I've finally decided to "upgrade" my home defense and travel 12 ga. shotgun. I've owned a vintage Remington 870 Police Magnum for years...it was a SWAT trade-in at my lgs. It has ghost ring sights, a forend light, shell holder, etc., and has been totally dependable. However, I think it's time for a semi-auto tactical shotgun. Before the 870, I had a Remington 1100 that was not so dependable and it steered me away from semi-autos at the time. But times have changed, and the new semi-auto shotgun designs are outstanding and dependable. After some research, I've narrowed my choices to the Beretta A300 Patrol and the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Both are ergonomic, functional and reliable, and similarly priced. I like certain features on each, but neither has exactly what I'd like to see. I will end up putting a light, shell holder, sling (and maybe a Match Saver) on the one I choose, but not yet sure about a Red Dot optic. Any thoughts on which shotgun I should buy?
Beretta A300 Patrol vs. Mossberg 940 Tactical Pro
- Thread starter Hawg Rider
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I’ve always found Beretta’s quality to be superior to Mossberg’s. Although the Mossberg has a good track record, the only thing I like about em is the 500’s tang safety. Perhaps my bias comes from carry 870s and Model 12s my whole career.
.357magger
Member
I previously owned the Mossberg. While 100% reliable with anything I fed it, from 2.75" low brass dove loads to 3" magnum buckshot, the length of pull was too long (even when removing the spacers) with no easy way to correct. The action used a very long spring coupled with an equally long bolt in the butt and shorter stocks simply weren't available. So I sold it. That was several years ago, I have no idea if a correction is now available.
I've never owned the Beretta, but it got RAVE reviews in a brand vs brand shootout and torture test on The Firearms Blog.
So I'd pick the Beretta.
Since you asked.
I've never owned the Beretta, but it got RAVE reviews in a brand vs brand shootout and torture test on The Firearms Blog.
So I'd pick the Beretta.
Since you asked.
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I got to try out the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun on the 4th. Wow, what a great gun for the price. I used to own a 940 and found the Beretta has softer recoil though still too much for my banged up right shoulder. I really like the features of the A300 and would've picked one up if I could still shoot a shotgun.
The softest shooting semi "home defense" shotgun I ever owned was a Remington 1187 Police model. That was an outstanding shotty.
The softest shooting semi "home defense" shotgun I ever owned was a Remington 1187 Police model. That was an outstanding shotty.
OP
The winner is...
I went to my lgs and handled both the Mossberg and the Beretta- a side-by-side comparison. To me, the A300 just seemed to fit me better and handle a little better, and it was a bit lighter. The texture on the stocks was more aggressive, and I liked that too. I appreciate the action on the 940 ProTac and the traditional tang safety, and it's a well made shotgun. If you're an optics guy, the Mossberg is ready to go. IMHO, a tactical shotgun doesn't really need a red dot optic (even though it seems that everyone is moving in that direction) and at the moment I don't plan to install one- but the upper rail makes it easy if I change my mind. Soooo, I went with the Beretta A300 with its ghost ring and F/O sights. Yesterday I tore it down and cleaned it, lengthened the stock a little, and now it's ready for the range. Now I'll start ordering some accessories.
I went to my lgs and handled both the Mossberg and the Beretta- a side-by-side comparison. To me, the A300 just seemed to fit me better and handle a little better, and it was a bit lighter. The texture on the stocks was more aggressive, and I liked that too. I appreciate the action on the 940 ProTac and the traditional tang safety, and it's a well made shotgun. If you're an optics guy, the Mossberg is ready to go. IMHO, a tactical shotgun doesn't really need a red dot optic (even though it seems that everyone is moving in that direction) and at the moment I don't plan to install one- but the upper rail makes it easy if I change my mind. Soooo, I went with the Beretta A300 with its ghost ring and F/O sights. Yesterday I tore it down and cleaned it, lengthened the stock a little, and now it's ready for the range. Now I'll start ordering some accessories.
Farmer17
Member
I recently bought a Beretta A 300 20 gauge hunting shotgun, and I have been thrilled with it. It seems like everything was done right, with high quality and great ergonomics. I can’t think of any way to improve it except I wish they would’ve made the stock a little shorter and I’m 5 foot nine.
I've handled and shot both the Mossberg and the Beretta and I ended up buying a A300 Ultima Patrol. I liked the stock texture on the A300 better and it seemed to fit me better. I've put 50 rounds through it, a mix of 4 00 buck, 2 00 buck, 7.5 shot game loads and some slugs with no hiccups. My intended use is for home defense and it'll do that job with authority. I need to source a good light for it and an Esstac shotgun card for it.
Give us a range report when you get a chance.
Give us a range report when you get a chance.
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OP
Will do! I just ordered an Esstac 5-rd card (coyote brown), some Magpul push button sling swivels, a Magpul M-lok sling swivel socket, and a Krydex coyote brown sling. I'm going with the 2-tone look! I'll add a weapon light pretty soon, too.
OP
firefighterjohn
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Looks sharp!
I got to handle both at the NRA Indy show in April. The A300 Tiger Stripe model was really sharp but the Beretta engineer confirmed that adding the sticky provided velcro to the receiver would remove the Tiger Stripe finish. He also said that their next version will be optics cut.
The 940 Pro Tactical felt great too. I've got a 930 SPX Blackwater and I really like that shotgun.
Decisions decisions...I'll keep watching for more info on this thread to see which one I'd get...
