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

DA/SA
DA/SA

An Ode to the "Wondernine" Era

There’s no action like DA/SA.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates 50 Rifles for 3-Year-Old Fighting Leukemia

Henry's latest Guns for Great Causes effort benefits the family of Zach Bryant, a 3-year-old from Indiana battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 2026

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

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.