Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock Review

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock Made a Bold First Impression

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock aims to modernize a classic, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. As someone who’s spent over a decade handling tactical gear, I appreciate well-thought-out upgrades that enhance functionality and user experience. This stock promises a rugged build, adjustability, and improved ergonomics for the already impressive Beretta 1301, so naturally, I was curious to see if it truly delivered.

My factory Beretta 1301 stock, while functional, always felt a little…basic. I wanted a stock that offered a more secure grip, better cheek weld for various optics, and improved recoil management. I considered the Magpul SGA stock and the Mesa Tactical Urbino stock, both solid options. I chose the Midwest Industries stock for its integrated buffer system and the promise of maintaining the factory length of pull while offering adjustability, which seemed like a winning combination.

The unboxing experience was straightforward. The stock components were well-packaged and the aluminum grip and stock beam felt immediately solid in my hands. The polymer cheek piece had a quality feel, not cheap or flimsy. I was excited to get this installed and see how it changed the feel of my 1301.

Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock at my local outdoor range, running drills with various loads, from birdshot to slugs. The weather was typical for spring in my area: a little windy and occasionally drizzly. The grip provided a noticeable improvement over the factory stock, even with wet hands.

The enhanced grip and adjustability of the cheek piece allowed for a quicker and more consistent cheek weld, making target acquisition faster and more natural. I was initially surprised at how much the integrated buffer seemed to tame the recoil, especially with heavier loads. There were no immediate issues after the first 100 rounds or so.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of loosening or creaking, and the finish on the aluminum components still looks new. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down after each range session keeps it clean.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket stocks, this one definitely stands out. The Midwest Industries stock offers a balance of ruggedness, ergonomics, and recoil mitigation that I haven’t found in other stocks. It has significantly improved my shooting experience with the 1301.

Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock

Specifications

  • Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Beretta 1301 and Beretta 1301 Mod 2 shotguns. This ensures a proper fit and function, avoiding any compatibility issues.
  • Construction: Features a 6061 aluminum grip and stock beam. This provides exceptional strength and durability while keeping the weight manageable.
  • Cheek Piece: Includes an adjustable polymer cheek piece. The cheek piece allows for customization to achieve the perfect cheek weld when using iron sights, red dots, or magnified optics.
  • Integrated Buffer: Incorporates an integrated buffer system. This system helps to reduce felt recoil, improving shooter comfort and control, especially with heavy loads.
  • Length of Pull: Maintains the factory length of pull. The factory length of pull ensures a familiar and comfortable shooting experience, and spacer plates can be added if a longer length is needed.
  • Ambidextrous Design: Designed for both left and right-hand shooters. The ambidextrous design makes it accessible and functional for all users, regardless of their dominant hand.
  • Incompatibility: Does not fit the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. It’s crucial to note the specific models this stock is compatible with to avoid purchasing the wrong product.

Performance & Functionality

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock significantly enhances the performance of the shotgun. The improved grip and cheek weld translate to faster target acquisition and more accurate follow-up shots. The integrated buffer noticeably reduces felt recoil, making extended range sessions more comfortable.

The primary strength lies in its adjustability and recoil management. There are no major weaknesses, although the price point may be a barrier for some. The stock more than meets my expectations, delivering on its promises of improved ergonomics and recoil reduction.

Design & Ergonomics

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock boasts a robust design using high-quality materials. The aluminum construction provides a solid feel, while the polymer cheek piece offers a comfortable contact point. The weight is well-balanced, not making the shotgun feel overly heavy.

The stock is user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment to become accustomed to it. The adjustable cheek piece is intuitive to use, allowing for quick and easy customization to suit different optics or shooting styles.

Durability & Maintenance

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock is built to last. The 6061 aluminum construction is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the polymer cheek piece is durable enough to withstand regular use and abuse. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down after use to remove any dirt or grime.

The finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, ensuring that the stock will maintain its appearance and functionality for years to come. Its simple design makes repairs, if ever necessary, relatively easy to accomplish.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock itself doesn’t come with a ton of accessories, but the ability to adjust the cheek piece height is a significant customization feature. Additionally, Midwest Industries offers spacer plates that can be purchased separately to increase the length of pull. The stock is compatible with any Beretta 1301 that accepts aftermarket stocks.

It readily accepts slings using standard sling attachment points. While no specific optics are bundled, the adjustable cheek piece makes it simple to tailor the stock for use with a wide range of red dots and magnified optics.

Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock

Pros

  • Noticeably reduces felt recoil with the integrated buffer.
  • Adjustable cheek piece allows for optimal cheek weld with various optics.
  • Rugged 6061 aluminum construction ensures durability.
  • Ambidextrous design caters to both left and right-handed shooters.
  • Maintains factory length of pull for familiar ergonomics.

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to some other aftermarket stocks.
  • Spacer plates for increased length of pull are sold separately.


Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock?

This stock is perfect for Beretta 1301 owners looking to enhance the ergonomics and recoil management of their shotgun. It is especially beneficial for competitive shooters and tactical users who need a reliable and adjustable stock for various shooting scenarios. Hunters who prefer using optics on their shotguns will also appreciate the adjustable cheek piece.

Someone on a very tight budget might skip this product, as there are more affordable stock options available, though they may lack the features and quality of the Midwest Industries offering. For maximum effectiveness, consider purchasing the spacer plates if you need a longer length of pull.

Conclusion on Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock

The Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock is a well-designed and robust upgrade that significantly improves the shooting experience with the Beretta 1301. While the price is a bit higher than some alternatives, the enhanced ergonomics, recoil reduction, and adjustability make it a worthwhile investment. The value proposition is strong, especially for those who prioritize performance and durability.

I would absolutely recommend this stock to anyone looking to upgrade their Beretta 1301. If you want to modernize your shotgun and improve your shooting comfort and accuracy, consider upgrading to the Midwest Industries Beretta 1301 Shotgun Stock; you won’t be disappointed!


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