Mossberg 590 vs Beretta 1301 Tactical

[Parallax]

Looking to purchase a 12 gauge shotgun that will primarily be used for home defense. I will take it with me when I travel to a nearby state where relatives live and it is not legal to bring my AR-15. I would also like it to be usable by my female relatives who are petite and not very experienced with firearms.

I have researched the pump vs semi-auto debate and fired/handled as many shotguns as I was able to. In the pump category, I prefer the Mossbeg 590. In the semi-auto category, I prefer the Beretta 1301T. I was initially wary of the 1301T due to the potential double-feed issue, but there are now shrouds available that cover up the bolt release and make it unlikely to induce this malfunction.

If I go with the Mossberg, I would need to add a shorter stock, magazine extension, and a couple other things to bring it to the specs I prefer. The 1301T would only require a magazine extension. I priced everything out and the 1301T would cost $350 more than the 590 when all is said and done.

I would also need a way to figure out how to mount a light on the 1301T which may add an additional cost if I have to buy a new light. I see the Nordic Components magazine extension has a rail for mounting lights, but it is too far away for easy activation while aiming the shotgun. I searched and was not able to find anyone selling a railed forearm for the 1301T which is surprising. The 590 is easy because of the Magpul forend that is inexpensive and has good reviews, and I already have an Inforce WML I could move over from my AR-15.

I guess I am trying to figure out if the 1301T is worth the extra money and hassle of trying to figure out how to mount my Inforce WML or buying a longer light with a button I can reach if it is mounted near the front of the shotgun. I really like the idea of the lighter weight, lower recoil, and semi-auto capability, especially if one of my female relatives is using the shotgun.

 

[1KPerDay]

Does it really have less recoil? Have you shot them back to back? If I were considering other, inexpert users shooting it, I'd go with the 590. Easier to run and easier to load.

 

[Parallax]

Does it really have less recoil? Have you shot them back to back? If I were considering other, inexpert users shooting it, I'd go with the 590. Easier to run and easier to load.

I did not get a chance to fire them back to back since I don't know anyone who owns both or a range where I can rent both. But I did notice less recoil on the 1301T as well as the lighter weight. I think that is to be expected though comparing a gas semi-auto to a pump gun.

I did consider ease of use for less experienced shooters and came to the conclusion that the semi-auto may actually be the better option. In addition to being lighter and lower recoil, if someone needs to use it in an emergency all they have to do is flip off the safety and pull the trigger. I think the chance of a malfunction on a high quality semi-auto shotgun like the 1301T is lower than the chance of an inexperienced user short-stroking the pump on the 590 or just forgetting to pump altogether.

 

[Browning]

I would also need a way to figure out how to mount a light on the 1301T which may add an additional cost if I have to buy a new light. I see the Nordic Components magazine extension has a rail for mounting lights, but it is too far away for easy activation while aiming the shotgun. I searched and was not able to find anyone selling a railed forearm for the 1301T which is surprising. The 590 is easy because of the Magpul forend that is inexpensive and has good reviews, and I already have an Inforce WML I could move over from my AR-15.

I guess I am trying to figure out if the 1301T is worth the extra money and hassle of trying to figure out how to mount my Inforce WML or buying a longer light with a button I can reach if it is mounted near the front of the shotgun. I really like the idea of the lighter weight, lower recoil, and semi-auto capability, especially if one of my female relatives is using the shotgun.

I looked at the Beretta 1301 T before I bought something else and I bought the Nordic Components bracket and what I'm doing is just trading around lights and putting on a Streamlight TLR-1 HL that I have on another gun and then buying a pressure switch.

The one advantage of a pressure switch is that you can mount it further down the gun (which is basically your problem), you just have to make sure that you don't set if off accidentally right before the moment of truth or rest the gun on that side (also setting it off and draining the battery).

Nordic MXT tube and kit for Beretta 1301 T for less $

https://nordiccomp.com/categories/beretta-1301-tactical-mxt-extension-kit/

Streamlight TLR-1 HL light and switch

(They sell just the switch too though, which is what I plan to buy since I already have the light)

 

[horsey300]

I did not get a chance to fire them back to back since I don't know anyone who owns both or a range where I can rent both. But I did notice less recoil on the 1301T as well as the lighter weight. I think that is to be expected though comparing a gas semi-auto to a pump gun.

I did consider ease of use for less experienced shooters and came to the conclusion that the semi-auto may actually be the better option. In addition to being lighter and lower recoil, if someone needs to use it in an emergency all they have to do is flip off the safety and pull the trigger. I think the chance of a malfunction on a high quality semi-auto shotgun like the 1301T is lower than the chance of an inexperienced user short-stroking the pump on the 590 or just forgetting to pump altogether.

I have a 590a1 18.5" and it is my number one reliable. Had it close to 10 years now. The wife got hooked on shooting thanks to ol mossy. That being said, why not just get a shotgun like the 500 bantam or maverick88 youth etc already set with a youth stock. Heck a Stevens 320 youth can be had at Walmart for $172. Recoil is subjective but a youth 12/20 GA will still pack enough punch downrange in either chambering and if you're not investing in a long term primary, why not go with something everyone can play with and save the money for accessories?

 

[Virginian]

If you care about those female relatives, get the Beretta.

 

[CaptTripps]

I have an 18.5" barreled 590A1 and my girlfriend, while she has shot it, does not like it. Especially with slugs or buckshot. I'd look at a good semi for inexperienced/female/youth shooters.

 

[Browning]

If you care about those female relatives, get the Beretta.

I have an 18.5" barreled 590A1 and my girlfriend, while she has shot it, does not like it. Especially with slugs or buckshot. I'd look at a good semi for inexperienced/female/youth shooters.

^This^

My wife didn't like shooting centerfire long guns at all. After she shot and then subsequently bought a semi-auto 12 ga. shotgun then the shotgun went from the type of gun that she least liked to shoot to her absolute favorite.

Here's an article written from the female perspective on the Beretta 1301T with varying levels of experience.

http://thewellarmedwoman.com/beretta-1301-tactical-shotgun-review

 

[Sammael94]

For inexperienced shooters, as much as I am an admitted 590 (and general pump-action) fanboy, I'd go with the semi. A whole lot easier to learn the basics when you don't have to worry about working the action every time.