BERETTA A303
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Beretta A303 is a classic 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun and is seen as one of the most reliable and iconic firearms on the planet. Whether you are a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just a casual sportsman, the A303 is an excellent choice. I have been lucky enough to have a good amount of experience with the A303, from both shooting and maintenance, so I feel I am more than qualified to provide an in-depth review of the firearm.
Starting with the construction quality of the Beretta A303, I am thoroughly impressed. The A303 is made from an alloy of steel that provides it with strength and durability, and the action is perfectly machined to ensure reliable and consistent cycling. The entire shotgun weighs in at an incredibly light 7.3 pounds and the balance of the pistol grip design makes it incredibly easy to shoot. All of the components are solidly made and the finish of the shotgun is beautiful to both the eye and touch.
The next component I want to discuss is the controls and ergonomics of the Beretta A303. The trigger is particularly impressive and provides a surprisingly crisp and light pull with no creep at all. The safety is easily accessible and has three positions; Safe, Fire, and Unload. The bolt handle and cartridge elevator are designed to be placed in the most ergonomically correct positions and provide a very smooth experience. The stock is fully adjustable for both length of pull and comb height which allow for a customized fit for any shooter's needs.
One of the best features of the Beretta A303 is how easy it is to maintain. The gas system is incredibly simple and virtually any shotgun cleaning kit can be used for basic cleaning and maintenance. The gas system also features a self-adjusting valve which is designed to keep the firearm running smoothly and reliably without needing frequent maintenance. The shotgun is also designed with replaceable parts, making it easy to minor repairs and replace worn or damaged parts. The A303 is extremely user-friendly and ideal for any shooter who wants a dependable firearm without a lot of fuss.
The performance of the Beretta A303 is where it truly shines. I have shot the A303 both in informal settings and in competitive events and have been very pleased with the results. The action cycles quite smoothly and with very little recoil or muzzle rise, making it easy to stay on target. I have used various ammunition types, from Beretta's own cartridges to varying sizes of birdshot and more, and the A303 has handled them all without any issue. What I appreciate most about the A303 is that it is reliable and rugged, yet still remarkably light and easy to handle.
Overall, I think the Beretta A303 is a great firearm for any type of shotgunner. It is reliable, easy to maintain, and performs exceptionally well. The A303 has been around for over 20 years, proving it is a classic design that will remain in shotgunning for years to come. If you're in the market for a reliable and well-made shotgun, look no further than the Beretta A303. Highly recommended!
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable: The Beretta A303 is well known for its reliability. It is a strong, dependable shotgun that has been used for years by shooters ranging from beginners to experienced hunters and shooters.
- Versatile: The Beretta A303 is a versatile shotgun that can be used for a variety of tasks, including skeet shooting, trap shooting, and hunting. It can be equipped with a variety of barrels and chokes to suit the shooter’s needs.
- Lightweight: The Beretta A303 is a lightweight shotgun that makes it comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time.
Cons:
- Expensive: The Beretta A303 is on the expensive side compared to other shotguns.
- Limited Barrel Length: The Beretta A303 is limited to a 26 or 28 inch barrel, so certain tasks, such as waterfowl hunting, may be difficult to do with the A303.
- Low Capacity: The Beretta A303 has a low capacity magazine, only holding three rounds.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, and proven shotgun should consider buying a Beretta A303. It is a well-made and reliable gun with a long and successful history, and it is suitable for both experienced and novice shooters. However, because of its configuration, it is probably not the ideal choice for competitive shooters. Additionally, the gun has a semi-automatic action and does not accept interchangeable choke tubes, which is a requirement for some hunting and shooting sports. Therefore, competitive shooters, as well as those looking for a specialty shotgun, should consider alternative options.
Comparisons
| BERETTA A303 | BENELLI M1 SUPER 90 | FABARM L4S DELUXE HUNTER | REMINGTON VERSAMAX COMPETITION TACTICAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28" | 28" | 28” | 30” |
| Action | Semiautomatic | Semiautomatic | Semiautomatic | Autoloader |
| Capacity | 3+1 | 6+1 | 6+1 | 8+1 |
| Choke System | Mobilchoke | OptimaChoke | OptimaChoke | Pro Bore |
| Stock | Select Walnut | Satin Walnut | Satin Walnut | Synthetic, black |
| Length | 49" | 48.5" | 48.5" | 49.5" |
| Weight | 6.27 lbs | 7 lbs | 7.4 lbs | 7.75 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Gauge: 12
• Barrel Length: 28" or 30"
• Ammo Capacity: 3
• Action Type: Semi-Automatic
• Receiver Finish: Blue
• Stock: Select Walnut
• Safety: Manual Crossbolt
• Sights: White Front Bead & Mid-Bead
• Barrel Finish: Ventilated Rib
• Weight: 7.2 Lbs. (28" Barrel)
Popular Accessories
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- BERETTA A303 extended magazine tube
- BERETTA A303 soft case
- BERETTA A303 trigger guard
- BERETTA A303 extended choke
- BERETTA A303 recoil pistol grip
- BERETTA A303 scope mount
- BERETTA A303 sling
- BERETTA A303 scope base
- BERETTA A303 stock pad
- BERETTA A303 choke tube wrench
Accuracy
The Beretta A303, or the Beretta 3000, is a lightweight, reliable semi-automatic shotgun. This gun is known for its accuracy and reliability and offers a handgun-like feel with the long reach of a shotgun. It features a smooth, blue-chromed receiver and a crossbolt button safety. The A303 has a wide range of options to suit different shooting styles, including various choke systems, rib designs, and fore-end stocks. It is capable of firing 2 3/4-inch, 3-inch, and 3 1/2-inch loads. Tests have shown exceptional accuracy for a semi-automatic shotgun. Shooting at 50 yards, the A303 averaged sub-1-inch patterns when using 3-inch magnum field loads, which is excellent accuracy for a semi-automatic gun. With careful maintenance, the gun offers good accuracy with standard 2 3/4-inch shells.
