First Shotgun Recommendation - Beretta 1301 VS. ???

gwhysow said:
When the 1301 came out, it completely won me over. I've had plenty of time on the m4, but loved the balance and speed of the 1301. That said, it is hard to beat a pump gun, especially if looking for versatility as mentioned.

If looking for a first to be used as the range or hunting, I'd get a solid 870 and a couple barrels to match. People seem to all want a 14 inch gun eventually, so I'd grab a Remington Tac 14, a 26 inch barrel for hunting, whatever buttstock you want, and then spend the rest on ammo. Nothing beats time behind a shotgun.

I should also mention that I never bought a 1301, and price was never the issue. I just had everything I needed with my Lego guns ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input.

While I was waiting for my license, I went back-and-fourth on the pump-action vs the semi, but decided on the gas-semi for various reasons.

I hope to be spending alot of time in the range this year with my new-found hobby.

Thanks again.
 
DerScharfSchutze said:
Thanks everyone for your input, it has been very helpful.

@dogzilla - Any benefits to the 21" barrel rather than 18.5"? I know that shorter tactical barrels are for ease of movement in tight quarters, but anything else?
Click to expand...

21-18.5=2.5" or 6.3cm ..Take a ruler and see how much/little that really is.
 
DerScharfSchutze said:
Thanks everyone for your input, it has been very helpful.

@dogzilla - Any benefits to the 21" barrel rather than 18.5"? I know that shorter tactical barrels are for ease of movement in tight quarters, but anything else?
Click to expand...

Blast and noise will be slightly less with the longer barrel. Are they both threaded for chokes? Balance will be very slightly different, too.

If you can't find a domestic retailer with stock, you may be able to import through Prophet River, IRunGuns, and at least one other importer that can't be named on CGN.
 
I just picked up a Browning Maxus II, love it so far. They don't come in a shorter barrel (26 or 28, mine is 26), but they have some neat features that you don't find on other semis. They have magazine block and auto load features from the factory. The auto load is pretty slick- load a shell in the tube on a locked back bolt, and it automatically chambers it for you. It simplifies the sometimes complicated loading procedure for a semi-auto shotgun.
 
Wendell said:
John Farnam posted this back in January:
Click to expand...

Thanks for your recommendation.

I have been watching alot of reviews from Shot Show 2023. I wish I had gone!

The A300 Patrol looks awesome, and the interview with Beretta's rep made it look super cool, especially with all the extra's out of the box. However, once it rolls into Canada, and with the new pricing, I am unsure if its still worth it over the 1301.

Also, the 1301 has had alot of long term testing, and it still stands strong, where the A300/Patrol is still in its infancy.

Its still a great piece, and I like the Tiger Stripe option.
 
alpining said:
OP, I strongly recommend a Beretta 1301 with removable chokes for what you're talking about. For a new shotgunner (and since you have the budget for it), a high quality gas operated semiauto is superior. And for field use, the 1301 is clearly superior to the Benelli M4.

You could also consider a Remington Versamax or V3 in tactical formats, but those are probably harder to find than the 1301 right now.

Whatever you buy, make sure you budget plenty for ammunition and any accessories you'll need/want.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, Yes, removeable chokes is a must, I want that versatility.
 
sillymike said:
1) You might want to spend some time at the range... if you're nice to people, they'll let you play with their shotgun (and tell you what they like/don't like about it)
2) Learn to cook
Click to expand...

This is great advise.

I am actually touring a couple of ranges this week, and should be a member shortly. Hopefully make some friends in the hobby.

Reviews are great, but its no replacement for hands-on feel.

Thanks, appreciate the recommendation.
 
Difference between 18.5 and 21 is more psychological than anything. As was said, take a ruler and look at the 1.5 mark and ask yourself how much difference you think it would make
 
Scotty454 said:
I just picked up a Browning Maxus II, love it so far. They don't come in a shorter barrel (26 or 28, mine is 26), but they have some neat features that you don't find on other semis. They have magazine block and auto load features from the factory. The auto load is pretty slick- load a shell in the tube on a locked back bolt, and it automatically chambers it for you. It simplifies the sometimes complicated loading procedure for a semi-auto shotgun.
Click to expand...

She's a beauty, have fun with it!

The autoload feature also sounds cool.

Thanks for your recommendation.
 
Get the 1301.

The 'new' A300 is a step down from the 1301 and he M4.

The M4 is heavy, not great with lighter loads, and a much older design. Is it a tougher shotgun than the 1301? Maybe, jury will be out for years to come as the M4 has proved itself in that regard. But its reputation is really the only thing it has over it.
 
Follow-Up Question - 1301 Tactical vs 1301 Competition

The competition is ~$300 more than the tactical, it doesn't come with the ghost ring sight, nor the Picatinny rail. Beside the barrel length, Red Fiber Optic front sight, OCHP, and 0.6lbs heavier, I do not see much differences. Am I missing something?

Is it worth the extra $$, if I need to do mods right out the box?
 
Hypox!a said:
Get the 1301.

The 'new' A300 is a step down from the 1301 and he M4.

The M4 is heavy, not great with lighter loads, and a much older design. Is it a tougher shotgun than the 1301? Maybe, jury will be out for years to come as the M4 has proved itself in that regard. But its reputation is really the only thing it has over it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I agree with your points on the M4.
 
DerScharfSchutze said:
Follow-Up Question - 1301 Tactical vs 1301 Competition

The competition is ~$300 more than the tactical, it doesn't come with the ghost ring sight, nor the Picatinny rail. Beside the barrel length, Red Fiber Optic front sight, OCHP, and 0.6lbs heavier, I do not see much differences. Am I missing something?

Is it worth the extra $$, if I need to do mods right out the box?
Click to expand...

Which 1301 Comp model are you looking at? I think there are a couple, or maybe I'm thinking gen1 vs gen2. Either way, the 1301 Tactical also comes with the extended magazine tube.
 
Depends if you like ghost rings. I’ve had shotguns with them and don’t like them. I also don’t like to hang crap off it. Give me a bead and a bare gun. A matchsaverz would be all I would put on it. No sidesaddle either, I find them very slow. Everyone pimps out their gun to their personal preferences so go with whatever turns you on
 
No factory mag extensions on 1301s sold in Canada (legal capacity limits). And best to compare retail pricing within Canada. It just went up.
 
vp6111 said:
No factory mag extensions on 1301s sold in Canada (legal capacity limits). And best to compare retail pricing within Canada. It just went up.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen the price increases yet on the website's, but many are still showing the 1301's as out of stock, so I'm sure they will be updated soon enough.
 
Or just buy the S&J Hardware one which is full length but already has a permanent plug in it to make it Canadian legal.

ETA- pump: Mossberg 590A1 w/18.5 barrel and Magpul furniture and S&J shot shell cards. Semi: Beretta 1301 Tactical with Magpul furniture, S&J mag tube extension, S&J shot shell cards, Aridus RMR CROM w/RMR or Holosun 508T.

Lots of good examples here.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom