Beretta 1301 Tactical Review

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a high-performance semi-automatic shotgun designed with law enforcement, home defense, and tactical applications in mind. Known for its reliability, speed, and ease of use, the 1301 Tactical has become a popular choice for those looking for a shotgun that can handle the most demanding situations. This review will dive into the key features, performance, and specifications of the Beretta 1301 Tactical, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what makes this shotgun stand out.

Key Features

1. Fast Cycling Action

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is equipped with Beretta’s Blink gas operating system, which allows it to cycle 36% faster than any other semi-automatic shotgun. This means that the shotgun can deliver follow-up shots with incredible speed, a crucial feature in high-stress scenarios.

2. Compact and Maneuverable

Designed for tactical use, the 1301 Tactical has a compact profile with an 18.5-inch barrel, making it highly maneuverable in confined spaces such as hallways or vehicles. The overall length is 37.8 inches, allowing for quick transitions between targets.

3. Enhanced Ergonomics

The shotgun features an oversized charging handle, bolt release, and reversible safety, which are all designed to be easily operated even when wearing gloves. The aggressive checkering on the stock and fore-end provides a secure grip in all weather conditions.

4. Ghost Ring Sights and Optics Ready

The 1301 Tactical comes with adjustable ghost ring sights for rapid target acquisition. Additionally, the top of the receiver is drilled and tapped, allowing for the easy installation of optics such as red dot sights, giving users the flexibility to customize the shotgun to their preferences.

5. Robust Construction

The shotgun is built with a synthetic stock and fore-end, providing durability and resistance to the elements. The barrel is cold hammer-forged, offering excellent longevity and consistent performance. The shotgun is also designed to handle a variety of loads, from light target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum shells.

6. Tactical Enhancements

The Beretta 1301 Tactical features a lengthened magazine tube that increases capacity to 7+1 rounds. The shotgun is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including extended magazine tubes, side saddles, and different stock options.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Beretta 1301 Tactical excels in reliability and ease of use. The Blink gas operating system ensures that the shotgun cycles smoothly, even with lower-power loads. This reliability is crucial in tactical or defensive situations where a malfunction could have serious consequences.

The recoil of the 1301 Tactical is notably softer than many other tactical shotguns, thanks to the gas system and the shotgun's overall design. This reduced recoil allows for faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

Accuracy is also a strong point, especially with the ghost ring sights that come standard on the shotgun. The sights provide a clear sight picture, and when combined with the shotgun's excellent ergonomics, they allow for quick and precise target acquisition.

Specifications

• Gauge: 12
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Operating System: Blink gas operating system
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
• Chamber: 3 inches
• Overall Length: 37.8 inches
• Weight: 6.3 lbs
• Magazine Capacity: 7+1
• Sights: Adjustable ghost ring rear sight, fixed front blade sight
• Stock: Synthetic, with aggressive checkering
• Recoil Pad: Micro Core pad for reduced felt recoil
• Safety: Reversible cross-bolt safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

"Is the Beretta 1301 Tactical suitable for home defense?"

Yes, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is highly suitable for home defense due to its fast cycling time, compact size, and reliable performance. The 18.5-inch barrel and overall length make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the 7+1 magazine capacity ensures you have enough firepower in a critical situation.

"Can the Beretta 1301 Tactical handle different types of ammunition?"

The 1301 Tactical is designed to function reliably with a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum shells. Its Blink gas operating system ensures consistent cycling across different loads.

"How does the recoil of the 1301 Tactical compare to other shotguns?"

The Beretta 1301 Tactical has reduced recoil compared to many other tactical shotguns, thanks to its gas-operated system and ergonomic design. This makes it easier to shoot accurately and comfortably, especially during rapid firing.

"What aftermarket accessories are available for the Beretta 1301 Tactical?"

There are numerous aftermarket accessories available for the 1301 Tactical, including extended magazine tubes, side saddles, optics mounts, slings, and different stock options. The shotgun’s design also allows for easy customization.

"Is the Beretta 1301 Tactical optics ready?"

Yes, the 1301 Tactical is optics-ready. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped, allowing users to easily mount optics like red dot sights, enhancing the shotgun's versatility.

"How does the Beretta 1301 Tactical compare to other tactical shotguns?"

The 1301 Tactical is often praised for its speed, reliability, and ease of use. While there are other excellent tactical shotguns on the market, such as the Benelli M4 or Mossberg 590A1, the Beretta 1301 Tactical stands out for its combination of lightweight design, fast cycling, and user-friendly features.

Conclusion

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a top-tier shotgun that delivers exceptional performance in a variety of settings, from home defense to law enforcement use. Its combination of speed, reliability, and ergonomic design make it a favorite among tactical shotgun enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a shotgun to protect your home or to serve in a professional capacity, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is an outstanding choice that won’t disappoint.