Looking for a semi-auto--Benelli M4 or Beretta 1301 Tactical?

There is no smoother semi auto shotgun action than the M4. Curse the day I traded mine.

Most here have pointed out the three current issues with the M4 - the list, the cost, and the weight. I am getting a 1301 myself early next year. Will then get some upgrades when available.
 
I have both, they both have their strong points, M4 is a tank, never fails, has less felt recoil, 1301 is alot lighter, never fails, slightly more recoil felt. I like the 1301 for pushing the bush and being $1000 less is helpful.
 
Not familiar with the 1301 but among the M4's considerable list of valuable features is the fact that they're supposed to be the only semi that allows the interruption of the shells in the tube and the insertion of a special round, like say inserting a slug in the chamber in the midst of a mag full of buckshot.
 
No love for the Versa Max?
- The TacOrd mod. version is pretty nice



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Big Bad said:
Not familiar with the 1301 but among the M4's considerable list of valuable features is the fact that they're supposed to be the only semi that allows the interruption of the shells in the tube and the insertion of a special round, like say inserting a slug in the chamber in the midst of a mag full of buckshot.
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I may be wrong but I saw a vid review of the 1301 having a button press that make it so it won't feed a shell into the ramp so you can quick load a shell in the chamber. I did see the M4's way of doing it though!

sillymike said:
No love for the Versa Max?
- The TacOrd mod. version is pretty nice



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Wow, that was not on my radar but dang that's beautiful
 
I was in the same boat you were trying to decide between the two. But it really depends on what you see yourself actually using it for because they are both great. I landed on the 1301 Tactical because I wanted something I can carry around easily in the bush. So it being smaller, lighter and faster pushed me that direction.
 
SleepingLion said:
I want to hear everyone's opinions regarding both shotguns to help shape my decision when I finally get around to buying a semi-auto (can't have both--not enough space for another gun cabinet LOL)

The initial one I was going to buy is the Benelli M4 mainly because it's been proven and dependable--though yes expensive. But then I read about the Beretta 1301--considerably less impact on the wallet and performs just as well

Whichever one I'll buy I'm going to be getting aftermarket stuff to slap on it (or just straight up take it to TACORD) so I want to hear what you guys have to say.

What do you all recommend and why? Can you share any firsthand experience with either shotguns?

Thanks!
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certainly add the M2 to your shopping list, its inertia and keeps nice and clean, heres my M4 and M2

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SleepingLion said:
I did read about the M2 but I'm definitely lacking more info. Looks like I got more things to read up on haha
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Its certainly more of a law enforcement military type gun, but still a sporting hunting gun, inertia system works amazing and stays super clean, mine wil shoot any loads light to the heaviest 3 inchers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Q9QZBWyuw
 
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Don't overlook the 21" comp 1301, I have an M4 and the ghost rings are clutter when you're going fast, red dot/reflex or rib on the 1301 are the way to go. And you can have a folding stock on the 1301
 
sillymike said:
That's one ###y M2 :cheers:

While my vote would most likely go for the M4 (Just because), I love how you can fit a Magpul buttstock to the 1301 (I kind of like the ergonomic of that stock)
- A 1301 Comp (with the 21" vent trib barrel) could make for a fun grouse gun

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Thanks Mike!!
 
sillymike said:
No love for the Versa Max?
- The TacOrd mod. version is pretty nice



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I've had Tac Ord versions of both the Versamax and Benelli M4 and in my opinion the Versamax is the better gun.

Versamax feels more natural, faster to pick up the bead than the ghost rings but the big one is the larger loading port on the Versamax as it is a 3.5" gun (unofficially). Tac Ord also makes the TOMM mount for the Versamax so you can mount a red dot (which makes it rifle accurate with slugs).

I've stripped both and the internals are uncannily similar (to the point that some parts are interchangeable).

Both are excellent.
 
1301-m4-versamax i had all 3 and right now i only have the 1301 left the other 2 i sold, the 1301 is light will shoot anything you feed it,easy to upgrade,i have a benelli m2 coming all hunterhenderson fault lol with the wood picture on his m2,
i used the 1301 for turkey hunting and my backup gun for coyotes,oh and its a $1000 cheaper so you can get lots of ammo lol.
 
Big Bad said:
Not familiar with the 1301 but among the M4's considerable list of valuable features is the fact that they're supposed to be the only semi that allows the interruption of the shells in the tube and the insertion of a special round, like say inserting a slug in the chamber in the midst of a mag full of buckshot.
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My auto 5 does my Beretta a303 does and my Beretta a400 xplors all do. The 1301 lacks this feature. It is handy
 
brybenn said:
My auto 5 does my Beretta a303 does and my Beretta a400 xplors all do. The 1301 lacks this feature. It is handy
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I can still eject a round from the chamber and drop in a different round with the 1301. The 1301 will only pop a shell from the tube onto the lifter when the trigger is pulled.
 
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