Description
The Beretta A400 Upland 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun is a field-proven tool for the American hunter who spends long days walking CRP ground, chasing roosters across corn stubble, or working a pointing dog through thicket and briar. Designed for upland bird hunting in the United States—from the prairies of the Dakotas to the grouse woods of New England—this shotgun combines a lightweight, fast-handling platform with the reliability of Beretta’s gas-operated system. Whether you are a seasoned wingshooter or a hunter looking to upgrade from a pump-action, the A400 Upland delivers consistent cycling with a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light target shells to heavy field loads.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A400 Upland is a semi-automatic shotgun built specifically for the upland bird hunter. It is not a home defense shotgun, nor is it designed for competitive shooting or concealed carry. Its lightweight construction and shorter 26-inch barrel make it ideal for hunters who cover ground on foot and need a shotgun that mounts quickly and swings naturally on flushing birds. The 3-round capacity (with a 2+1 configuration) complies with federal migratory bird regulations, and the walnut stock with an engraved receiver appeals to hunters who appreciate traditional aesthetics alongside modern performance. This shotgun is for the hunter who values reliability in adverse conditions—rain, mud, snow—and wants a firearm that requires minimal maintenance between seasons.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Gauge: 12-gauge, chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells
- Barrel Length: 26 inches, with a ventilated rib and red front bead sight
- Capacity: 3 rounds total (2 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
- Stock and Forend: Grade A walnut, oil-finished with a field-style checkering pattern
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with an engraved game scene on both sides
- Finish: Brushed matte blue on the barrel; anodized matte black on the receiver
- Weight: Approximately 6.5 pounds, depending on wood density
- Length of Pull: 14.5 inches, with a standard field-style buttpad
- Choke System: Beretta Mobilchoke (includes IC, M, and F tubes)
- Safety: Cross-bolt push-button safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
- Sights: Red fiber-optic front bead on a 6mm ventilated rib
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Upland utilizes the proprietary Blink gas operating system, which cycles faster than previous Beretta semi-autos while reducing felt recoil. The system uses a self-cleaning piston that requires less frequent lubrication and functions reliably across a broad spectrum of ammunition pressures—from 1-ounce target loads to 1¾-ounce magnum field loads. This means you can practice at the range with inexpensive target shells and step into the field with heavier loads without adjusting gas settings or cleaning the action between uses. The reduced recoil is particularly noticeable during long shooting sessions, helping you stay on target for follow-up shots on fast-flushing coveys.
The 26-inch barrel strikes a practical balance between maneuverability and sight plane. In dense cover like alder thickets or cattail sloughs, a shorter barrel prevents snagging and allows faster target acquisition. The ventilated rib with a red fiber-optic front bead provides a clear sight picture against varied backgrounds—bright sky, dark timber, or snow-covered fields. The rib is slightly raised to promote a natural cheek weld and consistent point of impact, which is critical for hitting crossing shots at typical upland ranges of 20 to 40 yards.
The walnut stock is carved from select grade wood with a hand-rubbed oil finish that protects against moisture without feeling sticky or glossy. The forend is contoured for a comfortable grip, even with gloved hands in cold weather. The checkering is cut at 20 lines per inch, providing secure purchase without being abrasive against bare skin. The stock features a standard field-style comb height and a 14.5-inch length of pull, which accommodates most adult shooters wearing light to medium clothing. The buttpad is a solid rubber pad that absorbs additional recoil and provides a non-slip shoulder contact point.
The engraved receiver is more than decorative—it reflects Beretta’s tradition of combining artistry with utility. The game scene engraving (typically featuring upland birds and foliage) is laser-cut and corrosion-resistant, and it does not interfere with the function or durability of the aluminum alloy receiver. The receiver is anodized in matte black to reduce glare in the field, and the brushed matte blue barrel finish resists rust and scratches from normal field use. The overall fit and finish are consistent with Beretta’s production standards for field-grade shotguns, meaning tight wood-to-metal fit and smooth action cycling from the first round.
