Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Review

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Editor’s Update:
Since the writer wrote this review, the Beretta 1301 Tactical has undergone a minor change to comply with updated federal regulations. The shotgun now comes with a reduced capacity of 5+1 rounds (down from the original 7+1 configuration). However, the core design, performance, and reliability of the 1301 Tactical remain unchanged. For those looking to restore the original capacity, aftermarket tubular magazines are available for purchase, allowing you to bring the shotgun back to its 7+1 configuration. This adjustment ensures compliance while maintaining the flexibility and functionality that make the 1301 Tactical a standout choice for home defense and tactical use.

The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 takes the proven performance of its predecessor and introduces several upgrades to raise the bar for tactical shotguns. New features include an aggressively textured forend with M-Lok slots for accessory mounting, a semi-flat tactical trigger, and a redesigned Pro-Lifter for faster, smoother reloads. Paired with the ultrafast B-LINK gas system and a rotating bolt for reliable cycling, the Mod. 2 is tailored for operators, competitors, and home defenders alike. 

Beretta 1301 Tactical MOD 2 Specifications

• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3″
• Barrel Length: 18.5″
• Overall Length: 37.8″
• Weight (Unloaded): 6.7 lbs
• Capacity: 7+1
• Operating System: B-LINK gas system with rotating bolt
• Safety: Oversized, reversible crossbolt
• Trigger: Semi-flat tactical style
• Choke: OCHP-Flush
• Furniture: Aggressive knurling with M-LOK compatibility
• Available Colors: Black, FDE, OD Green, Gray

Variants

Available in Black, FDE, OD Green, or Gray, the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 offers options to suit a variety of preferences and roles. While I tested the basic FDE model with a standard stock, Beretta also provides variants featuring different stock and pistol grip configurations. These options make it easier to tailor the shotgun to specific needs, whether for tactical applications, competition, or home defense while maintaining the core reliability and performance the 1301 is known for.

Upgrades

The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 refines an already exceptional platform. Central to its performance is the B-LINK gas system, which cycles 36% faster than its competition. Paired with a precision-engineered rotating bolt, it handles everything from light birdshot to heavy magnum slugs with ease.

The upgraded forend and stock feature aggressive knurling for an excellent grip under any conditions. Additionally, the inclusion of three M-Lok sections on the forend allows users to easily attach accessories like lights, lasers, or IR devices, further enhancing its versatility.

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The Pro-Lifter, a standout feature, eliminates hang-ups when loading shells, making reloads faster and more reliable. Finally, the semi-flat tactical-style trigger offers a crisp break with an impressively short reset, ensuring rapid and accurate follow-up shots.

1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Out of the Box

Unboxing the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 reveals thoughtful attention to detail. It comes with a choke, an owner’s manual, a gun lock, and stickers. While minimalistic, the included OCHP cylinder choke (Optimized for Home Protection) ensures ideal patterns for defensive use. 

The shotgun ships optic-ready, with a Picatinny rail for mounting red dots or optics of your choice. For my testing, I paired it with a Vortex Defender ST, which proved to be a winning combination.

Sights

The 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 features robust iron sights out of the box—a ghost ring rear sight paired with a front blade. While these sights are more than adequate for most scenarios, I opted to run the shotgun with a Vortex Defender ST during testing. This optic enhanced my target acquisition speed and improved my consistency when engaging targets at extended ranges, demonstrating the versatility of the 1301 with modern optics.

Using this optic, I was able to land accurate shots on steel targets out to 100 yards with Hornady 1oz slugs. The ability to mount an optic enhances the versatility of this shotgun. This makes it more fitting for a broader range of applications, including hunting and tactical scenarios.

Furniture

The upgraded stock and forend are designed with performance in mind. The aggressive knurling provides a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The texturing ensures control during rapid shooting sequences, an important feature for defensive or competitive use. It feels aggressive, but I think it strikes a perfect balance for a tactical shotgun. 

