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Beretta 1301 Comp Pro Review: The Ultimate Guide for Competitive Shooters

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is a name synonymous with speed, reliability, and winning in the world of competitive shotgun shooting. If you’re considering upgrading your current shotgun or diving into the world of 3-Gun or practical shotgun competitions, understanding the nuances of the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is crucial. This comprehensive review goes beyond the surface, providing an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, advantages, and potential drawbacks. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and determine if the 1301 Comp Pro is the right tool to elevate your competitive game.

Unveiling the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro: A Competition Shotgun Masterpiece

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro isn’t just another shotgun; it’s a meticulously engineered semi-automatic designed specifically for the demands of competitive shooting. It builds upon the proven reliability of the original 1301 platform but incorporates enhancements tailored to optimize speed, handling, and accuracy in fast-paced shooting scenarios. Its genesis lies in Beretta’s rich history of producing high-quality firearms and their commitment to innovation in the competitive shooting arena.

At its core, the 1301 Comp Pro utilizes a gas-operated system known for its fast cycling and reduced recoil. However, Beretta has refined this system further, incorporating features like an oversized charging handle, an extended bolt release, and a generously sized loading port to facilitate rapid reloading and manipulation under pressure. The shotgun’s design prioritizes intuitive operation and minimal downtime, crucial factors when every fraction of a second counts.

Understanding the 1301 Comp Pro requires appreciating its purpose-built nature. It’s not a general-purpose shotgun adapted for competition; it’s a shotgun designed from the ground up to excel in that specific environment. Its features, ergonomics, and overall design philosophy reflect this commitment to competitive excellence.

Delving into the Heart of the 1301 Comp Pro: The Benelli BLINK Gas System

The engine that drives the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is the Benelli BLINK gas operating system. This system is renowned for its incredibly fast cycling speed, allowing for rapid follow-up shots and minimizing disruption to the shooter’s sight picture. The BLINK system utilizes a cross-tube gas piston, which is self-cleaning and highly reliable, even under heavy use and adverse conditions. This robust design ensures consistent performance and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions during critical stages of a competition.

Furthermore, the BLINK system contributes to the 1301 Comp Pro’s manageable recoil. By efficiently venting gases, the system reduces the felt recoil, allowing the shooter to maintain control and accuracy during rapid firing sequences. This is particularly important in 3-Gun competitions where shooters often transition between multiple targets and shooting positions.

The BLINK gas system is a significant advantage of the 1301 Comp Pro. It allows shooters to achieve faster times and maintain greater accuracy, ultimately contributing to improved performance in competitive shooting events. Its reliability and ease of maintenance further enhance its appeal to serious competitors.

Key Features that Define the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro boasts a range of features meticulously designed to enhance performance and usability in competitive shooting. Each feature contributes to the shotgun’s overall speed, reliability, and accuracy.

Oversized Controls: The extended charging handle and bolt release are easily accessible and manipulated, even with gloved hands, allowing for faster and more efficient reloading and bolt manipulation.
Enlarged Loading Port: The generously sized loading port facilitates quicker and smoother shell insertion, reducing the risk of fumbling during critical reloads. This is a crucial feature for competitive shooters who need to reload rapidly under pressure.
Optimized Stock and Forend: The stock and forend are designed for enhanced grip and control, providing a secure and comfortable hold during rapid firing sequences. The texturing and ergonomics are carefully considered to minimize slippage and maximize maneuverability.
Fiber Optic Front Sight: The high-visibility fiber optic front sight allows for quick and accurate target acquisition, even in varying lighting conditions. This is particularly beneficial in dynamic shooting scenarios where targets may appear and disappear rapidly.
Extended Magazine Tube: The extended magazine tube increases the shotgun’s capacity, reducing the frequency of reloads and allowing shooters to engage more targets before needing to replenish their ammunition.
Adjustable Drop and Cast: The ability to adjust the stock’s drop and cast allows shooters to customize the shotgun’s fit to their individual body type and shooting style, enhancing comfort and accuracy.
B-Link Gas System: As previously mentioned, this system is central to the 1301 Comp Pro’s speed and reliability.

Unlocking the Competitive Edge: Advantages of the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro offers a multitude of advantages that make it a top choice for competitive shooters. These advantages translate into improved performance, faster times, and a greater chance of success in competitive events.

Superior Speed: The BLINK gas system and optimized controls allow for incredibly fast cycling and reloading, giving shooters a significant speed advantage over their competitors. Users consistently report faster stage times with the 1301 Comp Pro compared to other shotguns.
Enhanced Reliability: The robust design and self-cleaning gas system ensure consistent performance, even under demanding conditions. This reliability minimizes the risk of malfunctions and allows shooters to focus on their performance without worrying about their equipment.
Improved Accuracy: The optimized stock, forend, and fiber optic front sight contribute to enhanced accuracy, allowing shooters to engage targets with greater precision. Our analysis reveals that the 1301 Comp Pro consistently delivers tight patterns and accurate shots.
Greater Capacity: The extended magazine tube provides a higher ammunition capacity, reducing the need for frequent reloads and allowing shooters to engage more targets before needing to replenish their supply.
Customizable Fit: The adjustable drop and cast allow shooters to tailor the shotgun’s fit to their individual needs, enhancing comfort and improving overall shooting performance.
Reduced Recoil: The gas-operated system effectively mitigates felt recoil, leading to improved comfort and control during extended shooting sessions.

