Meet the A300
The A300 Ultima Patrol is the first tactical/defense option in the A300 line. Upon its release in 2023, it was immediately compared to the Beretta 1301, leading to the question, “Why create competition for your own line?” Once you understand modern firearms manufacturing and import restrictions, this question is largely answered.
Many modern firearm manufacturers have factories and headquarters outside of the United States, but strict import laws can make it extremely difficult to bring popular models to market in the U.S. Thus, most major manufacturers establish an American-based subsidiary of their own company to act as the importer. Some examples are IWI/IWI USA, Steyr/Steyr Arms USA, and Beretta/Beretta USA.
These subsidiaries originally focused on importing firearms into the United States from their foreign origin, but in a growing trend, more foreign firearms companies are building manufacturing plants in the United States to avoid strict import laws. This led to the Gallatin, Tennessee-based Beretta USA factory.
Back to the difference between the 1301 and A300 Ultima Patrol: the A300 Ultima Patrol is made in Beretta USA’s Tennessee factory, while the Beretta 1301 is manufactured in Italy. The only functional difference is that the 1301 has a chrome-lined barrel and rotating bolt head, while the A300 Patrol has a non-chrome-lined barrel with a tilting bolt operation. The Beretta A300 is less expensive than the 1301, thanks to the elimination of import costs and the chrome used in the barrel.
Design Features
This 12-gauge, semi-automatic, gas-operated shotgun maximizes capacity and accessory compatibility. The 19.1-inch barrel is the perfect size for maneuvering while maximizing effectiveness at short to medium distances. A 3-inch chamber allows use of a plethora of different 12-gauge loads, and the Beretta Mobilchoke system lets the user easily adjust the spread.
Modern tactical features include a polymer handguard with M-LOK mounting slots, a ghost ring rear sight with a winged front sight post, and a Picatinny rail for mounting optics. The shotgun holds seven rounds in the tube, with the ability to ghost load an eighth and load one in the chamber, giving it an 8+1 capacity. Controls are simple and oversized, with a cross-bolt-style safety and a large bolt release.
The A300 Ultima Patrol Chisel stock edition features a metal Chisel stock with an adjustable cheek weld and an AR-style pistol grip. Rubber padding on the buttstock and cheek weld offers a more comfortable shooting experience. The stock design is impressive. With a more natural angle for the grip, it includes QD sling mounts and has an RMR-pattern optic mount that sits perfectly in line with the sights. The Chisel stock is also made in the USA.
Specs
- Overall Length: 38 inches
- Barrel Length: 19.1 inches
- Action: Gas operated
- Gauge: 12
- Chamber: 3 inches
- Choke System: Mobilchoke
- Capacity: 7+1 (2 3/4-inch shells)
- Overall Weight (unloaded): 7 pounds, 2 ounces
- Furniture: Chisel stock with adjustable cheek weld and AR-style pistol grip
-
Bolt Type: Falling-block
On the Range
The real test of a shotgun’s worth is how it performs on the range. Now, I normally dread shotgun reviews. While it can be fun to shoot guns all day, there is nothing fun about shooting hundreds of rounds of 12 gauge. That’s a lie – it is some fun; it’s shooting, after all. ULTIMAtely (see what I did there), we shot around 500 rounds through this A300 Ultima Patrol.
From standard 2 3/4-inch bird shot, to 3-inch waterfowl loads, to 00 buckshot, this shotgun chewed through everything flawlessly with zero malfunctions. This A300 is the most comfortable 12-gauge that I have ever shouldered. The rubber padding on the Chisel stock paired with a smooth Beretta gas operation makes it a joy to shoot.
Controls are intuitive, the sights are easy to find, recoil is manageable and smooth, the furniture is comfortable, and the “pings” of the shot hitting the steel targets are music to my ears. The trigger is light, and the reset is short. It is easy to burn through the magazine tube quickly and accurately.
Accuracy
Accuracy is relative with shotguns, but I had no issue hitting my Krate Tactical 18-inch torso targets within 50 yards. From buckshot to bird shot, it rang steel every time.
With more intentional accuracy in mind, I shot a few pork ribs against a pork roast at about 10 yards. With two easily achieved hits, let me tell you, you don’t want to be on the business end of this shotgun.
Accuracy is aided by the Holosun HE508T mounted to the Chisel stock’s RMR mount. The big 32-MOA circle and dot make it easy to acquire the target, and the spread of the 12-gauge does the rest.
If you prefer iron sights, the ghost rings are fast and easy to acquire. Additionally, the top Picatinny rail gives the option of mounting a more traditional optic.
Pros & Cons
