Beretta 1301 Tactical 12 Gauge
Model: J131TT18C
Beretta 1301 Tactical 12 Gauge
Model: J131TT18C
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12 gauge built for home defense and competition. It has an MSRP of $1,720. Its BLINK gas system uses a cross-tube piston that Beretta says cycles 36 percent faster than competing designs.
The controls are oversized before anything is changed. An oversized charging handle, a large textured bolt release and an oversized reversible safety button are factory parts, and the forend is aggressively checkered for a gloved hand. Sights are a protected ghost-ring system with an interchangeable front, and an aircraft-grade aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail sits on the receiver, so an optic bolts on with no gunsmithing. Beretta notes that shells longer than 2-3/4 cost a round of magazine capacity, and the rail is on the receiver and not the forend, so a light has to go on the magazine tube or on a replacement forend.
If you are cross-shopping, the Benelli M4 has an MSRP of $2,099 and weighs 22.4 oz more at 124.8 oz with a 40.0-inch overall length, and its stock pull is more than an inch longer, so the Beretta fits a smaller shooter. The Mossberg 590 has an MSRP of $592 with the same 18.5-inch barrel, as a pump action with no gas system to clean.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The barrel is cold hammer forged and back-bored, which Beretta credits with moving recoil away from the hand and cutting muzzle flip.
- The cross-bolt safety is reversible, so a left-handed shooter changes it with a punch and not a parts order.
- Beretta lists a pistol-grip version of the same gun, so the stock pattern is a choice at the counter and not a conversion.
- A gas system puts carbon in the piston and the tube, so it needs attention more often than an inertia gun of the same age.
- Beretta sets a short length of pull on this build, so a taller shooter is reaching for the spacers straight away.
- The factory forend carries no rail, so a weapon light means a tube mount or an aftermarket forend.
Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 12 Gauge ammunition.
12 Gauge Ballistics →Frequently Asked Questions
What optics fit it?
Any optic on a standard Picatinny mount. The receiver rail runs from the ejection port back along the receiver, so a dot and a backup sight both fit.
Which choke comes with it?
An Optima Bore HP improved cylinder tube in the flush configuration. The choke system is interchangeable, so other constrictions screw in.
Can the stock be adjusted?
Yes. Spacers set the length of pull and shims change drop and cast, both supplied with the gun.
Where is it made?
In Italy, and the receiver is black anodized aluminum with a blued barrel.
