Description
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off in 12-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and Optifade Marsh camo finish is a semi-automatic shotgun engineered for the demands of American waterfowl hunters who face long days in flooded timber, marsh blinds, and coastal salt marshes. Whether you are chasing mallards in the Arkansas delta, honkers in the Dakota plains, or divers on the Great Lakes, this shotgun is built to cycle reliably in the harshest conditions while reducing felt recoil so you can stay on target for follow-up shots. As a licensed FFL retailer, we recognize that serious hunters need equipment that performs without excuses, and the A400 Xtreme Plus delivers on that promise with Beretta’s proven gas-operated system and Kick Off recoil reduction technology.
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, allowing it to handle all 12-gauge loads from light 2.75-inch target shells to heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads. This model is specifically designed for waterfowl hunters who require a reliable, fast-cycling shotgun that mitigates recoil fatigue during long shooting sessions. It also suits upland bird hunters, turkey hunters, and shooters who participate in sporting clays or 3-gun competitions, though its primary engineering focus is on wet, muddy, and cold environments where other semi-automatics may falter. Collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate the Optifade Marsh camo finish, which provides effective concealment in marsh and wetland habitats, and the durable anodized aluminum receiver that resists corrosion.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shells)
- Chamber: 3.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: 48.5 inches
- Capacity: 4+1 (with 3-inch shells; 3+1 with 3.5-inch shells; magazine plug included for migratory bird compliance)
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (varies slightly with choke tubes and plug)
- Finish: Optifade Marsh camo on receiver, barrel, and stock; anodized aluminum receiver with steel inserts
- Stock: Kick Off recoil reduction system with adjustable comb and shim kit for cast and drop
- Sights: Red fiber optic front sight
- Chokes: Beretta Mobilchoke system (includes IC, M, and F chokes; accepts Optima-Choke HP and Optima-Choke tubes)
- Action: Gas-operated with Blink cycling system (36% faster cycle rate than previous Beretta gas systems)
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety with reversible configuration
- Receiver: Drilled and tapped for scope mount
Feature Deep-Dive
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off is distinguished by its Blink gas operating system, which cycles the action at a rate of approximately 36% faster than earlier Beretta gas systems. This allows the shooter to fire and cycle the next round quickly, which is particularly useful when a flock of ducks or geese flushes suddenly and multiple shots are required. The gas system is self-cleaning, meaning it uses the gas pressure to blow debris out of the action, reducing the need for frequent field stripping in muddy or dusty conditions. This design also allows the shotgun to cycle a wide range of loads, from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnums, without manual adjustment of gas ports.
The Kick Off recoil reduction system is a key feature that sets this model apart from standard A400 variants. It consists of a hydraulic damper housed in the stock that absorbs up to 70% of felt recoil, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable and reducing the likelihood of flinching. The system is adjustable, allowing the shooter to tune the recoil absorption based on the load being used. Combined with the Micro-Core recoil pad, which further dampens vibration, this shotgun allows hunters to stay on target for rapid follow-up shots without the shoulder fatigue associated with heavy magnum loads. The stock also features an adjustable comb and shim kit, enabling the shooter to customize the fit for proper cheek weld and eye alignment, which can improve accuracy and shooting comfort.
The 26-inch barrel is a practical choice for waterfowl hunting, offering a balance between maneuverability in tight cover and sufficient sight radius for swing-through shots on passing birds. The barrel is cold hammer-forged from steel and features a deep Optifade Marsh camo finish that resists reflection and corrosion. The red fiber optic front sight provides a clear aiming point in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening hunts. The barrel is compatible with Beretta’s Mobilchoke system, and the shotgun comes with three choke tubes (IC, M, F) to cover a range of hunting scenarios, from close-range decoying ducks to longer-range geese over open water.
The Optifade Marsh camo finish is applied using a proprietary process that ensures durability and adhesion to the metal and synthetic stock components. This pattern is specifically designed to break up the shotgun’s outline in marsh and wetland environments, blending with cattails, reeds, and open water. The synthetic stock is resistant to water, mud, and temperature extremes, and the entire shotgun is built with corrosion-resistant materials, including stainless steel magazine tube and trigger components. The receiver is anodized aluminum with steel inserts at wear points, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. The cross-bolt safety is reversible for left-handed shooters, and the bolt release is oversized for easy operation with gloved hands.
