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. As of November 18, 2020 there are four variants.[3] 1301 Tactical Black, 1301 Tactical FDE, 1301 Tactical OD Green, 1301 Tactical Marine. The 1301 Tactical Marine version is the only variant that comes with a removable Choke.[4]
1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE
The 1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE[5] is Beretta’s new gas operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for law enforcement and home defense. Right out of the box, the 1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE features an oversized charging handle, large textured bolt release, and an oversized reversible safety button. The integrated BLINK gas operating system, featuring a cross tube gas piston, allows the 1301 Tactical to cycle 36% faster than any other shotgun on the market. Available in an 18.5” barrel configuration, the 1301 Tactical features a robust, protected sighting system that uses a ghost ring for the rear sight and an interchangeable front blade sight. The receiver offers a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. The pistol-grip Stock features an adjustable cheek piece, a LimbSaver® recoil pad and offers multiple sling attachment points.
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.
1301 Comp Pro
The 1301 Comp Pro[6] includes a new polymeric stock with the Kick-Off Plus system consisting of two elastomer dampeners complete with return springs, positioned near the rubber insert, which effectively mitigate the first recoil peak reducing the perceived recoil by up to 40%. A third elastomer dampener, located in the stock bolt, absorbs the impact of the slide against the stock, thus reducing the second recoil peak, muzzle jump and any vibrations caused by the movement of the slide.
The B-Steady system divides the stock into two sections: Butt and forearm. The recoil absorption point is in an advanced position, moving in unison with the forearm, which is free to move back leaving the butt stable and avoiding any annoying rubbing of the comb against the cheek. The cheek remains still and rests perfectly without ever losing the line of fire.
1301 Langdon Tactical Technology
Langdon Tactical creates a new LTT 1301 Tactical Shotgun variant giving you a complete shotgun straight out of the box. The LTT 1301 Tactical Shotgun is a Title 18 USC 922r Compliant Shotgun.[7] A Gen 2 Beretta 1301 shotgun, M-LOC rail mount options on the hand guard, MagPul Tactical Shotgun Stock, QDC sling mounting point options and 7 round magazine capacity. There is also the option to add: Aridus Universal QDC Side Saddle[8] and Aridus CROM Mount (Rob Haught Version).[9]
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.[10]
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.[11][12] If a consumer wishes to extend the magazine on a capacity restricted model, they may rely on aftermarket tube manufacturers.[13]
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.[14]
References
- Murumatsu, Kevin. Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly. Krause Publications. p. 158. ISBN 978-1-4402-4782-8.
- "Beretta Choke Tubes: A Complete Guide". berettausa.custhelp.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "1301 Tactical". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- "1301 Tactical Marine". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- "1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- "1301 comp pro". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- "LTT 1301 Shotgun". Langdon Tactical. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- www.aridusindustries.com https://www.aridusindustries.com/products/universal-quick-detach-carrier/. Retrieved 2020-11-19. Missing or empty
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(help) - www.aridusindustries.com https://www.aridusindustries.com/products/beretta-1301-tactical-aimpoint-micro-crom/. Retrieved 2020-11-19. Missing or empty
|title=
(help) - "Beretta 1301 Shotguns". www.beretta.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "How to Comply with 18 USC 922r | Orchid Advisors #1 in FFL Solutions". Orchid Advisors. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "What is ITAR - gov-relations.com". Government Relations LLC. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "Mesa Tactical Beretta 1301 Shotgun Accessories". www.mesatactical.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "Beretta 1301 Bolt Shroud Kit". www.berettausa.com. Retrieved 2019-09-13.