Best Red Dot For Beretta 1301 Tactical

Hey Gunners! Welcome to my Best Red Dot For Beretta 1301 Tactical blog.

I’ve spent quality time with the Beretta 1301, testing it rigorously with various red dot sights. I’ve fired enough to give you an informed take on what pairs best with this shotgun. 

Today I am going to dissect everything you need to know to choose the ideal red dot sight for your Beretta 1301.

Let’s dive In!

beretta 1301 red dot	Category
Trijicon RMR Type 2	Best Overall
Holosun 507C X2	Best Budget Alternative of RMR
Vortex Venom	User Friendly Ergonomics
Aimpoint Micro H-2	Highly Durable
Holosun 508T X2	Best Multi Reticle System
Burris Fastfire	Best Value for Money

Top 6 Best Beretta 1301 Red Dot

These are the top Six best red dot for Beretta 1301. I only recommend highly durable and heavy recoil-resistant optics on a 12-GA shotgun.

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best Overall

The Trijicon RMR is a top-tier red dot sight offering unmatched durability and versatility for various firearms, including shotguns like the Beretta 1301.

Dependable Electronic Design: What stands out immediately with the RMR is its ruggedized battery contacts and electronics. Look, the last thing you need when you’re out in the field is a sight that falters because of poor electronic design. 

The RMR is designed to withstand harsh conditions. Its dependable electronics mean that you don’t have to worry about its performance, even when the environment is less than ideal. It’s reliability incarnate.

Unique Patented Housing Shape: The housing of this sight is a work of genius. Made from military-grade aluminum alloy, its unique forged housing shape is specifically designed to divert the force of impact away from the lens. 

That’s a huge plus when you’re talking about durability. Whether you’re shooting in a controlled environment or out in unpredictable outdoor conditions, this sight takes the brunt of any force and keeps on ticking.

Battery Conservation Mode: Battery life is often a sore point with electronic sights, but not with the RMR. It comes with a battery conservation mode that adjusts the aiming dot to ambient lighting conditions after 16.5 hours. 

This extends the battery life to over four years of continuous use in a medium setting. It’s impressive how the sight optimizes its performance without draining the battery, giving you fewer headaches about replacement or recharging.

High-quality Lens and Large Viewing Window: The lens quality and large viewing window make this sight a real winner. The lens provides a crisp, clear image, which is vital for accurate shooting. 

The large viewing window, meanwhile, ensures that target acquisition is quick and effortless. With the RMR, you’re not just getting a sight; you’re getting a tool that enhances your shooting experience on every level.

Brightness Settings: Brightness can be a tricky thing to manage with red dot sights. The RMR makes it a non-issue. It comes equipped with a wide range of brightness settings. 

This means you can adapt to various lighting conditions with ease, from the glaring midday sun to the low light of dawn or dusk.

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301:

I’ve put this sight through its paces in various scenarios: competitions, target shooting, you name it. It’s lived up to every challenge, providing me with fast and accurate target acquisition every time.

2. Holosun 507C X2 – Best Budget Alternative of RMR

The Holosun HS507C X2 is a budget-friendly yet highly durable red dot sight with a unique circle dot reticle for rapid target acquisition.

Circle Dot Reticle: The circle dot reticle is one of the standout features of this sight. It offers a blend of a traditional dot with a larger circle around it, providing you with more ways to engage your target. 

This setup is especially helpful for rapid target acquisition, as the circle can help you guide your aim to the central dot. When you’re out in the field, every second counts. The faster you can lock onto your target, the better. 

Durability: Don’t let the price tag fool you; this sight is built to last. With its robust construction, the Holosun 507C is designed to withstand heavy recoil without losing zero. 

I’ve put this sight through a good workout on my Beretta 1301, and it’s remained steadfast. Whether you’re doing some casual target shooting or something more intense, this sight has got your back. Its durability is something that sets it apart, especially in its price range.

Cost-Efficiency: One of the things that shooters often worry about is the trade-off between cost and performance. With the Holosun HS507C X2, you can put those fears to rest. 

At nearly half the price of the Trijicon RMR, this sight gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The fact that it performs so well on a platform like the Beretta 1301, known for its own set of stringent performance standards, is nothing short of impressive. In short, it’s a cost-effective solution without skimping on quality.

Solar Failsafe: The Solar Failsafe feature is a nice touch. The sight uses solar cells to power itself under adequate lighting conditions, giving the battery a much-needed rest. 

This not only prolongs battery life but also serves as an additional power source. So, if you’re out and the battery does decide to give up on you, the Solar Failsafe kicks in, ensuring that your sight remains functional.

