Benelli M2-G1 Tactical vs Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

By The Release Desk · Updated Oct 17, 2026 · How we verify · Editorial standards

Two Italian-brand semi-auto defensive shotguns, both with 7+1 capacity, ghost-ring sights and M-LOK forends, and a price gap of $650 or more. The short answer: the A300 Ultima Patrol is the value pick, and in 20 gauge the light-recoil pick. The M2-G1 Tactical is the premium duty gun, with Benelli's new rear-piston gas system and an optional telescoping stock. Every number below comes from Benelli's model table or Beretta distributor listings. Nothing is estimated.

Specs side by side

Benelli figures are from Benelli's M2-G1 Tactical model table, checked October 17, 2026. The A300 20 ga figures are from Beretta's own spec table for J32CT21, checked the same day in a browser. The A300 12 ga figures are from Davidson's distributor listing for J32CT11, because Beretta's 12 ga page blocked our automated check.

What's the same

Both are gas-operated semi-autos built for home and duty defense, not bird hunting. Both hold seven rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber (the M2-G1 also comes in a 5+1 fixed-stock version), and both take 3-inch shells. Both ship with ghost-ring rear sights, M-LOK forends and QD sling mounting, and both have enlarged controls and an enhanced loading port for faster reloads under stress. Overall length is within about 1.5 inches.

What's different

The gas system

Benelli built the M2-G1 around a new Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) system. In Benelli's words, it uses dual short-stroke pistons near the chamber "to reduce fouling exposure," with an isolated recoil spring assembly protected from carbon buildup. Benelli is clear that the M4's A.R.G.O. system remains its military benchmark. The R.P.O. is pitched on cleaner running and simpler maintenance. The A300 Ultima Patrol uses the long-serving A300 gas-piston platform. We haven't torture-tested either gun, so we won't claim one runs more reliably. What we can report is that five NTOA members rated the M2-G1 4.54/5 overall in the NTOA Member Tested and Recommended program, per Benelli's launch release.

Stocks and fit

The M2-G1's 5-position telescoping stock (9.25-14 in length of pull) is the biggest functional difference. It fits a shooter wearing armor or a heavy coat, and a smaller family member at home. The A300 Patrol 20 gauge takes the other approach: a fixed, shortened stock. Beretta's spec table lists a 12-inch length of pull; the gun ships at 13 inches and drops to 12 with the spacer removed.

Weight and recoil

The 20-gauge A300 is the lightest gun here at 6.0 lb unloaded, per Beretta's spec table. Beretta pitches it as a lower-recoil option for shooters who want a more manageable defensive gun. The 12-gauge A300 is 7.1 lb, and the M2-G1 runs 7.4-8 lb depending on stock.

Price

This is where the A300 wins outright. The 12-gauge Patrol lists at $1,199 and the 20 gauge at $1,299. The least expensive M2-G1 is $1,949, and the camo or Cerakote telescoping models reach $2,149. That's a $650-$950 gap, which buys a lot of buckshot, a quality light and a training class. Note that Benelli's August 2026 launch release said pricing started at $1,829. Benelli's own table now shows $1,949.

Which one should you buy?

• Best value home-defense 12 gauge: the A300 Ultima Patrol 12 ga. It's $750 less than the cheapest M2-G1, with the same 7+1 capacity and a ghost ring.
• Smaller-framed or recoil-sensitive shooters: the A300 Ultima Patrol 20 ga. At 6.0 lb with a 12-13 in length of pull, it's built for that job.
• Duty use, or one gun for shooters of different sizes: the M2-G1 Tactical with the telescoping stock.
• You want the newest gas system and NTOA's stamp: the M2-G1.

Either way, you're buying a serious tool for defending your home and family, a right that doesn't depend on which logo is on the receiver.

More: every new shotgun of 2026, all new shotgun release dates, new Benelli and Beretta releases, and all our comparisons.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Benelli M2-G1 better than the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol?

It depends on budget and use. The M2-G1 Tactical ($1,949-$2,149) adds Benelli's new rear-piston gas system and an optional 5-position telescoping stock, and it earned a 4.54/5 NTOA Member Tested and Recommended rating. The A300 Ultima Patrol ($1,199 in 12 ga, $1,299 in 20 ga) has the same 7+1 capacity and ghost-ring sights for much less money.

How much does the Benelli M2-G1 Tactical cost?

Benelli's model table lists $1,949 for the fixed-stock models, $2,049 for the telescoping anodized gray model and $2,149 for the telescoping MultiCam Black or FDE Cerakote models (checked October 17, 2026).

How heavy is the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol?

Davidson's lists 7.1 lb for the 12 gauge (J32CT11), and Beretta's own spec table lists 6.0 lb unloaded for the 20 gauge (J32CT21), both with a 19.1-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity.

What is the capacity of the Benelli M2-G1?

7+1 with the telescoping stock, and 5+1 or 7+1 with the fixed stock, per Benelli's model table.

Does the A300 Ultima Patrol come in 20 gauge?

Yes. The A300 Ultima Patrol 20 gauge (J32CT21) has a 19.1-inch barrel, 7+1 capacity, 6.0 lb weight and, per Beretta, a 12-inch length of pull: it ships at 13 inches and shortens to 12 by removing a spacer. Beretta lists it starting from $1,299.

Sources

1. Benelli: M2-G1 Tactical model table (prices, weights, LOP)
2. Benelli launch release (Aug 18, 2026) via Inside Firearms
3. Davidson's: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 12 ga (J32CT11)
4. Beretta: A300 Ultima Patrol 20 GA spec table (J32CT21, checked 2026-10-17)
5. Davidson's: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20 ga (J32CT21)

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