The Mobilchoke system includes three flush-mounted choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), giving you the flexibility to pattern your shotgun for different game and conditions. Improved Cylinder is the go-to choice for close-cover woodcock or grouse at 15 to 25 yards. Modified covers the middle ground for pheasants over pointing dogs or waterfowl over decoys. Full is reserved for longer pass shots or open-field hunts. The tubes are stainless steel and easy to swap with the included wrench, and the system is compatible with the wide range of aftermarket Beretta Mobilchoke tubes available for steel shot, bismuth, or tungsten loads.
Ideal Use Cases
Upland Bird Hunting: This is the primary application. The A400 Upland is built for walking up pheasants, quail, chukar, grouse, woodcock, and partridge. The lightweight construction reduces fatigue on all-day hunts, and the 3-round capacity meets legal limits for migratory birds in most states. The fast cycling and low recoil allow for effective follow-up shots on covey rises or when a bird flushes unexpectedly.
Range Practice: The ability to cycle light target loads reliably makes this shotgun suitable for clay target practice. It is not a dedicated competition gun, but it works well for informal trap, skeet, or sporting clays sessions to maintain shooting skills during the off-season.
Small Game Hunting: Beyond birds, the A400 Upland can be used for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game where shotguns are legal. The choke system allows you to adjust patterns for fur or feather.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: The A400 Upland cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It functions reliably with target loads (1 oz. to 1⅛ oz. at 1145 fps), standard field loads, and heavy magnum loads (up to 1¾ oz. at 1300+ fps). Steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types are safe through the Mobilchoke tubes, provided you use the appropriate choke constriction for steel (typically Improved Cylinder or Modified). The gun is not designed for 3½-inch magnum shells.
Choke Tubes: The Mobilchoke system is a standard Beretta thread pattern. Aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Briley, Carlson’s, and Kicks are compatible, including extended tubes for easier hand-tightening and ported tubes for reduced muzzle jump.
Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a Picatinny rail, though most upland hunters will not add optics. A sling swivel stud is pre-installed on the stock, and a forend stud is available from Beretta as an accessory. The gun accepts standard Beretta A400 buttpads and recoil reducers. Magazine tube extensions are not available for the 3-round configuration, as the tube is fixed at a 2-round capacity.
FAQ Section
Q: Do you ship this shotgun to my U.S. address?
A: Yes. We ship to all 50 states, but the firearm must be transferred to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. After your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s information. Shipping is via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required.
Q: What is the FFL transfer process for this shotgun?
A: After you purchase, you will need to provide the name and address of an FFL dealer in your state who is willing to accept the transfer. We verify the dealer’s license with the ATF database before shipping. The dealer will then process the federal background check (NICS) and any state-specific requirements before releasing the firearm to you. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price.
Q: What ammunition is compatible with the Beretta A400 Upland?
A: The shotgun is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It cycles best with loads of 1 oz. or heavier, but many shooters find it reliable with 1-ounce target loads after a short break-in period of 50 to 100 rounds. Steel shot, bismuth, and lead shot are all safe. Do not use 3½-inch magnum shells, as the chamber is not rated for them. Always follow the manufacturer’s pressure and shot weight guidelines.
Q: What is the warranty on this firearm?
A: Beretta provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrel, and internal components. The warranty does not cover normal wear, damage from improper ammunition, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. For warranty service, you can contact Beretta USA directly or work through our store. We will assist with documentation and shipping if needed.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we do not accept returns on firearms for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. If the shotgun arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, we will work with you and Beretta to resolve the issue—typically through a warranty repair or replacement. Inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer; if you notice damage, refuse the transfer and contact us immediately. We do not accept returns after the firearm has been transferred to you.
Closing CTA
This Beretta A400 Upland 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun with Engraved Receiver is available now for U.S. customers. We ship to licensed FFL dealers in all 50 states, with fast processing and secure packaging. If you have questions about your specific state’s regulations or need help locating a receiving FFL, contact our team. Add this shotgun to your cart to begin the purchase process, and we will handle the rest from there.




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