Zero Retention: Maintaining zero is crucial for any sight, and the Holosun excels in this department. It retains its zero exceptionally well, even after repeated heavy recoil. 

It’s one less thing you have to worry about when you’re out shooting, making your overall experience that much more enjoyable.

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301:

I’ve had a blast using this sight. The circle dot reticle works like a charm for quick target acquisition, and the sight has stood up to thousands of rounds without any issues.

3. Vortex Venom – User Friendly Ergonomics

The Venom Red Dot Sight 6 MOA is a lightweight, versatile sight featuring 10 brightness levels and a wide field of view for rapid and precise aiming.

6 MOA Dot Reticle: This sight comes with a 6 MOA dot reticle that’s bright enough to see in any lighting condition. The larger dot size is perfect for close-range shooting, making quick transitions from target to target almost effortless. 

The reticle offers 10 different brightness levels, which I find incredibly useful for adapting to different environments. From sunny outdoor ranges to darker indoor settings, you’ve got the flexibility to make it work.

I particularly enjoy using the auto-brightness mode, which takes the guesswork out of finding the right setting.

Aluminum Housing: The Venom is encased in durable, machined aluminum. This isn’t some plastic toy; it’s a robust sight that can take a beating. Whether I’m running drills or engaged in a simulated tactical scenario, I don’t have to baby this thing. 

The aluminum housing not only protects the sight but also ensures it stands up to rigorous use without compromising performance. On my Beretta 1301, it’s taken more than its fair share of recoil and hasn’t faltered.

Multi-Coated Lens: The lens quality is superb. It’s fully multi-coated to reduce glare and provide a clean, wide field of view. This feature really helps with target acquisition and situational awareness. 

Battery and Power Controls: Let’s talk power. The Venom runs on a CR1632 battery and has a top-load system that makes switching out batteries incredibly straightforward.

The power and brightness controls are conveniently situated on the side, allowing for quick adjustments without losing your aim. Battery life varies based on brightness settings, but you can expect up to 150 hours on the highest setting and up to 30,000 hours on the lower ones.

Windage and Elevation Adjustment: The sight has 1 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation, giving you the precision you need to dial in your shots. 

While out in the field, making those tiny adjustments is incredibly simple. Turn the dials in the direction indicated by the arrows, and you’re set. 

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301:

It’s been a reliable sight during my time at the range and out in the field. The 6 MOA dot, the lens clarity, and the overall durability make it a solid choice for anyone serious about their shooting.

4. Aimpoint Micro H-2 – Highly Durable

The Aimpoint Micro H-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight is a rugged, high-performance sight that offers 2 MOA red dot precision, extensive battery life, and submersible durability.

2 MOA Red Dot: The Aimpoint Micro H-2 offers a 2 MOA red dot that’s perfectly suited for accurate long-distance shooting. It’s sharp and crisp, allowing for pinpoint accuracy. 

The sight offers a parallax-free optic, which means the red dot stays on target no matter how or where you look through the sight. This comes in handy during tactical scenarios where you don’t have the luxury of perfect aim. 

Brightness Settings and Battery: One of the standout features of this sight is its 12 brightness settings. These settings range from extreme low light to bright daylight conditions, giving you maximum flexibility. But what blows my mind is the battery life. 

A single CR-2032 battery can give you over 50,000 hours of constant operation. 

Submersible and Durable: This sight is not just tough; it’s submersible up to 15 feet. Built from 7075 T6 aluminum, it’s like a mini-tank. This gives the sight superior durability and ensures it can hold zero against sharp recoil. 

Low Profile and Lightweight: When it comes to weight and balance, the Aimpoint Micro H-2 excels. Weighing in at only 3.0 oz for the sight alone, it doesn’t throw off the balance of my Beretta 1301. 

Its low-profile design also means it sits nicely on the firearm, never getting in the way of my shooting experience. 

Closed Emitter System: This sight features a closed emitter system, protecting the internals from dirt, water, mud, and sand. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of gritty and grimy situations, and this closed system really keeps the sight running smoothly. 

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301

Using this sight has been nothing short of excellent. From its intuitive brightness settings to its stellar durability, it’s elevated my shooting experience in both practice and real-world applications.

5. Holosun 508T X2 – Best Multi Reticle System

The Holosun HE508T-X2 is a premium red dot sight with top-notch clarity, durability, and long-lasting battery life, making it a reliable choice for Beretta 1301 users.

Clarity and Brightness: This best optic for beretta 1301 tactical is a revelation when it comes to visual quality. The glass here is genuinely high-grade, and the lens comes multi-coated. 

What does this mean in the field? Exceptional clarity and brightness. You get 12 brightness settings that you can cycle through, ensuring you have the perfect level of illumination in any situation. 

