At one time I had an old 870 that I slapped some Nordic parts and Magpul furniture but after seeing the 1301 thread, I kinda want a semiauto. I was looking at the 940s (the Italian price point is kinda scary) but I'm open to suggestions. Not planning on putting an optic on, just stick with a ghost ring rear.

Beretta has the semi auto shotgun market cornered. If 1301 is out of your price range then try the A300 patrol that’s made in the USA. I had a Mossberg 930 prior to my 1301 and it’s like shooting a Buick vs a Ferrari.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInAR:
At one time I had an old 870 that I slapped some Nordic parts and Magpul furniture but after seeing the 1301 thread, I kinda want a semiauto. I was looking at the 940s (the Italian price point is kinda scary) but I'm open to suggestions. Not planning on putting an optic on, just stick with a ghost ring rear.

The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is a very popular choice for those who don’t want to spend 1301 money. IIRC, they’re running around $1,100 these days.

If I didn’t already have a 1301 Mod.2, I’d be grabbing the A300.

Own a 1301 and it's great. But the A300 gets great reviews and will save you some money.

I hesitate to say this, but there are a couple of Turkish Benelli M4 clones that might be worth looking at. I have one that's been 100%, but you are taking a risk. I would not spring for a real Benelli unless you can find a nice used M4 or M2. They are great guns, but not worth the $$$$ IMHO given the alternatives.

1301 is great. If you don’t have 1301 money then put your money in a jar and add extra 20’s till you have 1301 money. Or get that LE version that I believe only lacks chokes.

The A300 takes away some stock modularity. It’s almost as good but the 1301 is worth the $$$. (Well probably not worth it worth it but what is nowadays)

I have always liked my Benelli M-2 tactical. Was I not so heavy into accessories I would consider a Beretta - but I do love my M-2 and it has been super reliable (had for about 15 years).

Yes, I was going to add that, if you don't want to spend M4 money my understanding is that the M2 is a great alternative - although I don't have personal experience with one.

I have various shotguns, mostly pump & semi-auto, what about barrel length? It seems ‘most’ of the time, 18 1/4” or 18 1/2” is the norm? One of my shortest is a 16 ga Ithaca 37, just over 18”. I have a 12 ga Model 500, same barrel length.

I used to own more shorter barreled 20 ga guns, but sent a few down the road.

Doesn’t matter what brand you get-the gold standard for ammo is Federal Flight Control 00 buck.

It’s amazing once you print some for yourself. My mossberg 18” riot barrel will put it in 3” at 15 yards. Yes 15 yards.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Doesn’t matter what brand you get-the gold standard for ammo is Federal Flight Control 00 buck.

It’s amazing once you print some for yourself. My mossberg 18” riot barrel will put it in 3” at 15 yards. Yes 15 yards.

So does my 18" 870. I'm sure a semi-auto will do the same thing with it.

For me the Benelli M2 was always the gold standard.
Always wanted one, but have never obtained one. My Mossberg pumps have always been there so have not felt compelled.

I like my M2, more for hunting than HD, currently 24” barrel. I have the steady-grip, and regular stock for it.

Maybe I need an 18-18.5” barrel for it? Magazine extension?

I have two semi HD shotguns a Remington 11/87 Police I purchased in 1994 and a Benelli M4. While the Remington has been 100% reliable even with Federal low recoil LE loadings, if chosen to be an HD gun it would likely be loaded for the hotter Hornady critical defense loads. The Benelli eats everything including the softest birdshot loads. It is my choice for a semi HD shotgun, sitting locked up with a ghost loaded shell in cruiser ready condition. It is an option available if the need were to arise. I shoot a lot of shotgun rounds per year between bird hunting, sporting clays, and combat shotguns at the range and the only shells that rattle my cage are the 3.5” turkey or goose loads. The 11/87 has considerably more felt recoil over the M4 but still completely manageable.

I would likely choose the Beretta 1301 if doing it all over. I have multiple a400s in the safe and have considerable trigger time on an a300. As similar as they look, the gas systems are completely different. The 1301 is built around the a400 which has the recoil spring and assembly forward the bolt. It is arguably the best SD semi shotgun on the market and I love my M4. If they are out of your price comfort zone I’d likely choose the a300 patrol which would likely cover the needs of 99 percent of the population. I would test the heck out of it because I’ve seen a bunch that only work reliably with heavy loads but I also have one A400 with the same issue.

I have no experience with the Mossberg semi shotguns so I really have no opinion. If the above choices are still priced too high there are Turkish clones of the Benelli M4 that seem to get good reviews. They are direct copies as the Benelli patents have expired and I have heard there parts interchange. I don’t know which ones are GTG and if there are some that are not, but the rabbit hole on YouTube goes deep.

Non hunting shotguns. i have 2. Benelli M4 and a Beretta 1301. I would say, get the 1301. The costs of an M4 doesn't justify it over the 1301. they are both excellent shotguns. i find the 1301 to be a tad lighter, but never weighed them.

i think at the moment both 7+1 models are available off the shelf, no mods or 922r stuff needed. 1301 7+1 is usually around $1500-1700 the m4 ext (7+1) is over $2k...

Personal preference, i dont like pistol grips on shotguns... i tried. i ended up with a field stock on my m4. that may be a factor for you when you decide to get one.

Goodness, man, you guys have me tempted (again) to spend a few dollars.

Palmetto State has the 7-round version of the A300 (J32CT11LE) on sale right now at $850.

I used to use a Mossberg 590 for HD, but when I read about the 1301 and the reliability of the platform, I got a 1301 Mod 2 and haven't looked back. IMHO, the modern semi-auto is a better platform for home defense than pump, and this video reflects my view, even though the title kinda goes overboard.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Doesn’t matter what brand you get-the gold standard for ammo is Federal Flight Control 00 buck.

It’s amazing once you print some for yourself. My mossberg 18” riot barrel will put it in 3” at 15 yards. Yes 15 yards.

Concur. This is one case where the arrow might be more important than the indian (gun, not you).

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
Goodness, man, you guys have me tempted (again) to spend a few dollars.

Palmetto State has the 7-round version of the A300 (J32CT11LE) on sale right now at $850.

I did not need to see this now.

quote:

Originally posted by Cross:
Beretta has the semi auto shotgun market cornered. If 1301 is out of your price range then try the A300 patrol

/thread

First post nailed it.

I bought the Beretta A300 Tactical for pig hunting. I love it and the pigs fear it.