Today at Beretta’s pre-SHOT Show 2023 range day, we got to check out their new A300 Ultima Patrol. This new shotgun brings near-1301 Tactical capability at the lower price point of the A300 lineup.
[SHOT 2023] Beretta’s new A300 Ultima Patrol
The first thing that stands out one the A300 Patrol, besides the unique looks of the special Tiger Stripe edition, is that the fore-end features forward M-lok slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The Ultima Patrol also comes set up with 3 QD sling mounting points, rifle sights, and a seven slot picatinny rail. The A300 Ultima Patrol will come in three different colorways: Black, Gray, and the handsome Tiger Stripe we got to handle at the range day.
Specs, Per Beretta:
- Model Code: J32CS11 (or CG/CT, depending on color)
- Model Name: A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe
- MSRP: $1099
- Barrel Length: 19.1″/48.5cm
- Choke: MobilChoke
- Gauge: 12
- Total Length: 38″
- Weight: 7.1lbs
Shots on Patrol
The A300 Ultima Patrol handles very much like a 1301 Tactical, having identical buttstocks, and a fore-end that is just slightly longer due to the difference in the gas systems between the A300 and the 1301. This similarity also means that the new fore-ends for the A300 patrol, which have M-Lok slots, will be compatible with the 1301 platform and available from Beretta’s pro shop in the future. The difference in fore-end length is made up by a spacer on the A300.
The A300 Ultima patrol handles quickly, comes up on target and stays on target easily when using either a red dot sight or the shotgun’s provided iron sights. Shooting them side by side with 1301s, one can detect the slightly slower operation of the A300, but only if you’re an experienced shooter of the 1301’s BLINK system. Should you choose to set up your shotgun like TFBTV’s James Reeve’s excellent loadout, Beretta includes an optional velcro strip to attach to the side of the receiver for shot-shell holding cards.
Born in the USA, and Easier on the wallet
The A300 Ultima patrol, though ever so slightly slower in operation than the 1301 Tactical, is nearly 30% cheaper than the 1301. The A300’s MSRP comes in at $1099, versus $1509 for the 1301. The Ultima Patrol is also made in Tennessee, versus the 1301 which is made in Italy.
The A300 Ultima is also coming in a couple new flavors of Turkey Hunting shotgun: The A300 Ultima Turkey Mossy Oak DNA and A300 Realtree Edge. These two turkey guns were easy to shoot, and had pretty nice balance as well.
For more Information, please visit Beretta.