Beretta 1301 vs Benelli M2 Shotgun Competition Setup | 3-Gun & Shotgun Division
Beretta 1301 vs Benelli M2: Which Shotgun Dominates Shotgun Division and 3-Gun?
The shotgun stage is where matches are won and lost. Two semi-automatic platforms consistently dominate: the Beretta 1301 Comp and the Benelli M2. Both are proven, reliable, and capable of sub-second reload times when set up correctly. But they handle differently, and the upgrades you choose matter as much as the gun itself.
This guide covers everything you need to know about building a competition-ready shotgun setup, whether you're stepping into Shotgun Division at your first IPSC match or running 3-Gun at nationals.
Beretta 1301 vs Benelli M2: Head-to-Head Breakdown
Beretta 1301 Comp
The Beretta 1301 is purpose-built for competition. It's gas-operated, which means softer recoil and faster follow-up shots. The loading port is wide and low — you're slinging rounds in blind without looking. The bolt release is intuitive. Trigger is clean out of the box.
Key strengths:
- Gas operation = lowest recoil of the two
- Faster cycling under heavy use
- Loading port geometry is competition-optimised
- Aftermarket support strong in Australia and US
- Better for short-range volume fire (3-Gun shotgun stages)
Considerations:
- Requires regular cleaning (gas tube fouling)
- Parts can be harder to source regionally
- Slightly higher initial cost
Benelli M2
The Benelli M2 uses a unique inertia-driven system: no gas tube, no piston, just the energy of recoil cycling the action. Simpler, fewer parts, less maintenance. Bolt release is a lever on the left side — takes a round or two to ingrain. The loading port is tight; you'll develop precise hand placement.
Key strengths:
- Inertia system = fewer moving parts, less cleaning
- Rock-solid reliability in all conditions
- Easier to maintain long-term
- Excellent 2700+ fps target load flexibility
- Preferred by many shotgun division competitors for consistency
Considerations:
- Tighter loading port — higher skill ceiling
- Bolt lever release less intuitive initially
- Slightly more recoil impulse than Beretta
Essential Upgrades for Competition Shotguns
Stock setup isn't enough. These four upgrades transform a shotgun from good to competitive:
1. Loading Port Bevelling
A bevelled loading port lets rounds slide in faster. Most competition builds start with a professional port job — smoothed, enlarged slightly, and angled for blind loading. This isn't cosmetic; it cuts reload time by 0.2–0.4 seconds per round on a four-round sequence.
DIY cost: $80–150 AUD locally (or via specialist gunsmiths)
Value: Immediate, measurable speed gain
2. Bolt Release Upgrade
Beretta bolt releases are already good, but extended levers (like the charging handle upgrades we cover below) reduce reach. Benelli users often retrofit an oversized lever or extended paddle to speed up the thumb motion.
Impact: 0.1–0.2 seconds per stage where you lock the bolt back empty
3. Charging Handle / Bolt Racker Upgrade
This is where Boss Components enters the picture. We stock Berika 12g Extended Charging Handle and Berika 12g Dual-Handle Racker for Berika competition shotguns. These extended handles provide leverage for faster bolt manipulation and lock-backs, critical in shotgun division strings.
Note: These are designed for Berika 12-gauge platforms. Beretta and Benelli charging handles are more basic (factory standard), though aftermarket extended handles exist. The Berika ecosystem is compact, purpose-built, and offers these direct upgrades.
4. Muzzle Brake and Choke Strategy
A muzzle brake reduces recoil and helps with follow-ups. Our 12 Gauge Shotgun Clamp-On Muzzle Brake clamps on any 12-gauge, no gunsmithing required. Clamp-on brakes are competition-legal and add minimal velocity penalty.
For chokes: Shotgun division typically runs fixed full or improved modified. 3-Gun allows more flexibility — some run skeet or cylinder for speed; others stay with full for longer ranges. Test both at your club range before match day.
Sighting Systems: Red Dot vs Iron Sights
Red Dot (Primary Choice): Aimpoint Micro H-2 or Holosun 503R. Fast, reliable, co-witness friendly. Most serious competitors run one. Shallow cheekweld, split-second target pickup.
Bead Sight + Rifle Ghost Ring: Traditional but still competitive. Requires more practice, slower in tight time windows. Better for 3-Gun where you're transitioning between weapons.
Hybrid: Red dot with metal bead backup. Best of both worlds if your mount supports it.
Install height: Aim for a natural head position. Too high, you're craning. Too low, parallax issues. Most competition shotguns run 1-1.5 inches above bore.
Competition Setup by Division
Shotgun Division (IPSC/IPSC Shotgun)
- Barrel length: 18.5–20 inches (18.5 is fastest overall)
- Choke: Fixed full or improved modified
- Sight: Red dot recommended; irons acceptable
- Stock: Adjustable preferred (cheekweld height matters with red dot)
- Muzzle: Brake or flash hider; muzzle brakes are legal and effective
- Upgrades: Loading port bevelling, charging handle extension, muzzle brake
Load: Typical 1200–1350 fps, 00 buckshot or slugs depending on stage. Heavier loads (1350+ fps) require cleaner recoil management; lighter loads are easier on the shoulder.
