrel? I don't recall the 1201FP having a brush stainless barrel. Plus, it's a tad bit longer than the stock barrel.

Instead of the Benelli PG stock, the Speedfeed IV-S for the Benelli M1S90 will work for it.

[mikey6717]

world record for targets hit in the air was completed with a host of 1201s
at the sports fair quite a few years ago

[SCMA-1]

world record for targets hit in the air was completed with a host of 1201s
at the sports fair quite a few years ago

I vaguely remember that; who was the shooter?

[Rawny]

Who makes that barrel? I don't recall the 1201FP having a brush stainless barrel. Plus, it's a tad bit longer than the stock barrel.

The 1201s first shipped with 20" bbl. The 18" came later.

I like my Berettas in two tone.

[RogueSniper]

ooh, wickedly sexy!!!

I'll have to look into getting my barrel e-nickeled or try to find another barrel.

Did they even make an aftermarket barrel?

[Pvt. Cowboy]

I had a 1201 FP. Got it at B&B Sales in the early 90s, and I think the price was a special on sale for $499. It was the early olive drab models. I ended up selling it to a friend who had to have it. I have a Benelli M1S90 now, so I don't regret the sale.

I've never heard anything bad about the 1201 FP, and was surprised to hear your rumor that they've got a bad rep. All I can tell you is that it was a featherlight shotgun that was absolutely brutal to shoot 3" Magnum slugs from. I think I did it twice and gave up. It actually had worse and more painful recoil in a side by side comparison to my pal's custom made 416 Rigby safari light rifle that was made on a Japanese Arisaka action. Both guns were brutal, but the Beretta was worse.

What I liked about the 1201 FP was that the action button was inside the elevator well, unlike the little serrated tooth blade release on the side of my Benelli M1S90 Tactical. It just seems like a better place to put that lever, but that opinion is my own.

I did notice that the mag tube end cap can easily be mis-threaded in place which buggers up the threads inside the aluminum cap. That's a bad feeling when you screw it off once and aluminum dust comes out when the cap comes off.

Overall, I really liked the feel of that shotgun, especially it's lightness. It's almost unexpected to pick up that shotgun and have it feel so light in your hands. Everyone commented the same on that. What's not so nice is the fierce recoil with magnum loads, and slugs are just right out. Do not fire. You've been warned.

Benelli M1S90 is by far a nicer shotgun for what these shotguns are intended for, but that in no way means the Beretta isn't a well made shotgun. Hell, between Beretta, Benelli, and Franchi, they're all made under the same roof anyway. Italians simply do not make lousy guns. Even since medieval times.