Description
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action KO in 20 gauge, with a 26-inch barrel and walnut stock, combines a lightweight, fast-handling platform with the recoil-mitigation technology that has made the A400 series a staple among U.S. shooters. Whether you’re working a dove field in the South, chasing pheasants across the Midwest, or spending a weekend on a sporting clays course, this shotgun delivers consistent performance with less felt recoil. For the American hunter or clay shooter who values a reliable, soft-shooting semi-auto that handles everything from target loads to heavy field ammunition, the Beretta A400 Xplor Action KO is a practical choice built on decades of Italian engineering.
Product Overview: What It Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action KO is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, featuring a 26-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber, and a walnut stock with a bronze-finished receiver. It is designed for upland bird hunters, waterfowl hunters, and clay target shooters who want a lighter, faster-swinging gun without sacrificing the soft recoil and reliability of a larger gauge. The “KO” designation stands for “Kick-Off,” Beretta’s proprietary recoil-reduction system, which makes this 20 gauge feel more like a .410 or a 28 gauge when firing heavier loads. This shotgun is well-suited for shooters who may be sensitive to recoil, younger or smaller-framed shooters, or anyone who prefers a lightweight gun for long days in the field. It is not a tactical or home-defense firearm; its design is optimized for wingshooting and recreational target sports.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 20 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Chamber: 3 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds (unloaded)
- Stock: Walnut with satin finish, Kick-Off recoil system
- Receiver Finish: Bronze anodized, with blued barrel
- Chokes: Beretta Mobilchoke system (flush-fitting; typically includes IC, M, and F chokes)
- Sights: Red front bead
- Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds (2+1 with plug installed; can be modified for target shooting)
- Safety: Cross-bolt tang safety
- Length of Pull: 14.25 inches (with standard recoil pad)
- Drop at Comb/Heel: Approximately 1.5 inches / 2.25 inches (standard field dimensions)
- UPC: 082442582276
- Classification: Firearm
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action KO uses Beretta’s Blink gas operating system, which cycles with 36% faster bolt speed than previous A400 models. This allows the shotgun to handle a wide range of ammunition, from light 7/8-ounce target loads to heavy 1-ounce magnum loads, without manual adjustment. The system is self-cleaning and uses a rotating bolt head with dual locking lugs, ensuring reliable function in dusty, wet, or cold conditions common in U.S. hunting environments. The gas piston is designed to be removed and cleaned without tools, making field maintenance straightforward.
The Kick-Off (KO) recoil reduction system is a key differentiator for this model. It consists of a hydraulic dampener housed in the stock that absorbs up to 70% of felt recoil compared to a standard shotgun stock. For a 20 gauge, this translates to a very soft shooting experience, even with 3-inch magnum loads. The system also reduces muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots on flushing birds or crossing targets. The stock is made from select American walnut with a satin finish, providing a traditional look that resists scratches and moisture. The pistol grip and fore-end are checkered for a positive hold in wet or gloved hands.
The bronze receiver finish is applied via anodization, which is more durable than paint or cerakote and resists corrosion from moisture, sweat, and field use. The blued barrel is cold-hammer-forged from steel, ensuring consistent bore dimensions and long service life. The 26-inch barrel strikes a balance between swing speed and sight radius, making it suitable for both close-cover hunting (such as woodcock or grouse) and more open shooting (such as doves or sporting clays). The Mobilchoke system allows the shooter to switch between improved cylinder, modified, and full choke tubes (included) to match the target distance and shot size.
The trigger is crisp and breaks cleanly at approximately 5.5 pounds, with a smooth take-up. The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard and is reversible for left-handed shooters. The bolt release button is oversized and textured for easy operation with gloves. The loading port is beveled for faster reloading, and the carrier is designed to handle high-brass and low-brass shells interchangeably. The magazine tube is fitted with a spring and follower that provide reliable feeding, and the included magazine plug can be removed for target shooting (where legal) to increase capacity.
