Description
The Beretta 1301 Tactical has earned a serious reputation in the tactical shotgun world, and the Mod 2 version takes everything that made the original great and refines it in ways that actually matter. Chambered in 12 gauge with an 18.5-inch cold hammer-forged, back-bored barrel and a 3-inch chamber, this pistol grip variant delivers 7+1 capacity with standard 2.75-inch shells and comes in at just 6.8 pounds. The heart of the gun is Beretta's B-LINK gas system with a cross-tube gas piston, which cycles 36% faster than competing platforms while simultaneously keeping recoil impressively soft for a 12 gauge.
What the Mod 2 Adds to the 1301 Tactical Platform
The upgrades on the Mod 2 aren't just cosmetic. The forend now features deep, aggressive knurling across its full length along with three sections of M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions for mounting lights, lasers, or other accessories without adapters. The redesigned Pro-Lifter addresses a real complaint from original 1301 owners by smoothing out the reload process and keeping the lifter out of the way during fast shell manipulation. A new semi-flat tactical trigger replaces the older curved blade, offering a crisp break with a noticeably short reset that pairs well with the pistol grip layout. The oversized charging handle, enlarged bolt release, and reversible crossbolt safety round out a set of controls that are easy to find and run under stress or while wearing gloves.
Sights, Optics, and Real-World Accuracy
The 1301 Tactical Mod 2 ships with a protected ghost ring rear and interchangeable front blade, giving you a solid iron sight picture right out of the box. The receiver also features an aircraft-grade aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for adding a red dot without any gunsmithing. In independent testing, the 1301 Tactical has printed slug groups under two inches at 25 yards and kept buckshot patterns well-controlled at typical defensive distances. The back-bored barrel geometry and gas system work together to reduce muzzle flip, which makes a real difference on fast follow-up shots. Whether you're running buckshot for home defense or slugs for duty use, the 1301 Mod 2 handles both without complaint.
Key Specifications
- UPC: 082442030456
- MPN: J131M2CTP187LE
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Chamber: 3 inches
- Capacity: 7+1 (2.75in shells), 6+1 (3in shells)
- Overall Length: 37.8 inches
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Stock: Fixed Synthetic Pistol Grip
- Sights: Ghost Ring Rear / Front Blade with Picatinny Rail
- Safety: Reversible Crossbolt
- Choke: OptimaBore HP Flush (Improved Cylinder)
- Gas System: B-LINK with Cross-Tube Gas Piston
- Receiver: Aluminum with MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rail
What’s Included
- Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 shotgun
- OptimaBore HP flush choke (Improved Cylinder)
- Stock length-of-pull spacers/extensions
- Gun lock
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2 compare to the Benelli M4?
These two guns come up together constantly, and for good reason. The Benelli M4 has a legendary track record in military and law enforcement use and uses a dual-piston ARGO system. The 1301 Tactical Mod 2 is lighter, typically cycles faster thanks to the B-LINK gas system, and comes in at a lower price point while offering a comparable level of reliability. Many hands-on testers who have shot both back-to-back prefer the 1301's ergonomics and softer recoil characteristics, though both are outstanding platforms.
What is the B-LINK gas system and why does it matter?
The B-LINK is Beretta's proprietary gas operating system that uses a cross-tube gas piston to cycle the action. Beretta claims it runs 36% faster than competing semi-auto shotguns, and that speed is noticeable when shooting multiple targets quickly or running through a defensive drill. It also handles a wide variety of shell velocities reliably, from lighter training loads to full-power buckshot and 3-inch magnum slugs, without needing adjustment.
What does the pistol grip configuration change compared to the standard stock version?
The pistol grip gives you a more vertical hand angle on the firing hand, which works especially well with the 1301 Mod 2's semi-flat tactical trigger since the two are specifically designed to complement each other. It also gives you a more compact feel and tends to work better for shooters running the gun from behind a barrier or in tighter spaces. The grip itself is rubberized on the lower portion for purchase and smooth polymer toward the top, which keeps the web of the hand from taking a beating during extended sessions.
What accessories can I mount on the 1301 Tactical Mod 2 forend?
The Mod 2 forend has three M-LOK sections positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, which gives you plenty of real estate for a weapon light, laser, or IR device without needing any adapters or clamps. The receiver's Picatinny rail handles optics like red dots and micro magnifiers. The platform also has a strong and growing aftermarket from companies like Aridus Industries, Nordic Components, Mesa Tactical, and GG&G for side saddles, magazine extensions, and alternative forend options.
Does the Beretta 1301 Mod 2 run light target loads reliably?
The B-LINK gas system is tuned to handle a wide pressure range, and the 1301 Tactical is generally reliable with lower-velocity loads that would cause issues in some competing semi-autos. That said, if you're running very light promotional birdshot loads during initial break-in or with a fouled gun, you may see occasional hiccups as you would with any semi-auto shotgun. For defensive and duty ammunition in the standard velocity range, it has a strong reputation for running without issue.
What is the Pro-Lifter and how does it improve the 1301 Mod 2?
The Pro-Lifter is Beretta's redesigned shell elevator introduced with the Mod 2. Earlier 1301 owners frequently noted that the original lifter could pinch the thumb during fast tube-loading and occasionally caused feeding issues during aggressive reloads. The new design keeps the lifter positioned out of the way during the loading process, which makes both speed reloads and topping off the tube significantly smoother and more reliable.




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