Best Beretta 1301 Upgrades & Accessories
If you want to have the best personal defense shotgun then you have to check out these best Beretta 1301 tactical shotgun upgrades and accessories.
The beretta 1301 tactical shotgun is a great option for personal protection and adding these Beretta 1301 tactical shotgun upgrades and accessories will unlock the shotgun’s full potential and increase its usability.
There are a lot of parts you can add, but this post will go over the best options available at all different price points. So if you are on a budget or want to build the ultimate personal protection shotgun then you are in the right place.
This article will cover the best Beretta 1301 tactical shotgun upgrades and accessories.
What is a Beretta 1301?
It is a semi-auto shotgun that is made in a few different configurations. A short barrel version designed for tactical use, a standard hunting and target shooting model, and a competition pro version.
The Beretta 1301 shotgun features enlarged controls, a cold hammer-forged, back-bored barrel, and Beretta’s integrated BLINK gas operating system with a cross tube gas piston that allows for 36% faster cycling than its competition.
Engineered to be ultra-reliable and easy to use, this modern shotgun features enlarged controls, a cold hammer-forged, back-bored barrel, and Beretta’s ultrafast BLINK gas operating system with a cross tube gas piston that allows for 36% faster cycling than its competition.
Right out of the box, the new 1301 features an oversized charging handle, a large highly textured bolt release, and an oversized reversible safety button.
These features make it easy to use in all weather or lighting conditions as your hands will always be able to positively and safely grip it and operate the controls.
Also, the aggressive checkering on the forend makes it easy to gain a secure grip even while wearing gloves.
The 1301 features a robust, protected ghost-ring system with an interchangeable front sight, which gives the user the opportunity to adapt it to any use – no matter the conditions.
An interchangeable choke system allows for maximum flexibility based on use and needs. An OptimaBore HP Improved Cylinder (flush configuration) is included with this package as well as a factory 7+1 capacity one-piece magazine tube (with correct 2.75″ shells – certain shells may be beyond 2.75″ in OAL and will reduce capacity to 6+1).
The stock is adjustable for length-of-pull with provided spacers to ensure that it will always come up naturally to your shoulder and point easily.
Drop and cast are adjustable as well. For additional customization, the receiver offers an aircraft-grade, aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail that makes it easy to add optics with modifications to the shotgun.
This shotgun features a cold hammer-forged, back-bored barrel that dissipates recoil away from the shooter’s hand and greatly reduces muzzle flip.
Where To Purchase A Beretta 1301
Sometimes you will find these shotguns on the rack at your local gun store, usually, most places won’t carry them and you will have to order them online.
The prices are fair for this style of semi-auto shotgun and they have been stable.
If you do not already own a Beretta 1301 and want to pick one up, click the link to check out the prices and availability.
Click Here to check the current prices and availability of the Beretta 1301
Alright now let’s get into the best upgrades and accessories, all of these parts will work for any model but with a strong emphasis on the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun.
BERETTA 1301 CURRENT MODELS IN PRODUCTION
- Click Here to view them on Beretta’s website
- Click Here to download the owner’s manual
Beretta 1301 Stock Upgrade
Swapping out the factory stock is a good place to start. This upgrade is quick and easy to do.
If you are used to an AR-15 style of stock then you may want a pistol grip and something that is adjustable. I have used about every style stock that there is and for a stock, the Magpul stock is the best.
Beretta 1301 SGA Magpul Stock
The Magpul SGA Stock is the best option for any shotgun. It is very comfortable and is very strong and durable.
This stock gives you the perfect grip angle and the right amount of grippyness. The length of pull can be easily adjusted by adding or removing the spacers for the butt pad.
There are also a lot of sling attachment points letting you customize your preferred sling setup. Magpul makes the SGA stock in a few different colors for even more customization and aesthics.
In order to add the Magpul SGA Stock to the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun, you will need to get an adapter plate. So keep this in mind.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul SGA Stock
GG&G Beretta 1301 Magpul SGA Stock Adapter
You will need the GG&G Magpul SGA Stock Adapter so that you can add the SGA to your Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun.
This is a simple part and works exactly as intended. Just make sure you get the SGA stock made for the Mossberg so that the parts are compatible.
Click Here to check the current prices of the GG&G Magpul SGA Stock Adapter
Beretta 1301 Handguard Upgrade
Next up on the list, is upgrading the handguard. The stock handguard from the factory is not very comfortable and has no MLOK slots for attaching accessories.
