Longer barrel for Beretta 1301 for skeet or trap shooting

Geoff B

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I have a 1301 and am thinking about skeet or trap shooting. Apparently the 18.6 " barrel isn't ideal and a longer one would work better. You thoughts and opinions?
 
You can shoot skeet with an extremely short barrel with relative ease. I use a 14 inch 870 with a modified choke and get a lot of dirty looks, but i also score over 20 consistently which is better than many with super long barrels. I dont shoot trap much, but i know the average clay is broken a bit further than skeet (which is like 15-25 yds actual distance or less.) I think trap its closer to 30-40 yards. If its just for fun id probably use the money spent on a new barrel on ammo instead, if youre thinking about getting into it more seriously the longer barrel is probably a fine investment. Aiming and proper swing etc are definitely easier with a longer barrel. Id say try it with the barrel you have before making a decision.
 
I have a 1301 and am thinking about skeet or trap shooting. Apparently the 18.6 " barrel isn't ideal and a longer one would work better. You thoughts and opinions?
I believe a barrel swap is not possible on the 1301 Tactical models.
 
I use a 1301 comp 21" barrel for skeet and trap and sporting. It works very well but has a bead sight. The ghost ring sights of the tac will make flying targets more difficult unless you're also running a red dot.
 
You can shoot skeet with an extremely short barrel with relative ease. I use a 14 inch 870 with a modified choke and get a lot of dirty looks, but i also score over 20 consistently which is better than many with super long barrels. I dont shoot trap much, but i know the average clay is broken a bit further than skeet (which is like 15-25 yds actual distance or less.) I think trap its closer to 30-40 yards. If its just for fun id probably use the money spent on a new barrel on ammo instead, if youre thinking about getting into it more seriously the longer barrel is probably a fine investment. Aiming and proper swing etc are definitely easier with a longer barrel. Id say try it with the barrel you have before making a decision.

Many clubs, including mine, have barrel length rules. Nothing below 25 inches.
 
Many clubs, including mine, have barrel length rules. Nothing below 25 inches.
I used to be a member at Hamilton Gun club. Last year I had a gun get up on me because I had brought a 26" pump with a mag extension saying the gun was illegal. He threatened to go too the execs after I told him 1) it was 26" meeting barrel length 2) manual action no mag limits
The club I shoot Sporting at now has a 26" in min BBL length. I wanted a 1301 but seems like I cant play with any clays with the 21" Bbl
 
I looked into this years ago so my memory is a bit hazy, but you *might* be able to swap in an 28” A400 Lite 3” chambered barrel with the 1301 Tac (not the Comp as the receivers are different).

But an A400 barrel isn’t cheap. You might be better off buying an A400.

Anyway I’m not claiming it’s possible from firsthand knowledge as I’ve never tried it, but there are rumours that it’s been done. My notes on this say that the part# is JB400SD28, link here:

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/product/a400-lite-synthetic-barrel-optima-bore-JB400SD28

If that points you in a direction that you want to look further into, a starting point would be to do some online digging to find info from guys who have done it, what was involved, etc.
 
I looked into this years ago so my memory is a bit hazy, but you *might* be able to swap in an 28” A400 Lite 3” chambered barrel with the 1301 Tac (not the Comp as the receivers are different).

But an A400 barrel isn’t cheap. You might be better off buying an A400.

Anyway I’m not claiming it’s possible from firsthand knowledge as I’ve never tried it, but there are rumours that it’s been done. My notes on this say that the part# is JB400SD28, link here:

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/product/a400-lite-synthetic-barrel-optima-bore-JB400SD28

If that points you in a direction that you want to look further into, a starting point would be to do some online digging to find info from guys who have done it, what was involved, etc.
Hi guys,
I went through the same process 2 years ago. I had a 1301 that was a blast to shoot but the short barrel made it not practical for hunting birds or trap shooting. I ended up buying a A400 extreme and I was able to fit all my favorite accessories on it. The barrel is 28 inches. I ended up selling my 1301 because I wasn't using it any more. Here are some pictures. Buying another set of longer barrel for my 1301 would have been the best option but it's not possible...
 

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I used to be a member at Hamilton Gun club. Last year I had a gun get up on me because I had brought a 26" pump with a mag extension saying the gun was illegal. He threatened to go too the execs after I told him 1) it was 26" meeting barrel length 2) manual action no mag limits
The club I shoot Sporting at now has a 26" in min BBL length. I wanted a 1301 but seems like I cant play with any clays with the 21" Bbl
Fudds gonna fudd…
Clubs with barrel length minimums are likely also the same ones crying that they are running out of members. Pompous gits.
They’re their own worst enemy, while we’re getting picked off by oic’s there seems to be little to no reaction from that crowd for the most part. Their time will come.
 
Clubs with barrel length minimums are likely also the same ones crying that they are running out of members. Pompous gits.

Not mine. More members and applications than we can handle. The shot barrel restriction is only for clay targets. Shotguns with barrels shorter than 26" can be used on the rifle and handgun ranges but only with slugs.
 
Not mine. More members and applications than we can handle. The shot barrel restriction is only for clay targets. Shotguns with barrels shorter than 26" can be used on the rifle and handgun ranges but only with slugs.
One membership for the entire club (rifle, pistol & clays)?
My clay and skeet club doesn't care, one fella uses a Benelli M2 with a 21" regularly. I don't see the logic to banning outright on length unless your trying to restrict who can use the club. Which is fine, but have the balls to say your club only wants those above a certain income to participate.
 
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