Description
For waterfowl hunters across the United States, the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off in 12-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and Optifade Marsh camo brings a specific set of engineering solutions to the blind or the marsh. Whether you are working flooded timber in Arkansas, chasing divers on the Great Lakes, or setting decoys on a coastal salt marsh, this semi-automatic shotgun is designed to handle the harshest conditions while keeping you on target for follow-up shots. The Kick Off system is a practical answer to recoil management, allowing you to stay comfortable and shoot longer without developing bad habits from flinching.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12-gauge with a 3.5-inch chamber. It is built specifically for waterfowl and upland hunters who need a reliable firearm that cycles everything from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnum steel shot. This model is not intended for concealed carry, home defense, or competition shooting—it is a dedicated hunting tool. The primary audience includes serious waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and anyone who spends long days in wet, muddy, or cold environments. It also suits collectors who appreciate Beretta’s Italian engineering and the advanced recoil mitigation of the Kick Off system.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (3.5-inch chamber capacity)
- Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated with Beretta’s Blink cycling system
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.6 pounds (varies slightly with stock adjustments)
- Finish: Optifade Marsh camo on receiver, barrel, and stock; synthetic stock with textured grip panels
- Sights: Red bar front sight (fiber optic) with a metal bead rear
- Choke System: Beretta Optima-Bore HP (High Performance) with five interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F)
- Stock: Kick Off system with adjustable comb and length of pull; synthetic with soft-touch rubber butt pad
- Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (2.75-inch shells), 2+1 (3-inch shells), 2+1 (3.5-inch shells)
- Receiver: Anodized aluminum alloy with steel insert rails
- Safety: Cross-bolt style with reversible direction for left-handed shooters
Feature Deep Dive
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off stands apart from other semi-automatic shotguns due to its Blink gas operating system. This system cycles the action faster than many competing designs, with a cycle rate of approximately 1.4 milliseconds. In practical terms, this means you can fire three shots in rapid succession without the gun losing its sight picture, which is critical when a flock of mallards drops into the decoys. The Blink system also self-cleans by directing gas pressure to push debris out of the action, reducing the need for field stripping in muddy conditions. This is a genuine advantage for hunters who can’t afford a malfunction during a short shooting window.
The Kick Off recoil reduction system is a key selling point for this model. It uses a hydraulic damper and spring system built into the stock, which reduces felt recoil by up to 40% compared to standard shotguns. For a 12-gauge that handles 3.5-inch shells, this is not a gimmick—it is a practical feature that helps you stay on target and avoid shoulder fatigue. The system is adjustable, allowing you to tune the recoil absorption based on the load you are using. Lighter target loads can be shot with minimal damping, while heavy waterfowl loads benefit from the full stroke of the hydraulic unit. This adjustability means the gun can serve as both a practice tool and a field gun without compromise.
The Optifade Marsh camo finish is applied using a dip-coating process that covers the receiver, barrel, and stock. This pattern is designed to blend into cattails, marsh grass, and open water environments common in waterfowl hunting. The finish is durable and resistant to scratches from brush and decoy bags, though it will show wear over time with heavy use. The synthetic stock is reinforced with a fiberglass frame, making it impact-resistant and stable in temperature extremes. The textured grip panels on the forend and pistol grip provide a secure hold even with wet or gloved hands, which is a practical consideration for early morning hunts in rain or snow.
The 26-inch barrel with Optima-Bore HP choke system offers a balanced swing for both pass shooting and close-range work. The barrel is cold-hammer-forged from steel and features a stepped profile that reduces weight forward of the receiver. This keeps the gun pointing naturally without feeling muzzle-heavy. The HP choke tubes are longer than standard Beretta chokes, allowing for a smoother transition from the bore to the choke constriction, which improves pattern consistency with steel and bismuth shot. The red bar front sight is fiber optic and gathers ambient light for quick target acquisition in low-light conditions, such as early dawn or overcast skies.
