Description
For the American waterfowler or upland bird hunter who demands reliability in the harshest conditions, the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus in 12 gauge with a 30-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber offers a proven platform for consistent performance. Whether you are working a flooded timber hole in Arkansas or chasing pheasants across a South Dakota field, this semi-automatic shotgun is engineered to cycle a wide range of loads without hesitation. The Gore Optifade Timber finish and Kick-Off stock are specific features designed to keep you concealed and comfortable during long days afield.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun built for the serious hunter who needs a firearm that can handle magnum waterfowl loads as reliably as light target shells. This model is chambered for 3.5-inch shells, making it suitable for geese, turkey, and heavy cover upland birds. It is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; it is a dedicated field gun for hunters who spend extended time in the marsh, blind, or timber. Collectors will appreciate the advanced engineering, but this is primarily a working tool for shooters who demand performance in wet, muddy, or freezing conditions.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12
- Chamber: 3.5 inches (accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells)
- Barrel Length: 30 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 50.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.8 pounds (unloaded, depending on stock configuration)
- Finish: Gore Optifade Timber camouflage on receiver and barrel
- Stock: Kick-Off system with Micro-Core technology, adjustable for drop and cast
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish
- Choke System: Beretta Mobilchoke (flush and extended options available)
- Magazine Capacity: 2+1 (plugged for migratory bird hunting compliance; unplugs to 3+1)
- Sights: Red bar front sight
- Action: Self-regulating gas system (Blink cycling)
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus utilizes the Blink gas system, which cycles 36% faster than previous Beretta gas systems. This allows the shooter to get on target faster for follow-up shots, especially important when a flock of mallards flares or a rooster pheasant flushes unexpectedly. The system self-regulates, meaning it adjusts gas pressure automatically for heavy 3.5-inch loads and light 2.75-inch target loads without any manual adjustment. This reduces felt recoil and ensures the action cycles cleanly across a wide range of ammunition.
The Kick-Off stock is a key feature for hunters who spend hours in the field. It uses a hydraulic damper and elastic bumper to reduce felt recoil by up to 40% compared to standard stocks. The Micro-Core technology in the buttpad further absorbs vibration, which helps reduce shoulder fatigue during long shooting sessions. The stock is also adjustable for drop and cast, allowing the shooter to customize fit for improved point of impact and mounting consistency. This is particularly valuable for shooters who wear heavy winter clothing or use a shooting vest.
The Gore Optifade Timber finish is applied to both the barrel and receiver, providing a non-reflective pattern that breaks up the shotgun’s outline in wooded or marshy environments. This is not a simple dip or spray; it is a durable, multi-layer coating that resists scratches, moisture, and UV degradation. The finish covers the entire metal surface, including the magazine cap and trigger guard, ensuring the firearm remains concealed from sharp-eyed waterfowl. The barrel is also treated internally with Beretta’s Steelium Plus technology, which uses cold-hammer-forged steel and a nickel-chrome-molybdenum alloy for extended barrel life and consistent patterns.
The A400 Xtreme Plus features an oversized bolt handle and bolt release button, making it easier to operate with gloved hands in cold weather. The loading port is beveled for faster reloading, and the magazine cutoff allows the shooter to quickly switch between loads without emptying the magazine. The trigger guard is designed to accommodate a gloved finger, and the safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard for intuitive use. These are practical refinements that come from Beretta’s extensive history with field shotguns.
Beretta’s Mobilchoke system is included with five interchangeable chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F), allowing the hunter to fine-tune pattern density for different ranges and game species. The chokes are made from stainless steel for corrosion resistance. The barrel is also compatible with Beretta’s Optima-Choke HP and Optima-Choke systems, providing flexibility for aftermarket choke tubes. The 30-inch barrel offers a good balance between swing speed and sight radius, making it effective for pass shooting and close-range work in the timber.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl hunting (ducks, geese) over decoys or in pass shooting scenarios
- Upland bird hunting (pheasant, quail, grouse, chukar) in fields and brush
- Turkey hunting (with appropriate choke and ammunition)
- Clay target practice (trap, skeet, sporting clays) for hunters who want to train with their field gun
This shotgun is not designed for concealed carry, home defense, or competitive action shooting disciplines. It is a field-oriented firearm optimized for hunting applications.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: Accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. The Blink system handles light target loads (1-ounce, 1145 fps) and heavy magnum loads (1.5-ounce, 1400+ fps) without adjustment. Steel shot, bismuth, tungsten, and lead loads are all compatible.
- Holsters: Not applicable. This is a full-length shotgun, not a handgun.
- Magazines: The shotgun ships with a 2+1 capacity tube (plugged). Unplugging the magazine yields a 3+1 capacity. Aftermarket magazine extensions are available from Beretta and third-party manufacturers, but must comply with local and migratory bird hunting regulations.
- Accessories: Compatible with Beretta Mobilchoke, Optima-Choke HP, and Optima-Choke tubes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts (Beretta-specific rail available). Sling swivel studs are pre-installed.
- Stock: The Kick-Off system is specific to this model. Aftermarket stocks from Beretta or custom stock makers (like Graco or McMillan) can be fitted, but may require professional fitting due to the Kick-Off mechanism.
FAQ
1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the United States?
No. Per federal law, this shotgun must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We ship to all licensed FFL dealers within the contiguous United States. Please provide your chosen FFL’s information at checkout. We cannot ship to P.O. boxes or residential addresses for firearms.
2. What is the FFL transfer process for this firearm?
After placing your order, you will need to provide the contact information for the FFL dealer where you want the firearm shipped. We will contact that dealer to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. Once confirmed, we ship the firearm. You then visit the FFL dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer will charge a transfer fee (typically $20–$50, depending on the dealer).
3. What ammunition is recommended for this shotgun?
The A400 Xtreme Plus is designed to cycle a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition. For waterfowl, we recommend using steel shot loads from reputable manufacturers (e.g., Kent, Hevi-Shot, Federal, Winchester) in sizes #2, #3, or #4 for ducks, and BB or BBB for geese. For upland birds, lead loads in sizes #4 through #7.5 work well. Avoid using reloaded, damaged, or excessively low-pressure shells, as they may not cycle the action reliably.
4. What warranty does Beretta provide for this model?
Beretta offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm’s receiver, barrel, and internal components. The stock and finish are covered for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty is non-transferable. For warranty service, you must contact Beretta directly or return the firearm to an authorized Beretta service center. We recommend retaining your original purchase receipt.
5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations and the nature of firearm sales, all firearm purchases are final. We do not accept returns on new firearms unless there is a manufacturer defect, in which case we will facilitate a warranty claim with Beretta. If you have questions about fit or features before purchasing, please contact us. We are an authorized Beretta dealer and can provide additional specifications or photos to help you make an informed decision.
This Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 GA with a 30-inch barrel and Gore Optifade Timber finish is available now for shipment to your local FFL dealer. We are a licensed U.S. firearms retailer and ship to all 50 states where legal. If you have questions about compatibility, availability, or the ordering process, contact our team. Order with confidence from a dealer that understands the needs of American hunters.




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