In my opinion, the Benelli M4 is the gold standard for tactical shotguns in the modern world. Since its introduction, it has found success with law enforcement, military contracts, and general domestic use. The Benelli M4 is characterized by its soft-shooting recoil impulse, reliability, and outstanding reputation.
This semi-automatic shotgun is centered on the Auto-Regulating Gas Operated (ARGO) system, a short-stroke gas piston system with two pistons that press on a rotating bolt. The system is self-cleaning as well as self-regulating. Benelli claims the design will adjust to different loads and will cycle both high and low brass ammunition. This was an issue with many previous shotgun designs, where the user would have to tune the gas system to run more powerful loads for practical application, or lower velocity loads for training.
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The Benelli M4 features a 3-inch chamber and a standard Benelli screw-in choke system. With an 18.5-inch barrel, it weighs about 8 pounds unloaded. The top of the receiver features a Picatinny optic rail and ghost ring sights.
The domestic version of the Benelli M4 features a full stock and a 5+1 capacity. A plethora of aftermarket companies offer different stock options and extended tubes to copy the configuration of the Benelli M1014, which is primarily marketed to military and law enforcement.
Beretta 1301
The Beretta 1301 is a semi-automatic shotgun built up from Beretta’s success with the A400 design. The Beretta 1301 Tactical features a 3-inch chamber and a fixed cylinder bore, and from the factory, it includes a 7+1 magazine capacity. The shotgun also has an 18.5-inch barrel and weighs about 6.4 pounds unloaded. The receiver features a short optic rail and ghost ring sights.
While some sub models include screw-in choke systems, pistol grip and stock combos, and different magazine capacities, this is the base 1301 Tactical model.
Related: New Beretta Enhanced 1301 7+1 Capacity Tactical Shotgun
The 1301 Tactical uses Beretta’s B-link gas system, which is a somewhat similar piston-driven, self-regulating system to that of the Benelli M4. However, with the design of the rotating bolt in conjunction with the pistons, Beretta claims this action is 36 percent faster than any other gas operation on the market. The marketed advantage is quick follow-up shots, as the bolt returns into battery with a new round faster than designs like the Benelli M4.
In Comparison
From a tabletop perspective, there are a few key differences between these two tactical shotguns. The first noticeable difference is the weight. All things considered, the Benelli M4 is notably heavier than the Beretta 1301 Tactical. On paper, 1.5 to 2 pounds may not seem like a lot, but trust me, it makes a difference. Of course, anyone can buck up and handle a few extra pounds; however, over extended periods of shooting and training, the extra weight takes a toll.
The next difference is a little more subtle, but there is a significant reduction in optic rail space on the 1301 Tactical. The Benelli M4 has a longer receiver, and the rear ghost ring is pushed back farther than it is on its Beretta-made competitor.
The final major difference lies in the chokes. As I mentioned before, while some 1301 models include adjustable chokes, the standard 1301 Tactical has a fixed cylinder bore. Not only does this limit the ability to adjust the spread of the shot, but it limits the ability for chokes that include muzzle devices for activities like breaching or choke-threaded suppressors.
There are a few minor differences worth mentioning as well. From the factory, the Beretta design offers several different options that you will not see in the Benelli M4 line. From tactical to competition-based, there are several configurations in the 1301 line of shotguns. Plus, the standard 1301 Tactical includes a 7+1 capacity tube, while the Benelli M4 has a 5+1 tube with a fake extension for cosmetic purposes.
On the Range
It’s easy to compare these two shotguns from a tabletop perspective, but the real tell is when you get them out on the range. I put between 300 and 400 rounds through each shotgun, much to the detriment of my shoulder. Most of the ammunition was Federal low brass target loads, but tactical shotguns are really made for defensive loads. I also ran a mix of Hornady Critical Defense slugs, some Federal 00 buckshot, and a few sabot rounds through each shotgun.
Reliability is arguably the most important aspect of any firearm. That said, both Beretta and Benelli sport a high opinion of their reliability in relation to their unique gas system designs. It is worth noting that in my small sample size, the Beretta 1301 Tactical did not have a single malfunction. On the flip side, the Benelli M4 was short-stroking some of the low brass loads. So, in this case, a point goes to Beretta.
Another key factor when comparing two platforms is the recoil impulse. Earlier, I mentioned that the Beretta 1301 Tactical was noticeably lighter than the Benelli M4. When it came to recoil management, the Benelli M4 was a clear winner. The added weight and the ARGO gas system make for an extremely pleasurable 12-gauge shooting experience, which is saying something. The recoil is smooth, easy to control, and helps keep the sights on target.
In contrast, there is a harsher felt recoil in the lighter 1301 Tactical. Specifically, when running slugs, sabot, or buckshot, the thump to the shoulder is solid in the Beretta design. According to Beretta’s claims, the B-link gas system increases the speed of the bolt, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. In my experience, the increased felt recoil completely negates the faster speed of the bolt, and I did not feel that I could run the 1301 Tactical faster than the Benelli M4. So, we will give a point to Benelli.
Either way, both shotguns offer a rock ‘n’ roll experience, especially if you’re trying to rattle off shots quickly. Both shotguns performed admirably, with pros and cons that will have to be weighed based on what’s most important to you.
Summary
Ultimately, there is a subjective nature to deciding which one is better. When shooting both designs, it’s clear that there is a “sports car” type of experience with the Benelli M4. With a smooth and easily managed recoil impulse, it’s understandable why the Benelli is so popular.
On the other hand, it is also understandable why the 1301 Tactical is extremely attractive. With some better stock features from the factory, more design options, and a lighter construction, the 1301 has a lot going for it.
In application, it’s less important which one is better as opposed to how much you train with it. You can take an objectively better design and shoot it once a year but never unlock the true benefits of the firearm. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea to the pros and cons of both designs, but the performance is up to you. Use your constitutionally guaranteed right, grab some ammo, hit the range, and train.
