Description
When the first shots of waterfowl season echo across the marsh, you need a shotgun that cycles fast, absorbs punishing recoil, and keeps shooting through mud, ice, and heavy loads. The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun with Synthetic Kick is built for the American hunter who demands reliability in the blind, whether you’re chasing Canada geese over a cornfield or setting decoys for mallards on a flooded timber. This is a field-tested, gas-operated semi-auto that delivers consistent performance from the first round to the last, season after season.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a semi-automatic shotgun designed primarily for waterfowl and upland hunters who need a tough, weather-resistant firearm that cycles a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition—from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavy 3½-inch magnums. It also serves shooters who frequent the range for clay targets or practice sessions, thanks to its soft-shooting Kick-Off system and reliable gas operation. This shotgun is not intended for home defense or concealed carry; its 28-inch barrel and full-size stock make it a dedicated field and range tool. Collectors will appreciate the Gore Optifade Timber camo finish and Beretta’s proven engineering, but this is a working gun built to be used hard in wet, cold conditions.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12-gauge (accepts 2¾”, 3″, and 3½” shells)
- Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated (Blink cycling system)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Chamber: 3½ inches
- Finish: Gore Optifade Timber camo on receiver, barrel, and stock
- Stock: Synthetic with Kick-Off recoil reduction system (two hydraulic dampeners)
- Weight: Approximately 7.5 pounds (varies slightly with stock configuration)
- Length of Pull: 14.25 inches (adjustable with stock spacers)
- Choke System: Beretta Optima-Bore HP (includes five chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F)
- Sights: Red-bar front sight with fiber optic insert; mid-bead sight
- Capacity: 4+1 (with 3-inch shells; 3+1 with 3½-inch shells)
- Receiver: Anodized aluminum alloy with steel inserts
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety with reversible button
- Recoil Pad: Kick-Off Micro-Core with GelTek
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus stands apart from other semi-autos because of its Blink gas operating system, which cycles up to 36% faster than previous Beretta designs. This means you can fire the second shot as quickly as you can pull the trigger, making it easier to connect with crossing birds or follow-up targets. The gas system also reduces felt recoil by redirecting propellant gases, and when combined with the Kick-Off stock, the shotgun delivers noticeably less punishment than comparable 12-gauge models. This is especially important when shooting heavy 3½-inch loads, which can otherwise become uncomfortable over a long day in the field.
The synthetic stock and forend are built to withstand harsh weather without swelling, cracking, or absorbing moisture. Beretta uses a reinforced polymer that remains rigid in freezing temperatures and resistant to saltwater corrosion. The Kick-Off system itself consists of two hydraulic dampeners housed in the stock that move independently to absorb recoil energy before it reaches your shoulder. This design does not add significant weight or change the shotgun’s balance, so you still get a fast-swinging gun that points naturally. The Micro-Core recoil pad with GelTek further softens the impact, making the A400 Xtreme Plus one of the most comfortable semi-autos to shoot for extended periods.
The Gore Optifade Timber camo pattern is not just for looks; it uses advanced concealment technology that breaks up the shotgun’s outline for waterfowl and turkey hunting. The finish is applied to the receiver, barrel, and stock, and it resists scratches, oils, and solvents. Beretta also includes a shim kit that allows you to adjust the stock’s drop and cast, so you can customize the fit to your face and shooting stance. This is a feature typically found on competition shotguns, and it gives the A400 Xtreme Plus a level of personalization that improves accuracy and comfort.
Barrel and choke compatibility is another strong point. The 28-inch barrel is built with Beretta’s Optima-Bore HP design, which delivers tight, consistent patterns with steel and lead shot. The shotgun comes with five flush-mounted chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), all stainless steel and color-coded for easy identification. Switching chokes is quick with the included wrench, and the barrel’s chrome-lined bore resists corrosion from steel shot and moisture. The red-bar front sight with fiber optic insert is easy to acquire in low light, such as early morning or late evening hunts, and the mid-bead helps with proper cheek weld.
