What’s the point of owning a powerhouse like the Beretta 1301 Tactical if your aim isn’t lightning fast and dead-on? When you’re in the heat of home defense, tactical training, or even a high-intensity competition, your shotgun needs a red dot sight that keeps up without missing a beat. The right optic can make target acquisition quicker, shots more accurate, and your overall experience far more satisfying, whether you’re clearing rooms or ringing steel. In this article, I’ve rounded up the best red dot for Beretta 1301 Tactical. I’ve tested and compared options that offer durability, fast reticle response, and smooth mounting, all to help you shoot smarter, not harder. Let’s zero in and find the optic that transforms your 1301 from tactical to unstoppable.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Red Dot for Beretta 1301 Tactical
Durability
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is built to take a beating and so should your red dot. Look for optics made from rugged materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and rated as shockproof and waterproof. The recoil from a 12-gauge isn’t gentle, so your red dot should be able to handle hard use without losing zero.
Mounting Compatibility
Ensure the red dot is compatible with the mounting system on your 1301. Most models come with a Picatinny or rail mount, but some may require an adapter plate. Low-profile mounts are often preferred to maintain a natural cheek weld on the shotgun.
Battery Life
You don’t want your optic dying mid-scenario. Choose a red dot with long battery life ideally 10,000 hours or more and features like auto shut-off or motion activation to preserve power when not in use.
Lens Clarity and Field of View
A red dot with a wide field of view and anti-reflective coating on the lens gives you better situational awareness. Clarity is essential for fast target acquisition, especially in high-stress environments.
Weight and Size
A bulky optic can throw off the balance of your shotgun. Choose a lightweight, compact red dot that won’t interfere with your handling, especially if you’re moving quickly or transitioning between targets.
Best Red Dot for Beretta 1301 Tactical
1) Holosun HS507C-X2
Specifications
- 1 x magnification
- 2 Reticle modes
- 20,000-hour battery life
- 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- Multicoated glass
- 10 MOA center chevron
- 1.5 oz weight
- Unlimited eye relief
The Holosun HS507C-X2 is a feature-packed red dot sight that blends rugged reliability with cutting-edge technology, making it a perfect match for tactical shotguns like the Beretta 1301. Built with a durable 7075-T6 aluminum housing, this optic is shock-resistant and ready to withstand 12-gauge recoil without losing zero. What sets it apart is Holosun’s Multi-Reticle System, allowing users to toggle between a precise 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both ideal for fast target acquisition and versatile shooting scenarios.
It also features Shake Awake technology, which powers the sight on with motion and preserves battery life when idle, along with Solar Failsafe to keep the reticle active in critical moments even if the battery dies. With up to 50,000 hours of battery life, 10 daylight and 2 night vision brightness settings, and an RMR footprint for easy mounting, the HS507C-X2 delivers outstanding performance and value in a compact, battle-ready package.
Pros
- Multi-reticle system
- Shake awake technology
- Solar failsafe
- Long battery life
- Rugged build
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy brightness adjustment
- RMR footprint
Cons
- None
2) Aimpoint Micro T-2
Specifications
- 1 x magnification
- 18 mm objective lens
- 2 MOA Dot reticle
- 12 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Free paralax
- 7,300 – 50,000 hours battery life
- Weighs 3.3 oz
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is a premium red dot sight renowned for its unmatched durability, ultra-clear optics, and rock-solid reliability, making it an outstanding choice for the Beretta 1301 Tactical. Built to endure extreme conditions, this compact optic features a rugged aluminum body, reinforced turrets, and waterproofing up to 80 feet. It boasts a crisp 2 MOA dot, perfect for both rapid target acquisition and precision shooting, with 12 brightness settings including night vision compatibility.
The Micro T-2 also stands out with its incredible battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery. Weighing just 3.0 oz without the mount, it won’t add bulk or disrupt the balance of your shotgun. Whether you’re in a tactical scenario, home defense situation, or competitive environment, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 delivers elite-level performance in a bombproof, compact design trusted by military and law enforcement professionals worldwide.
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Crisp 2 MOA dot
- Incredible battery life
- Night vision compatible
- Lightweight & compact
- Parallax-free
- Clear, high-quality glass
Cons
- None
3) Trijicon RMR Type 2
Specifications
- 1x magnification
- 16 mm objective lens
- 3.25 MOA Red Dot
- 8 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax free
- Tempered glass lens material
- Multi-coated lens
- 1.2 oz weight
- 1.8 in length
- 1.1 in width
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) is a battle-proven red dot sight engineered for extreme durability and precision, making it a top-tier option for the Beretta 1301 Tactical. Crafted from forged aluminum and built to military standards, the RMR Type 2 is shockproof, waterproof, and capable of withstanding the punishing recoil of a 12-gauge shotgun without losing zero. Its crisp 3.25 MOA dot strikes a perfect balance between rapid target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy, while its automatic and manual brightness modes adapt seamlessly to changing lighting conditions.
