Beretta 1201FP
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1988
Also known as: Beretta Model 1201FP, Beretta 1201 FP
Overview
The Beretta 1201FP is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun developed by Pietro Beretta for law enforcement and tactical use. It employs an inertia-driven recoil operating system similar to the Benelli Super 90, giving it a reputation for reliability and light recoil. Fitted with a short 520 mm barrel, a synthetic stock, and ghost-ring sights, the 1201FP was widely adopted as a police trade-in shotgun and chambers both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells in an underbarrel tube magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2850 g (100.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1060 mm (41.73") |
| Barrel Length | 520 mm (20.47") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Inertia Driven Action, Ghost Ring Sights, Underbarrel Tube Magazine, Synthetic Stock, Short Barrel Tactical
Variants
- Beretta 1201F — Sporting
Service history
Operators
- Law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 1988-2000
Sold in large numbers to police departments; many entered the civilian market as law-enforcement trade-ins
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta
Discontinued: 2000
Notes
The 1201 series was offered in two versions: the 1201F for hunting and sporting and the 1201FP for police and tactical duties. The 1201FP could be ordered with ghost-ring aperture sights or open rifle-type sights.
Background
The 1201FP's inertia-recoil action descends from Bruno Civolani's design also used by Benelli, with which Beretta was corporately linked, making the 1201FP effectively a Beretta-branded relative of the Benelli M1 Super 90.