Beretta 1301 Tactical vs Benelli M4 Tactical

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Beretta 1301 here: bit.ly/44amjaz Benelli M4 here: bit.ly/3CzkKrc

[@jarvismorrison9328]

Tried both, got a Benelli M4 LE. I LOVE this SHOTGUN. Right out the box it shot everything. Scalar Works mount for my 403B, Impact Weapons front light sling and rear mounts. Streamlight 1K light and switch and Esstac shell carrier. Worth every $0.01 spent… Good Review…👍🏾

[@d7dun1010]

Yes sir! Exactly the way I feel. It's a tank, and you are well armed!

[@Bubba_Fett_]

1301 mod2 is sick, especially if you buy it with the standard stock (with kickback system). The newer 1301 is a beast.

[@bradhook6495]

A few years back I had the option of either purchasing a 1301 or M4. I went with the 1301 and no regrets so far. It’s light compared to the M4 and way handier in my opinion. It’s short enough that it feels a little like an SBS. All that being said, I’m sure I’ll add an M4 in the future. Love shotguns!

[@d7dun1010]

My 1301 Langdon and my m4 LE with the stock in the second position are almost the same length. However, I do agree the 1301 looks and feels shorter.

[@jamesdemin9745]

I also have both of them and after more than a year of using them I couldn't really pick one over the other. They are definitely different. Good video.

[@crayolascents]

Can't go wrong with either. I went Benelli because I wanted to take no chance that it would be anything other than perfect.

[@TingTingalingy]

You just double spoke yourself 😂😂😂

[@JohnnyTaxonomy]

The Benelli is close to perfect after a few upgrades, but as it sits stock it is neck and neck with the Beretta 1301 at best. I’d bet that, given some time, the 1301 will take the place of the M4 as the widely considered “best” overall semiauto 12 gauge shotgun.

[@pete5691]

1301 comp pro is a perfect shotgun.

[@crayolascents]

@@TingTingalingy LOL didn't notice!

[@TingTingalingy]

@@crayolascents how's the Benelli still treating ya?

[@dperk001]

Your review is spot on! I bought my Beretta 1301 first, right out of the box the bolt release button would not work properly, sent it to warranty and it took a month to get the gun back. I bought the Benelli M4 when the 1301 was in warranty and upgraded like you. For home defense and you just want a good shotgun maybe I go with the Berretta 1301 because it is less expensive and lighter but then I would consider the Berretta A300 Ultima Patrol. Now if you want a horse to go to war with and I don't see this gun breaking down, the Benelli M4 is the the Shotgun. Give me a choice of only 1. I'm taking the Benelli M4 every time.

[@hollywoodinked]

I found a Benelli m4 in a pawn shop for a great deal. I bought it, barely even got it home before my wife claimed it as her own and stole it. And I’m actually glad she did because I bought a beretta 1301 and LOVE it. I did spend some money on upgrades, mine was a 1st gen so I bought the 2nd gen bolt release shroud, light mount, side saddle and did have to pick up a really nice leather stock wrap with cheek riser that feels great. The beretta definitely has more felt recoil than the Benelli, but it’s manageable. The beretta does shoot faster, but honestly it shoots faster than I feel like I can accurately, so that’s kind of a wash. But for the most part, I prefer my beretta over my wife’s Benelli.

[@pete5691]

Is there anything aftermarket for recoil for 1301?

[@youtubedude3422]

Love my 1301. I do everything with it. I hunt, plink, run drills, and keep it by my side at night. I hear you on it being light weight and feeling more recoil, but I think the recoil to weight ratio is excellent. Since it's so light, you can add many things to it without it becoming a 10lb gun.

[@BennyJackson101]

How does she do running low brass birdshot?

[@youtubedude3422]

@BennyJackson101 there's nothing I've put through the 1301 that hasn't cycled, including low brass bird shot.

