Description
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action in 20 gauge brings a blend of field-ready performance and refined handling that suits a wide range of American shooters. Whether you’re working a dove field in the Midwest, chasing pheasants across the Plains, or simply looking for a reliable semi-auto for clay targets, this shotgun offers consistent cycling and reduced felt recoil. Its bronze-toned receiver and walnut stock provide a distinctive look without sacrificing the ruggedness required for regular use in varied conditions.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, built for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, and recreational target shooting. It is designed for shooters who want a lightweight, fast-handling firearm with reduced recoil, making it suitable for longer days in the field or for those who prefer a smaller gauge without giving up performance. This model is not intended for home defense or concealed carry, as it is a full-length shotgun optimized for hunting and sport. Collectors will appreciate the bronze receiver finish and the quality of the walnut stock, though this is primarily a working gun rather than a safe queen.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge (2¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: 46.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds
- Receiver Finish: Bronze-toned anodized aluminum
- Stock: Walnut with oil finish, checkered grip and forend
- Sights: Red bar front sight
- Choke System: Beretta Mobilchoke (includes IC, M, and F chokes)
- Capacity: 3+1 (plugged for migratory bird hunting compliance, removable plug for 4+1 capacity)
- Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic with Kick-Off Mega recoil reduction system
- Safety: Cross-bolt tang safety
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action uses a self-cleaning, gas-operated piston system that reduces fouling buildup, meaning less frequent cleaning and more reliable cycling across a range of ammunition. This system is particularly useful for hunters who may go through multiple boxes of shells in a day without pausing to maintain the action. The gas ports are designed to handle both light target loads and heavier magnum shells, which adds versatility for different hunting scenarios.
The Kick-Off Mega recoil reduction system is a notable feature for a 20-gauge shotgun. It uses a hydraulic damper housed in the stock, which absorbs a portion of the rearward energy before it reaches the shooter’s shoulder. For shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who spend long hours at the range, this system can reduce fatigue and help maintain better shooting form. It does not alter the balance of the gun noticeably, which is important for fast swing on moving targets.
The walnut stock is crafted with a hand-rubbed oil finish, which provides a durable surface that can be touched up in the field if scratched. The checkering on the grip and forend is cut deep enough to offer a secure hold even with wet or gloved hands. The stock dimensions include a length of pull of 14.25 inches, a drop at comb of 1.5 inches, and a drop at heel of 2.25 inches, which fits most average-sized shooters without requiring adjustment.
The bronze-toned receiver is made from anodized aluminum, keeping the overall weight low while resisting corrosion. The finish is not just cosmetic; it provides a durable surface that holds up against exposure to moisture and field use. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for scope mounting, though most users will rely on the included red bar front sight for quick target acquisition.
The Mobilchoke system offers flexibility with three included chokes: improved cylinder, modified, and full. These cover most hunting and clay target needs, from close-cover quail with the IC choke to longer-range waterfowl with the full choke. The chokes are marked clearly and can be changed without tools, using the included choke wrench. The barrel itself is made from Beretta’s Steelium Pro process, which involves cold hammer forging and a tapered bore design for consistent patterns and reduced shot deformation.
The loading port and bolt release are designed for easy operation with gloves, and the cross-bolt safety is positioned at the tang for quick access. The magazine cut-off feature allows the shooter to manually cycle the chamber without feeding a new shell, which is useful when crossing obstacles or moving between fields. This feature is standard on the A400 line and is a practical addition for hunters who need to unload quickly without emptying the magazine.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is best suited for upland bird hunting, where its light weight and fast handling make it easy to carry all day and swing on flushing birds. It also works well for waterfowl hunting with the appropriate choke and 3-inch magnum loads, though some may prefer a longer barrel for extended range. For clay target shooters, the 20-gauge A400 is a good option for sporting clays and skeet, especially for those who want less recoil than a 12-gauge. It is not recommended for home defense due to its length and hunting-oriented design, nor is it suitable for concealed carry.
Compatibility Notes
The A400 Xplor Action cycles 20-gauge shells from 2¾-inch target loads to 3-inch magnums. It is compatible with all Beretta Mobilchoke tubes, and aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Briley are available. The shotgun does not accept aftermarket magazines; it uses a tubular magazine under the barrel. For accessories, stocks and forends from Beretta’s A400 line may fit, but aftermarket parts should be verified for compatibility. No specific holster is available for this model, as it is a full-length long gun. The receiver is drilled and tapped for Beretta scope bases, and a variety of rail mounts are available from third-party manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we ship all firearms to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. You must select a receiving FFL during checkout and have them confirm they will accept the transfer. We do not ship to residential addresses for firearms.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer to send us a copy of their license via email or fax. Once we verify the license, we ship the shotgun to them. You then visit the dealer, complete the required background check (per state and federal law), and take possession of the firearm. Fees for the transfer are set by the receiving dealer and are separate from our price.
3. What types of ammunition does this shotgun cycle reliably?
The A400 Xplor Action is designed to cycle a wide range of 20-gauge ammunition, from light 2¾-inch target loads (around 7/8 oz) to 3-inch magnum shells. It will not cycle reliably with subsonic or reduced-recoil loads below approximately 1100 fps. We recommend using high-quality ammunition from major manufacturers like Remington, Winchester, or Federal for best performance, especially during the break-in period.
4. What is the warranty on this Beretta shotgun?
Beretta offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is transferable upon resale, but only if the firearm is registered with Beretta. The warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or damage from improper ammunition. For warranty claims, you must contact Beretta USA directly or return the firearm to an authorized service center.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. If your shotgun arrives with a manufacturer defect or damage from shipping, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Beretta to arrange a repair or replacement under warranty. All returns must be shipped to us by a licensed FFL dealer, and you are responsible for return shipping costs unless the issue is our error.
Closing Call to Action
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge is available now for U.S. customers. We ship to all states where this model is legal, and we work with your chosen FFL dealer to ensure a smooth transfer. If you have questions about compatibility with your local regulations or need help locating a receiving FFL, contact our team. Place your order through the secure checkout, and we will handle the rest.
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