Benelli M4 vs Beretta 1301

[SnidelyWhiplash]

As another forum member so eloquently stated “The Benelli M4 is a durable combat grade shotgun. The Beretta 1301 is a hunting gun with black furniture.” And I can’t forget the quote by the owner of Battlefield Vegas “If I could only own one shotgun for the rest of my life, it would be the Benelli M4.”

I have several M4’s. I fell victim to the Beretta 1301 hype a couple of years ago and bought one of the Langdon Tactical models. I have personally experienced the issue discussed in the following video, along with other significant issues. I would not trust a Beretta 1301 in a life or death situation. I would trust any of my Benelli M4’s without hesitation.

 

 

[Johral]

There’s a reason people coined the term “Benelli Click”.  It’s not a Beretta issue, it’s a rotating bolt head issue.

[RxArms]

8 hours ago, Johral said:

There’s a reason people coined the term “Benelli Click”.  It’s not a Beretta issue, it’s a rotating bolt head issue.

I've fired many thousands of shells, never had a rotating bolt head problem in my M4s.

[Johral]

I’ve never had the issue with my M1/M2 or my 1301 either, but if you don’t let a rotating bolt close properly, the issue will surface.  It isn’t isolated to the 1301.

Edited December 11, 2024 by Johral

[RxArms]

1 hour ago, Johral said:

I’ve never had the issue with my M1/M2 or my 1301 either, but if you don’t let a rotating bolt close properly, the issue will surface.  It isn’t isolated to the 1301.

I haven't watched the video, but I've seen 1301 bolt issues due to the rotating head passing through the charge handle channel where the key is on the charge handle to retain it in the bolt, due to user error on assembly.  This is where the M4 design is different than the 1301.  The rotating bolt head doesn't pass through a keyway on the charge handle on the M4. 
 

edit: just watched the video and that's brutal video footage for that police officer.  Any clips like this for the M4 where it goes click instead of bang?

Edited December 11, 2024 by RxArms

[Johral]

No clue, but obviously that guy didn’t know how to administratively check a weapon.  
 

I know quite a few nationally recognized shotgun instructors who have no problem with the 1301.

[NCswamp13]

I always thought the inertia spring in the Benelli bolt assembly was the cause of the "click" my M2 and M3 will click if the bolt isn't seated all the way. My M4 won't do this and I've tried to make it.

[Johral]

It’s not the inertia spring.  The bolt housing won’t go all of the way forward until the bolt is rotated completely into battery.  If you ride the bolt forward, the bolt will not complete the rotation.  It needs to have some velocity as it hits the barrel extension.  

If it isn’t completely rotated, all you need to do is give the extractor a little nudge with your finger tip and it will take care of it.  I’ve tried to make mine get hung up by bouncing the butt lightly on the floor, but neither will do it.

With the Beretta, just giving the bolt handle a light strike will insure the bolt is all the way forward.

Knowing your weapon system is priority number 1.  

[SnidelyWhiplash]

1 hour ago, Johral said:

With the Beretta, just giving the bolt handle a light strike will insure the bolt is all the way forward.

That’s not something I want to worry about as I’m charging my HD shotgun when I need it right away.

I’m glad your 1301 suits you and that you are happy with it. I stand by the comments and quotes I posted in the OP.

[John Doe]

Just stick with the M4. I have shot it and beat it up pretty good and have not had a single issue from day one. Also, he said shotguns are not drop safe, well I have tested this on my Benelli M4 and MINE is drop safe. After everything I have done with my M4, it still runs as if new and not a single hiccup. If I had these issues that people are having with the 1301 I would be very upset. 1301 is a range toy and the M4 is a serious tool. 

[NCswamp13]

4 hours ago, Johral said:

It’s not the inertia spring.  The bolt housing won’t go all of the way forward until the bolt is rotated completely into battery.  If you ride the bolt forward, the bolt will not complete the rotation.  It needs to have some velocity as it hits the barrel extension.  

If it isn’t completely rotated, all you need to do is give the extractor a little nudge with your finger tip and it will take care of it.  I’ve tried to make mine get hung up by bouncing the butt lightly on the floor, but neither will do it.

With the Beretta, just giving the bolt handle a light strike will insure the bolt is all the way forward.

Knowing your weapon system is priority number 1.  

I've tried riding it forward to see if I could make it not go and I can't. No matter how slow I go, it always drops right into battery.

[CEBEP]

I didn’t shoot all that much, a little over a thousand rounds of very different ammo through my M4, but never heard a click. It shoots and cycles everything, including light bird loads. M4 was around long enough that I consider it to be the most reliable and soft shooting semi auto shotgun ever. And the sound and mechanical feedback of cycle is just pure orgasm.  
 

It’s a little on a heavy side but there are ways to lighten it up. Toni System forend and stock will decrease the weight significantly, yet make it front heavy. Titanium or carbon tube may balance it out. 

Edited December 15, 2024 by CEBEP

[mr2jeff]

I am not a big fan of half plastic guns outside of maybe a Glock pistol, of which I still prefer a 2011/1911/CZ p01-Shadow 2 any day of the week

 

hence why I sold my cz bren 2 and fn scar 17.

 

Beretta 1301's are really nice guns, but their not Benelli M4's, not by a long shot for many factors.

 

When they were around the thousand dollar price point; they were worth the price of admission, since they became proud and started charging 2k, their crazy

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by mr2jeff

[Johral]

On 12/13/2024 at 12:59 PM, SnidelyWhiplash said:

That’s not something I want to worry about as I’m charging my HD shotgun when I need it right away.

I’m glad your 1301 suits you and that you are happy with it. I stand by the comments and quotes I posted in the OP.

That problem can occur on any number of platforms.  Glock, AR-15, Pump Shotgun…  if you gingerly put the slide or bolt into battery, you don’t get a bang.

the Benelli M4 bolt does go into battery quite smoothly, and it might never have the issue that other shotguns have (including the Benelli M1/M2), but if you don’t check that a weapon is ready for action (like tapping a bolt handle) and just assume…well?

Enjoy your M4, I’m out.

[Johral]

On 12/13/2024 at 3:14 PM, NCswamp13 said:

I've tried riding it forward to see if I could make it not go and I can't. No matter how slow I go, it always drops right into battery.

Which gun are you referring to?  I can’t make my 1301 hang up, no matter what I do.  
 

I can make an M1/M2 do it every time.  I can make a G19 do it, an Sig P220, any AR-15 (wonder why they put a forward assist on there?).  

Edited December 16, 2024 by Johral

[NCswamp13]

8 hours ago, Johral said:

Which gun are you referring to?  I can’t make my 1301 hang up, no matter what I do.  
 

I can make an M1/M2 do it every time.  I can make a G19 do it, an Sig P220, any AR-15 (wonder why they put a forward assist on there?).  

My m4