[@shawnsponds]

M4 .. I like less plastic parts .. the 2 lbs really absorbs the recoil

[@jaym4052]

I went with the beretta 1301. To me with the size I am an coming from only shooting pump guns the 1301 is a very soft shooting gun. Day one out the box, no cleaning no extra oil a friend and I put just shy of 1k rds through my 1301 with not a single hiccup. We used a mixture of new and just for kicks old rds that were starting to corrode, went from the crappiest of crappy #8 birdshot low brass then 7.5 to 5 shot. #4 buck, #1 buck, 00 buck, heavy game loads to very light loads, slugs, high brass and low. Let me tell you the gun was getting so hot we were having to cool it by dropping it in my friends kiddy pool that his dog uses. So 950 or so rds over I’d say 5-6 hours of fun and not one hiccup. Two days later we did another 400 total between using up the cheap target loads we both had and patterning the #1 and 00 buck I bought for home defense, didn’t clean it at all and again not a single hiccup. The 1301 may not have the legendary status/history of the m4 but I didn’t want to pay over 2k before upgrades for an m4 knowing I was already going to put a Holosun green dot, sling and buy a bunch of break in ammo so the 1301 was the clear choice for me after a ton of research. The gun is for sure a reliable shooter.

[@jaym4052]

Oh an just to add, I have never in my area seen an M4 for less than 2200 unless it was beat up an very used, usually if a shop has it (an I mean any of the shops in my area of PA) it goes for 2400 an above in new an bone stock configuration, so for me to get one it would likely turn into a 3500$ gun with upgrades before buying ammo vs buying the 1301 at 1558 w/tax, putting a 280$ Holosun green dot on, a 60$ vickers sling and a few hundred in ammo not including what we had on hand to use up it less than 2500.

[@chocol8thunda]

I bought a 1301 comp 21". Have yet to shoot it. I'm really amped to shoot it and haven't read a bad review yet. I also like the changeable chokes, thus making it usable for hunting, 3 gun, skeet and home defense.

[@jaym4052]

@@chocol8thunda you will not want to put it down once you fire it.

[@chocol8thunda]

Did you oil it up before you shot it?

[@jaym4052]

@@chocol8thunda Did not have to, bolt/action was visibly wet with oil upon picking it up from my FFL.

[@jerrymayo4571]

M4 = 1800./2000. dollars + another approx. 500. for upgrades and softer shooting (weight), so ruffly somewhere between 2300. to 2500. dollars. 1301 approx. = 1500. AS IS, no upgrades needed to get to the same place. M4 outstanding proven record, 1301 not a shabby record. Very comparable excluding price, so between the 2 of them I believe your wallet would be the biggest deciding factor. SOFTER SHOOTING IS ALWAYS DESIRABLE, at least for me. I bought the 1301 because I felt it was the best my wallet could handle with the least pain. Would love to have bought the M4, (my first choice) but for me, the 1301 was the logical choice. approx 800 dollars difference buys a lot of accessories, or even another gun!

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Oh, I hear ya, man! The 1301 is a great shotgun! Enjoy!

[@gregoreisenhorn2353]

$800 could be well spent on ammo and training

[@rangervapes571]

Carried the M4 for many years in the Military and purchased one for CIV use. I felt it was the best TAC Shotgun available, until I shot a friends 1301. 1301 is lighter, better trigger, easier to reload, bolt catch is much better and its quicker. Only aftermarket item needed, IMHO, is a Briley forend if you're a thumb-over shooter.

[@breckfreeride]

Totally agree, briley is always on back order though... Get mine in a week maybe after 2 months on hold

[@truthbetold7718]

I don't understand why there are not more aftermarket cage-like design's similar to Brileys

[@breckfreeride]

Still waiting lol

[@markwhite6782]

I just bought my wife a 1301 but she doesn't like it so I just put it in the safe with the rest of my guns. SHHHHHH, She's getting a Zastava for Christmas. Love my 1301, but you can't go wrong with the Benelli.

[@jaym4052]

You really can’t go wrong with either, they’re both amazing guns! If I wiped my but with money I’d have both but the 1301 had what I wanted out the box and was more in my budget, no regrets whatsoever.

