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Beretta 1301 Comp Review: The Ultimate Guide to Dominating the Competition

Looking for a competitive edge in your shooting sports? The Beretta 1301 Comp has become a dominant force in 3-gun competitions and practical shooting disciplines. This comprehensive Beretta 1301 Comp review dives deep into what makes this shotgun a top choice for seasoned competitors and aspiring shooters alike. We’ll explore its features, performance, advantages, and potential drawbacks, giving you the information you need to determine if the 1301 Comp is the right shotgun for you. This guide goes beyond the surface, offering insights based on expert analysis and user feedback, ensuring you get a trustworthy and informative perspective.

The Beretta 1301 Comp: A Legacy of Speed and Reliability

The Beretta 1301 Comp isn’t just another shotgun; it’s a purpose-built competition machine. Its roots trace back to Beretta’s long history of producing high-quality firearms, but the 1301 Comp distinguishes itself with features specifically designed for speed, reliability, and ease of use in fast-paced shooting scenarios. Unlike general-purpose shotguns, the 1301 Comp prioritizes rapid cycling, minimal recoil, and intuitive controls, all crucial for shaving seconds off your stage times.

At its core, the 1301 Comp is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun. This operating system is known for its ability to reduce felt recoil and cycle quickly, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The oversized controls, including the bolt release and charging handle, are designed for easy manipulation, even under stress. These features, combined with a lightweight design, make the 1301 Comp a formidable competitor in any shooting discipline.

Understanding the Features that Set the 1301 Comp Apart

The Beretta 1301 Comp’s performance stems from its carefully designed features. Let’s break down some of the key elements that contribute to its success:

Blink Gas System: This is the heart of the 1301 Comp’s rapid cycling. The Blink gas system is designed to vent excess gas, reducing recoil and allowing for incredibly fast follow-up shots. This translates to quicker target acquisition and faster stage times.
Oversized Controls: The enlarged bolt release, bolt handle, and safety button are all designed for easy manipulation, even with gloved hands or under pressure. This ensures smooth and reliable operation in the heat of competition.
Optimabore HP Chokes: The 1301 Comp comes with interchangeable Optimabore HP chokes, allowing you to tailor the shot pattern to specific targets and distances. This versatility is crucial for adapting to different stage setups.
Lightweight Design: The 1301 Comp is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and transition between targets. This reduces fatigue and allows for quicker movements.
Aggressive Texturing: The stock and forend feature aggressive texturing, providing a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. This ensures consistent control and accuracy.
Picatinny Rail: Many 1301 Comp models come with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, such as red dot sights. This allows for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially at longer distances.

The Benelli M2: A Key Competitor

The Benelli M2 is another popular choice among competitive shooters. While both the Beretta 1301 Comp and the Benelli M2 are excellent shotguns, they differ in their operating systems. The 1301 Comp uses a gas-operated system, while the M2 uses an inertia-driven system. Gas-operated systems generally offer lower recoil, while inertia-driven systems are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

Advantages of Choosing the Beretta 1301 Comp

The Beretta 1301 Comp offers several distinct advantages for competitive shooters:

Superior Speed: The Blink gas system allows for incredibly fast cycling, giving you a significant advantage in speed-based competitions.
Reduced Recoil: The gas-operated system effectively mitigates recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and reduced fatigue.
Enhanced Ergonomics: The oversized controls and aggressive texturing provide a comfortable and secure grip, even under pressure.
Versatile Choke System: The Optimabore HP chokes allow you to tailor the shot pattern to specific targets and distances, maximizing your accuracy.
Reliable Performance: Beretta is known for producing high-quality firearms, and the 1301 Comp is no exception. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of competitive shooting.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Beretta 1301 Comp is an excellent shotgun, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks:

Price: The 1301 Comp is a premium shotgun, and its price reflects that. It may be a significant investment for some shooters.
Gas System Maintenance: Gas-operated systems require more frequent cleaning and maintenance than inertia-driven systems.
Potential for Gas System Issues: While generally reliable, gas-operated systems can be more susceptible to malfunctions if not properly maintained.
Limited Aftermarket Support Compared to Benelli: While the 1301 Comp aftermarket is growing, it is not as extensive as the Benelli M2.

A Comprehensive Review of the Beretta 1301 Comp

After extensive use and analysis, the Beretta 1301 Comp consistently proves itself as a top-tier competition shotgun. The ease of use is immediately apparent; the oversized controls are intuitive and responsive, even when operating under pressure. The recoil is noticeably less than other shotguns in its class, allowing for faster follow-up shots and reduced fatigue during long shooting sessions. The Blink gas system truly lives up to its reputation, cycling reliably and quickly with a wide range of ammunition.

In terms of performance, the 1301 Comp excels in various shooting scenarios. Its versatility is enhanced by the interchangeable chokes, allowing you to fine-tune the shot pattern for different targets and distances. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and transition between targets, which is crucial in fast-paced competitions. However, it is important to maintain the gas system properly to ensure reliable performance. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent malfunctions.

Pros:

Incredibly Fast Cycling: The Blink gas system provides unmatched speed.
Reduced Recoil: The gas-operated system minimizes felt recoil, enhancing shooter comfort and control.
Excellent Ergonomics: Oversized controls and aggressive texturing provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Versatile Choke System: Interchangeable chokes allow for customization of shot patterns.
Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to handle and transition between targets.

Cons:

Higher Price Point: It is a premium shotgun with a corresponding price tag.
Requires Regular Maintenance: Gas system needs frequent cleaning.
Potentially More Complex than Inertia Systems: More parts to maintain than inertia driven systems.

Ideal User Profile: The Beretta 1301 Comp is best suited for competitive shooters who prioritize speed, reliability, and ease of use. It’s an excellent choice for 3-gun competitions, practical shooting disciplines, and anyone looking for a high-performance shotgun. While the price may be a barrier for some, the 1301 Comp offers a significant advantage in terms of performance and features.

Expert Recommendation

The Beretta 1301 Comp stands out as a top choice for competitive shooting due to its blend of speed, reduced recoil, and user-friendly design. While it requires diligent maintenance and represents a notable investment, its performance advantages are undeniable for dedicated shooters. For those prioritizing speed and control in competitive environments, the Beretta 1301 Comp is highly recommended. Consider your budget and willingness to maintain the gas system, but if those align, the 1301 Comp is a worthy investment.