Description
For the waterfowler or upland hunter who demands reliability in the harshest conditions, the Beretta A350 Xtrema 12GA with a 28-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber in MAX-5 camo offers a solid, field-proven platform. Whether you are working a flooded timber hole in Arkansas or chasing pheasants across the Dakota plains, this semi-automatic shotgun is built to cycle heavy 3.5-inch magnum loads and lighter target shells alike. It is a practical choice for the American hunter who needs a gun that can take abuse from mud, ice, and saltwater without skipping a beat.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A350 Xtrema is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for hunters who require versatility across multiple game species. This model is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3.5 inches, making it suitable for waterfowl, turkey, and even deer hunting with slugs. It is not a tactical shotgun or a home-defense firearm; it is a dedicated hunting tool for shooters who spend long days in the field. Target shooters will also appreciate its ability to handle standard 2.75-inch target loads for practice or clay games. Collectors may find interest in the MAX-5 camo finish, which is a durable, non-reflective pattern tailored for marsh and field environments.
Key Spec Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells)
- Capacity: 3+1 (includes one in the chamber; magazine capacity may vary by local regulations)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Chamber: 3.5 inches for magnum loads
- Finish: MAX-5 camo (a blend of brown, tan, and green patterns)
- Weight: Approximately 7.3 pounds (unloaded)
- Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead; drilled and tapped for optic mounts
- Stock: Synthetic with a soft rubber recoil pad and textured grip panels
- Action: Self-cleaning gas piston system
- Chokes: Accepts Beretta Mobilchoke tubes (includes IC, M, and F)
- Length of Pull: 14.25 inches
- Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
- Drop at Heel: 2.25 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A350 Xtrema’s gas-operated action is one of its standout features. The self-cleaning piston system reduces fouling build-up, which is a common issue with high-volume shooting of heavy magnum loads. This design allows the shotgun to cycle reliably even after hundreds of rounds without manual cleaning, a benefit for hunters who spend multiple days in the field without access to a workbench. The system also reduces felt recoil noticeably compared to inertia-driven actions, making it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots on fast-moving birds.
The 28-inch barrel provides a good balance between swing speed and sight radius. It is long enough to maintain a smooth, consistent swing on crossing targets but not so long that it becomes cumbersome in thick cover. The barrel is chrome-lined for corrosion resistance, which is important when hunting in wet conditions like coastal marshes or rain-soaked fields. The Mobilchoke system gives you flexibility to adjust patterns for different distances and shot sizes, from close-range decoying ducks to long-range geese.
The MAX-5 camo finish is applied using a durable, matte coating that resists scratches and reflections. Unlike some painted finishes that wear off quickly, this camo pattern is embedded into the synthetic stock and forearm, providing long-term durability. The stock features a textured grip area on the wrist and fore-end, which helps maintain control when your hands are wet or gloved. The soft rubber recoil pad is effective at absorbing the sharp kick of 3.5-inch loads, reducing shooter fatigue during long days afield.
Reliability with mixed ammunition is a key consideration for any semi-auto shotgun. The A350 Xtrema is designed to cycle a wide range of shell lengths and power levels without manual adjustment. You can load a 3.5-inch magnum for the first shot and follow up with 2.75-inch field loads without the gun short-stroking or failing to eject. This is achieved through a pressure-compensating valve in the gas system that adjusts automatically based on the shell’s power. It is not a gimmick; it is a mechanical solution that works in cold weather and with dirty ammunition.
Maintenance is straightforward. The gas piston can be removed without tools for cleaning, and the bolt assembly disassembles easily for lubrication. The receiver is made from an aluminum alloy to keep weight down, while the barrel and internal components are steel. This combination keeps the gun light enough to carry all day but robust enough to handle the stresses of magnum loads. The trigger pull is crisp and breaks consistently at around 6 to 7 pounds, which is typical for a field-grade shotgun.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl Hunting: The 3.5-inch chamber and MAX-5 camo make this a natural choice for duck and goose hunters. The gas action handles steel shot without issues, and the 28-inch barrel swings well on passing birds.
- Upland Bird Hunting: Light enough to carry over fields and through brush, the A350 cycles 2.75-inch loads reliably for pheasant, quail, or grouse.
- Turkey Hunting: With the right choke and 3-inch magnum turkey loads, this shotgun delivers tight patterns at typical turkey ranges. The camo finish helps you blend into blind setups.
- Deer Hunting with Slugs: The barrel is compatible with rifled choke tubes for sabot slugs, making it a viable option for slug-only zones during deer season.
- Target Practice: The reduced recoil from the gas system and the ability to use light target loads make it suitable for clay shooting or patterning sessions.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun will fire any 12-gauge shell from 2.75 inches to 3.5 inches, including steel, lead, bismuth, and tungsten. Avoid using non-toxic shot in older barrels not rated for steel; this barrel is steel-shot rated.
- Chokes: Uses Beretta Mobilchoke tubes. Aftermarket options from Carlson’s, Briley, and Beretta are widely available. Do not use non-Mobilchoke chokes.
- Holsters: Not applicable. This is a full-length shotgun, not a handgun. Use a soft or hard case for transport and storage.
- Magazines: The shotgun uses a tubular magazine under the barrel. Magazine extensions are available from Nordic Components or Briley if you need increased capacity for hunting (check local laws).
- Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a red dot sight. Sling swivel studs are included. Stock spacers are available to adjust length of pull.
FAQ
Q: Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home?
A: No. This firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We ship to all U.S. states and territories where the firearm is legal, but you must coordinate with a local FFL dealer to receive the transfer. We do not ship to PO boxes.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s information. You must provide their valid FFL number and address. We ship the firearm directly to them. You then visit the dealer to complete a background check (Form 4473) and pay any applicable transfer fees. We do not charge extra for the transfer itself, but your dealer may.
Q: What ammunition can I use in this shotgun?
A: Any 12-gauge shell from 2.75 inches to 3.5 inches in length. This includes lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten shot. We recommend using SAAMI-spec ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Do not use reloads or handloads, as we cannot warranty the firearm for damage caused by non-standard ammunition.
Q: Does this shotgun come with a warranty?
A: Yes. Beretta provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrel, and internal components. The warranty does not cover normal wear, cosmetic damage, or damage from misuse. You can register the warranty online through Beretta’s website within 30 days of purchase.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: All firearm sales are final. We inspect every firearm before shipment to ensure it meets factory specifications. If the firearm arrives damaged or with a mechanical defect, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Beretta to arrange repair or replacement. We do not accept returns for buyer’s remorse or change of mind. For non-firearm accessories, returns are accepted within 30 days in unused condition.
This Beretta A350 Xtrema 12GA 28-inch 3.5-inch MAX-5 is a reliable, field-ready shotgun for the American hunter who values function over flash. We ship to all U.S. states where legal, to your chosen FFL dealer. If you have questions about availability or shipping to your area, contact our customer service team.
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