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Beretta Mdl 1200 vs 1201

brisco
I've been looking at a police trade-in 1200 for $480. Very good condition, 8 round capacity.

But, on GB I see 1201's for close to $600 NIB.

What's the difference between the 1200 and the 1201?

Since the 1200 is recoil-operated how does it do with different loads, such as light recoil, heavy field, 00-buck, and slugs?

What parts (springs, etc) may need replacement on a police trade-in? Do officers train much with their shotguns?

How does the 1200 or the 1201 compare to the good old 11-87 or the Benelli M1?

Thanks for your responses,
regards, Brisco
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2 comments

Date Votes
  • mark christian
    I sold a number of these Berettas over the years to civilians but could never push PDs away from the Benelli (for semiautomatics). The 1200/01 series are short recoil operated with rotating bolts in the same manner of the Montefeltro system used in the Benelli (which is now owned by Beretta). The only real differences between the 1200 and the 1201 is that the later version will handle 3" shells while the 1200 is chambered only for 2-3/4", the magazine on the 1200 has a capacity of 7 as opposed to 5 (the current Federal limit in force for semiauto imported shotguns), the 1201 is fitted with an 18" barrel rather then the 20" of the 1200 (shorter barel for the short/lower capacity magazine made sense), and the 1201 offered a choice of ghost-ring sights, tritium front sight, or a particularally UGLY pistol grip stock. The charging handle on either is the same as used on the AR-70 rifle and I don't care for it.

    Most street cops don't train nearly enough with their shotguns to be proficient. When out on demo's I am often amazed at how little training new patrol officers have received with scatter guns and most of todays new LEOs would much prefer a flashy AR-15/M4 to a shotgun anyway. Women and men of short stature are much more prevelent as LEOs these days and both have problems handling 12 gauge full power loadings but many of the "old timers" still grab a shotgun like an old friend and understand its role in law enforcement. I happen to prefer the handling charactoristics of the Benelli and the 11-87 has never impressed me much at all. Those are my own opinions, although the data I've provided on the 1200/01 should be highly accurate.



    Mark T. Christian
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  • brisco
    Mr. Christian,

    Thank you for the information and your opinions.

    Does this type of recoil-operated rotating bolt have any trouble with a variety of ammo choices, such as light recoil, slugs, etc?

    So far the 1200 seems to have a lot going for it, I'm especially drawn to the additional capacity vs. the 1201.

    Why do so many PD's prefer the Benelli over the Beretta, since they both use the same operating system?

    Regards, Brisco
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