[@islandfocus2]

I have both and to tell you the truth, I prefer the Beretta 1301 tactical. Reason: I've had issues with the Benelli M4 failing to eject when using low recoil shells. The Beretta no issues with the BLINK gas system. You mentioned that your Beretta 1301 Tactical is not threaded inside the barrel for choke? Did you get the LE 1301 model? The LE 1301 model if I'm not mistaken is NOT threaded for chokes. I have the Beretta 1301 Tactical with the pistol grip and looks exactly like yours and mine is threaded and can change to different size chokes. Mine also came with a spare factory choke and choke wrench.

[@timhutson4424]

1301 but I am not recoil shy. I have had a lot of benelli and love them, and hunt with them. But I was looking for a small shotgun for my UTV, did not want the pistol grip to keep down size. And found they slowed me down while reloading. Plus I like the changeable choke tube, so I could screw in a turkey choke and have a fantastic short turkey gun. But I can’t say enough about benelli shotguns!!

[@cccalifornia7206]

Beretta 1301, would be my choice!!!👍😉💖

[@d7dun1010]

Do yourself a solid favor and buy both! I did! With either you will not be disappointed!!! This content is just excellent!!! More, pls?

[@petrikupiainen]

Thank you for the good video. Benelli sounds good choice for me too!

[@stevewhite7649]

I like blink gas system better on 1301 vs Argo on M4. I’ve hunted with a beretta A391 xtrema for years and it’s never let me down.M4 benelli is excellent weapon I own one, it’s just a little fussy on ammo.

[@inthedogghouse86]

What a great comparison video. Most non biased video ive seen. Just got a sub, keep up the great work

[@naturallite71]

Benelli M4 is my choice. I will always want a 1301. Great video

[@EricDaMAJ]

Beretta is coming out with a NEW semi automatic shotgun. The A300 is purpose built tactical, looks identical to the 1301, has many of the accessories the 1301 doesn’t come with, is ~$500 cheaper than the 1301, and is 100% built in the USA. It doesn’t have the blink operating system so it will require more cleaning. I already have the 1301 and love it. I would prefer the M4 if I was deploying to the Ukraine. Otherwise the 1301 is perfect.

[@monsterchief117]

Are the A300s out already or there's a wait still? Only seen peeps who got their hands on them early so far.

[@d7dun1010]

I have both, and you will be ok with either as it is unlikely either of us will be fighting in Ukraine.

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@d7dun1010 I thought about going to the Ukraine to fight last year. But then I sobered up.

[@d7dun1010]

Over time and many betrayals I have found it best to stay out of other folks chilli and just keep myself to myself.

[@3rdranger1recon19]

I prefer the Beretta by far, like guns that come with everything already!

[@locomoko3322]

you only know it beacuse it is cheaper.

[@308c]

One day I will get the 1301 but the Benelli holds a special place in my heart, so I had to get her first.

[@ZroCool_Garage]

I have the same version of the 1301 and mine has a threaded choke, even came with extra choke… From my understanding is Beretta owns Benelli, I don’t think there is a wrong choice between the 2….

[@anthonygerber8261]

You're correct sir.

[@chocol8thunda]

They also own Stoeger. If you want a cheaper solid option, the M3000 or M3K Stoegers are solid.

[@inthedogghouse86]

Mine is also threaded and came with an extra choke+tool. Great tidbit about beretta owning benelli.

[@jaex26]

I bought the 1301 because it came with EVERYTHING that the M4 doesn't have, such as: oversized charging handle, oversized bolt release, extended mag tube, Mesa pistol grip with cheek riser, etc. 1301 is also shorter and much lighter, all for $1,375. M4 starts at $1,900 and need to spend $300-$400 to get to where 1301 is at.

[@carlosjavieruhlmann]

Excellent review! Fair, impartial, touched the main pros and cons. I own a Benelli M4 and can say that I've never fired any weapon like. No wonder the Marines and the armed forces of 20+ nations around the world chose the M4 (more appropriately, the Benelli M1014). The main difference is that the Benelli was designed and built as a combat shotgun and the one you buy is identical to that the Marines used, not a copy. I think that for civilian use, particularly 3-gun competition, the Beretta would be a better choice. Having said that, I do not own a Beretta and am not into 3-gun competition. Thank you for this video. FIVE GOLD STARS!

