Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20 Gauge 19.1in Gray
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20 Gauge 19.1in Gray is a purpose-built, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed to deliver reduced recoil and reliable performance for defensive and patrol configurations. It represents the evolution of Beretta's proven A300 system into a compact, modular platform optimized for maneuverability. From my bench, I view this as a direct response to the growing demand for capable 20-gauge platforms that bridge the gap between hard-use 12-gauge shotguns and smaller-framed defensive pistols.
What is the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is built for close-quarters defensive scenarios and tactical applications where reduced recoil and fast follow-up shots are prioritized. Its 19.1-inch barrel, shortened synthetic stock, and centralized weight balance make it exceptionally maneuverable in confined spaces, while the oversized controls function with gloves in adverse conditions. The ghost-ring sight system and M-LOK compatible forend allow for immediate accessory mounting, making it suitable for home defense, vehicle patrols, and professional security details that operate within Title 1 regulations.
How does the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 gauge?
The A300 Ultima Patrol offers a fundamentally different operating system and purpose compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 gauge over/under: this is a high-capacity, semi-automatic platform for defense, while the Stevens 555 is a mechanical-break action built for reliability in sporting clays. The A300 wins on capacity and rate of fire, storing 6+1 rounds in 3-inch shells versus the Stevens' two-round capacity; however, the Stevens 555 delivers superior long-barrel balance and pointability for wingshooting due to its 30-inch barrel. Choose this for defensive rapid engagement; choose the Stevens for sport and deliberate fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The system weighs 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg) unloaded, which is 1.3 pounds lighter than a comparable 12-gauge patrol model. Overall length with the stock is 38.5 inches, with a 14.25-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters wearing body armor or winter gear. The receiver is 8.75 inches long, and the slim-profile forend adds approximately 5.5 inches of gripping surface with M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions for mounting lights or vertical grips.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a shooter seeking a dedicated sporting gun for clay targets or waterfowl hunting. The 19.1-inch barrel and ghost-ring sight are poor substitutes for the 26- to 30-inch barrels and precise beads found on shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. It's also unsuitable for those requiring maximum shell variety; its gas system is tuned for standard and reduced-recoil 20-gauge loads up to 3 inches, but may struggle with extremely light target loads below 7/8 ounce, which can cause short-stroking.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with one 5-round flush-fit magazine tube installed, one ghost-ring rear sight, one front sight post, and two additional interchangeable sight apertures for fine-tuning point-of-impact. Beretta includes a hard polymer choke tube wrench, one modified choke tube (fitted), one user manual, and a standard cable lock compliant with federal safety device requirements. Notably absent are any spare magazine extensions or sling hardware beyond the integrated QD sockets—those are end-user additions.
Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol worth it at $1199?
At $1199, the A300 Ultima Patrol justifies its price for the shooter who needs a dedicated, reliable semi-automatic defensive shotgun that doesn't compromise on modularity or recoil management. You're paying for Beretta's military-proven gas piston system, an enlarged and hardened steel bolt carrier group, and a factory-textured forend with M-LOK—features that would cost $300-$400 to add to a base model. Compared to building a similar 20-gauge fighting shotgun from aftermarket parts, this represents a turn-key solution with full factory warranty and predictable performance out of the box.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than comparable 12-gauge patrol shotguns
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% versus inertia systems
- Features 3 M-LOK slots on forend for direct accessory mounting
- Shortened 14.25" length of pull accommodates armored shooters
Trade-offs
- No spare magazine tube extension included — adds $80-$120 for +2 capacity
- Ghost ring sight requires tool adjustment; not tool-less like some competitors
- Gray synthetic stock shows wear marks more visibly than matte black finishes
Key attributes
| upc | 082442983370 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J32CG21 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 19.10" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| color | Gray |
| model | A300 Ultima |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 9.5 |
| sights | Ghost Ring Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta Mobilchoke threading system. The barrel comes with a modified choke tube installed, but you can use any Mobilchoke-pattern tube, including improved cylinder, full, or specialized defensive chokes from manufacturers like Patternmaster or Carlson's.
- Will this shotgun cycle low-recoil 7/8 oz target loads?
- The gas system is optimized for standard 20-gauge field loads (7/8 oz to 1 oz at 1200 fps) and up. While it may cycle some 7/8 oz target loads, reliability isn't guaranteed below 1200 fps—for consistent function with light target loads, you may need to use the Beretta low-recoil gas piston kit, sold separately for approximately $45.
- Can I attach a magazine tube extension?
- Yes, the magazine tube is threaded for standard extensions. Several aftermarket companies like Nordic Components and TacStar make +2 or +3 extensions specifically for the A300 series, increasing capacity to 8+1 or 9+1 rounds. Installation requires a specialized wrench and typically takes 15-20 minutes.
- Does the forend accept M-LOK accessories directly?
- Yes, the slim forend has four M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions that accept any standard M-LOK accessory without adapters. The slots are spaced on a 1.25-inch center-to-center pattern, compatible with mounts from Streamlight, SureFire, Magpul, and other major manufacturers.