There are two different handguards that I recommend for Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun. One is a polymer style and the other is aluminum.
They are both excellent and choosing one comes down to personal preference.
Aridus Industries Beretta 1301 Handguard
The Aridus Industries Beretta 1301 Handguard assembly makes use of a modified Magpul Zhukov handguard adapted for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotguns and competition shotguns.
The Zhukov handguard features M-LOK slots which can be used to effectively mount lights, slings, shell holders, and other accessories.
The handguard comes with a stainless steel carbon shield installed to prevent carbon and gasses from reaching your hand through the M-LOK slots.
The adapters are CNC machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and Type III Black Hardcoat anodized to mil-spec thickness.
The front adapter utilizes a spring plunger to prevent the front cap (or magazine extension tube) from loosening during recoil. The rear adapters, which are pre-installed on the handguard, interface with the receiver and use a portion of the rear M-LOK slot.
The 1301 Handguard Assembly requires no additional modification and is a drop-in replacement right out of the box.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Aridus Industries Beretta 1301 Handguard
Briley 3Gun M-LOK Handguard
Machined from 6061 aluminum, the Briley 3 Gun M-Lok Handguard is designed for the competitive 3 gun shooter and personal protection.
The handguard profile has been designed to wrap over the top of the barrel to protect the shooter’s hand during strong-hand reloads, as well as allow a higher grip for improved control.
There are 56 full-size M-Lok attachment slots that allow for accessory mounting.
The 14” handguard weighs in at just 13.7 oz and is hard anodized flat black.
The handguard ships fully assembled and installs directly in place of the factory forend with no modifications to the shotgun.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Briley 3 Gun M-Lok Handguard
Beretta 1301 Magazine Tube Extension
Adding a magazine tube extension will increase the overall capacity of the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun.
Low ammo capacity is the downside of a shotgun butt adding an extended tube will remedy this issue.
Nordic Components MXT Extension Kit
The best magazine tube extension for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun is the Nordic Components MXT Extension Kit.
This magazine extension was designed exclusively for the 1301 Tactical. It increases the capacity to 7 rounds if using 2.75″ shells. If you are using 3″ then you can fit a total of 6 rounds.
The barrel clamp kit includes the 1301 Tactical-exclusive clamp, a Picatinny rail, and a QD swivel attachment.
You can still use the factory spring but it also comes with an extra spring in the kit.
This is a solid magazine extension tube and is very durable and rugged.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Nordic Components MXT Extension Kit
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Beretta 1301 Bolt Release
The bolt release is known for having common issues on the 1301. Accidently hitting it when not intended is very common.
You could spend the money and get an aftermarket bolt release kit, or you can just get the shroud. Both of these solutions work.
Aridus Industries Latch & Shroud Kit
One frustrating element of the gun is the possibility of a “catastrophic shell dump.”
This malfunction occurs when the OEM latch on the shotgun actuates the shell stop, releasing multiple shotgun shells into the receiver.
The Aridus Industries Latch & Shroud Kit solves this potentially dangerous issue by adding in a redesigned latch that’s then protected by the included shroud.
This prevents accidental dumping of shells and turns the Beretta 1301 into a solid semi-auto shotgun that’ll perform well both on and off the range.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Aridus Industries Latch & Shroud Kit
Beretta 1301 Bolt Release Shroud
If you are concerned about accidentally manipulating the bolt release on your Beretta 1301 semi-auto shotgun, like say during hunting season when you are wearing gloves, consider buying the Beretta 1301 Bolt Release Shroud.
Installing a Beretta 1301 bolt shroud kit will prevent the bolt release from moving backward and extend the bolt release to reduce the chance of unintentionally releasing a shell into the lifter.
This easy-to-install shroud kit will fit any model 1301 shotgun, including a Beretta 1301 Tactical bolt release, and other semiautomatic shotguns by Beretta.
It is constructed from a lightweight polymer and is black in color. Installation requires removing the bolt release using a small Allen wrench, fitting the shroud underneath the bolt release, and then re-installing the bolt release.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Beretta 1301 Bolt Release Shroud
Beretta 1301 Charging Handle
A potentially fatal, catastrophic malfunction could occur if there is a failure to retract the bolt handle completely in a stress fire encounter. If you truly are in a stress fire encounter.
A great way to remedy this issue is to get an oversized charging handle.
