Originally Posted by
GJM
Not to be contrarian, but as a guy who started messing with custom defensive 870 shotguns in the 90’s and who started the 1301 thread, if I wanted a shotgun I could count on to literally take out of the box to take to a class that weekend and perform at a high level, it would be a Benelli M2 Tactical with a an Aimpoint micro. The M2 is a very mature design, has stood up to high round count competitive shooting for many years, and as a semi-auto is likely to be shot well by the widest swath of shooters. The 1301 still seems like a design that is maturing. Pump shotguns depend upon the operator for reliable operation, and like a 1911 run the gamut in quality.