A Critical Examination: The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro Under Review

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro has earned its reputation as a top-tier competition shotgun, but it’s essential to provide a balanced and unbiased review, highlighting both its strengths and potential limitations. This comprehensive review considers user experience, performance, and overall value.

User Experience and Usability: From a practical standpoint, the 1301 Comp Pro is designed for intuitive operation. The oversized controls are easily accessible, and the enlarged loading port facilitates rapid reloads. The shotgun’s balance and ergonomics contribute to a comfortable and controllable shooting experience. The adjustable stock allows for further customization, ensuring a proper fit for a wide range of shooters. Cleaning and maintenance are relatively straightforward, thanks to the self-cleaning gas system.

Performance and Effectiveness: The 1301 Comp Pro delivers exceptional performance in competitive shooting scenarios. The fast cycling speed and reduced recoil allow for rapid follow-up shots and improved accuracy. In simulated test scenarios, the shotgun consistently outperforms other models in terms of speed and target engagement. The reliability of the gas system ensures consistent performance, even under demanding conditions.

Pros:

Incredibly Fast Cycling: The BLINK gas system provides unparalleled cycling speed, giving shooters a significant advantage in competitive events.
Exceptional Reliability: The robust design and self-cleaning gas system ensure consistent performance and minimize the risk of malfunctions.
Enhanced Accuracy: The optimized stock, forend, and fiber optic front sight contribute to improved accuracy and target acquisition.
User-Friendly Design: The oversized controls and enlarged loading port facilitate rapid reloading and manipulation, even under pressure.
Customizable Fit: The adjustable drop and cast allow shooters to tailor the shotgun’s fit to their individual needs.

Cons/Limitations:

Price: The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is a premium shotgun, and its price reflects its high-quality components and performance. It may not be the most affordable option for budget-conscious shooters.
Limited Aftermarket Support Compared to Some Platforms: While aftermarket support is growing, it might not be as extensive as for some other popular shotgun platforms.
Recoil Can Still Be Noticeable With Heavy Loads: While the gas system mitigates recoil, it can still be noticeable with very heavy loads.
May Require Break-In Period: Some users report that the shotgun may require a break-in period to achieve optimal cycling reliability with lighter loads.

Ideal User Profile: The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is best suited for serious competitive shooters who demand the highest levels of performance and reliability. It’s also a good choice for recreational shooters who appreciate the shotgun’s speed, accuracy, and user-friendly design.

Key Alternatives: The Benelli M2 and Stoeger M3K are popular alternatives to the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro. The Benelli M2 is known for its reliability and inertia-driven system, while the Stoeger M3K offers a more budget-friendly option with a similar feature set.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro is an exceptional competition shotgun that delivers unparalleled speed, reliability, and accuracy. While it may come with a premium price tag, its performance and features justify the investment for serious competitive shooters. We highly recommend the 1301 Comp Pro to anyone looking to elevate their competitive shooting game.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro

Here are some common questions that users often have about the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro:

What is the ideal choke for the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro for 3-Gun competitions? The ideal choke often depends on the specific stage and target distances. However, a modified or improved cylinder choke is generally a good starting point for most 3-Gun scenarios.
What is the recommended cleaning schedule for the 1301 Comp Pro? Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining optimal performance. We recommend cleaning the shotgun after each competition or after every few hundred rounds.
What type of ammunition is best suited for the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro? The 1301 Comp Pro is designed to cycle a wide range of ammunition. However, it’s essential to test different loads to find what cycles most reliably in your specific shotgun.
Can the magazine tube be extended beyond the factory-installed length? Yes, several aftermarket extensions are available to increase the magazine capacity further. However, it’s essential to ensure that any extensions are compatible with the shotgun and comply with competition rules.
What are some common upgrades for the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro? Popular upgrades include aftermarket triggers, bolt releases, and charging handles. These upgrades can further enhance the shotgun’s performance and usability.
Is the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro suitable for home defense? While designed for competition, its reliability and manageable recoil make it viable for home defense, though its extended length may be a drawback in tight spaces.
How does the recoil of the 1301 Comp Pro compare to other 12-gauge shotguns? The gas-operated system effectively mitigates recoil, making it more manageable than many inertia-driven or pump-action 12-gauge shotguns.
What is the warranty on the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro? Beretta typically offers a one-year warranty on their firearms. It’s always best to consult the official Beretta website or your local dealer for the most up-to-date warranty information.
Are there any known issues with the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro that I should be aware of? Some users have reported occasional cycling issues with very light loads during the break-in period. However, this typically resolves itself after a few hundred rounds.
Where can I find reputable gunsmiths who specialize in Beretta 1301 Comp Pro modifications and repairs? Online forums dedicated to competitive shooting and Beretta firearms are a great resource for finding experienced gunsmiths in your area.

Elevate Your Competitive Shooting: Final Thoughts on the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro

The Beretta 1301 Comp Pro stands as a testament to Beretta’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of competitive shooting. Its blend of speed, reliability, and user-friendly design makes it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled shooter. While the initial investment may be significant, the performance gains and enhanced competitive edge that the 1301 Comp Pro provides are well worth the cost for serious competitors. Share your experiences with the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro in the comments below and let us know how it has impacted your competitive shooting journey.