The video opens with a side-by-side look at four popular Italian semi-auto shotguns: the Beretta 1301, Beretta A300 Ultima, Benelli M4, and the new Benelli M2-G1. The hosts immediately note the M2-G1’s modern, combat-oriented styling and stock design, positioning it as a tactical evolution of the classic M2. They explain that all four guns are piston-driven but rely on different systems. The Beretta 1301 uses Beretta’s rotating “Blink” gas system, advertised as cycling about 35% faster than competitors and known for a smooth recoil impulse. Its MSRP is around $1,900, placing it in the premium category. The Benelli M4 is introduced as a dual-piston, combat-proven shotgun adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps, featuring a retractable stock and Cerakote finish. It is praised for legendary reliability but called out for a steep MSRP near $2,300, setting the stage for a value and performance comparison across the lineup.
Attention shifts to the Beretta A300 Ultima as the more budget-conscious option in the group. It is described as a gas-operated shotgun with a simpler single-piston system and an MSRP around $1,100, raising the question of whether its performance truly justifies the savings versus higher-end models. The hosts then highlight Beretta’s new RPO (rear piston operation) gas system on the updated 1301. By moving the piston rearward, this design aims to improve overall balance and deliver an even softer shooting experience than the original Blink configuration. However, they acknowledge that this RPO system is still relatively new and lacks the long-term track record of more established designs. This segment frames the 1301 as a technologically advanced, performance-focused shotgun while positioning the A300 Ultima as a cost-effective alternative that may involve tradeoffs in refinement and recoil behavior.
At the range, the hosts lay out the Benelli M4, Beretta 1301, Beretta A300 Ultima, and Benelli M2-G1 to compare them under live fire. They briefly recap each operating system: the M4’s dual-piston setup, the 1301’s Blink gas system, the A300’s traditional single-piston gas system, and the M2-G1’s inertia-based design with modern tactical enhancements. Shooting each shotgun back-to-back highlights clear differences in recoil impulse, handling, and overall feel. The M2-G1 stands out as particularly enjoyable, with its updated ergonomics and features impressing the hosts more than expected. They emphasize that, while shotguns are not their favorite firearm category, these guns still play important roles in hunting, home defense, and other practical applications. This live-fire segment transitions naturally into a more structured discussion of pros and cons, starting with the Benelli M4’s long, proven service record and reputation for reliability.
The comparison moves into explicit ratings for each shotgun based on recoil, reliability, features, and value. The Benelli M4 is praised for its combat pedigree, dual-piston operating system, and dependable performance, though its recoil is described as manageable but thumpy. It earns an overall rating around four out of five. The Beretta 1301 is highlighted as very light and quick-handling, with the Blink system contributing to fast cycling and a favorable shooting experience. The hosts slightly disagree on whether it surpasses the M4, settling on a rating in the 3.5 to 4 range. The Beretta A300 Ultima receives more criticism, particularly for a snappy recoil impulse that is hard on the collarbone, even though it remains reliable and relatively affordable. One host rates it a two, the other a three, suggesting many shooters might be better off saving for a higher-end option. The surprise standout is the Benelli M2-G1, which earns a rare perfect five, thanks to its operation, adjustability, full top rail, side mounting slots, and mid-tier price point between the A300 and M4.
In the closing segment, the hosts imagine being forced to delete two of the four shotguns and keep only two. Their final choices are the Beretta 1301 and the Benelli M2-G1. The 1301 is characterized as a performance-oriented shotgun, optimized for speed, light weight, and handling, while the Benelli M4 is acknowledged as the established, combat-tested workhorse with a long service history. They suggest that the 1301 could build a similar reputation over time but currently occupies more of a high-performance niche. The M2-G1 continues to gain appreciation as they discuss its balance of features, cost, and shootability. They note that the 1301 feels lighter than its comparison gun and that the M2-G1’s modern configuration makes it highly appealing. The video ends by inviting viewers to comment on whether they prefer Benelli or Beretta, teasing a future 1301 versus M2 head-to-head “burndown,” and signing off with a nod to fans of both brands.
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