View Full Version : Benelli or Beretta or FN
So I am looking for my first semi auto shotgun for defensive use and I am now between these three guns. The benelli m4 has good revues just the price tag is a bit of a turn off. Then there is the Beretta 1301 tactical that seemed like the winner but the bolt catch "issue" is a big thumbs down but I have seen the remedies available for this and it seems legit but it leaves me a bit weary. Ive heard good and bad about the FN SLP but nothing that is a complete deal killer so I would like some input. I primarily care that the gun works when it needs to with defensive ammo.
Does it have to be one of those brands and models?
I have a Mossberg 930 SPX. It is reliable and any kind of ammo works on it. There's a lot of aftermarket parts; you don't have to deal with the 922r compliance issues if you add an extension.
I have a Benelli M2. Though I think pistol grips are overrated, I have one on it at the moment.
I put red dots on all of my shotguns, though I don't need them.
Instagram: MuzzleblastMD
Ive heard mixed things about the 930 but I will look further into it. thanks
I have a very early Benelli 121 M1 that I purchased from Brian Enos many, many years ago.
He picked it off the prize table at a Ernie Hill sponsored match in Phoenix and put it on the for sale
table at a Cactus Match League shoot.
I paid $300 for it and it has fired thousands of rounds from bird shot to buck to slugs never a problem.
That shotgun prompted me to buy a M1 Super 90 3" magnum for spring goose season here in S. Dak.
I have many rounds through it, but nowhere near the 121 M1.
I plan on purchasing the Benelli over/under for pheasant season and retire my Browning over/under.
Between those three, I'd say Beretta. The 1301 Tactical is nearly ideal for defensive purposes, with good aftermarket solutions for everything you need (Nordic for extension and light mount, Aridus for RDS and Magpul stock, etc.). The bolt catch problem is the Achilles's heel, but the fixes seem to be working fine. Combined with training, I don't think it will be a problem.
Benelli M4 has excellent aftermarket support for a tactical configuration, but it's heavy and expensive. Hardly a peep from FN these days about the SLP, no updates either. You might have a hard time outfitting it for defensive use. Frankly I was unimpressed when I shot a friend's 930 SPX. Benelli M4 and M2 are a step up in build quality and feeling solid.
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SeriousStudent
09-30-17, 11:45
I have fired all the shotguns you mentioned in your list, OP. I am currently using and abusing a Beretta 1301 Tactical, and have found it to be robust and reliable.
The issue with the bolt catch is easily remedied with a small aftermarket part that takes about 4 minutes to install.
Mine has over 1100 rounds through it so far, a mixture of field loads for training, along with buckshot and slugs. It's the most accurate of six defensive shotguns I own (four Remington 870's, a Winchester Model 12, and the 1301).
At 15 yards I can pick which eye socket I want to put a load of Federal Flite Control or a Brenneke slug. At 25 yards, it will keep 4 or 5 slugs in a head-sized target. I'm talking standing offhand, not seated at a bench.
You can mount an Aimpoint Micro on it, and also install either a Mesa Tactical Urbino pistol grip stock, or a Magpul stock. Lights are not a problem either, mine has a Surefire X-300U with a tape switch.
I'll add some pics in a minute.
SeriousStudent
09-30-17, 12:06
https://i.imgur.com/TgVVb8L.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EAg2bWk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5uLWLQs.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mq3ko2t.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/59aXnv9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EAg2bWk.jpg
X300 with tape switch looks like a very efficient solution for WML. What length tape switch did you use? I have been using a 3 cell handheld light to get the clicky switch as far back as possible. Works but bulky and hangs a far amount off the gun.
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SeriousStudent
09-30-17, 13:19
It's the Surefire ST07, it's 7 inches long.
I used industrial Velcro to mount it to the furniture, and used the same Velcro on the receiver to attach shell carriers. Neither has an issue with either heat or rain.
Thanks for the quick response. Will have to find the tail cap adapter. Have an extra tape strip from a Scout to use.
PS. The Magpul stock looks great! Have an order in for one also.
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SeriousStudent
09-30-17, 14:18
You are welcome. I have several of the Magpul shotgun stocks on my 870's, and found them to be very efficient.
I had the Mesa Tactical Urbino pistol grip on my 1301, and like the Magpul better. I added a slightly higher comb, to get a cheek weld that works better for me on the H-1. It's just a wee bit faster on my first shot as well.
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You are welcome. I have several of the Magpul shotgun stocks on my 870's, and found them to be very efficient.
I had the Mesa Tactical Urbino pistol grip on my 1301, and like the Magpul better. I added a slightly higher comb, to get a cheek weld that works better for me on the H-1. It's just a wee bit faster on my first shot as well.
SeriousStudent - to your knowledge does the Beretta 1301 have the same 922R issues that the Benelli M4 has when adding a mag extension or pistol grip stock? It seems to me that should, but I don't see 922R mention in conjunction with the Beretta. Researching the Benelli M4 922R seems to be a pretty regular subject that comes up.
OP - I was essentially looking at the exact same models for defensive shotgun as your list. After extensive research I decided to go with the Beretta 1301. It wasn't even on my radar when I initiated my search for defensive (semi-auto) shotgun.I read about the bolt release issue that you mentioned. That issue is fixed with a $15 aftermarket shroud. It took me about five minutes to install. Easy... I have yet to find a time to shoot it...so I have no input with regard to the actual performance. It sure looks sweet though:)
47791
SeriousStudent
10-01-17, 13:55
Kraken - I have not read any specific warnings regarding the 1301 and 922(r) compliance, but I have made it a point to keep 10 American-manufactured parts on mine. I am just a dot the I's and cross the T's kind of guy. It was honestly pretty easy to do, and did not require much effort at all.
Kraken - I have not read any specific warnings regarding the 1301 and 922(r) compliance, but I have made it a point to keep 10 American-manufactured parts on mine. I am just a dot the I's and cross the T's kind of guy. It was honestly pretty easy to do, and did not require much effort at all.
Thanks for the input.
Thanks for the replies sorry it took so long for reply for some reason I stopped receiving updates on this post but considering some more research and the solutions to the "problems" I think I am going to pick up the Beretta 1301. overall it seems to be a winner
Could you also put a list of all the upgrades or parts you have used on your beretta and how well they have worked for you or if you would change anything? thanks.
I'm a little late to the party . On the Beretta and the Benelli M4 if you buy the LE version of each gun then you won't have to worry about 922R . Non LEO's can purchase them and they come from the factory with the extended mag tube . Probably work out to be cheaper in the long run .
gordonjustus
10-04-17, 09:10
I don't actually own a shotgun but little bit of research says Beretta 1301 is the winner.
hotrodder636
10-04-17, 10:05
My wife has a Benelli M4. I enjoy shooting it as does she. She is 5'2" and 115 lbs and can pull the trigger as fast as she can shoot and keep the rounds on a stop sign sized target at 10 yards. As accurate as the Beretta described above. Comes in pistol grip configuration, that may or may not be a turn off for you. Yes, they are pricey but it has been reliable for the 600ish rounds we have shot through it.
You could look into one of the Stoeger models. From what I understand they use the Benelli operating system. A lot cheaper too.
I think you could go with either the Bennelli or the Beretta and be happy.
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