For a home defense semi-auto, capacity matters, and seven rounds in the tube gets attention. The A300 Ultima Patrol is a 12 gauge with a 19" barrel and a seven-round capacity, finished in black, and marked as a factory blem.

The gun should work like any other Patrol. A recoil pad and a bit of range time go a long way toward comfortable shooting. It is a gun to carry through brush, a boat, or a field, so give it the care a working tool deserves.

The Ultima series has a larger bolt handle and bolt release, plus the Kick-Off recoil system that Beretta uses to improve comfort and stability. The Patrol name suggests a shorter barrel for defensive use, and 19 inches is quick to maneuver.

A semi-auto reduces recoil compared with a pump, which helps new shooters stay on target. It is also faster to shoot, but a pump is simpler to run if your loads vary.

Blems are usually priced lower than perfect ones, so you save money for the same function. Practice with it and learn the loading routine.

It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.