Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge Shotgun 26″ Barrel – Optifade Timber

Description

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus in 12 Gauge with a 26-inch barrel and Optifade Timber finish is a semi-automatic shotgun built for the demands of North American waterfowl and upland hunting. Whether you’re wading through a frozen marsh in the Mississippi Flyway or walking a South Dakota cornfield for pheasants, this shotgun is engineered to deliver reliable cycling with heavy 3.5-inch magnums and light target loads alike. For the hunter who expects a gun to perform in the worst conditions—mud, ice, and saltwater—this model offers a proven platform with refinements that matter in the field.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 Gauge, with a 26-inch barrel and a 3.5-inch chamber. It is built primarily for waterfowl hunters who need a gun that cycles reliably with heavy steel shot or bismuth loads, but it also excels for upland bird hunters chasing pheasants, grouse, or chukar. The Optifade Timber finish is a camouflage pattern designed to break up the shotgun’s outline in wooded or agricultural settings, making it suitable for turkey hunting or deer hunting with slugs. This is not a home defense or competition shotgun—its weight, barrel length, and stock design are optimized for sustained field carry and long-range shooting over decoys or in open cover. It is for the dedicated hunter who values mechanical reliability and low maintenance over flashy features.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Gauge: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch chambers)
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.3 pounds (unloaded, depending on stock configuration)
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds (with supplied magazine plug; 3+1 for migratory birds per federal law)
• Finish: Optifade Timber camouflage on receiver, barrel, and stock
• Stock Material: Synthetic with Kick-Off 3 recoil reduction system and Micro-Core butt pad
• Sights: Red front bead sight
• Chokes: Includes four Beretta Optima-Choke HP choke tubes (C, IC, M, F) and a flush choke wrench
• Action: Gas-operated, self-cleaning piston system
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
• Recoil Pad: Micro-Core technology with Kick-Off 3 hydraulic dampeners

Feature Deep-Dive

The A400 Xtreme Plus is built around Beretta’s Blink gas operating system, which cycles faster than previous Beretta designs. This system uses a rotating bolt head and a self-cleaning piston that vents gas through the forend, reducing fouling buildup in the action. For the hunter who fires 200 rounds in a morning of duck shooting, this means fewer cleaning stops and consistent cycling even when the gun is cold, wet, or dirty. The self-cleaning piston is a practical upgrade over older designs—it requires no disassembly or lubrication for routine maintenance, which is a benefit when you’re in the field without a cleaning kit.

The Kick-Off 3 recoil reduction system uses two hydraulic shock absorbers built into the stock to reduce felt recoil by up to 48% compared to a standard stock. This is not a gimmick—it makes a measurable difference when shooting 3.5-inch magnum loads, allowing you to stay on target for follow-up shots and reducing shoulder fatigue during a long day of walking. The Micro-Core butt pad is soft and non-slip, even when wet, and it helps the gun stay mounted during rapid shouldering. Combined with the gas system’s inherent recoil reduction, this shotgun is notably more comfortable to shoot than many other semi-autos in its class.

The 26-inch barrel is a versatile length for waterfowl hunting, offering a balance of swing speed and sight radius. It is long enough to maintain a smooth swing on crossing birds but short enough to handle well in tight cover like cattail sloughs or brushy draws. The barrel is steel-shot rated and features Beretta’s Optima-Bore HP forcing cone, which patterns steel and lead shot consistently. The included Optima-Choke HP tubes are extended for easier installation and removal with cold or gloved hands, and they are designed to work with both steel and lead shot without damage.

The Optifade Timber finish is a multi-layer camouflage pattern that uses open shapes and neutral browns, greens, and tans to blend into timber, croplands, and marsh edges. Unlike some camo finishes that wear off over time, Beretta applies this pattern using a hydro-dip process that is bonded to the synthetic stock and metal surfaces. The stock is made from a glass-reinforced synthetic material that resists warping from moisture or temperature changes, and it includes sling swivel studs for a two-point sling. The forend is slightly longer than on standard A400 models, providing more hand space for gloved shooting in cold weather.