Beretta’s Micro-Core recoil pad is integrated into the Kick Off stock, providing additional cushioning at the shoulder. The pad is non-slip and shaped to reduce snagging on clothing when mounting the gun. The stock also features an adjustable comb that can be raised or lowered using shims, allowing you to customize the cheek weld for different shooting styles or for use with a scope or red dot sight. The length of pull can be adjusted by swapping the included spacers, accommodating shooters of different sizes or heavy clothing layers. These adjustments are straightforward and require only a screwdriver, making the gun adaptable without needing a gunsmith.
The receiver is machined from anodized aluminum alloy with steel inserts at the bolt rails and locking surfaces. This keeps the weight down while maintaining durability where it matters. The bolt is steel with a nickel-plated finish to resist corrosion from moisture and powder residue. The loading port is beveled for easier reloading with gloved hands, and the bolt release button is oversized for the same reason. The magazine tube is steel with a polymer cap, and the spring is designed to handle the pressure of 3.5-inch shells without binding. The entire action is designed to function with minimal lubrication, which is beneficial in cold weather when oil can thicken or freeze.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is optimized for waterfowl hunting, including duck, goose, and crane hunting in freshwater and saltwater environments. The 3.5-inch chamber allows the use of heavy steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads for larger birds at extended ranges. The 26-inch barrel and Kick Off system make it suitable for upland bird hunting, such as pheasants or chukar, where quick swings and reduced recoil are beneficial. It can also serve as a turkey gun with a full choke and heavy shot loads, though the Optifade Marsh camo is not ideal for timber turkey hunting where darker patterns are preferred. This is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; its length and weight are designed for field use.
Compatibility Notes
The A400 Xtreme Plus cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells without adjustment, though light target loads (under 1,200 fps) may require the gas system to be set to the “light load” setting via a small switch on the forend. The gun accepts Beretta Optima-Bore HP chokes; standard Optima-Bore chokes will also fit but may not provide the same pattern performance. Aftermarket accessories such as magazine extensions, sling swivels, and side-saddle shell carriers are available from brands like Nordic Components and Mesa Tactical. The gun ships with a shim kit and choke tube wrench. Holsters are not applicable for this firearm. The magazine capacity is limited by the tube length; no high-capacity magazines are available for this model.
FAQ Section
- Q: Can you ship this shotgun to my address in the United States?
A: We ship to licensed FFL dealers only. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. Once your order is placed, we will require a signed FFL license from your chosen dealer before shipment. - Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, you will need to provide the name and contact information of a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state who is willing to receive the firearm. We will contact the dealer to confirm their license and ship the shotgun to them. You then complete the ATF Form 4473 and any required state background check at the dealer’s location before taking possession. - Q: What ammunition does this shotgun cycle reliably?
A: The A400 Xtreme Plus is designed to cycle a wide range of shells, from 2.75-inch target loads (1,200 fps and above) to 3.5-inch magnum loads. For lighter loads below 1,200 fps, use the “light load” setting on the gas valve. We recommend testing a few brands to confirm reliability with your specific ammunition, as performance can vary. - Q: What warranty does Beretta offer on this shotgun?
A: Beretta provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for a fee through Beretta’s service center. The warranty does not cover normal wear, finish damage, or misuse. You can register your firearm on Beretta’s website for warranty service. - Q: Can I return this shotgun if I change my mind?
A: Due to federal regulations on firearms, we cannot accept returns on shotguns once they have been transferred to your FFL dealer. If the firearm has a defect or is damaged in transit, please contact us immediately. We will work with Beretta to address warranty issues or arrange a replacement if necessary.
Closing Call to Action
This Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off is available for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We are a licensed firearms retailer based in the U.S., and all orders are processed in compliance with federal and state laws. If you have questions about availability or the transfer process, contact our team before placing your order. Add this shotgun to your cart, choose your FFL dealer, and we will handle the rest.




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