Beretta 1301 Family & Features Explained

Update: Read about the Impact of 922r on Beretta 1301 Tactical models.

Legendary Beretta’s 1301 series is an impressive lineup of semi-automatic shotguns built for different applications. There are nine current production models (as of this writing). All have an aluminum receiver and a 3” chamber but differ on stock, grip, sights, vent ribs (or lack thereof), capacity, and finish/color scheme.

This lineup sports large textured charging handles, oversized cross-bolt safeties at the front of the trigger guard, attractive and comfortable contours, etc. Then there is the actual performance thanks to their integrated B-LINK gas operating system. It astonishes by hammering up to four shots a second thanks to the cross-tube gas piston Beretta says permits the gun to “cycle 36% faster than any other shotgun on the market.”

Previous-production models include the 1301 Viper, 1301 Tactical FDE, 1301 Tactical Marine, 1301 Tactical OD Green, and 1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE. Current production models still include the 1301 Tactical (with or without pistol grip), and now the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2. lineup (Black Synthetic, Black Synthetic Pistol Grip, FDE, FDE Pistol Grip, and Chisel Stock), along with the Comp and Comp Pro.

Beretta 1301 Comp & 1301 Comp Pro

The two 1301 Comp models (Standard and Pro) are for competitions. They have a 2+1 capacity, wide 10×8 Step Ribs (that start at 10mm width and taper to 8mm at front), an OptimaBore HP (aka OBHP) IC choke, polymer stocks and forends, and 21” or 24” barrel length options. The cold hammer-forged OptimaBore HP barrel is created out of Beretta’s own ultra-durable tri-alloy Steelium.

Aiming is via a front fiber optic sight that’s complimented by a mid-bead sight further back. Additionally, the receiver is drilled and tapped for rail mounts for other optional optics, etc. The tactile surfaces are covered in wonderful non-slip checkering, granting you the precision control you want when you want it. Beretta receivers are also a bit wider than others permitting additional stability.

The 1301 Comp Pro adds additional recoil absorption and mitigation in the form of a revised Ergal light aluminum alloy stock design that’s optimized for speedy quad-loading. It also has a trio of rubbery elastomer dampers, and revised receiver architecture splashed in a brilliant blue anodized finish.

Beretta 1301 Tactical Models

The other models, including the 1301 Viper, are tactical models built around shorter 18.5” barrels and a 37.8” overall length. They have an OBHP IC removable choke and a protected ghost-ring rear sight with an interchangeable front blade sight. Beretta thoughtfully tops the receiver with a medium-length MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for additional optics. They have spacers to adjust the length of pull, and you can also adjust drop and cast.

The tactical models start with the all-black standard 1301 Tactical. The 1301 Viper, 1301 Tactical FDE, 1301 Tactical Marine, and 1301 Tactical OD Green are otherwise the same in features and specifications but with different color schemes. Thus the 1301 Viper includes True Timber’s organic Western Viper camo pattern of tans, browns, and grays over the entire gun except in a few places such as the buttpad, magazine cap, rail, rear sight, and trigger guard.

It’s no surprise that the nicely named 1301 Tactical FDE and 1301 Tactical OD Green are field dark earth and olive drab green respectively. But the 1301 Tactical Marine is a bit different.

Camouflage being of little importance at sea, the gun is black for the polymer forend and stock and detailed parts such as the sights. But the barrel and receiver are optimized for maritime environments with a high visibility, corrosion resistant finish and Aqua-Tech anti-corrosion coatings for the internal parts.

Last, but not least, is the 1301 Tactical Pistol Grip LE model. This law enforcement-style shotgun is about the same as the standard 1301 Tactical gun but has a pistol grip. The stock has a different shape, and the longer magazine gives this model a 6+1 capacity.

1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Upgrades

The next successions in the 1301 Tactical lineup are the Mod. 2 upgraded shotguns. Including all of the same features as the previous lineup, the Mod. 2s now have an upgraded forend with more knurling for an even better grip and three M-Lok sections to easily attach a wide variety of accessories. The trigger has been upgraded to a semi-flat tactical style and the new Pro-Lifter aids in easier reloading. The 1301 Tactical Mod. 2s allow you to choose from Black Synthetic or FDE finishes, both offered with or without a pistol grip. The Chisel Stock model includes the modifiable pistol-grip stock that allows you to add options like a shell-holder. The Chisel stock comes standard with a red-dot mounting plate at the rear of the receiver, making it truly out-of-the-box optics-ready.

No matter which Beretta 1301 Tactical model you’re looking for, you’ll find a large selection of listings at GunBroker today!