View Full Version : Polling the Crew for My First (and Only) Shotgun
BrigandTwoFour
01-01-23, 17:46
I had plans this year for some other projects- mainly a PCC, shorty AK, and a precision .223 bolt gun. However, it occurred to me that there's nothing there that I don't have covered another way- so it would just be for variety sake. But the lack of a shotgun in my safe is a bit of a glaring omission.
I would like to fix that, but it's going to be a bit of a "one and done" kind of thing. The majority of my time (and funds) goes to scoped rifles and pistols. I've basically narrowed it down to a Benelli M2 Field 21" or a Beretta 1301 Tactical. The dark horse budget is a Benelli SuperNova pump action. My planned use would be training courses, multi-gun matches, and a remote third chance of using it for hunting in some capacity. I plan to set it up with a small red dot sight.
I'm leaning towards the M2, as the 21" offers just a bit more tube capacity (with an extension) and a balance between "hunting style" and "tactical style" shotgunning.
What am I missing? Any arguments to sway me one way or another?
You missed the 1301 Comp if you are looking for a 21” barrel.
The Beretta has a much better “tactical” stock length than either Benelli and softer recoil.
I’m not a gamer myself but from what I understand a pump shotgun is just not competitive against a semi. So a pump depends on your game goals, or there being a pump only class.
All I can say is that I have a 1301 and can't recommend it enough. For a more budget friendly option look at the Mossberg 940 Tactical. I took a shotgun class from Steve Fisher a couple of months ago and got to shoot his. It shot quite well. He said he's been impressed with how well they run, and that they run better than the 930 models.
I'd don't own either, but own an M4 and several other Beretta gas guns.
Of your choices, I'd go for the Beretta gas gun every time, over the intertia operated M2. You'll have better load cycling flexibility and it will be softer shooting. Beretta has perfected the gas operating system and the new one's are just as easy to clean as the intertia systems that may upchuck on some load choices.
Beretta 1301 is what I would suggest.
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titsonritz
01-03-23, 11:57
Easy, 1301 all day.
https://i.imgur.com/rpzUoMO.jpg
Easy, 1301 all day.
https://i.imgur.com/rpzUoMO.jpg
I also run a 1301 tactical and can't recommend it enough. Shoots any load you wanna run, and cycles fast.
Tits: I'm running the Esstac velcro shell holders so i can swap out new shell holders quickly, but i normally keep the spares in AR mag pouches on my plate carrier. I like that velcro chest rig though. Who makes that, if you don't mind my asking?
I also run a 1301 tactical and can't recommend it enough. Shoots any load you wanna run, and cycles fast.
Easy, 1301 all day.
Tits: I'm running the Esstac velcro shell holders so i can swap out new shell holders quickly, but i normally keep the spares in AR mag pouches on my plate carrier. I like that velcro chest rig though. Who makes that, if you don't mind my asking?
1_click_off
01-03-23, 19:55
1301.
In addition to what has been posted, the 1301 is 2lbs lighter than the M4….
If choke tube interchangeably is a concern, make sure you select the right 1301. The pistol grip tactical does not have changeable chokes.
Not a shotgun enthusiast but every gun owner should have one shotgun. I succumbed and have had a 1301 tactical for the past few months. Fairly lightweight, 7+1, easy to pattern, so far no issues with multiple loads from several manufacturers. However, only about +/- 350 rds to date; and only tried #3 shot, 00 buck, slugs, and #6 shot. Really will only use 00 buckshot but wanted to try the others just for function and fun. So far, no malfunctions.
I'm a big Benelli guy and have several. None have ever malfunctioned, even soft bird loads. I have heard great things about the B-1301 as well. Nothing you are considering would be bad choice. You are well on your way to goodness.
PB
titsonritz
01-03-23, 22:33
I also run a 1301 tactical and can't recommend it enough. Shoots any load you wanna run, and cycles fast.
Tits: I'm running the Esstac velcro shell holders so i can swap out new shell holders quickly, but i normally keep the spares in AR mag pouches on my plate carrier. I like that velcro chest rig though. Who makes that, if you don't mind my asking?