[@d7dun1010]

That is because your wanted and bought a fighting shotgun! Good for you and good for us!

[@unclegene5372]

M4 all day

[@hamyankee9343]

My M4 is the softest, easiest shotgun I’ve ever shot, by far. So soft you can maximize the semi-auto aspect. I chose the M4 based on my research and chose it over a “faster” but higher recoiling 1301. Like, how fast do you really need to shoot 00 buck with more recoil…

[@dittman2564]

When describing the stock during the M4 overview, you left out the adjustable cheekpiece, probably the most desirable feature.

[@Scorp006]

Difficult decision. I'm a Benelli fan, but the 1301 is nice. If going purely for tactical, M4. If you plan to hunt, skeet, or 3 gun, 1301 comp (pro). 1301 tactical is still nice though.

[@jaym4052]

I have had the pistol grip 1301 tac for a few months an a few thousand plus mixed rds through it. Haven’t had a single hiccup yet, cleaned the bore an action 1x so far but not a full break down yet. An believe me my buddy an I threw everything possible at this gun round wise an it ate everything no problems even a bunch of 3-5 year old ammo that was corroded but not heavily an it ate it up. Purposely induced some failure to ejects by physically blocking the gun from ejecting just to work through a failure should happen to occur naturally an even then the gun was able to force the rds out half the time. Only type of rds we haven’t really put through it are 3in rounds. Put a couple ten count boxes through with no issue but not many so I can’t really speak for how it acts with them if you torture test an start using them while already in a high rd count session, but I practice with what I use.

[@Bubba_Fett_]

the NEW version of the M4 is a bit more expensive; but has a LOT of features you would want - 5position adjustable stock, extended mag tube, front iridium night sights, to name a few; plus the better handrail. it’s pricey, but oh my so awesome!👍🏻 Berretta A300 u-patrol probably has the best loading port of them all; nice weapon, quite a bit cheaper than 1301 and a LOT cheaper than M4 new or older. one thing to remember about the Benelli; it’s purpose is LE and military; busting doors down and quicker fights; it is heavier than most (new version 11lbs) so the felt recoil is lower than most as well, 1301 has great weight to recoil balance. - and it is shorter overall. + you can change barrel with 1301; not happening with M4. should you decide to make your 1301 a clay or hunting blaster you can; M4 will remain tactical only. one upgrade you need on your 1301- 3rd party heat shield along the forward grip to cover the barrel. after about 20rnds; you can easily burn your thumb if your grip comes over. I love the Berretta 1301 and A300, but personally favor the M4 (that A.R.G.O. system is amazing. the newer version is amazing btw. have a look at it.

[@Hkfanboy]

1301 all day it’s 2 pounds lighter and it’s doesn’t come out of the box neutered

[@jaym4052]

Right there with you I love my 1301, will never go back to a pump shotgun ever after this beast. Currently over 3500 rounds through the gun, not one hiccup, and to date have never put less than a case worth of ammo crappy or otherwise through it in one shooting session. Did a basic bore an action clean after 1900 rds with a little oil not that it needed it but I felt I should cause it’s one of the most expensive guns I have an I want to take care of it but that’s it so far.

[@locomoko3322]

its .9lbs lighter, has more recoil, and comes with a 5 round magazine, just like the m4. idk what you were trying to say with that

[@Hkfanboy]

@@locomoko3322 nope mine is 2 pounds lighter than my m1014 and it cam 7+1

[@RockinRack]

From what was available I went m4 because it came with the 7+1 vs the 1301 was only available in the 5+1 if it was the other way around I would have gone with the 1301. Can't really go wrong.

[@roberttaylor7451]

One small thing about the sights, the Beretta has a plastic rear sight housing. They are both Italian made sights and I haven’t had a problem with either. I also tried the same charging handle but it was too easy to pull out, not a good thing on a 12 gauge

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Weird, my charging handle is def not easy to pull out.

