Beretta 1301T or Benelli M4 LE

[james23]

I've had the chance to play around with both the 1301T and the Benelli M4 LE. From my experience, both are reliable and solid choices, but I lean slightly more towards the Benelli M4 for its renowned durability and ease of service.

[Barry in IN]

A few comments.

Re: M4 and light loads: I bought an M4 this year. I've only used it for one class, but had no trouble (or before or since the class) with the WalMart-type 100-pack Winchester and Federal birdshot.

The Urbino stock fixes the LOP, but as far as I know it's the only option without doing some arts and crafts work.
So if you don't want a PG stock, you're SOL.

I was choosing between the current cool kids three: 1301T, A300 Patrol, and the M4. I read the barrel on the A300 was made in a Beretta -owned Stoeger factory to Beretta specs in Turkey. Being made in a Stoeger factory didn't bother me, but being made in Turkey did. That matters to some, but not others. It bothers me, so I struck.it from my list.
Just pointing it out in case that's important to you.

[matemike]

I'm in the same boat of choosing between a 1301T and an M4 myself. I was about to start my own thread but figured it's cleaner just to post and discuss what I've come across right here.

Both are good choices. I didn't focus completely on this particular comparison video as there are hundreds, but Mr gunsandgear said in a very roundabout way that the M4 would be his choice if given one or the other. It was by a very narrow margin. And basically, it's because the M4 had a lot of reports as being robust from high round range rental models and the mil ops who use them; the 1301 did not quite have a track record yet when this video was made in 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7IcIpxFaLU&t=4s

I hear a lot about the recoil between the two SG's. What I gather is that you won't be able to tell the difference between the two UNLESS you shoot them side by side. And if you do, the M4 kicks just a tad more than the 1301 when shooting lighter loads. That's probably because the Benelli ARGO system is making up for its ability to cycle the lighter loads and the Beretta BLINK gas system runs through them like butter.
When shooting the full BS and Slug loads, the 1301 kicks a little more. I believe this is merely the weights of the SG's coming into play. The M4 being 2 pounds heavier naturally absorbs the recoil better. That's easy to comprehend.
It's also funny how we usually look for the lightest, fastest firearm when doing comparisons, but in this case we just have to accept that SG's are heavy and they are probably going to only be used for HD or front porch varmint purposes, not patrolling or long hiking treks. So, carrying the weight should not be a factor as some might think.

When it comes to weight, the M4 is heavier because it uses metal parts in places where the 1301 uses polymer. Lots of people trash the plastic. Many also say, and are correct, plastic ain't exactly weak. To back that up, as mentioned in this thread already, the 1301's aren't exactly breaking and melting all over the place due to plastic parts. It's a solid gun. It's just reddit guys saying that the 1301 is a consumer SG that just has a tactical look. Don't buy that. It's legit and has a track record now.

When it comes to price point. I personally don't think that should be a huge factor. If we are shelling out this big money for one gun or the other, we're already committed to a big price tag. Also, as the OP mentioned and I can confirm, I've found the prices to be closer together rather than as far apart as so many reviews claim them to be. I've found the M4 (bare bones with standard stock) for as low as $1,699 on eurooptic. I've found the 1301T with standard stock for as low as $1,499 on PSA website. $200 is a rather moot point to me once we are accepting of these price tags anyways.

However, all that being said about price, the M4 could use a new 7rd mag tube or tube extender at a couple hundred dollar price point. But it is worth mentioning, the M4 can be ghost loaded, so it can truly be a 6+1 SG whereas the 1301 is 7+1, so a mag extension might not be required by some. Yet, if the long LOP of the M4 bothers you as it does me (my SBE has same LOP), you'll want a new stock for another hundred bucks or so. Let's say other mods are a wash between M4 and 1301 because both could use an M-lok forend, sling, light mount, optic, etc., and the prices for either would be the same. Basically the M4 could use a couple mods to get it up the nice specs of the 1301 whereas the 1301 is more ready to go out of the box. Some like to and want to tinker and modify their new gun, some don't want to have to do anything. That choice is up to you. I'm a tinkerer and enjoy research on mods and putting it together exactly how I want.


A big factor of MY decision is also going to be because I own and hunt with a Benelli SBE. I'm more familiar with the Benelli controls. For that reason I'm leaning towards an M4. I also have a collection of spare parts and some are interchangeable between the two benellis. (safety buttons, internal springs and detents and whatnot). Like I said, this alone may sway me to an M4.

The 1301T is really sweet gun. How can I forget, the obvious answer is to get both, right?

[grizzman]

If i you pure going by feel, then it’s no contest. The 1301 is significantly lighter, with a shorter length of pull.

None of the M4s strengths over the 1301 can be felt.


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[w3453l]

Sorry I should have been more clear in my post. Meant to say I’ll get hands with both (including actually shooting them). I have a range nearby that I’m sure has the 1301 for rent. Going to double check if they have M4’s as well.

[HKGuns]

If i you pure going by feel, then it’s no contest. The 1301 is significantly lighter, with a shorter length of pull.

None of the M4s strengths over the 1301 can be felt.


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M4 “might” be less felt recoil thanks to being heavier. Although all of my Berettas are generally very soft shooters.

[SeriousStudent]

Not to muddy the waters, but you might want to take a look at the new Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol as well.

I was helping AI at a shotgun instructor class last weekend. There were six 1301's, and four A300 UP's on the line. Not a single one of the Beretta's had an issue.

I have three Beretta's, and four Benelli's for class purposes. I'd go with the Beretta based on current production and prices.

Just my dos not very shiny centavos.

[w3453l]

Thanks, I admittedly haven’t paid much attention to the A300. I figured it was just a budget version of the 1301. I’m glad to hear that the Berettas are doing well. I’ll look into the A300 as well.

[g-men10455]

The most noticeable difference for most people between the two are the weight, built, & perceived recoil. Depending on the individual the weight of the M4 can be a turn off, to others they prefer the weight cause it helps absorb some of the recoil but if people learn & get good with the push/pull method the decision picking one over the other becomes so much clear because the only clear difference is the weight which can be challenging depending on your conditioning during a long hot day shooting course.
I give the edge to the 1301T because of LOP20230529_075150_resized.jpg

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[sierra 223]

Will the A300 run reliably with the reduced recoil buckshot ?