OSOE 12ga Micro Rig (https://www.originalsoegear.com/collections/micro-rigs/products/12ga-micro-rig). I removed the two inside Velcro cards and carry two spare the Aridus Q-DC trays (https://www.aridusindustries.com/product-category/qdc/) in the pouches, this way I can feed off the receiver with two spare trays or from the chest rig. Also the large pouch will perfectly fit a 25 round box of shotgun shells if not being utilized for medical as originally intended, that makes 55 spares rounds on top of what is in the gun itself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuwVf3cMNw
BrigandTwoFour
01-04-23, 07:26
Thanks for the replies, guys.
Yes, I missed the 21" 1301 comp on the first go around. I was leaning against the 1301 mainly out of budget reasons. The M2 was slightly cheaper for something I was already stretching to buy. That said, I did find a deal on a like-new 1301 Comp 21" for $1099 and jumped on it.
Already been planning how to outfit it to my liking, starting with moving my SRO to it as an optic.
Better choice for all around use than the tactical, and would be my pick today.
I bought a first gen tactical when they were closed out and liked it so much I bought a field barrel during Beretta’s ridiculous yearly sale. I’ll be clearing out all my other shotguns when I figure out sights without the receiver rear for my tactical barrel.
OSOE 12ga Micro Rig (https://www.originalsoegear.com/collections/micro-rigs/products/12ga-micro-rig). I removed the two inside Velcro cards and carry two spare the Aridus Q-DC trays (https://www.aridusindustries.com/product-category/qdc/) in the pouches, this way I can feed off the receiver with two spare trays or from the chest rig. Also the large pouch will perfectly fit a 25 round box of shotgun shells if not being utilized for medical as originally intended, that makes 55 spares rounds on top of what is in the gun itself.
That's slick, gonna pick one up. Thanks
Better choice for all around use than the tactical, and would be my pick today.
I bought a first gen tactical when they were closed out and liked it so much I bought a field barrel during Beretta’s ridiculous yearly sale. I’ll be clearing out all my other shotguns when I figure out sights without the receiver rear for my tactical barrel.Tell me about this sale.
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Beretta has crazy prices on parts like barrels. Once or twice a year they have crazy sales code, like 10 percent off a $100 order, 20 percent off a $200 order, and on up. I got 50 percent off my barrel but it was a year or two ago, maybe 4th of July? Get on their email list and you won’t miss it.
A400 3” barrels fit the 1301T.
https://www.beretta.com/en-us/gun-accessories/shotguns/barrels/a400-shadow-12-26-obhp-fld-matte/
Don’t forget the handguard spacer.
https://www.midwestgunworks.com/beretta-1301/forend-bushing-spacers.html
BrigandTwoFour
01-06-23, 07:39
So, already ran into my first wrench in the plans. I was planning to mount my SRO to the 1301 Comp, but it turns out that nobody actually makes a low profile mount to do that. The Aridus Industries one only fits the tactical model (different hole pattern, apparently). Scalarworks doesn't make a Sync for the 1301. I suppose the target audience for the comp model wouldn't actually care about this, since putting a dot on the gun puts you into open class in most competitions.
The fallback is an EGW pic rail and then mounting to that, but it's a bit higher profile that I would like. At that point, I have a spare EOTech I'm not using at the moment.
So, already ran into my first wrench in the plans. I was planning to mount my SRO to the 1301 Comp, but it turns out that nobody actually makes a low profile mount to do that. The Aridus Industries one only fits the tactical model (different hole pattern, apparently). Scalarworks doesn't make a Sync for the 1301. I suppose the target audience for the comp model wouldn't actually care about this, since putting a dot on the gun puts you into open class in most competitions.
The fallback is an EGW pic rail and then mounting to that, but it's a bit higher profile that I would like. At that point, I have a spare EOTech I'm not using at the moment.
I'd put a rail on it regardless. Mesa makes a rail and shell holder for that model.
https://freedomfightertactical.com/collections/beretta-1301/products/mesa-94210
So, already ran into my first wrench in the plans. I was planning to mount my SRO to the 1301 Comp, but it turns out that nobody actually makes a low profile mount to do that. The Aridus Industries one only fits the tactical model (different hole pattern, apparently). Scalarworks doesn't make a Sync for the 1301. I suppose the target audience for the comp model wouldn't actually care about this, since putting a dot on the gun puts you into open class in most competitions.