The optic runs on a single CR2032 battery with up to 4 years of battery life, and its compact design ensures it stays lightweight and low-profile on your shotgun. Trusted by military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters alike, the RMR Type 2 is the go-to choice for anyone looking for a rugged, high-performance optic that’s ready for any tactical scenario.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Reliable battery life
- Crisp reticle
- Auto and manual brightness
- Lightweight & compact
- Waterproof
Cons
- None
4) Holosun 510C
Specifications
- 1x magnification
- 0.9 – 1.2 in objective lens
- 2MOA dot
- 12 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax Free
- 50000 hours battery life
- Weighs 8.3 oz
The Holosun 510C is a feature-rich, open-reflex red dot sight designed for shooters who demand speed, durability, and versatility—making it an excellent choice for the Beretta 1301 Tactical. It boasts a large, clear viewing window that makes target acquisition lightning-fast, especially in close-quarters situations where every second counts. The Multi-Reticle System lets you switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or both combined, offering flexible aiming options for different scenarios.
Built from a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body with a titanium hood, the 510C is shockproof and ready to handle heavy 12-gauge recoil. It features Shake Awake technology, Solar Failsafe backup, and a long-lasting battery life of up to 50,000 hours, making it as smart as it is tough. For shooters who want a wide field of view, fast reflex performance, and tactical-grade durability, the Holosun 510C is a top contender.
Pros
- Large viewing window
- Multi-reticle system
- Shake awake technology
- Solar failsafe
- Long battery life
- Durable construction
- Quick detach mount
Cons
- Not night vision compatible
5) Sig Sauer ROMEO5
Specifications
- 1x magnification
- 20 mm objective lens
- 2 MOA reticle
- Glass lens
- MOA adjustment
- 10 brightness settings
- 40,000 hours of battery life
- 5.1 oz weight
- 2.47 in length
- 1.5 in width
The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 is a compact, reliable, and budget-friendly red dot sight that’s perfectly suited for tactical shotguns like the Beretta 1301. It features a crisp 2 MOA red dot that offers fast target acquisition and precise shot placement, whether you’re clearing rooms or shooting on the move. What really sets the ROMEO5 apart is its MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) technology, which powers the optic on when it senses movement and turns it off when idle dramatically extending its battery life up to 40,000 hours.
Built with a durable aluminum housing, the ROMEO5 is waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. It comes with both a low and co-witness mount, giving you flexibility in setup. Lightweight, rugged, and easy to use, the ROMEO5 is one of the best red dots in its price range and a great upgrade for your Beretta 1301 Tactical.
Pros
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
- Waterproof & fog-proof
- Durable construction
- Crisp 2 MOA reticle
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Single reticle option
6) EOTech EXPS3
Specifications
- 1x magnification
- 30 mm objective window
- 1 dot reticle
- 30 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- 1000 hours battery life
- 11.2 oz weight
- 30 yds at 4 in FOV
The EOTech EXPS3 is a high-performance holographic sight designed for speed and precision, making it a top choice for the Beretta 1301 Tactical. It features a 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot, allowing for rapid target acquisition and accurate shooting at various distances. Its large, clear viewing window supports both-eyes-open shooting, ideal for close-quarters use.
The EXPS3 offers 20 daylight brightness settings and 10 night vision-compatible modes, making it extremely versatile. With rugged construction, waterproofing, and a quick-detach mount, it’s built to handle tough conditions and hard recoil while keeping you on target.
Pros
- Lightning-fast target acquisition
- True both-eyes-open shooting
- Night-vision compatible
- Rugged and weatherproof
- Quick-detach mount
- Compact & lightweight
- Side-mounted controls
Cons
- None
Best Red Dot for Beretta 1301 Tactical FAQs
What type of red dot is best for a shotgun like the Beretta 1301 Tactical?
For a tactical shotgun, you want a red dot that’s rugged, has a fast target acquisition reticle (like a 2 MOA or 6 MOA dot), and can handle the recoil of 12-gauge shells. Look for models specifically rated for shotgun use and that offer wide field-of-view windows.
Do I need a special mount to install a red dot on the Beretta 1301 Tactical?
The Beretta 1301 Tactical typically comes with a Picatinny rail on top, which allows for easy mounting of most red dots. However, some optics may require a riser or adapter plate depending on your preferred co-witness height or cheek weld.
Will the recoil from the 1301 Tactical damage my red dot?
Not if you choose a high-quality red dot sight. Reputable build optics that are shockproof and rated for shotgun recoil. Always check the manufacturer’s specs before buying.
Can I co-witness iron sights with a red dot on the 1301?
Yes, but it depends on the height of the optic and the iron sights you’re using. Some shooters prefer a lower third co-witness setup, which requires a specific mount height. You may need to experiment with risers or adjust your sighting system.
How long will the battery last on a red dot?
Many modern red dots offer battery life ranging from 5,000 to over 50,000 hours, depending on brightness settings and whether the sight has features like auto-off or motion sensing. Always carry a spare battery just in case.
See also:
Best Break Barrel Air Rifle Scope
Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot for your Beretta 1301 Tactical isn’t just about adding gear, it’s about unlocking the shotgun’s full potential. Whether you’re using it for home defense, tactical training, or competitive shooting, the right optic can dramatically improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence. By considering factors mentioned in this article, you can find a red dot that complements the 1301’s power and precision. I hope this guide helps you make a confident, informed choice, because when it comes to defending what matters or dominating a course, every shot counts. Ready to gear up? Check out the top picks in the list and find the red dot that’s made for your mission.
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