Let’s Talk About GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga
The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga is intended as an upgrade for the factory follower in the popular Beretta 1301 tactical shotgun. GG&G is a well-respected manufacturer of tactical accessories, and this follower aims to enhance the shotgun’s reliability and ease of use. I was hoping for a drop-in upgrade that would provide increased visibility and improved feeding.
I had been experiencing occasional feeding issues with my 1301, especially when loading quickly under stress. I wanted a follower that would be easier to see and feel, ensuring positive loading every time. When I received the GG&G follower, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the stainless steel. The red insert promised high visibility.
Compared to the factory plastic follower, the GG&G part felt much more robust. I also considered followers from other manufacturers like Nordic Components, but GG&G’s reputation for quality and the promise of a drop-in fit swayed me. Initially, I was excited by the promise of improved performance and enhanced visibility. I was ready to install it and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran several drills involving rapid loading and unloading, focusing on simulating home defense scenarios. Under normal conditions, the follower seemed to function adequately, but I quickly encountered issues when trying to load the magazine tube to its full capacity.
I experienced significant difficulty loading the final rounds into the magazine tube when using the GG&G follower with my GG&G two-round magazine extension. The tube would seize up, preventing me from loading the 6th or 7th shell. This issue did not occur when using the factory follower. This was extremely frustrating, as reliable capacity is paramount in a tactical shotgun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and attempts to troubleshoot the problem, the GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga continued to cause feeding issues. The follower showed no signs of wear and tear. It remained clean and undamaged, but the loading problems persisted.
Cleaning the follower was straightforward due to its simple design. However, the consistent loading failures made me question its overall reliability compared to the original Beretta follower, which, while less visually striking, never caused such issues. My experience with this follower has been significantly disappointing, especially considering GG&G’s reputation.
Breaking Down the Features of GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga
Specifications
The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga is constructed from stainless steel for enhanced durability. It features a high-visibility red aluminum insert. The follower is designed specifically for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun and is advertised as a drop-in replacement.
The stated purpose of the stainless steel construction is to improve durability and resist corrosion. The red insert is meant to provide quick visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube. The deep spring pocket is intended to better control spring movement.
Performance & Functionality
Unfortunately, the GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga underperformed significantly in my testing. While the construction is robust, the design seems to have flaws that negatively impact feeding reliability, especially with magazine extensions. The loading issues I experienced render the follower largely useless for its intended purpose.
The follower’s primary weakness is its impact on magazine capacity and loading ease. The ridges on the follower may contribute to shells getting caught during loading, particularly when the magazine is nearly full. It does not meet expectations for a reliable tactical upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga has a straightforward design and feels solid in hand due to the stainless steel construction. The red insert is indeed visually prominent. However, the potential loading issues outweigh any perceived ergonomic benefits.
The build quality appears to be high, but the actual performance suggests design flaws. The lack of a smooth, consistent loading experience is a major drawback. There is no noticeable learning curve, as the installation is simple.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests that the GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga should last a long time. The material is resistant to corrosion and wear. Cleaning and maintenance are simple, requiring only occasional wiping.
The durability seems promising, but the existing loading issues overshadow this benefit. Without reliable functionality, longevity becomes irrelevant. The follower is easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga is a standalone component and does not come with any additional accessories. It is intended to replace the factory follower in the Beretta 1301 Tactical. It is compatible with magazine extensions designed for the 1301, but, as my experience shows, can cause issues.
There are no specific customization options for the follower itself. Users may consider aftermarket springs to potentially mitigate the loading issues, but this adds extra cost and uncertainty. The GG&G follower does not integrate seamlessly with all accessories.
Pros and Cons of GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction for longevity.
- High-visibility red insert for easy visual confirmation of an empty magazine.
- Simple drop-in installation; no gunsmithing required.
Cons
- Causes feeding issues and reduced magazine capacity, particularly with magazine extensions.
- The “high-visibility” nature is of limited value if the shotgun cannot be reliably loaded.
- May require additional troubleshooting and potential aftermarket springs to function correctly.
Who Should Buy GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga?
This product might be suitable for someone who prioritizes visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube and is willing to experiment with different springs and configurations to address potential feeding issues. However, I would advise caution. Tactical shooters or anyone relying on their Beretta 1301 for home defense should avoid this product due to the potential for loading failures.
A must-have modification to make this product useful might be a different magazine spring. However, I cannot guarantee it will solve the problem.
Conclusion on GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga
The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga promises enhanced reliability and visibility, but it ultimately falls short due to its negative impact on feeding consistency. Despite the durable construction and high-visibility insert, the loading issues I experienced make it difficult to recommend.
At $39.59, the price is not exorbitant, but the performance does not justify the cost. I would not personally recommend this product. Instead, I would suggest sticking with the factory follower or exploring alternatives from other manufacturers. The GG&G Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Magazine Follower 12Ga needs refinement before it can be considered a worthwhile upgrade. Proceed with caution and consider other options.