Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod2 12GA 18.5in 7+1 Chisel Fold Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles shells in under 0.16 seconds — 40% faster than many gas-operated shotguns
- Weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded — balances well for rapid target acquisition
- Holds 7+1 rounds — one more than most tactical shotguns without extensions
- Folds to 28 inches — saves 9.5 inches of space for storage or transport
Trade-offs
- No included choke wrench — adds $15-30 for aftermarket tool purchase
- Aluminum receiver scratches easily — requires careful handling to avoid cosmetic wear
- Folding mechanism adds 0.9 pounds over fixed stocks — increases carry weight
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod2 12GA 18.5in 7+1 Chisel Fold Black? It's a semi-automatic tactical shotgun built for rapid cycling and modular accessory mounting, featuring Beretta's BLINK gas operating system and an 18.5-inch barrel that handles 3-inch shells with a 7+1 capacity. This firearm ships with a chisel folding synthetic stock and M-LOK compatible forend, making it ideal for duty, competition, and defensive applications where reliability and quick follow-up shots are critical.
What is the Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod2 used for?
It's designed for tactical scenarios requiring fast, reliable semi-automatic fire and modular customization. The BLINK gas system cycles shells in under 0.16 seconds between shots, and the M-LOK forend supports lights, lasers, or vertical grips without gunsmithing. This makes it suitable for law enforcement, home defense, and 3-gun competition where split-second responses matter.
How does the Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Beretta 1301 Tactical outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in rapid-fire situations due to its semi-automatic action versus the over-under's manual operation. While the Stevens 555 excels in precision clay shooting with its 30-inch barrel, the Beretta's 18.5-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity make it better for tactical reloads and close-quarters use, though it's 2.1 pounds heavier at 7.8 pounds unloaded.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 37.5 inches long with the stock extended or 28 inches folded. The 18.5-inch barrel has a diameter of 0.735 inches at the muzzle, and the overall height is 8.2 inches with sights, ensuring it fits in standard tactical cases or vehicle racks without issue.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for beginners or those seeking a budget-friendly option, as the $2399 price and complex gas system require familiarity with maintenance. It's also unsuitable for hunters needing longer barrels, like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge with its 30-inch barrel, which offers better range and pattern consistency for birds or clays.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, one Optima HP Flush choke tube, a set of internal choke tubes (including improved cylinder and modified), a cardboard box, and a 12-page manual covering disassembly and regulatory notes. No extra magazines or tools are included, so plan to purchase a choke wrench and cleaning kit separately.
Is the Beretta 1301 Tactical C Mod2 worth it at $2399?
Yes, if you need a top-tier tactical shotgun with proven reliability and modern features. Compared to alternatives like the Mossberg 930 JM Pro, which costs around $1000 less, the Beretta justifies its price with faster cycling, better corrosion resistance, and the folding stock, but budget-conscious buyers might prefer simpler pumps or the Stevens 334 Rifle for long-range work.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442030395 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J131M2CPFC187 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 40 |
| model | 1301 Tactical |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.8 |
| sights | Ghost Ring Rear/Front Blade |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta's Optima HP choke system, accepting any tubes with that thread pattern. Common brands like Carlson's or Briley offer options for patterning, but avoid using chokes rated for steel shot if firing slugs to prevent damage.
- Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?
- With the stock folded, it measures 28 inches, fitting most tactical cases. For extended storage, a 40-inch case is recommended to avoid pressure on the folding mechanism during transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-2 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping taking 3-5 days continental US. For NFA items, allow 8-12 months for ATF Form 4 approval before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused items, but firearms require a restocking fee of $75 and original packaging. Used or fired firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations.
- Does this work with Magpul accessories?
- The M-LOK forend accepts Magpul M-LOK accessories like the MVG vertical grip or MLOK rail sections. For stocks, the chisel folder is proprietary, so aftermarket options are limited without adapter kits.