For home defense, I'd chose a tactical shotgun designed for home defense. I'd say either one of these tactical shotguns is a good choice for home defense, but I prefer the 1301 tactical shotgun for home defense.

 

I just traded off my stoeger m3k, as I have a mossberg 500 and an ithaca 37, IF I got another wizz-bang semi auto I think I'd get the A300 over the 1301, but it really depends on what kind of deal I could get one either.

although I prefer an AR9 or a kukri for home defense.

 

I’ll say this: if you’re going to fire your shotgun often and train hard with it, get the 1301.
if you’re just going to run a mag tube or two a year through it, get the A300.

 

I had a 1301 when they 1st came out and it was a fine shotgun. I eventually sold the 1301 and replaced it with the A300 Ultima Patrol. I think the A300 covers all the bases for me at a much cheaper price.

 

Yep , shot a co- workers 1301 who had his with modded furniture etc. And went with A300 At the time it was a 600 dollar difference. For an Hd shotgun. I couldnt tell the difference. I'm sure theres value in the 1301 but just not worth it to me.

 

Shotgun Showdown: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Vs 1301 Tactical

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Looking at the $650 price difference for 2 basically identical shotguns is all the experience I need with them. I'll stick with my $400 870P police trade-in. It's only a shotgun.

 

Either will be a solid choice. I own two 1301's Gen2 olive and Gen2.5 black and an M4. I do not own A300 but have shot them a decent amount. I have about 1500 rounds down both 1301's and M4. I was able to get my 1301's for LE discount before they rose to near M4 dollars so I'm not so understanding of cost.

On another forum there are multiple posters with cerakote flaking issues on the A300. The cerakote on my 1301's is not a diamond but has proven a high quality cerakote job.

Both shoot soft for the light weight. Both are rather accurate with fed flight control buck and many others. Both shoot slugs at 100 yards rather well. 1301 is just a higher quality gun. Gas system and barrel are the big ones. I'm sure the finish issue will be resolved. And frot site is a post/nut where IIRC the A300 is a bad Beretta decision.

 

Tactical SA shotguns, you want the shell to release from the tube on the trigger pull. That makes the argument for the 1301 over the A300.

Folks seem to love the cheaper one, the A300, and sitting in the closet and rarely shot, it will probably be fine. If a person got the A300, it's going to cost a LOT more (than the price bump to a 1301) to find the failure point in mag springs where the shell surge occurs. Better off getting the one that can function test without shooting it.

 

Buy once - cry once … If I recall correctly , you can do more after market mods like stock replacement , etc. on the 1301 that are more limited on the A300 (due to the design).

 

I have the A300

Two of my buddies have the 1301. My A300 hangs with them.

I shot 750 rounds through mine without cleaning and it showed no signs of slowing down or malfunctioning. I have shot everything from light 7.5 target loads to buckshot to slugs.

QIt’s incredibly reliable and soft shooting.

 

I have the A300

Two of my buddies have the 1301. My A300 hangs with them.

I shot 750 rounds through mine without cleaning and it showed no signs of slowing down or malfunctioning. I have shot everything from light 7.5 target loads to buckshot to slugs.

QIt’s incredibly reliable and soft shooting.

My 1301's digest everything!!! I do notice a hitch/slow down around 400-500 rounds. Still cycles the lightest of light but "feels" slower. Similar with the M4. I'm also shooting weak and dirty #8's. Light enough my 11-87P models can't shoot them.

 

I have both and many others and still prefer the 1301.

 

Same here, very little difference in recoil. If you were blindfolded would be hard to tell. Wait for a sale on the 1301 if money matters.

 

I think with the price difference, the A300 and a bunch of 00 Buck (and/or accessories) is a better deal than just the 1301.

If money is no object, then by all means get the 1301.

 

There are differences between the A300 and 1301 that justify the cost. I don't see it as merely a money-is-no-object purchase. Once a 1301 is purchased the money drips from the financial cut whereas an M4 continues to flow with what most changes. I'm not dumping on the A300 in any way; it's a solid choice but you are getting a different shotgun and it isn't merely cosmetic.

 

As stated, they are two different shotguns. After much research I got the 1301. It is awesome and IMHO nicer than a M4. GG&G goodies and folding stock definitely add to the cost but are worth it.

 

I can almost get two A300's for the new 1301. While the Blink gas system is "faster" and has a chrome lined barrel, I won't be outrunning the A300 or shooting out the barrel anytime soon.

Maybe if 3 gun was a factor I'd go with 1301. Not for any other reason however. My shotguns pull HD and are shot a couple times a year to make sure we can both do what we are supposed to do and a couple times a year just for grins.

They may be different but not by the average owner's standards.

 

Paid $1,000.00 for the black and $850.00 for the marine. No crying here.

 

So not sure if this has been brought up or maybe you already know but they are slightly different operating systems as well. The 1301 has the rotating bolt blink system the A300 has the no rotating but looks to be same concept as the 1301 but I have read that the A300 is a little slower. Also the 1301 the recoil spring is up front under the hand guard the A300 is in the stock. Fit and finish from what I can understand is a little better on the 1301 and I do believe they use a different coating process for internals as well. I only have a 1301 tactical 7 round tube cant remember what Gen they called but its the single piece tube with the plastic cover. Other then the initial clean before use it cycled even bird loads from day one.

 

2 more cents on this.......
A friend of mine did a LOT of SWAT entrances before retiring. His weapon was the A300. I doubt anyone could go wrong if they chose that to save money over the 1301.
My choice was the 1301. Not because it is vastly superior for the small amount of use it will see in my hands. In my hands either one would most likely perform exactly the same. I just like buying top of the line when I can afford it. No doubt a Dan Wesson would perform just as well as my TGO1 for me the way I shoot.

 

FWIW, the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol was just introduced in 2023.

 

800. and 1375. at Bereli, FYI

 

No one cares. The discussion is about the 1301 and the A300 Ultima Patrol, neither of which were used by his “SWAT” buddy.

 

Nope, apparently it was an A300.


...like he said.

 

I ordered the A300 from Bereli for $800. Got the blue pattern because it was $100 less at the time. I have only cleaned and reassembled it so far. Added all the spacers that came with it to the butt stock.

 

Have a gray A300 Patrol en route from Bereli as we speak.

 

Reassembly after cleaning was not lining up right for me, so this video was helpful.

 

Good video. Thanks for posting it.