[@charlesd8760]

I had a nightmare with my 1301. Out of the box, the barrel was not aligned correctly in the barrel extension such that the front sight post was off to the side and the the mag tube and barrel were not parallel. The gas block being twisted was my biggest concern as the piston would not ride properly on the mag tube, causing it to wear faster. Beretta said it had to go back for warranty repair so I ship it off to them. Eight months and lots of phone calls later, they tell me it needs a new barrel…well Duh, I could have told them that. Next problem is that barrels are on back order. Four months later, yeah, that’s right, a year after shipping it back, I get it back, open the box, and the alignment is even worse than with the original barrel (that I had asked to get back since it had the original serial number, but they kept it). Back on the phone and this time they agree to let me keep the gun and just send me a new barrel. A month or so later I get another barrel, slap it in, and the sight post is welded to the end of the barrel off center…at least the gas block is aligned correctly so I don’t feel bad shooting it. Back on the phone with Beretta again and another barrel is on the way. I get the next barrel a month later, throw it in, and finally everything is aligned correctly. Never mind that the end of the sight post looks like it was struck with a chisel several times and some dimpling on the inner surface of the post that looks like someone put a bar in there to twist it. At least everything is straight now. Anyways, four barrels and 14 months later, my 1301 is fixed as much as it’s going to get. So check your 1301 for proper alignment. Take off the fore-end, flip the gun over, and look to make sure the mag tube is parallel with the barrel, and check that your front sight post is vertical. I went to Scheel’s in Sparks, NV where they had at least a dozen 1301s on racks such that anyone could pick them up and inspect. Out of the dozen there, at least half had a front sight post that was not vertical. I couldn’t tell without taking the fore-end off, but I imagine several of those also had the gas block twisted to the side such that the barrel and mag tube were not parallel.

[@TheArmedScotsman]

WOW

[@toddjohnston1502]

I'm curious why you accept transfer of the firearm if it was in this type of shape? You just reject it and ship it back.

[@charlesd8760]

@@toddjohnston1502 Hi Todd, Trust me, if I had noticed the issue in the store when I first bought it or could have just returned it after I picked it up 10 days later (California BS), I would have. Since the DROS was already submitted, the gun shop said I had to deal with Beretta customer service to resolve the issue.

[@pandabear870]

I went with the M1014 as I am familiar with it from the Marines. Of course I had to change out the buffer tube and magazine tube. Plus hanguards and trigger parts to meet 922r but I love it. The 1301 is a good shotgun and I like the safety position better. But the M1014 felt better to me.

[@hamie7624]

Uh, it doenst have a buffer tube.

[@wwstop2050]

@@hamie7624uh, it does have a buffer tube

[@hamie7624]

@@wwstop2050 it has a recoil tube. It not an ar15.

[@MD-mm1zv]

Personally, the gen1 M4, without the add-on's, and non-adjustable stock...is the best value in this controversial mix.

[@philiphall1674]

I just had to make a choice between these two the other day, and I chose the Bonelli m4 so we’re gonna see how that goes. I hope I didn’t make the wrong choice.😅

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Benelli is awesome!

[@sgtdevildog7134]

Does my boy John Wick uses 1301 ? Ok you know my answer then. Lmao 😂 Jk, the 1301 will be on my list shortly

[@anonymoussurname]

It’s a very close race … if forced to pick the M4 is my choice only for proven rugged reliability. 1301 is great but I haven’t seen anything as far as a long term use and torture test. Looking at the M4 ARGO system versus the B-LINK operating system the ARGO just looks simpler and more reliable/robust.

[@WStar4Life]

I just bought the 1301 tactical with pistol grip and it comes with 2 chokes

[@danv9113]

Mine unfortunately is the LE version, they do not come threaded, so off to Breily it is

[@miles267]

Add the Briley MLOK handguard.

