Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol: A Tactical Shotgun Without the Tactical Price Tag
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol brings a purpose-built semi-automatic shotgun to a price point well below Beretta’s flagship 1301 Tactical. Built around the proven A300 gas-operated action, the 12-gauge Patrol combines a 19.1-inch barrel, 7+1 capacity, oversized controls, ghost-ring sights, a Picatinny rail, and M-LOK accessory mounting in a relatively lightweight 7.1-pound package. Independent testing has generally praised its reliability, handling, and value, particularly with full-power defensive ammunition.
That combination makes the A300 Ultima Patrol one of the more compelling semi-automatic tactical shotguns for shooters who want Beretta quality without paying 1301 money.
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Specs
| Specification | A300 Ultima Patrol 12 Gauge |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 gauge |
| Chamber | 3 inches |
| Action | Gas-operated semi-automatic |
| Capacity | 7+1 |
| Barrel length | 19.1 inches |
| Overall length | 38 inches |
| Weight | 7.1 lb |
| Choke | Beretta MobilChoke |
| Sights | Ghost-ring rear, fiber-optic front |
| Optic mounting | Picatinny rail |
| Accessory mounting | M-LOK forend |
| Manufacturer | Beretta USA |
| MSRP | $1,099 |
Beretta’s A300 Ultima Patrol was designed around a relatively compact defensive configuration rather than a traditional sporting shotgun. Pew Pew Tactical’s 2023 testing lists the 12-gauge model at 7.1 pounds with a 19.1-inch barrel, 38-inch overall length, and 7+1 capacity.
What Makes the A300 Ultima Patrol Different?
The A300 Ultima Patrol takes the established A300 gas-operated platform and adds features specifically useful on a defensive or duty-oriented shotgun.
The oversized controls are easy to manipulate, while the enlarged and chamfered loading port makes loading more convenient. A ghost-ring rear sight and red fiber-optic front sight provide a straightforward iron-sight setup, and the receiver includes a Picatinny rail for compatible optics.
The forend adds M-LOK mounting positions for compatible accessories, and the barrel clamp incorporates sling attachment points.
These aren’t cosmetic upgrades. They’re features that make the A300 more practical as a dedicated tactical shotgun rather than simply a sporting shotgun with a shorter barrel.
A300 Ultima Patrol Gas System
The A300 Ultima Patrol uses a gas-operated action designed to cycle a broad range of shotgun ammunition.
RECOIL’s testing describes the A300’s gas system as using a self-cleaning cylinder and piston arrangement with a compensating exhaust valve intended to manage pressure from hotter loads while maintaining reliable cycling with lower-pressure ammunition.
That operating system is one reason the Patrol can feel noticeably softer and smoother than some lightweight pump-action shotguns.
It does not make 12-gauge recoil disappear. Full-power buckshot and especially slugs still produce substantial recoil, but the semi-automatic action helps make extended shooting more manageable.
Recoil and Shootability
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol recoil characteristics are among its strongest selling points.
Pew Pew Tactical fired more than 150 rounds through the 12-gauge model and found recoil substantial but manageable. RECOIL likewise described the shooting experience as falling somewhere between inertia-operated shotguns and the softest-shooting gas guns.
The lightweight 7.1-pound design does mean the shotgun cannot completely hide the recoil of a 12-gauge shell.
The important advantage is how the gas-operated action handles that recoil. Compared with many lightweight pump guns firing the same ammunition, the A300 Patrol can feel considerably smoother during repeated shooting.
Reliability
Reliability is arguably the most important consideration with any semi-automatic defensive shotgun.
The 12-gauge A300 Ultima Patrol has performed strongly in several independent tests. Pew Pew Tactical reported approximately 150 rounds of mixed ammunition with no malfunctions during its 2023 evaluation.
RECOIL also reported running a broad selection of ammunition, including target loads, buckshot, slugs, and turkey loads, without cycling problems during its evaluation.
More recent third-party testing of the 20-gauge version illustrates an important qualification: semi-automatic shotgun performance can be ammunition- and break-in-dependent. Pew Pew Tactical experienced cycling issues with slugs and some birdshot during the early portion of its 20-gauge test, followed by reliable operation after roughly 100–150 rounds.
That reinforces a useful rule for any gas-operated shotgun: test the exact ammunition you intend to rely on in the individual firearm.
Ammunition Matters
The A300 Ultima Patrol’s performance depends partly on ammunition selection.
Pew Pew Tactical reported that the 12-gauge model was optimized around Federal Flitecontrol buckshot and produced tight patterns during testing. At 10 yards, its tested pattern was approximately 3 inches, expanding to roughly 7 inches at 20 yards with the ammunition used.
Those figures should not be treated as universal.
Shotgun patterns vary with ammunition, pellet design, choke, barrel, and individual firearm. A pattern that works well in one A300 may not produce the same result with another load.
For that reason, pattern testing is an important part of evaluating a shotgun for any particular purpose.
Sights and Optics
The A300 Ultima Patrol comes with a ghost-ring rear sight and fiber-optic front sight, providing a simple factory sighting system.
The receiver also has a Picatinny rail for compatible optics. This allows shooters to use a red-dot sight without having to add an aftermarket receiver-mounting system.
The combination works well with the shotgun’s intended role: the ghost ring provides a rugged backup sight system while the rail leaves room for an optic if desired.