The forend includes M-Lok slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. I used these to attach a DBAL-D2 IR laser for night vision hog hunting. Despite the barrel heating up after a few mag dumps, the polymer construction of the forend remained comfortable to hold.

Out of the box, the stock felt noticeably short, especially for someone with a longer wingspan like mine. I found myself uncomfortably crunched up, with my wrist bent awkwardly to reach the trigger. Thankfully, Beretta includes two stock extensions that are quick and easy to install using just a Phillips head screwdriver. Once I added both extensions, the shotgun fit perfectly, providing a comfortable and natural shooting position.

Controls on the 1301 Tactical Mod. 2

Reloads are one area where this shotgun truly shines. The Pro-Lifter, designed to prevent shell hang-ups, ensures smooth and quick reloads. I tested this in a 3-gun competition and appreciated how easily the enlarged loading port facilitated rapid shell insertion. While I am new to quad loading, I was able to pick up the technique quickly using this shotgun.

The oversized controls, including the charging handle, bolt release, and reversible cross-bolt safety, are intuitive and easy to manipulate under pressure. In particular, I appreciated the ergonomic size and shape of the charging handle. It allowed me to manipulate the action quickly and confidently whenever needed. These enhancements ensure seamless handling, whether in tactical scenarios or during competitive shooting.

Trigger

The semi-flat tactical-style trigger is another great feature of the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2. The trigger pull is smooth, with a short break and minimal creep. Reset is also short and tactile, allowing for fast follow-up shots.

For skeet shooting, the trigger’s responsiveness translated into quick target transitions, and during 3-gun stages, it allowed me to burn through stages efficiently. I measured the pull weight right around 4 pounds, ideal for a tactical shotgun.

1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Performance

Over the past few months, I’ve put the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 through its paces in a variety of scenarios, and it has impressed me every step of the way.

In my 3-Gun match, the shotgun’s 7+1 capacity meant frequent reloads compared to higher-capacity options. However, the enlarged mag well and Pro-Lifter made reloads fast and efficient, minimizing downtime. The ultra-reliable and quick-cycling B-LINK gas system allowed me to stay competitive, delivering smooth and rapid follow-up shots. Extended mag tubes are available, and would be ideal for these sorts of situations. 

For skeet shooting, I had 30 different people test the 1301, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone praised its remarkably soft recoil and lightning-fast cycling, which are ideal for quick clay target engagements. Even less experienced shooters found it easy to handle, making it a crowd favorite during our sessions, especially when suppressed.

1301 Tactical Mod. 2 Hunting

During wild pig hunting, I put the 1301 to work in a suppressed configuration using a JK Armament 195 VERSAX suppressor and a DBAL-D2 for night vision. The shotgun’s performance was unwavering, with the setup proving versatile and effective in low-light conditions. Hornady 1oz slugs, in particular, delivered devastating results, demonstrating the platform’s power and precision in a hunting environment.

Across approximately 1,000 rounds—including birdshot, slugs, and magnum loads—the 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 performed flawlessly. Even when shooting suppressed, I experienced zero malfunctions. The reliability and engineering excellence that define Beretta’s tactical line have been proven yet again!

Most of the ammunition used was 2 3/4″ #7 1/2 shot Fiocchi which you can find at Ammuntiontogo.com. They are the official ammo sponsor for this shotgun review and offer a wide selection of competitively priced ammunition. They have quick shipping, an easy-to-use online website, and competitive prices. Go check them out! 

Read More: The Best Mag-Fed Shotgun Options

Summary

The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 sets a new benchmark for tactical shotguns. Its lightweight design, fast cycling, and thoughtful upgrades make it a versatile choice for home defense, competition, or field use.

With an MSRP of $1,899 for the model tested—and a price range between $1,799 and $2,279 depending on stock configuration and color scheme—the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod. 2 represents a premium investment in performance and reliability. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or seeking a dependable defensive firearm, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for its capabilities and innovative features. It is truly the crème de la crème of tactical shotguns, and if you can afford it, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

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