3-Gun (Multi-Gun)
- Barrel length: 18.5–20 inches
- Choke: Skeet, cylinder, or improved — varies by course
- Sight: Red dot + ghost ring backup recommended (rifle transitions are fast)
- Muzzle: Brake (reduces recoil between rifle/pistol stages)
- Upgrades: Same as Shotgun Division, plus emphasis on bolt manipulation (you're handling the gun more)
- Accessories: Sling with quick detach, spare chokes in your range bag
Load: 1200–1250 fps preferred in 3-Gun for speed and comfort. Higher recoil impulse can cost you in tight accuracy-required stages.
Build Checklist: From Stock to Match-Ready
If you're starting with a bare Beretta 1301 or Benelli M2:
- Barrel work: Professional loading port bevelling ($80–150)
- Sight: Aimpoint Micro H-2 or similar ($400–500 AUD)
- Muzzle brake: Clamp-on 12-gauge brake ($150–250)
- Stock: Adjustable comb (B5 Systems or Mesa Tactical, ~$200–300)
- Charging handle: For Benelli, consider extended lever; for Berika platforms, install Berika extended handle
- Ammunition: Buy match-quality ammo; reload only if you have proven dies and data
- Maintenance: Quality gun oil, bore brush, cleaning rod
Estimated total build cost: $1200–1800 AUD (including gun upgrade parts), or $2000+ if starting from bare receiver.
Range Gear and Support Accessories
Your shotgun is only half the equation. Proper range setup matters.
- Range bag: Holds ammo, tools, spare parts, chokes. Boss Components range bag has dedicated pouches for shotgun shells and is IPSC-legal size.
- Competition belt: Rigid, low-profile, holds your rig without sagging. Essential for shotgun work where you're moving and reloading.
- Safety flags: Pack of four chamber safety flags — mandatory at clubs and qualifiers. Always carry spare.
- Shooting hat: Sun and shell casing protection. Shotgun brass flies unpredictably; a hat saves your eyes.
- Target patches: Mark your scoring zones clearly. Helps officials score faster, reduces disputes.
- Hand towel: Wipe your hands, dry brass, clean the gun between strings. Simple and critical in wet weather.
These aren't luxuries — they're the difference between a smooth match day and chaos.
Maintenance and Reliability
Beretta 1301
Gas-operated means fouling. Clean your gas tube and piston every 200–300 rounds or after every match. Field-strip takes 90 seconds. Use a good solvent (CLP or similar) and ensure the gas ports aren't carbon-blocked. A blocked gas port = short-stroke failures and frustration on stage.
Benelli M2
Fewer parts mean less to clean, but the recoil spring takes impact. Check it for cracks after 1000+ rounds. The bolt and carrier can accumulate powder residue; brush them monthly if shooting regularly. Otherwise, a wipe-down is enough.
Both Platforms
- Check your loading port for cracks (high-stress area)
- Inspect choke threads — corrosion can lock them in place
- Test-cycle with snap caps monthly
- Store with the action open (reduces spring preload over time)
- Use quality gun oil — cheap oil gums up in Australian heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Beretta 1301 or Benelli M2 in Shotgun Division and 3-Gun?
Yes. Both are legal in IPSC Shotgun Division and 3-Gun. Beretta is slightly faster for shotgun-only. Benelli is slightly more reliable for multi-gun transitions. Either is fine — your skill matters more than the platform.
What's the best choke for competition?
Shotgun Division: Fixed full or improved modified. 3-Gun: Skeet or improved — test your course patterns first. Different chokes change the spread radius; tighter isn't always better if you're missing the centre.
Do I need a red dot sight?
No, but it's strongly recommended. Iron sights work, but you'll be slower. Red dots are fast, parallax-free at typical shotgun distances, and battery life is excellent (Aimpoint Micro is rated 3 years continuous). If you're starting out, a red dot saves months of learning curve.
Are muzzle brakes legal?
Yes, in both Shotgun Division and 3-Gun. Check your local club rules, but IPSC allows them. Clamp-on brakes like our 12-gauge brake require no gunsmithing and can be removed in seconds.
How often should I clean my shotgun?
Beretta 1301 (gas-operated): After every match or every 200–300 rounds. Benelli M2 (inertia): Monthly with regular use, or after very dirty matches. Both require a full field-strip monthly; you don't need a vise or special tools.
What ammunition should I use?
Match-quality factory ammo (Rio, Federal, Fiocchi) in 2.75-inch shells. 00 buckshot or slugs depending on stage. Reload only if you're experienced; shotgun pressure curves are unforgiving. Start with factory loads.
Can I use my competition shotgun for hunting?
Legally, yes. Practically, no. Competition shotguns are built for precision and speed, not versatility. The red dot, short barrel, and tuning for target loads make them poor choices for field hunting. Keep them separate.
Do Berika charging handles fit Beretta or Benelli?
No. Berika charging handles are designed for Berika 12-gauge shotguns, which use a different bolt carrier geometry. Beretta and Benelli have proprietary systems. Boss Components stocks Berika-specific upgrades for shooters using that platform. For Beretta and Benelli, aftermarket charging handles are limited; focus instead on loading port bevelling and muzzle brakes for speed gains.
Final Thoughts
The Beretta 1301 and Benelli M2 are the gold standard in shotgun competition for good reason. Both are proven, reliable, and adaptable to your style. The Beretta favours speed; the Benelli favours simplicity. Neither will let you down on match day if you've done the work.
Invest in the upgrades that matter: port work, muzzle brake, and a quality sight. Skip the gimmicks. Train weekly. Use a solid competition belt and keep your range bag organised. And if you're running a Berika, our charging handle upgrades and dual-handle racker will cut reload times noticeably.
See you at the range.