I got to handle both at the NRA Indy show in April. The A300 Tiger Stripe model was really sharp but the Beretta engineer confirmed that adding the sticky provided velcro to the receiver would remove the Tiger Stripe finish. He also said that their next version will be optics cut.
The 940 Pro Tactical felt great too. I've got a 930 SPX Blackwater and I really like that shotgun.
Decisions decisions...I'll keep watching for more info on this thread to see which one I'd get...
Pukka Sahib
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Beretta vs. Mossberg
Would I be correct in assuming the Mossberg is gas operated, as opposed to the Beretta being recoil operated ? If so, go with the Beretta.
Would I be correct in assuming the Mossberg is gas operated, as opposed to the Beretta being recoil operated ? If so, go with the Beretta.
OP
Both the Mossberg 940 TacPro and Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol are gas operated semi-automatic shotguns. They are so similar in operation, weight, price, and ergonomics that it makes a difficult choice!
Hawg Rider:
I like how you set your A300 up. I've mounted a light as I'm using it as my home defense gun. I might go for a sling but haven't made that commitment yet and I decided I didn't need the extra shell holder. If I can get from the bed to my closet with the shotgun, I've got an AR15 that can handle anything else.
I like how you set your A300 up. I've mounted a light as I'm using it as my home defense gun. I might go for a sling but haven't made that commitment yet and I decided I didn't need the extra shell holder. If I can get from the bed to my closet with the shotgun, I've got an AR15 that can handle anything else.
Rodan
SWCA Member
I went down this route recently and ended up with the Beretta 1301, with some bolt-ons from GG&G.
As far as optics, I like having basically the same sight picture as my ARs and defensive handguns, so it got one of my old Holosuns. The Magpul stock was a big improvement over the factory stock, with a shorter length of pull and a better pistol grip angle. The forend is more cosmetic, but it does provide M-lok slots for adding a light. I didn't care for the plastic mag extention tube, so I added the aluminum one.
I prefer an AR in almost any situation over a shotgun, but a shotgun is legal in many places where ARs are not. That's a factor when traveling by RV. And this is a pretty darn good shooting shotgun. Much easier to run than an 870... the gas system soaks up a lot of the recoil and it's fast.
As far as optics, I like having basically the same sight picture as my ARs and defensive handguns, so it got one of my old Holosuns. The Magpul stock was a big improvement over the factory stock, with a shorter length of pull and a better pistol grip angle. The forend is more cosmetic, but it does provide M-lok slots for adding a light. I didn't care for the plastic mag extention tube, so I added the aluminum one.
I prefer an AR in almost any situation over a shotgun, but a shotgun is legal in many places where ARs are not. That's a factor when traveling by RV. And this is a pretty darn good shooting shotgun. Much easier to run than an 870... the gas system soaks up a lot of the recoil and it's fast.
mgriffin
Member
I have been looking at the A300 Ultima Patrol and 1301. Like the 1301 better but prefer the price of the Ultima Patrol. I need to make a decision and choose one. Probably buy once cry once....
OP
Hawg Rider:
I like how you set your A300 up. I've mounted a light as I'm using it as my home defense gun. I might go for a sling but haven't made that commitment yet and I decided I didn't need the extra shell holder. If I can get from the bed to my closet with the shotgun, I've got an AR15 that can handle anything else.
BARgunner: I just added a light, as well. I wanted something small but effective and dependable so I went with the Holosun P.ID with 1000/500 lumens (can't beat the price!). It's mounted on a short MagPul M-lok picatinny rail section, and does not use a separate pressure switch and cable. Works very well and is rechargeable. Lastly, I should receive my MatchSaverz single round holder today (tactical black), and I'll get that installed on the forend near the ejection port.
Rodan/mgriffin: IMHO, the 1301 is the undisputed leader in semi-auto shotguns. However, I felt it was out of my price range for my home defense and travel applications. The A300 is a great scattergun and has all the features I was looking for.
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Rodan
SWCA Member
That was my theory. I've never regretted a "buy once, cry once" purchase. I have regretted a few where I thought something would be "good enough".
That said, the A300 is still a darn good scattergun.
SweetMK
Member
I never found a home defense shotgun that I liked,,
BUT,, I did buy a Benelli "Turkey Hunters Special" (screw in chokes) over 20 years ago,,
The best $550 gun I ever purchased,, it will digest any shells, in any order.
BUT,, I did buy a Benelli "Turkey Hunters Special" (screw in chokes) over 20 years ago,,
The best $550 gun I ever purchased,, it will digest any shells, in any order.
OP
Mods complete...I think?
I believe that I'm finally done modifying my Beretta A300...well, maybe. This morning I installed a MatchSaverz (tactical black) single round holder. It was a little more difficult than I thought- mostly looking and measuring about 15 times before I positioned the velcro and Matchsaverz and then drilled a hole in the forend! Online instructions could be better. Anyway, it turned out OK and works very well. I need to order a couple more Esstac side saddle cards so I have more available rounds when I travel, but other than that? Optic? Maybe down the road sometime, but right now I'm happy with the iron sights.
I believe that I'm finally done modifying my Beretta A300...well, maybe. This morning I installed a MatchSaverz (tactical black) single round holder. It was a little more difficult than I thought- mostly looking and measuring about 15 times before I positioned the velcro and Matchsaverz and then drilled a hole in the forend! Online instructions could be better. Anyway, it turned out OK and works very well. I need to order a couple more Esstac side saddle cards so I have more available rounds when I travel, but other than that? Optic? Maybe down the road sometime, but right now I'm happy with the iron sights.