The fallback is an EGW pic rail and then mounting to that, but it's a bit higher profile that I would like. At that point, I have a spare EOTech I'm not using at the moment.
I run a red dot on a rail on my 1301 tactical, but i have the mesa pistol grip stock with adjustable cheek riser, so the height isn't an issue.
69531
I'm surprised they would run different hole patterns between the models. That doesn't make sense to me
titsonritz
01-06-23, 13:45
So, already ran into my first wrench in the plans. I was planning to mount my SRO to the 1301 Comp, but it turns out that nobody actually makes a low profile mount to do that. The Aridus Industries one only fits the tactical model (different hole pattern, apparently). Scalarworks doesn't make a Sync for the 1301. I suppose the target audience for the comp model wouldn't actually care about this, since putting a dot on the gun puts you into open class in most competitions.
The fallback is an EGW pic rail and then mounting to that, but it's a bit higher profile that I would like. At that point, I have a spare EOTech I'm not using at the moment.
:lol: Yeah, I feel your pain, could have told you that. Who knows WTF they were thinking making two different optic/mount hole patterns between the the C and T models, seems kind of lame to me. Your options (other than a pic rail) for an optic mount are Rusty Nuts Designs (https://rustynutsdesigns.com/products/beretta-1301-low-profile-optic-mount) and KE Arms (https://kearms.americommerce.com/1301-comp-h1t1-mount) which has apparently been discontinued so would only be available on the used market and both are made for the Aimpoint Micro or MRO. Good luck.
ETA:
There is a Euro version that works with several MRDS, but I'm full on Sgt. Schultz "I know nothing" on the product, vendor or stateside availability, looks pretty legit though...
https://www.tonisystem.it/en/6338/red-dot-base-plate-type-b-for-beretta-1301/
https://belva.co.za/product/toni-system-red-dot-base-plate-beretta-1301-comp/
The Comp and Tactical have a different length receiver, so the rail is also different.
The spacing predates the 1301 that is based on the A400, or anyone thinking up the idea of these direct model specific mounts.
titsonritz
01-06-23, 14:46
That's slick, gonna pick one up. Thanks
Also look at the COP rig. A word of advise, I wouldn't order anything that isn't in stock, it can be a crap shoot on when you'll ever see it. I have a few pieces of OSOE gear, most of which I bought mine on the used market.
titsonritz
01-06-23, 14:51
The Comp and Tactical have a different length receiver, so the rail is also different.
The spacing predates the 1301 that is based on the A400, or anyone thinking up the idea of these direct model specific mounts.
It seems like they would standard it across the board, seems like there is no reason a longer receiver can't have the shorter hole pattern or even both configurations.
Toni System has several US dealers listed, try to get one through them.
Alternative: Get the rib cut for a dovetail RMR mount.
It seems like they would standard it across the board, seems like there is no reason a longer receiver can't have the shorter hole pattern or even both configurations.
But changing now creates two different gens and more confusion on what fits.
BrigandTwoFour
01-06-23, 17:04
:lol: Yeah, I feel your pain, could have told you that. Who knows WTF they were thinking making two different optic/mount hole patterns between the the C and T models, seems kind of lame to me. Your options (other than a pic rail) for an optic mount are Rusty Nuts Designs (https://rustynutsdesigns.com/products/beretta-1301-low-profile-optic-mount) and KE Arms (https://kearms.americommerce.com/1301-comp-h1t1-mount) which has apparently been discontinued so would only be available on the used market and both are made for the Aimpoint Micro or MRO. Good luck.
ETA:
There is a Euro version that works with several MRDS, but I'm full on Sgt. Schultz "I know nothing" on the product, vendor or stateside availability, looks pretty legit though...
https://www.tonisystem.it/en/6338/red-dot-base-plate-type-b-for-beretta-1301/
https://belva.co.za/product/toni-system-red-dot-base-plate-beretta-1301-comp/
FWIW, I looked closer at Mesa's products after HKGuns mentioned it. They have a compatible side saddle/pic rail combo for the 1301 Comp. I also noticed a side saddle/rmr combo unit. I emailed them asking about the 1301 comp and they said that particular unit is only for the tactical (per usual), but they were aware of the demand and were looking closer at it later this year.
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