The Beretta 1201fp semi-auto shotgun

[ColbyBruce]

Do any of you LE folks have extensive experience with this model?

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Yes, basically a Benelli M1 bolt, recoil operated with a Beretta trigger group. It’s light, so there’s lots of felt recoil. Felt recoil is subjective, and to me it “kicks” less than a similar weight pump gun. I have one and after shortening the length of pull considerably, I put a slip on Simms pad on it. Doing so decreased felt recoil even more.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Yes, basically a Benelli M1 bolt, recoil operated with a Beretta trigger group. It’s light, so there’s lots of felt recoil. Felt recoil is subjective, and to me it “kicks” less than a similar weight pump gun. I have one and after shortening the length of pull considerably, I put a slip on Simms pad on it. Doing so decreased felt recoil even more.

Thank you. Are optic mounts available for this model? Are parts a problem?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I lusted after the 1201…until I handled one. I simply didn’t like it…thought it was lightly built and wouldn’t hold up.

I ended up buy a Benelli M1 Super 90 when H&K was the importer. 20” barrel…extended magazine…ghost ring tritium sights. It’s a real machine that runs exceptionally well…I still have it.

 

[inspcalahan]

Had one back in the 90s. Kicked like a rented mule. Sold it.

Benelli and Mossberg offerings are way, way better in that regard while still being 100% reliable.

 

[WCCPHD]

I was issued several over the years. I always found a reason to pass them off to less fortunate agents.

I absolutely HATED it. Most recoil of any shotgun I've ever shot. Has a complicated loading mechanism (not sure what they call it). Its recoil operated, so if you tried to shoot it "from the hip" it would not cycle.

That said, I bought two of the NC State Highway Patrol's trade in 1301's and that's a great gun. I like it better than my Benelli M3.

 

[alwslate]

I had one for a while that I used for Deer hunting with standard full power Foster type slugs. Brutal recoil. I took four Whitetails with it and passed it on.

 

[clang444]

I'm not LE, but I do own a 1201FP, If you are recoil sensitive this gun is not for you, it's light and there is no gas system to soak up some of the recoil.

It kicks like one of those old H&R or NEF single shot shotguns, but it can do it 5-6 times rapidly without reloading. I'm a big guy so it does not bother me, but it may not be a great gun for gaming where you shoot several rounds in a day.

What it does well is what it was designed for - protection in a bad situation. Mine has proven to be rugged and 100% reliable when held firmly. It is also very light, so it carries well too.

 

[ColbyBruce]

This is the model I am interested in. A friend bought one recently and commented negatively on the recoil impulse. He also stated it recoils less when shooting coyotes than when patterning it on paper.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[alwslate]

Looks exactly like the one I had. As I recall the barrel is 20" long and has rifle sights. The stock was overly long, at least for me, did not appear to be easily shortened and the rubber butt plate was just that and not a pad. I fired five rounds from a rest to adjust the sights and was done, close enough.

 

[Abbynormal]

I had one for about a year. Fit me well and was a fast pointer. Down side was as said above, the recoil. I shot an 870 in 3 gun matches and O/U shotguns weekly in trap and skeet, so recoil was never a problem untill I got the 1201.

Upsides: It never jammed and was the fastest shooting shottie I've ever
experienced.

Down sides: The recoil beyond uncomfortable and the loading/charging routine was a PITA. Only held 6 rounds.

Got rid of it and have never missed it.

 

[pharmer]

This is the model I am interested in.

I have an exact copy, bought it maybe 30 years ago. Reliable, light easy handling. Fed everything I fired in it. Recoil is no different from Mossberg 590 I keep for HD. I'd use the Beretta but there is no way to keep a "hammer down, empty chamber, full magazine, one move chambering" condition. Leaving it in "condition 1" is not my ideal HD shotgun mode(it will sit a long time). Joe

 

[ColbyBruce]

I may regret the purchase, but I want to try one of these guns for myself. It can’t be any worse than my old 10 gauge Browning BPS Stalker or the Remington 870 Super Mag I bought my son. Those were downright brutal.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Had one for years and other than the recoil I liked it. Once I swapped the factory stock for one that Choate made that had a pistol grip, recoil ceased to be an issue, actually it was cheek slap that bothered me more than the actual recoil to my shoulder.

Eventually sold it and went back to my Remington 870.

 

[ladder13]

Scored one of the NCSHP 1301’s trade ins, at the local police supply shop, for less than half the price of new.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

I have an exact copy, bought it maybe 30 years ago. Reliable, light easy handling. Fed everything I fired in it. Recoil is no different from Mossberg 590 I keep for HD. I'd use the Beretta but there is no way to keep a "hammer down, empty chamber, full magazine, one move chambering" condition. Leaving it in "condition 1" is not my ideal HD shotgun mode(it will sit a long time). Joe

I store mine loaded magazine on an empty hammer down chamber. It requires a little extra strength to cycle the bolt, but is nothing too difficult. I shoot Benelli autos often so it’s not difficult for me to keep it running.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Thank you. Are optic mounts available for this model? Are parts a problem?

None that I’m aware of. Some models were drilled and tapped for scope mounts, so I suppose something could be cobbled up.

I also have a Benelli M2 Tactical which is much easier to mount lights and optics on it.

 

[ronnie gore]

I bought one years ago and still have it,it does kick but very fast shooting,I would not get rid of mine.

 

[ColbyBruce]

It appears that Coastal Firearm Shop out of Florida, that was advertising the Beretta 1201fp shotguns, is a scam site.