Beretta includes a shim kit with the A400 Xplor Action KO, allowing the shooter to adjust drop and cast to fit their individual build. This is a significant advantage for shooters who want a custom fit without a trip to a gunsmith. The stock can be adjusted for cast-on, cast-off, and drop at comb, improving point-of-impact consistency and overall shooting comfort. The recoil pad is soft rubber with a ventilated design to reduce slipping on clothing. The barrel is also threaded for Beretta’s Optima-Bore choke tubes (the Mobilchoke pattern), giving the shooter access to a wide range of aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, and others.
Ideal Use Cases
Upland Bird Hunting: The 20-gauge chambering, 26-inch barrel, and 5.8-pound weight make this shotgun an excellent choice for walking up pheasants, quail, chukar, and grouse over pointing dogs. The Kick-Off system reduces fatigue during long days in the field, and the fast Blink system ensures reliable cycling with light target loads used for practice.
Waterfowl Hunting: With a 3-inch chamber, the A400 Xplor Action KO can handle steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic loads for ducks and geese. The bronze receiver resists corrosion from marsh environments, and the Mobilchoke system allows for tight patterns with steel shot when using full or extra-full chokes.
Sporting Clays and Trap: While the 26-inch barrel is shorter than what many competition shooters prefer, the A400 Xplor Action KO is a capable gun for recreational clays, especially for shooters who want a lightweight gun that transitions quickly between stations. The shim kit and soft recoil make it suitable for high-volume shooting sessions.
Youth and Smaller-Framed Shooters: The 20-gauge chambering, light weight, and Kick-Off system make this shotgun a practical choice for introducing new shooters to semi-automatic shotguns. The shim kit allows for a proper fit, and the reduced recoil helps build confidence.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: The A400 Xplor Action KO cycles 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells reliably. It is designed to handle low-brass target loads (7/8 oz or 1 oz) as well as high-brass field loads. Steel shot, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot are safe to use, provided the choke is rated for non-toxic shot (the included Mobilchoke tubes are steel-shot rated). Avoid using shells longer than 3 inches.
Chokes: This shotgun uses Beretta’s Mobilchoke pattern (also known as Optima-Bore HP for some models). Aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, and Trulock are available in a wide range of constrictions and materials. The barrel is threaded for flush-fitting chokes; extended chokes will also fit.
Holsters, Slings, and Cases: Because this is a full-length shotgun, holsters are not applicable. The stock accepts standard sling swivel studs (included). A padded gun case with a minimum length of 48 inches is recommended for transport.
Magazines and Accessories: The shotgun uses a fixed tubular magazine under the barrel. Aftermarket magazine extensions are available but may require modifications to the barrel clamp. Beretta offers factory replacement parts and accessories through their parts network. The gun is compatible with Beretta’s Kick-Off shim kit (included) and aftermarket recoil pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you ship this Beretta A400 Xplor Action KO to my home address?
No. Under federal law, this shotgun must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state of residence. We ship all firearms to a licensed dealer you choose. Once the dealer receives the shotgun, you complete the ATF Form 4473 and a background check (NICS) before taking possession. We do not ship to PO boxes or APO addresses for firearms.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work with C.S. Firearms?
After placing your order, provide us with the FFL license number and shipping address of your chosen dealer. You can email a copy of their license or use our FFL lookup tool. We verify the license and ship within 2-3 business days. We recommend contacting your receiving dealer beforehand to confirm their transfer fees and policies. We do not charge extra for FFL processing.
3. What ammunition can I use in this 20-gauge shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. It will cycle most factory-loaded ammunition, including target loads (7/8 oz and 1 oz), field loads, and magnum loads. Steel shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot are safe with the included Mobilchoke tubes. Do not use 3.5-inch shells or any ammunition not marked for 20 gauge. For best reliability, we recommend using quality factory ammunition from brands like Winchester, Federal, Remington, or Fiocchi.
4. Does Beretta offer a warranty on the A400 Xplor Action KO?
Yes. Beretta provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship.
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