I had a Gen 1 for a number of years that I eventually put a bunch of money into in upgrades (Aridus, Magpul, etc.). It was an excellent shotgun: lightweight but with surprisingly not-harsh recoil, and it was totally reliable. I got rid of it as I decided to focus more on pistol and rifle for HD use, and I just stopped shooting it much.
If I had to get one today, I’d get the newest Mod 2 since it has the most refinements built-in. All I would get would be a dedicated optics plate and side saddle, and I’d be happy.
As far as cons, there was initially very little aftermarket for it (but has since improved). My Gen 1 required the bolt release shroud to prevent double feeds (corrected in newer generations). Then there’s the fact that shotguns, while very capable, require more effort to master than rifles or pistols. High(er) recoil, limited capacity, etc. Not insurmountable, of course.

 

I've been tempted on getting one (seen them on good sales in my area) but have not yet. I've always been more of a rifle and pistol guy. Curious to read some more feedback.

 

I've been eyeing one for some years now. Every time I get close to purchasing something else grabs my attention and I want that new thing NOW!
Guess I'm kind of glad I've procrastinated because the mod 2's have the lifter mod that keeps it out of the way for easier loading and they have the m-lok slots on the forend now too. Two important mods IMO.

 

I really like my 1301 Tactical gen 2. I have no problems with it. It even shoots clays well!

 

I want one.

 

Excellent guns, IMO. I own a Gen and a Gen 2.5. I have a few thousand down the tube and they are reliable and accurate. They take low power training rounds and eat up buck and slugs. Only drawback is the cost.

 

I have been looking at a Mod 2 with a fixed choke. I shot a friends gen 1 and worked well.

 

So , if starting out fresh - the 1301 Mod 2 is the one to buy appears to be the one to buy due to latest improvements .

 

Have a Gen II and to date, 100% reliable even with my mouse fart sporting clay 3/4oz loads…runs slower but spits them out with no issues. For me the only downfall is the barrel gets hot FAST, tube full will do it to the point I cannot get my thumb on it. I hold the gun with my left thumb just above the handguard (even on my over/under), it’s an “index” thing for me. GG&G makes one to go along with their Zhukov handguard, however only in black…I’d rather have FDE.

 

I've had the Gen1 for a number of years, added the Aridus latch & shroud, the optic ready mount and a Aimpoint H2. Has been reliable and easy to clean and lube. It's fast..I don't believe anyone has been able to outrun it including Miculek.

 

I have the gen I with the upgraded/fixed charging handle. I also installed the kynSHOT conversion kit with a MFT extreme duty minimalist stock. It is a sledgehammer! Super fun shotgun to shoot. However, for the money, I currently believe the best buy is the A300 Ultima Patrol. I’ve seen them for $900 recently. The A300 is every bit as reliable as the 1301 at 65% of the cost. The 1301 will cycle faster than the A300 but most can’t run the 1301 so fast that you can honestly tell a difference. If money is not an issue, go with the mod2. If you want bang for buck go with the A300 Patrol.

 

I have a Gen 1 and an older Benelli M2. I never thought I would spend this much on a shotgun again, but when you handle a 1301 you will want one if you like shotguns. The Benelli is lighter and cleaner and better for competition and hunting, but the 1301 is better for tactical use. But the difference is small.

 

the Beretta is about a pond lighter than the Benelli and cycles faster.

 

I have his-and-hers A400 Xcel's that we use for clays and maybe a Dove hunt. So, I'd love to get a 1301, as it uses the same gas system and rotating bolt. Pretty sure it's just a black, short barreled A400.

But, that's a lot of coin to drop on a HD/3-Gun/Range Gun. It's essentially the same price as the A400's. So, I ordered an A300 Ultima Patrol which has GREAT reviews, eats everything, and is RTG out of the box. I'm curious to see how it feels (recoil) compared to the A400's, because if it's very different (or a PITA to clean/different gas system), I'll save up for the 1301 Mod2.

A400's are amazing.

 

I have a mod 2 that I purchased a little over a month ago. I've put light loads, 00, and slugs through it without any issues. But to be fair, not a lot of them.
For me, it's easily the best firearm I own for home defense.

 

Not cheap but I love this thing

 

I've been tempted to get the 300A . They're $1039 in my area. The 1301 is $1800 .

If I find a Remington V3 Tactical I'd rather have it.

 

How can you tell the difference in Gens? I have had one for several years and its the best defensive shotgun I own. Faster and lighter than my Benelli M4.

 

The first gens had no extension on the magazine tube or Barrel clamp. The Gen 2s had the magazine extension and barrel clamp along with an improved updated firing bolt. The LE models same thing only with fix barrel smooth bore and pistol grip.

 

Great gun. 100% reliable. Horrible documentation. Peculiar manual of arms. A royal pain in the keister to clean.

 

Loving all the feedback on the 1301 Tactical definitely one of the most talked-about shotguns lately. I’ve been considering one myself, and it’s great to hear real-world experiences about reliability and recoil management. Sounds like Beretta really nailed the design for home defense and range use. Keep the insights coming!

 

Have these, from the top
Benelli M2,M3,M4, Super Nova Tactical
Beretta 1301 Mod1, A300 Ultima Patrol,
Vepr 12,
FN Police Tactical
And a Beretta 1301 Gen2 Tactical (Police Tactical) not in picture.

I can say after a range day with these the M4,1301, and A300

The 1301 shot better and faster than the others.

 

I have a gen 2 with plastic tube cover. So far no issues at all shot bird shot ok from day one. I did pick up a GG&G metal tube cover and a barrel clamp that tightens into notches on the tube cover so it cant slide around the Barrel clamp also has mlok on both sides. Also picked up a quick release 3 slot rail for the barrel clamp so it is a lot easier to take down to clean.

 

The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 is the best semiautomatic shotgun I’ve ever owned. Runs like a race car, feeds all ammo I feed it, lightweight, great ergonomics, and light recoil. What’s not to like?

 

Not that sure other than I had to add the extension tube. I'll get a pix.

 

The original 1301 tactical and the Mod 2, as well as the A300 Ultima Patrol, have standard models with screw-in chokes and LE versions that have a fixed choke. The latter have an “LE” at the end of the specific model number.

 

The 1301 Tactical is arguably one of the best semi-auto shotguns for home defense. The gen 1 is lighter and faster-cycling, but the Mod. 2 improves with an extended bolt release, larger controls, and better handguard compatibility. The Mod. 2 also includes Picatinny rails and shim kits for stock adjustment. Both are incredibly reliable with low-recoil loads. The only con is price - but you get what you pay for. If you upgrade, the Mod. 2 is worth it for the ergonomic refinements alone.