NRA Gun of the Week: Beretta 1301 Comp Shotgun

by
posted on October 22, 2016
** 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. **

From the world’s oldest gun maker, Beretta, comes a shotgun that’s purpose-built for serious competition use. At the heart of the 1301 Comp is the company’s Blink gas-operating system that quickly cycles 12-ga. loads up to 3”. A stepped, wide sporting ventilated rib runs the full length of the Steelium barrel, and the gun uses the company’s Optimabore HP choke system. Tailoring the shotgun to the competitive market, Beretta added out-of-the-box features that shooters have asked for, such as an over-sized charging handle that is large enough to grasp when the pressure is on, and an enlarged bolt release paddle for quick engagement. The 1301 also features an enlarged cross-bolt safety selector, ejection and loading ports, and aggressive texturing was added to forearm and styled pistol grip to improve purchase. Those looking for a shotgun to fill competition or home-defense needs should watch this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Brian Sheetz.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A
Importer: Beretta USA
Action type: gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun
Gauge: 12, 3”
Barrel: 21”; Optima Bore HP with screw-in chokes
Sights: stepped ventilated rib with steel center bead and red fiber optic front bead.
Stock: injection molded synthetic; 13” length of pull (adjustable to 14.5”)
Magazine: tubular; five-round-capacity
Trigger: 4-lb., 6-oz. pull
Overall Length: 44 1/2"
Weight:  6 lbs., 11 ozs.
Metal Finish: receiver, matte black anodized; barrel, blued
Accessories: owner’s manual, hard plastic case
MSRP: $1,275

Additional Reading:
Beretta 1301 Competition

Latest

First Time Shooting Experience F
First Time Shooting Experience F

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

New For 2026: TriStar Arms APOC Pro

The new APOC Pro takes the original TriStar Arms APOC pistol design introduced in 2025 and makes it optics- and suppressor-ready.

7 New Over-Under Shotguns for 2026

Ever since the development of the iconic Browning Superposed shotgun in the early 1930s, the concept of an over-under shotgun has remained popular not just with American shooters but shotgunners the world over.

DOJ Sues Denver Over Unconstitutional Bans

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed suit against the city of Denver, Colo., for banning “certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC

With its FPC, the Folding Pistol-caliber Carbine, Smith & Wesson entered the PCC market in a big way.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.