I spent a lot of time behind the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol throughout 2023. In short, I really love the gun, and it performed excellently across multiple classes and my own range time. However, one issue did appear during the Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course.
The plastic cover of the bolt release had its plastic retaining tab snap, causing the cover to slide off in my hand during a timed drill, resulting in some confusion and lost time. While the gun was still functional, the bolt release had become smaller and smoother, making for a more difficult manipulation to close the bolt. This is where Aridus Industries and their Beretta bolt release comes into play.
Aridus Industries Bolt Release for Beretta 1301/A300
Adam of Aridus Industries and I have crossed paths a few times. Most recently we chatted during SHOT Show 2024, where he passed me a sample of the Aridus Bolt release for use with my A300UP. While I’m typically not one for oversized controls, I needed a replacement for my broken OEM cover, and this was just the ticket. Shortly thereafter I went to mount the Aridus bolt release to my gun, and stripped a screw after applying one too many turns to my screwdriver. Whoops. I quickly jumped online and ordered a replacement at full price.
This time around I was a little more delicate than my normal self, and things went together without a hitch. Don’t be a caveman and you won’t run into any issues, lesson learned. The paddle itself and its backplate are made from anodized 6061 aluminum, held in place via two small screws. A small bit of Vibratite VC3 was applied when assembling to help keep things together. While I use mine on an A300, these are also compatible with the second generation Beretta 1301.
Range Time
Throughout 2024 the Aridus bolt release has seen roughly 610 rounds while mounted on my Beretta A300UP. Just over half of those rounds have been buckshot and slugs, not including time in dry practice. Outside of regular range time, it accompanied me to the inaugural Rangemaster Advanced Shotgun Instructor course in August 2024, and Thunderstick Summit 2024. Below is the round count as of this review.
- 13x Remington Gun Club #8 2-3/4″
- 25x Winchester AA Lite #8 2-3/4″
- 25x Federal Game Shok #7.5 2-34″
- 150x Federal Top Gun #7.5 2-3/4″
- 10x Federal Power Shok 00 buckshot 2-3/4″
- 10x Federal Flite Control 9 pellet 00 buckshot 2-3/4″
- 10x Hornady Critical Defense 9 pellet 00 buckshot 2-3/4″
- 16x Federal Premium Personal Defense Reduced Recoil 00 buckshot 2-3/4″
- 54x Federal Personal Defense NRA 00 9-pellet buckshot, 2-3/4″
- 10x Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 1oz slug 2-3/4″
- 31x Remington Slugger Low Recoil 1oz slug 2-3/4″
- 51x Winchester Super X 1oz slug 2-3/4″
- 100x Federal Tactical LE Hydra Shok 1oz slug 2-3/4″ low recoil
- 125x Federal Power Shok 1oz slug 2-3/4″
Initially, I found the Aridus bolt release to be a little long for my preference. When port loading, I keep my hand very close to the receiver, somewhat backing rounds into the ejection port. This would cause my hand to bump into the release, slowing and occasionally fouling my reload. Of course this is a technique issue, not an actual problem with the release itself.
Over time I became more familiar with the changes in geometry presented by the slightly enlarged lever. This lead to a reduction, and eventually virtual elimination of the issues that initially presented themselves. As with any changes, it’s important to work through them to establish new routines for our minds and bodies. Throughout the course of the Rangemaster Advanced Shotgun Instructor Course, I experienced exactly zero issues with the Aridus bolt release on my Beretta A300. This was also the case at Thunderstick, both for myself and those I loaned the gun to for various courses of fire.
Final Thoughts on the Aridus Industries Bolt Release for Beretta 1301/A300
Overall I quite like the Aridus Industries Bolt Release for Beretta 1301/A300. It’s been rock solid on my gun despite a steady diet of buckshot and slugs, plus lots of dry work at home. I’d love to see a slightly shorter version variation of the release, but I’ve learned to work with the extra length here compared to OEM offerings. If you’re wanting to improve the security of your bolt release, give Aridus a look.
MSRP on the Aridus Industries Bolt Release for Beretta 1301/A300 Review is $75.00 as of this writing. You can get yours >>HERE<<
Author’s Note: As previously mentioned, my original bolt release was given to me free of charge from Adam at Aridus. I also paid full price for a replacement when accidentally breaking my sample. No expectation of a review or positive commentary was provided by either party.
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