Beretta AL391 Urika
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 2000
Also known as: AL391 Urika, Beretta 391, AL391
Overview
The Beretta AL391 Urika is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun introduced by Beretta in 2000 to replace the earlier AL390. Built around a lightweight aluminum-alloy receiver and a self-compensating gas system that cycles a wide range of loads while moderating felt recoil, it offered a slimmed-down fore-end, a shim-adjustable stock, and interchangeable choke tubes. Chambered primarily in 12 gauge (with 20-gauge variants also produced), it became a popular and well-regarded platform for hunting and clay-target sports.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 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 | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
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: Self Compensating Gas System, Interchangeable Choke Tubes, Removable Recoil Reducer, Shim Adjustable Stock
Variants
- Beretta AL391 Urika 2 — Improved Model
- Beretta AL391 Urika Gold — Premium Grade
Production
Production years: 2000-2006
The AL391 family reportedly sold well over 1.5 million units across its variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta
Discontinued: 2006
Notes
The self-compensating gas valve bleeds excess pressure with heavy loads, allowing the same gun to cycle from light target loads to magnum hunting shells. Barrel lengths across the series ranged from 24 to 30 inches; the magazine holds three rounds for a 3+1 total capacity, reducible with a magazine plug.
Background
The Urika name continued Beretta's tradition of giving its semi-automatic sporting shotguns evocative model names; it succeeded the AL390 and was itself followed by the AL391 Urika 2.