Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Review
The Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun is a highly-regarded, semiautomatic gas-operated tactical shotgun designed for both home-defense and law enforcement applications. This compact, 18.5" barrel shotgun is ideal for engaging targets in confined spaces, thanks to its short length and textured bolt release. In this review, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of this exceptional shotgun.
Key Features and Specifications
- 18.5" Barrel: The 1301 Tactical features a short, 18.5" barrel, making it perfect for close-quarters engagements.
- 3" Chamber: The shotgun has a 3" chamber, which provides a good balance between accuracy and reliability.
- "BLINK" Gas Operating System: The Beretta 1301 Tactical utilizes Beretta’s innovative "B-LINK" gas operating system, which boasts a 36% faster cycle rate compared to most shotguns on the market.
- Receiver Mounted MIL-STD Picatinny Rail: The shotgun features a receiver-mounted MIL-STD Picatinny rail, allowing for the installation of optics and other accessories.
- Ergonomic Design: The 1301 Tactical boasts an ergonomic design, with a large textured bolt release and oversized charging handle, making it comfortable to use in various shooting positions.
Pros
- Highly Reliable: The Beretta 1301 Tactical is known for its exceptional reliability, thanks to the strong closing force of the action and re-engineered gas ports.
- Fast Cycle Rate: The "B-LINK" gas operating system provides a fast cycle rate, making it ideal for law enforcement and home-defense applications.
- Compact Size: The 1301 Tactical is a compact shotgun, making it perfect for concealed carry or home defense.
- Customizable: The shotgun is highly customizable, with interchangeable sights, a replaceable front sight, and a receiver-mounted MIL-STD Picatinny rail.
- Effective in Close Quarters: The 1301 Tactical’s short barrel and textured bolt release make it an effective choice for close-quarters engagements.
Cons
- High Cost: The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a premium shotgun, with a high price tag to match.
- Limited Availability: The 1301 Tactical is not as widely available as some other shotguns on the market, which may limit its adoption.
- Sensitive to Maintenance: The shotgun requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Not Suitable for All Shooters: The 1301 Tactical may not be the best choice for shooters with limited experience or those who prefer a more traditional shotgun design.
Experience with the Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun
As a seasoned shooter, I was impressed with the Beretta 1301 Tactical’s performance in various shooting scenarios. Here are some of my experiences with this shotgun:
- Effective in Close Quarters: The 1301 Tactical’s short barrel and textured bolt release made it an effective choice for close-quarters engagements, where accuracy and reliability are crucial.
- Fast Cycle Rate: The shotgun’s fast cycle rate made it ideal for law enforcement and home-defense applications, where speed and accuracy are essential.
- Customizable: The 1301 Tactical’s interchangeable sights and receiver-mounted MIL-STD Picatinny rail made it an ideal choice for shooters who want to customize their shotgun to suit their needs.
- Highly Reliable: The shotgun’s exceptional reliability made it a joy to shoot, with minimal issues or malfunctions throughout my testing.
Conclusion
The Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun is an exceptional choice for those seeking a reliable, customizable, and effective tactical shotgun. While it may not be the best choice for all shooters, its pros and cons make it an excellent option for law enforcement, home-defense, and competitive shooting. With proper maintenance and care, the 1301 Tactical can provide years of reliable service and exceptional performance.