M-LOK and Accessory Mounting
The A300 Patrol’s forend includes M-LOK mounting slots, while the barrel clamp provides sling-mounting options.
That gives the shotgun considerably more flexibility than older defensive shotguns that were designed around fixed furniture.
The goal is not maximum accessory capacity. It is providing straightforward mounting options for the equipment a defensive or duty-oriented shotgun is most likely to need.
A300 Ultima Patrol vs. Beretta 1301 Tactical
The A300 Ultima Patrol vs. 1301 Tactical comparison is probably the most important comparison within Beretta’s tactical-shotgun lineup.
The A300 was deliberately positioned below the 1301 in price.
Pew Pew Tactical’s comparison found the two guns surprisingly close in practical performance, although the 1301’s BLINK operating system provides a faster action and slightly better recoil management.
The 1301 is therefore the higher-end option, while the A300 Patrol provides much of the feature set and practical capability at a lower price.
That makes the A300 especially interesting for buyers who want a Beretta tactical shotgun without moving into the 1301’s price bracket.
A300 Ultima Patrol vs. Pump-Action Shotguns
A major advantage of the A300 Patrol is the semi-automatic action.
A pump shotgun has a manually operated action and can be extremely reliable when operated correctly. A gas-operated semi-auto, by comparison, automatically cycles the next shell after firing.
That can make follow-up shots and rapid strings more fluid.
The trade-off is greater mechanical complexity and greater dependence on ammunition power and gas-system operation.
The A300’s track record in independent testing suggests the design handles that trade-off well, but it should still be maintained and tested with the ammunition selected for the firearm.
A300 Ultima Patrol 20 Gauge
Beretta has expanded the Ultima Patrol family with a 20-gauge version, giving shooters a lighter and softer-recoiling alternative to the 12-gauge.
Pew Pew Tactical’s April 2026 review lists the 20-gauge model at approximately 6 pounds and found it highly maneuverable. However, the reviewer encountered early cycling problems with slugs and some birdshot before the shotgun settled into reliable operation after approximately 100–150 rounds.
That makes the 20-gauge version particularly interesting for shooters who prioritize reduced weight and recoil, although the individual shotgun and ammunition combination should be tested carefully.
A300 Ultima Patrol Downsides
The A300 Patrol is not perfect.
The polymer trigger guard has drawn criticism from some reviewers who would prefer a metal component. RECOIL specifically notes the polymer trigger guard as one of the differences from some higher-end alternatives.
The aggressive grip texture also divides opinions. It provides excellent purchase, particularly with wet hands, but some shooters may find it uncomfortable against bare skin during long shooting sessions. Pew Pew Tactical highlighted the same texture on the 20-gauge model.
The shotgun is also light for a 12 gauge, which improves handling but means recoil remains noticeable with full-power ammunition.
Is the A300 Ultima Patrol Worth It?
The A300 Ultima Patrol makes the most sense for shooters looking for a semi-automatic 12-gauge tactical shotgun with modern controls and mounting options without paying flagship prices.
Its feature set is strong: gas operation, 7+1 capacity, ghost-ring sights, fiber-optic front sight, Picatinny rail, M-LOK furniture, oversized controls, and a purpose-built defensive configuration.
Independent testing has generally been positive, with particularly strong marks for reliability, handling, and value.
The 1301 remains faster and more refined, but the A300 Patrol provides a compelling middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol?
The A300 Ultima Patrol is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for defensive, duty, and tactical applications. The 12-gauge model has a 19.1-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity.
How much does the A300 Ultima Patrol weigh?
The 12-gauge A300 Ultima Patrol weighs approximately 7.1 pounds unloaded. The newer 20-gauge model weighs around 6 pounds.
How many shells does the A300 Ultima Patrol hold?
The 12-gauge model is typically configured for 7+1 with 2¾-inch shells.
Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol reliable?
Independent testing has generally reported strong reliability, including more than 150 rounds without malfunction in one 12-gauge review. However, ammunition can affect reliability, particularly in gas-operated semi-automatic shotguns.
How does the A300 Ultima Patrol compare with the 1301 Tactical?
The A300 Ultima Patrol is less expensive and slightly heavier, while the 1301 uses Beretta’s faster BLINK operating system. Testing shows the 1301 has an advantage in action speed and recoil management, but the A300 remains competitive in practical use.
What kind of ammunition works best in the A300 Ultima Patrol?
There is no universal best load. Independent testing of the 12-gauge model produced particularly tight patterns with Federal Flitecontrol buckshot, while other reviewers have found the shotgun reliable with several ammunition types. Pattern and function-test the exact ammunition you intend to use.
Bottom Line
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol succeeds because it does not try to be the most expensive or technically advanced tactical shotgun on the market.
Instead, it combines a proven Beretta gas-operated platform with the features modern shotgun shooters actually look for: 7+1 capacity, oversized controls, ghost-ring sights, a fiber-optic front sight, Picatinny and M-LOK mounting options, and a 19.1-inch barrel.
The A300 is not as fast or refined as the 1301 Tactical, but that is precisely the point. It provides a substantial portion of the higher-end shotgun’s practical capability for considerably less money. Independent testing has repeatedly found the A300 Patrol reliable and manageable, while the newer 20-gauge version expands the platform for shooters who want a lighter package.
For buyers researching 12-gauge buckshot and shotgun ammunition for the A300 Ultima Patrol, Bulk Ammo Togo offers current ammunition options for compatible firearms.