Reliability in adverse conditions is a hallmark of the A400 Xtreme Plus. The gas system is self-cleaning to a degree, and Beretta has designed the action to function with minimal lubrication, which reduces the chance of freezing in cold weather. The gun also features a reversible safety button for left-handed shooters and a bolt release that is oversized for gloved hands. The loading port is beveled for faster reloads, and the magazine cut-off allows you to quickly unload the chamber without cycling shells through the action. These are practical details that experienced hunters appreciate when they’re wearing gloves in a duck blind.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl Hunting: The 3½-inch chamber, Gore Optifade camo, and Kick-Off recoil system make this shotgun purpose-built for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. The reliable cycling handles steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads without issue.
- Upland Hunting: With a 28-inch barrel and modified or improved cylinder choke, the A400 Xtreme Plus swings well for pheasants, quail, and grouse. The synthetic stock is lighter than wood and resists scratches from brush.
- Turkey Hunting: The camo pattern and ability to pattern tight with full choke make it a viable option for spring turkey season, though the 28-inch barrel is longer than some dedicated turkey guns.
- Clay Shooting: The soft recoil and adjustable stock make this shotgun comfortable for a day on the skeet or trap range. It cycles light target loads reliably, which is not always the case with magnum-focused shotguns.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: Accepts all standard 12-gauge shells from 2¾ to 3½ inches, including steel, lead, bismuth, and tungsten. Light target loads (1 oz. at 1200 fps) may require the gas system to be clean for consistent cycling, but the A400 Xtreme Plus is designed to handle a wide range of velocities.
- Chokes: Uses Beretta Optima-Bore HP chokes. Standard Optima-Bore chokes are also compatible, but HP chokes provide slightly tighter patterns with steel shot. Do not use older Beretta Mobilchoke or Crio chokes.
- Holsters/Slings: This is not a holster firearm. Use a padded sling for carrying in the field; Beretta recommends their brand or any 1-inch sling with swivel studs.
- Magazines: No aftermarket magazines are available for this internal-tube magazine shotgun. Capacity is fixed at 4+1 with 3-inch shells.
- Accessories: Compatible with Beretta’s Kick-Off spacer kit, barrel porting, and replacement stocks. Aftermarket recoil pads and rail mounts are available from third parties, but Beretta recommends using their parts for fit and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you ship a firearm to a U.S. customer?
We ship all firearms via federally licensed carriers (UPS or FedEx) to a licensed FFL dealer in your state. You must provide the FFL’s contact information during checkout. We do not ship to P.O. boxes or residential addresses. Once the firearm arrives at your chosen dealer, you complete the ATF Form 4473 and background check. Shipping is available to all 50 states, but restrictions apply in some jurisdictions—please verify your local laws before ordering.
2. What is the FFL transfer process?
After placing your order, you will need to contact your local FFL holder and confirm they accept transfers from our store. We require a signed copy of their FFL license (or a digital copy sent to our transfers department). Once we receive and verify the license, we ship the firearm. The dealer will then process the transfer, which typically includes a background check and any state-specific waiting periods. Transfer fees are set by the dealer and are not included in the purchase price.
3. What ammunition can I use in this shotgun?
This Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is chambered for 12-gauge shells from 2¾ inches to 3½ inches. It is safe to use lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten shot. For best performance with light target loads (under 1200 fps), keep the gas system clean. Do not use reloaded, damaged, or non-SAAMI spec ammunition. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines printed on the barrel.
4. What warranty does Beretta provide?
Beretta offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty covers the firearm for its usable life but does not cover normal wear, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. You must register the firearm with Beretta within 30 days of purchase to activate the warranty. For warranty claims, contact Beretta USA directly; we can assist with documentation but do not perform repairs in-house.
5. Can I return this shotgun if I change my mind?
Because this is a firearm, we do not accept returns for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. All sales are final once the firearm ships. If the product arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Beretta to resolve the issue under warranty. We recommend inspecting the shotgun at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.
This Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun with Synthetic Kick is ready to ship to your licensed FFL dealer anywhere in the



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