GG&G Charging Handle
One of the best charging handles you can get for your Beretta 1301 is the GG&G Oversized Tactical Charging Handle.
The Beretta 1301 Tactical Charging Handle is larger than the factory Beretta charging handle providing a more positive method of charging, especially in stressful fire situations.
Heavy knurling reduces the chance of your fingers or hand slipping off the charging handle during stress fire situations or when wearing gloves. Provides lightweight, consistent, reliable functioning.
The rounded edges provide a snag-free operation and all edges are de-burred for the shooter’s safety.
The Beretta 1301 Enhanced Tactical Charging Handle does rotate 360 degrees and is manufactured from Heat-Treated 4130 Chrome Moly Steel. Manganese phosphate finished non-reflective matte black per mil-spec and weighs less than an ounce.
Click Here to check the current prices of the GG&G Oversized Tactical Charging Handle
Beretta 1301 Side Saddle
The biggest limiting factor of any shotgun is the ammo capacity you can effectively carry on the shotgun.
The best way to increase your ammo capacity is to add a side saddle that will hold more shells. There are a lot of different ones but I will recommend the best.
Aridus Side Saddle
One of the best side saddles for the Beretta 1301 is the Aridus Industries Side Saddle. What I like most about this one is that it can quickly be removed or added once the base plate is installed.
It uses a very high bond 3M double-sided tape, the adhesive has an operating temperature of -30f to +230f, so you don’t have to worry about it failing due to temperature extremes.
The Universal Receiver Adapter has a large cutout to allow access to pins so the user can still disassemble their shotgun.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Aridus Industries Side Saddle
Beretta 1301 Trigger
One of the best things you can do to upgrade the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun is to add a good aftermarket trigger.
There are a few different options but I recommend going with a match grade aftermarket trigger kit.
Briley MFG Match Trigger
The Briley MFG Match Trigger comes as close as it can to that found in a fine European style over and under shotgun and should certainly re-kindle positive thoughts of using an automatic.
Crisp, light and you will marvel at how quickly it resets with minimal travel.
It is made of high-quality tool steel, machined and wired to exacting tolerances, and heat-treated to 52 Rockwell C hardness.
Trigger sets will be available in both long and short lengths of pull (Length of Pull is the distance from the center of the trigger to the center of the rear of the pad). Short LOP is factory and Long LOP moves the trigger forward .25″
Adjustable in that they are set to have minimal pre and after-fire travel. This allows for a minimum time from fire to reset thus allowing quicker split times shot to shot resulting in minimal trigger freeze.
Engagements have also been improved to allow for better, smoother, and crisper releases. There is also a titanium nitride finish to improve lubricity.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Briley MFG Match Trigger
Beretta 1301 Optics
Now to the fun upgrades and accessories. Adding a good quality optic on a shotgun is sometimes skipped or considered unnecessary.
Having a complete build and ultimate setup will require a good quality optic. They still improve speed and accuracy even on shotguns.
Beretta 1301 Light
Having a good weapon light mounted on your shotgun is very important, especially for a tactical style home defense setup. You cant shoot what you cant see.
There are a few good options for a light setup, I am going to show you what the best weapon light is for the Beretta 1301.
Surefire M600
The Surefire M600 Ultra Scout Weapon Light is the best weapon light for any platform. It is very bright, reliable, and well made.
It is used by many people in the firearms industry and it is one of the best lights on the market. The best thing about it for a shotgun, is that it will hold up to the extreme recoil a shotgun has.
It puts out 1000 lumens and the hot spot of the light isn’t too wide or too narrow. It is evenly spread.
The M600 uses 2 CR132 batteries and will last 1.5 hours on a fresh set. It is built from aerospace-grade aluminum and is waterproof. The tail cap has the on/off switch and a pressure plate tail cap switch can also be added but isn’t necessary.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Surefire M600
Surefire M600 Tail Cap Pressure Switch
The Surefire M600 Tail Cap Pressure Switch is the ultimate setup to complete the weapon light. It incorporates a 7″ pressure switch that can be routed and mounted to where your thumb naturally lays on the handguard of the shotgun.
The great thing about this pressure switch is that the tail cap still has the on/off button so this gives you the best of both worlds.
The cable is very durable and will not break.
Having a pressure switch is the best way to have a weapon light mounted on any home defense weapon.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Surefire M600 Tail Cap Pressure Switch
Streamlight HL-X
If you want a more simple solution and something that is less expensive then the Streamlight HL-X is the best option.