Adjustability of Windage and Elevation: Here’s where the HE508T-X2 shines in terms of customization. With 1 MOA per click adjustments for both windage and elevation, it offers a level of precision that’s honestly satisfying. 

During my testing, I made several adjustments and each was consistent, which really helped me maintain accuracy. The sight has a reputation for holding zero, and my experience confirms that. Even after firing rounds with varying levels of recoil, the sight stayed true, making it a dependable tool for accurate shooting.

Battery Life and Performance: Battery life can make or break a sight, and in this case, it makes it. Holosun’s Shake Awake technology is genius. Basically, the sight senses when it’s in motion, waking up instantaneously, or going to sleep when not in use. 

This feature significantly prolongs battery life, promising up to an insane 50,000 hours of runtime. 

Durability and Reliability: Crafted from CNC-machined titanium, this sight is robust. I’ve tested it under some challenging conditions; dropping it, even submerging it in water. It’s resilient and remains fully functional. 

An IP67 rating guarantees that the sight is water-resistant, so you can venture into almost any environment without fretting about your sight malfunctioning.

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301:

I’ve had a fantastic time using this sight on my Beretta 1301. Installation was simple, and the sight proved to be a reliable asset in the field. It made my target acquisition faster and shooting more accurate.

6. Burris Fastfire – Best Value for Money

The Burris FastFire III is a compact, lightweight red dot sight that’s ideal for Beretta 1301 users who want rapid target acquisition without the extra bulk.

Multi-Coated Lens: The first thing I noticed was the quality of the lens. It’s multi-coated, which really enhances image clarity and brightness. 

This is super critical for me, particularly during those low-light dawn and dusk hunts. The coating minimizes glare and helps in the retention of contrast, giving you a clear shot of your target regardless of the light conditions. 

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction: One might think that a lightweight sight might skimp on material strength. Not so with the FastFire III. It’s crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a great balance between durability and lightweight design. 

Being 100% waterproof and fog-proof means I’ve had zero worries taking it out in unpredictable weather. Honestly, I’ve accidentally bumped it against tree branches and dropped it once; still, the sight held zero and showed no signs of damage. That’s robustness for you.

Top Load Battery Access: Nothing irks me more than having to dismount my sight just to change a battery. The top-load battery access on the FastFire III is a game-changer. You don’t have to go through the whole dismounting process, thus keeping your zero intact. 

Auto-Brightness Control: Another neat feature is the auto-brightness control. It automatically adjusts the intensity of the red dot according to environmental lighting. This ensures the red dot is neither too bright nor too dim, helping you aim more accurately. 

Windage and Elevation Adjustments: Fine-tuning is straightforward with the FastFire III. It offers convenient windage and elevation adjustments. 

I found these adjustments reliable and consistent, allowing me to dial in precise shots. Especially during long-range shooting scenarios, where a slight misalignment could result in a miss, these adjustments ensure my aim is accurate.

3-MOA/8-MOA Red Dot: You’ve got options for a 3-MOA or an 8-MOA red dot for rapid target acquisition. I personally prefer the 3-MOA dot for my shotgun; it’s perfect for hitting distant targets. The dot itself is bright and clear, devoid of any distortion. 

It provides a sharp point of aim that enhances accuracy and quickens target acquisition times.

My Experience using it on my Beretta 1301:

Mounting it on my Beretta 1301 was straightforward. I headed out for some field testing and was not disappointed. Target acquisition was rapid, and the sight picture was crystal clear. The durability and easy adjustments made it a joy to use.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing all these red dot sights on my Beretta 1301, I have to say that the field was competitive. However, there can be only one winner. After all is said and done, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 emerges as my top choice. 

Each sight had its own unique set of advantages that cater to different needs and preferences, from budget considerations to feature-packed premium options. 

But for a reliable, robust, and versatile shooting experience, the RMR Type 2 takes the win. It’s not just about what’s good on paper; it’s about how a product performs in the field, and this one excels.

FAQ’s

Is it worth putting a red dot on a shotgun?

Yes, a red dot significantly speeds up target acquisition and improves firing accuracy.

Do red dot sights work on shotguns?

Absolutely, they enhance shooting performance and extend shooting time in varying light conditions.

Where is the best place to mount a red dot on a shotgun?

Mounting is a personal preference due to unlimited eye relief; experimentation will help find the best position for you.

Should you put an optic on a shotgun?

Definitely, shotguns benefit from optics, dispelling the myth that they don’t need them.

How far should I sight in my shotgun?

Start at 50 yards for initial tuning and then fine-tune at 100 yards, shooting 3-shot groups.