After having recently spent time discussing the tactical efficiency and trigger pull of the Beretta 1301 Tactical with a 17-year veteran of a nearby police department, the fact that the Alabama Department of Public Safety has chosen it as their new primary semi-auto shotgun caught my attention. Alabama DPS placed an order with Beretta for 657 units, and it’s easy to see why the state’s law enforcement would be interested in the operator-friendly shotgun.

The Beretta 1301 Tactical has more than one feature worth mentioning, but it’s the combination of its maneuverability (thanks to its compact size which is owed in part to its 18.5” barrel) and speed that make it a nice choice for law enforcement. Giving the shotgun that speed is Beretta’s own BLINK gas operating system which allows the gun to cycle 36% faster than the average shotgun. The aforementioned LEO praised the 1301 Tactical’s ability to fire as fast as the trigger is pulled, and although that kind of performance will depend on the shooter and a few other factors – we all remember the amazing flying Benelli – this is definitely a fast gun.

Other user-friendly features include the way the 1301 Tactical is made for an easy, positive grip with checkering on the fore-end and stock, an oversize charging handle, and a textured bolt release, among others. It also has ghost ring sights, an adjustable stock, and a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail.

So the Alabama DPS has chosen the Beretta 1301 Tactical as the shotgun of choice for its officers. This may be a small win for the venerable 500-year-old company, but it’s a win nonetheless as the Army considers replacing the M9 (you knew I was going to make a reference to the MHS, right?). What do you think? Is this the right choice for law enforcement or is there a better one out there?