This light has 3 different modes that can be programmed. High, Low, and strobe.
It uses 2 CR123 batteries and has 1000 lumen output on the high setting. It will last for about an hour and a half on the high mode.
The Streamlight HL-X is a good option for a simple weapon light setup.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Streamlight HL-X
Beretta 1301 Light Mount
If you have an aftermarket handguard on your shotgun then you should have MLOK attachment slots. This is a good way to mount your weapon light.
If you want to have the weapon light as far forward on the gun as possible then you have to get a barrel/magazine tube mount for the weapon light.
Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
The Cloud Defensive LCS Mount is the best way to mount the pressure switch and route the cable.
It is MLOK compatible and will mount to an MLOK slot. It is low profile and very sleek. Under the mount, there are groves to route the wire for good cable management.
The LCS mount is a simple accessory that works great and holds the pressure pad very secure.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
Beretta 1301 Sling
The final touch for and serious tactical shotgun is a solid sling setup. For a shotgun, I recommend a two-point sling.
There are lots of good sling options but the best sling that I have used is one that has QD mounts and a quick adjustment tab.
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
The Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling adds confidence to your setup. Very good quality that works very well. Very slick and also looks good.
The adjuster hardware also comes in clutch when running drills and training. Overall solid buy.
This sling is comfortable and the best sling on the market. It works great on shotguns, especially the Beretta 1301.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
Beretta 1301 Ammo
Lastly, always make sure you have enough Ammo and a good stockpile. The great thing about a shotgun is the wide variety of uses and ammunition selection.
Ammo is always up and down as far as price and no one knows how high the price will go so it’s always a good idea to stock up.
Click Here to check the current prices of Ammo and availability
Is the Beretta 1301 a good gun?
The Beretta 1301 Tactical has an 18.5-inch barrel and is overall just over 37 inches. The gun is a small package overall and feels good in the hand. The aggressive checkering on the gun makes it easy to handle and control when firing. I really enjoy the oversized charging handle and bolt release as well.
Which is better Benelli M4 or Beretta 1301?
Being lighter isn’t totally an advantage either. It kicks more, making it less smooth for quick following shots. So, IMHO (if it’s worth anything), 1301 is a great shotgun for HD with an excellent value, but it is still not at the same level as M4. M4 is definitely superior if we ignore the price difference.
How many rounds does a Beretta 1301 Tactical hold?
The 1301 is Beretta’s new gas operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for law-enforcement and home-defense. Now Beretta makes it available for purchase with the optional magazine extension, giving you a total capacity of 6+1 rounds (without the removable plug).
Where is Beretta 1301 made?
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is the successor to the 1201, and began production in Italy in 2014. It is designed solely for tactical applications, encompassing law enforcement and civilian defense.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up to date prices)
- Beretta 1301
- Magpul SGA Stock
- GG&G Magpul SGA Stock Adapter
- Aridus Industries Beretta 1301 Handguard
- Briley 3 Gun M-Lok Handguard
- Nordic Components MXT Extension Kit
- Aridus Industries Latch & Shroud Kit
- Beretta 1301 Bolt Release Shroud
- GG&G Oversized Tactical Charging Handle
- Aridus Industries Side Saddle
- Briley MFG Match Trigger
- Trijicon MRO HD
- EOTech EXPS3
- EOTech EXPS3 & Magnifier
- Aimpoint Micro T-2
- Surefire M600
- Surefire M600 Tail Cap Pressure Switch
- Streamlight HL-X
- Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
- Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
- Ammo
Have you added any accessories to the Beretta 1301?
Did you initially start with a red dot?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?
This list of the Best Red Dot Sights can help you choose the best optic for your rifle.
In addition, here are the Best AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories that can help you get more out of your primary battle rifle.
The best optic for the 1301 is the Holosun 509T with GG&G mount. I also added a Roth Performance Xtra shell caddy to my stock handguard for quick emergency reloads.
Thanks for the comment, If you would like to email some pictures of your setup, I would love to add them to the article.
Did you use the stock mount for the MRO?
I now use the Geissele Super Precision MRO mount.
Best optic to use is the Holosun 509T. Lowest profile with solar backup.
Holosun is one of the most innovative optics companies I have seen recently. Many big-name optics brands have relied on their reputation too much, have stopped upgrading their optics, and have stopped designing newer and better optics.