Beretta's Model 1301: Fast, Reliable And Attractive

by
posted on May 14, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Beretta USA Model 1301 stainless steel shotgun semi-automatic right-side view black synthetic stock

Beretta’s 1301 semi-automatic shotgun replaced the company’s venerable Model 1201 in 2014. The latter had an enviable run of nearly 20 years and employed the Inertia-driven system of operation pioneered by Benelli—part of the Beretta corporate family—proven to be among the most reliable auto-feeding designs in the industry.

The new shotgun wasn’t simply a cosmetic upgrade, though. Times had changed, three-gun matches were popular and its requirement of unfailing performance and lightning-fast operation had become virtues demanded by nearly every enthusiast. To answer that demand Beretta harnessed a cross-tube gas piston for the operating system in the 1301 called BLINK. It’s 36 percent faster than the competition, yet it maintains the unfailing reliability owners have come to expect from the company.

Today the features to enhance speed also include an oversized charging handle, large and highly textured bolt release and reversible safety button big enough to find fast under stress. Barrels lengths are 18.5", 21" and 24"—depending on model. All are back bored and cold-hammer forged.

Seven versions are available today, each wearing synthetic stocks and chambered to handle 12-ga. shotshells up to 3" in length. There are five members in the Tactical Model 1301 family—color choices include all black, Flat Dark Earth, marine and Olive Drab green. Each come with a Picatinny rail atop the aluminum receiver for mounting optics. They ship with spacers to alter length of pull and drop and cast are also adjustable. Barrels are threaded to accept Optima Bore HP Choke tubes.

The only pistol-grip version made is the all-black Tactical. It’s MSRP is $1,449. The more standard profile model comes in at $1,429. Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab green and marine—with stainless look to the barrel and receiver—Tactical models will set you back $1,359, each.

There are two competition-specific models—the 1301 Comp and 1301 Comp Pro. Unlike the 18.5" barrels standard throughout the Tactical line, length is a choice of 21" or 24". MSRP on the former is $1,349, regardless of preference. The Pro model, along with its striking blue receiver, comes in at $1,549 whether you want the long or short barrel.

Latest

Colt-Burgess Rifle
Colt-Burgess Rifle

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

First Breach Ammunition Factory Tour

An ambitious and technically savvy startup embarks on the goal to bring match-grade cartridges to the market at an enviable price—all made in America.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 27, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Development of MIM Cartridge Cases

We recently caught up with Concurrent Technologies to learn more about its latest advancements in metal injection molding (MIM) as it pertains to cartridge case manufacturing.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.