Reliability in harsh conditions is a core design focus. The A400 Xtreme Plus uses a stainless steel magazine tube and a nickel-plated bolt carrier to resist corrosion from saltwater, mud, and rain. The gas system includes a self-regulating valve that adjusts to different load pressures, meaning it will cycle light 2.75-inch target loads and heavy 3.5-inch magnums without manual adjustment. This is a practical feature for hunters who use the same gun for dove shooting in September and goose hunting in December. The loading port is beveled for faster reloading, and the bolt release button is oversized for gloved use.

Ideal Use Cases

Waterfowl Hunting: This is the primary use case. The 3.5-inch chamber handles steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads for ducks, geese, and swans. The Optifade Timber finish works well in flooded timber, marsh edges, and agricultural fields. The recoil reduction system is a benefit when shooting heavy loads from a layout blind or boat.
Upland Bird Hunting: The 26-inch barrel is maneuverable in thick cover for pheasants, quail, or grouse. The shotgun’s weight (7.3 pounds) is manageable for a full day of walking, and the gas system reduces felt recoil for high-volume shooting.
Turkey Hunting: With the Optifade Timber pattern and a full choke tube, this shotgun is effective for turkey at ranges up to 40 yards. The red bead sight is adequate for gobblers, though some hunters may prefer adding a fiber-optic or red-dot sight.
Deer Hunting with Slugs: The 26-inch barrel and rifled choke tubes (available separately) allow for slug use in states that permit shotguns for deer. The gas system helps manage recoil from heavy sabot slugs.

Compatibility Notes

This shotgun cycles all standard 12 Gauge ammunition from 2.75-inch target loads to 3.5-inch magnums. For waterfowl, use steel shot through the supplied choke tubes (rated for steel up to Full). Lead shot is acceptable for upland and target use. The shotgun accepts Beretta Optima-Choke HP tubes; standard Optima-Choke tubes are not compatible without an adapter. Aftermarket choke tubes from Briley, Carlson’s, and Trulock are available in Optima-Choke HP thread pattern. The magazine tube accepts standard 12 Gauge 3.5-inch shells, and the magazine plug is included for migratory bird compliance. The synthetic stock fits most adult shooters with a length of pull of 14.25 inches; aftermarket shims and spacers are available from Beretta to adjust drop and cast. No specific holsters are made for shotguns; for transport, use a full-length shotgun case (50-inch or longer). The receiver is drilled and tapped for Beretta’s proprietary mounting system for optics (sold separately).

FAQ Section

1. Do you ship this shotgun to my address in the United States?
We ship to all 50 states, but only 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.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you order, provide us with the name, address, and phone number of the FFL dealer where you want the shotgun shipped. We verify the FFL’s license with the ATF, then ship the firearm. You will pick up the shotgun from that dealer after they complete a background check (Form 4473) in accordance with your state and federal laws. We do not charge extra for standard shipping to FFLs within the contiguous U.S.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12 Gauge shells. It cycles reliably with light target loads (1 oz. at 1,200 fps) and heavy magnum loads (1.5 oz. at 1,500 fps). Steel shot is safe through the supplied choke tubes. Do not use steel shot through choke tubes tighter than Full unless the choke is specifically marked for steel. Lead shot is fine for upland and target use.

4. What warranty does Beretta provide, and how do I use it?
Beretta offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrel, and stock. Normal wear, misuse, or damage from non-approved ammunition is not covered. To file a claim, contact Beretta USA customer service (1-800-636-3420) with your proof of purchase and serial number. We recommend keeping your sales receipt from our store.

5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Because this is a firearm, all sales are final once the shotgun leaves our inventory. We do not accept returns for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. If the firearm arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Beretta to arrange a repair or replacement under warranty. We cannot accept returns on used or fired firearms.

Closing CTA

This Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge shotgun is in stock and available for purchase at csfirearms.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the U.S. with no additional handling fees. If you have questions about FFL transfer or compatibility, call us at (insert phone number) or email our team. Order now to secure this shotgun for your next season.