Last updated March 2026 · By Nick Hall, who has tested the Beretta 1301 Comp across 500+ rounds for this review
Affiliate disclosure: This Beretta 1301 Comp review contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links then we can receive a small commission that helps keep the lights on. You don’t pay anything more.
- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: The Beretta 1301 Comp is the fastest semi-auto shotgun you can buy in 2026, a competition-spec gas-operated 12-gauge with the BLINK gas system that delivers the fastest follow-up shot times of any production shotgun in the world. The 3-Gun and Sporting Clays gold standard.
Standard configuration: 21-inch barrel, 5+1 capacity, BLINK gas system that cycles in approximately 36 milliseconds (fastest in production), and the kind of factory-tuned reliability that competitive shotgun shooters depend on. The 1301 Comp Pro variant adds extended mag tube and aftermarket bolt release.
The biggest mistake new 1301 Comp owners make is treating it as a duty-grade home-defense shotgun. The 1301 Comp is a competition platform — the BLINK gas system rewards quality magnum loads and consistent shooter input. For home-defense use, the standard Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol or Mossberg 590A1 covers the role at lower cost. The 1301 Comp earns its premium at the competition range.
Beretta 1301 Comp: The 3-Gun Shotgun That Does Everything
Our Rating: 8.5/10
- RRP: $1,349-$1,499
- Street Price: $1,100-$1,350 (Check our live pricing below)
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 21″ or 24″
- Overall Length: 42″ (21″ barrel)
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Capacity: 5+1 (extended tubes available)
- Stock: Synthetic with adjustable shims
- Chokes: 3 Optima HP (IC, M, F)
- Made in: Italy
Pros
- Incredibly fast cycling speed (BLINK gas system)
- Ultra-lightweight at 6.7 lbs for a 12 gauge semi-auto
- Soft recoil for rapid follow-up shots
- Excellent out-of-the-box 3-Gun platform
- Oversized controls (bolt release, loading port)
Cons
- Limited aftermarket compared to Benelli M2/M4
- 21″ barrel with fixed chokes on some models
- No ghost ring sights on competition model
- Extended magazine tube not included
Quick Take
The Beretta 1301 Comp is one of the fastest-cycling semi-automatic shotguns on the market. Beretta’s BLINK gas operating system cycles 36% faster than competing designs, and you can feel it. Follow-up shots come so fast that it almost feels like you’re cheating. At 6.7 pounds, it’s lighter than most semi-auto 12 gauges, which makes it a joy to carry during long 3-Gun matches or all-day bird hunts.
The 1301 Comp was designed from the ground up for competition shooting, but it’s equally at home for hunting and home defense. The oversized bolt release and loading port make fast reloads easier, the synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, and the Optima HP choke system gives you flexibility for different applications.
It’s not perfect. The aftermarket is thinner than what’s available for the Benelli M2, the stock 5-round capacity needs an extension for competition, and some shooters wish Beretta offered factory ghost ring sights. But for the money, the 1301 Comp is hard to beat as an all-around semi-auto shotgun.
Best For: 3-Gun competition, sporting clays, bird hunting, and home defense. Anyone who wants a fast, light, reliable semi-auto 12 gauge without paying Benelli M4 prices.
Why Beretta Built the 1301 Comp
Beretta designed the 1301 Comp to compete directly in the 3-Gun market where the Benelli M2 had been dominant for years. The BLINK gas operating system was the key differentiator: it’s essentially a cleaned-up version of Beretta’s proven A400 gas system, tuned for faster cycling. The result is a shotgun that cycles faster than virtually anything else on the market, which matters enormously in timed competition stages.
The “Comp” designation stands for Competition, and the design choices reflect that: short 21″ barrel for maneuverability in tight stage layouts, oversized bolt release for fast manipulation, enlarged loading port for quad-loading, and a lightweight profile that reduces fatigue during long match days. Beretta also offers the 1301 Tactical for home defense (with ghost ring sights and a shorter stock) and the 1301 Comp Pro with enhanced controls.
Competitor Comparison
Benelli M2 ($1,300-$1,700)
The M2 is the 1301’s primary competitor. It uses Benelli’s inertia-driven action (which some prefer for reliability in dirty conditions) and has a much larger aftermarket for competition modifications. The M2 is slightly heavier, has a more traditional cycling speed, and costs a bit more. If aftermarket support is your priority, the M2 wins. If cycling speed and out-of-the-box competition readiness matter more, the 1301 has the edge. See our best Benelli shotguns guide.
Stoeger M3000 ($550-$650)
The budget 3-Gun option. Uses Benelli’s inertia action (Stoeger is owned by Benelli/Beretta). At roughly half the price, the M3000 is the most popular entry-level 3-Gun shotgun. It’s heavier, rougher, and has a stiffer action out of the box, but it works. The 1301 Comp is a significant upgrade in cycling speed, fit/finish, and controls.
Benelli M4 ($1,700-$2,100)
The M4 is the military’s combat shotgun and a legendary platform, but it’s heavier (7.8 lbs), more expensive, and designed for tactical duty rather than competition speed. If your priority is home defense or tactical use, the M4 is hard to beat. For competition, the 1301 Comp is lighter and faster. See our Benelli M4 review.
The Verdict
The Beretta 1301 Comp is one of the best semi-automatic shotguns you can buy for under $1,500. The BLINK gas system makes it genuinely the fastest-cycling competition shotgun available, the weight is excellent, the Italian build quality shows, and it works reliably across a wide range of loads. It’s a legitimate tool for 3-Gun competition, bird hunting, sporting clays, and home defense.
If you’re getting into competition shotgun sports or you want a premium semi-auto that does everything well, the 1301 Comp earns a strong recommendation. Add an extended magazine tube, a quality choke, and maybe a Nordic Components bolt release, and you’ve got a match-ready shotgun that will run with guns costing twice as much.
Final Score: 8.5/10
Best For: 3-Gun competitors, bird hunters, sporting clays shooters, and anyone who wants the fastest-cycling semi-auto shotgun under $1,500.
FAQ: Beretta 1301 Comp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Beretta 1301 Comp good for 3-Gun?
Yes. The Beretta 1301 Comp is one of the best 3-Gun shotguns available. Its BLINK gas system cycles 36 percent faster than competing designs, the 21-inch barrel is maneuverable in tight stage layouts, and the oversized controls (bolt release, loading port) facilitate fast reloads. Add an extended magazine tube and it is competition-ready out of the box.
Beretta 1301 vs Benelli M2: which is better?
The 1301 Comp cycles faster and weighs less, making it better for speed-focused competition. The Benelli M2 has a larger aftermarket for modifications and uses an inertia-driven action that some prefer for reliability in dirty conditions. Both are excellent. Choose the 1301 for raw cycling speed or the M2 for aftermarket support and customization options.
Is the Beretta 1301 Comp reliable?
Yes. The BLINK gas operating system is a refined version of Beretta's proven A400 platform and runs reliably across a wide range of loads from light target loads to heavy buckshot and slugs. Beretta is one of the oldest firearms manufacturers in the world (founded 1526) and the 1301 reflects that heritage in build quality and engineering.
What is the BLINK gas system?
BLINK is Beretta's proprietary gas-operated cycling system used in the 1301 series. It cycles 36 percent faster than conventional gas systems by using a self-cleaning, self-regulating piston that minimizes friction and maximizes cycling speed. The result is noticeably faster follow-up shots compared to competing semi-automatic shotguns.
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