Beretta 1301

The Beretta 1301 is a popular gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun produced by Beretta Italy. and imported by Beretta USA in the United States.[1] The firearm has two separate designs. One is intended for tactical, self-defense, and law enforcement applications, whereas the other is designed for competitive disciplines. Despite its intended applications, it is often used by a minority of hunters and sporting clay shooters.

Beretta 1301
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun
Place of origin	Italy
Production history
Manufacturer	Beretta
Specifications
Mass	6.4 pounds (2.9 kg)
Length	37.8 inches (96 cm)
Caliber	12-gauge
Action	Semi-automatic

The 1301 is a successor to the 1201 Tactical model, and it shares many similarities with Beretta's A400 line of shotguns, which are successors to the A391 series.[1]

All modern 1301 shotguns, much like their A400 counterparts, make use of a Beretta proprietary choke constriction system known as "Optima-HP.." One exception is the early tactical model, which used a fixed cylinder constriction barrel. These barrels are backbored for reduced muzzle rise and improved patterning.[2]

Models

1301 Tactical

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is the successor to the 1201, and began production in Italy in 2014. As the namesake implies, it is designed solely for tactical applications, encompassing law enforcement and civilian defense. It is often viewed as a competitor to the M4 Super 90 manufactured by Benelli, a sister company of Beretta. In recent years, it has seen small modifications, and new variants are entering the market.

1301 Competition

The Beretta 1301 Competition, as the name implies, is designed for competitive shooting disciplines, most frequently 3-gun competitive shooting. The shotgun makes use of a traditional bead sight system, and boasts a longer barrel, conducive to shooting targets at greater distances.

Characteristics

All Beretta 1301 shotguns use cold-hammer-forged barrels with chrome-lining and parkerized external finishes. The frames or "receivers" are made from aluminum with an anodized finish. The stock and forearm are made from polymer, with a rubberized recoil pad fastened to the rear of the stock.

While the barrel lengths differ, the barrel chambers are each capable of accommodating up to 3" shotgun shells. Despite this, the Competition receiver is designed around 3.5" configuration, whereas the Tactical is designed on a 3" receiver. As a result, the barrels are model specific, but neither will fire a shotshell greater than 3" in length.

With a limiter installed in to the shotgun's magazine, the user may load either one or two rounds in to the tube, or a total of four with the limiter removed. This may be coupled with a fifth round loaded in to the chamber, for a maximum total of five rounds.[3]

Models sold in other countries may include a magazine extension, with a 6+1 capacity. However, models manufactured with these tubes are not permitted for sale in many countries, including the United States, due to international restrictions governing the export of firearm related components.[4][5] If a consumer wishes to extend the magazine on a capacity restricted model, they may rely on aftermarket tube manufacturers.[6]

YouTube commentaries

Many YouTube pundits and reviewers have erroneously characterized a feature of the 1301 as being a "fatal flaw" in the firearm's design. They reference the bolt release lever, a button alongside the frame of the shotgun that is designed for shotshell loading and extraction. A vocal minority believe that the firearm is prone to prematurely releasing a shotshell from the magazine and inducing a malfunction; however, such a malfunction requires intentional user input and manipulation. Additionally, reviewers neglect to disclose that all Beretta semi-automatics share the same loading and unloading characteristics, and are not prone to malfunctions. Regardless, Beretta Italy responded to this by introducing an updated model in 2018 that requires that the button be pulled, rather than pressed. To satisfy those consumers who purchased early models, a shroud kit was introduced to make the button harder to press.[7]

References

1. Murumatsu, Kevin. Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly. Krause Publications. p. 158. ISBN 978-1-4402-4782-8.
2. "Beretta Choke Tubes: A Complete Guide". berettausa.custhelp.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
3. "Beretta 1301 Shotguns". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
4. "How to Comply with 18 USC 922r | Orchid Advisors #1 in FFL Solutions". Orchid Advisors. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
5. "What is ITAR - gov-relations.com". Government Relations LLC. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
6. "Mesa Tactical Beretta 1301 Shotgun Accessories". www.mesatactical.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
7. "Beretta 1301 Bolt Shroud Kit". www.berettausa.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.