The Beretta 1301 is an Italian manufactured gun that was released in 2014 as an upgrade to the Tx4, and at the time their newest gas fueled tactical shotgun for home defense. Although demand for the Tx4 was and still is strong, the price point drove away potential customers creating a hole in the market for the Beretta company to fill.
This is how the 1301 model came to pass. It isn’t only the price that makes this long gun appealing. The Beretta 1301 has features that make it more usable than its predecessors like the Tx4 including the kick-off system which was unnecessarily complicated.
The 1301 also contains oversized controls and can come with the Pro Lifter system of the A400 making it the best of both worlds if you loved the Tx4 and A400. For seasonal hunters, the oversized reversible safety button makes it easier to handle in snow and harsh conditions. So how does it stand up on its own without the whistles and bells?
Beretta 1301 | |
Barrel length | 18.7” |
Capacity | 7+1 standard |
Gauge | 12” |
Chamber | 3” |
Effective range | 25+/- yards |
Cost used | $1,300+ for the basic model |
Cost new | $1,720 for the basic model |
Home defense (1 worst – 10 best) | 8 |
Sports & competition (1 worst – 10 best) | 8 |
Hunting small game (1 worst – 10 best) | 7 |
Hunting large game (1 worst – 10 best) | 5 |
With its 12 gauge bore diameter, easy-to-control recoil, and ability to fire off 7 rounds with an extended magazine, the Beretta 1301 is one of the best shotguns for home defense. This is especially true if you’re getting a bit older and your shoulder cannot take the recoil from more intense shotguns. When seconds matter, getting the next round off could mean life or death, and the quick loading, semi-automatic technology gives you those seconds.
The higher muzzle velocity is able to project the shot with a flatter trajectory and the force will aid it with a deeper penetration helping you to neutralize the threat more efficiently. But the Beretta 1301 isn’t only for defending your home in urban, suburban, and rural areas, it can be used for sport shooting and competition.
The enlarged controls help you maneuver and handle the weapon. If you’re feeling excited as you approach the station and set your hold point, your hands stay in control so you can claim that gold.
Skeets and clays aren’t the only opportunity for this shotgun. It can cycle shells roughly 36% faster using its BLINK speed technology than comparable semi-automatic shotguns so it is perfect for birds like pheasant and turkey. By having a light recoil and quick reload, you can get a second shot in or hit more targets before the opportunity passes.
The serrated design of the bolt release lets you keep your fingers without having to constantly reposition your firing hand making it easier to hunt, including slightly larger game and smaller predators like coyotes. It can be a great alternative to the A300 which is designed for waterfowl and birds.
Although you can technically use a Beretta 1301 for deer, it may not be the best choice on large game. It will fire through vegetation like any other shotgun, but this is a home defense and tactical model vs. shotguns designed specifically for deer like the Winchester SX4 Cantilever Buck or the Mossberg 500 Slugster. You can learn about the Mossberg 500 series here if you’re interested.
The Beretta 1301 has also made its way into movies, tv, and even video games according to the IMFDB including The Tomorrow War, The Terminal List, and Ready or Not.
You’ll want to choose a Beretta 1301 for home defense, 3 gun competitions, and every day practice or sporting. If you need something on a budget, or want to go for large predators and big game, go with an alternate shotgun like the Mossberg Patriot. Although it is a tactical shotgun, the Beretta 1301 is not being used by the military as rifles are better suited towards their needs with the longer effective range.
Now you know the history of the Beretta 1301, when it makes a good long gun for needs like home defense and competitions, and alternatives for larger game.