[@davetripper]

Just did that with my 1301 👍🏼

[@miles267]

@@davetripperI actually prefer the Aridus Industries Magpul forend on the 1301 to the Briley, otherwise I too would've gone the Briley route.

[@googlechicken]

The gap on price is closing The M4 can be had for 1800ish and the 1301 is around 1500 street price the Benelli is coming down and the Berreta going up and in both cases that is the result of the enormous popularity of the 1301 it has overtaken the M4 at the top of the food chain

[@markn4526]

Nice comparison and very objection opinions. Do you think it's worth the $150 for the 1301 Mod.2 over the 1301? I think the 1301 looks and feels better than the Mod.2, but the Mod.2 does have some nice feature upgrades. Also, do you think the pistol grip stock helps mitigate felt recoil over a sport/field stock?

[@OFCINC]

M4 sits next to my bed, its "proven"

[@royalandrosey]

Right man. I'm not marine but damn the m4 has been proven for over 20 years.

[@hamie7624]

Why did you put proven in quotes? Is it not really proven?

[@wwstop2050]

@@hamie7624 it is proven to be one of most reliable shotguns

[@hamie7624]

@@wwstop2050 I know it is. But why did he put proven in quotation marks, as if people only say its proven, when it isn't

[@hamie7624]

@Contingency IBCT Semi auto shotgun used by USMC for the past 2 1/2 decades.

[@MrEv445]

I need that benelli m4

[@ahtybarubin2096]

M4

[@bobsolla]

I went with the Beretta 1301 L.E. Tactical and tricked it out!Hands down less recoil than a M4 with my setup with all the more advantages.

[@thebloodofelias]

what all did trick it out with ?

[@bobsolla]

@@thebloodofeliasChanged the whole pistol grip buttstock system with a different Mesa tactical buttstock adapter that allowed me to put on an ajustable angle pistol grip and a m4 mil spec buffer tube with a spring loaded recoil reducing adjustable buttstock.I changed out my hand guard with an Airidus industries Magpul Zukhov.I added a StreamlightProtac light with presure switch containd in a Cloud Defensive switch housing mounted with a 90 degree adapter(Gear)to put it up at about barrel height and even with end of barrel.I swapped out the factory follower with a Nordic Components follower. I changed the lumenisent front sight with a Blitzkrieg Components trintium chevron style front sight.I added a Blueforce gear single point bungee sling. That's what i can remember at this point, but it shoots so sweet! Fast as hell, and zero recoil almost and on target with small groups with cheap ammo. Super fun, but i will still soon buy an A300 Ultima Patrol just because. I almost have about half a dozen times, but price is still high and i don't even need it, just a want to have fun with and show people who is King! Wish i could send you pictures.

[@budlime1913]

Would love to have the m4 but the price tag is too ridiculous in my opinion it's overpriced

[@Detroittruckdoctor55]

I can't find the fde in stock in the 1301

[@josephramieri2256]

What about disassembly/reassembly?

[@normrubio]

Is the tactical the same as the comp but with a longer barrel?

[@williamwinn948]

only $150 Difference they have both on midway right now

[@elcomandante9m]

I prefer them both! 😅 Problem solved 😂

[@TheArmedScotsman]

HAHAH this ^

[@cps7553]

1301!

[@beckykarenson6001]

M4

[@alibey3310]

what brand is the rifle sling on the benelli

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Blue Force Gear Vickers 2-Point Sling

[@jvan6582]

1301 allllllllll day

[@chocol8thunda]

Subbed

[@josephramieri2256]

The marines shot 2500 rounds before cleaning...not 22, 000!

[@TheArmedScotsman]

Yup my bad. "This includes a test that required it to pass an endurance run of 25,000 rounds without the replacement of a major component."

[@SanuallahChandio]

Wow nice good sir 🌹👌🎉💕🇵🇰

[@blackwolf3414]

👍👍💯💯💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@1969CampEvans]

1301 NOT COMBAT PROVEN

[@narr0wm1nd49]

922r compliant, where are these 922r police. There ever been a prosecution of 922r against a owner? The tactical is now threaded for chokes. The LE models are not threaded.