Beretta includes several thoughtful design elements for the waterfowl hunter. The bolt handle is oversized and textured for positive grip with wet or gloved hands. The magazine cut-off feature allows the shooter to quickly unload the chamber without cycling shells through the magazine, which is useful when crossing fences or entering a boat. The loading port is beveled and enlarged for faster reloading, and the carrier is slotted to allow visual confirmation of the chamber status. The shotgun also includes a trigger lock and a fitted hard case for secure storage and transport. For shooters who wish to use a sling, the stock and forend include sling swivel studs.
Reliability in adverse conditions is a hallmark of the A400 series. The Blink system is designed to function in temperatures as low as -20°F and in the presence of mud, sand, and water. The gas piston and cylinder are hard-chromed to resist fouling, and the self-cleaning mechanism reduces the need for lubrication in dirty environments. This makes the A400 Xtreme Plus a suitable choice for coastal duck hunting, where salt spray and sand can cause other semi-automatics to malfunction. The shotgun also meets the requirements for migratory bird hunting, as it includes a magazine plug that limits capacity to two shells in the magazine plus one in the chamber for federal compliance.
Ideal Use Cases
Waterfowl Hunting: This is the primary application for the A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off. The 3.5-inch chamber, fast cycling, and recoil reduction make it well-suited for pass shooting, decoying, and jump shooting ducks and geese in marshes, fields, and open water. The Optifade Marsh camo provides effective concealment in wetland habitats.
Upland Bird Hunting: While heavier than some dedicated upland guns, the 26-inch barrel and balanced weight make it usable for pheasants, quail, and grouse, especially when using lighter 2.75-inch loads. The Kick Off system reduces fatigue during long walks.
Turkey Hunting: The 3.5-inch chamber allows for heavy turkey loads, and the fiber optic sight aids in precise shot placement. The camo finish is suitable for spring turkey woods, though you may prefer a more open choke for close-range work.
Sporting Clays and Trap: The fast cycling and adjustable stock make this shotgun functional for clay target games, particularly when shooting heavier loads. The Kick Off system helps maintain comfort during high-volume shooting sessions.
Home Defense: While not a primary home defense firearm, the 12-gauge chambering and 4+1 capacity can serve in that role if needed. The 26-inch barrel may be long for tight spaces, but the shotgun is reliable and effective with buckshot loads.
Compatibility Notes
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick Off accepts all 12-gauge shells with a length of 2.75 inches, 3 inches, or 3.5 inches. It is compatible with steel shot, bismuth, tungsten, and lead shot loads, provided the choke tube is rated for the material. The Mobilchoke system accepts Beretta Mobilchoke tubes, as well as Optima-Choke HP and Optima-Choke tubes with the appropriate adapter. Aftermarket chokes from manufacturers like Carlson’s, Briley, and Trulock are available. The shotgun uses a standard Beretta magazine tube, and replacement magazines or extensions are available from Beretta and aftermarket suppliers. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and we recommend a Beretta-specific rail or a Picatinny-style mount for red dot sights. Holsters are not applicable for this shotgun, but a variety of slings, cases, and cleaning kits are compatible. For parts and accessories, we stock Beretta OEM components and recommend using only factory or high-quality aftermarket parts to maintain reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does shipping to the United States work for this shotgun?
A: We ship this Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus to all 50 states where it is legal to own a shotgun. We only ship to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. You must provide us with the FFL’s contact information and a copy of their license. We will verify the license and ship the firearm via a carrier that complies with all federal and state laws. We do not ship to PO boxes; a physical address for the FFL is required.
Q: What is the FFL transfer process for purchasing this shotgun?
A: After you place your order, you will need to select a local FFL dealer to receive the firearm. You can choose any FFL holder, such as a gun shop, pawn shop, or shooting range. Provide us with the dealer’s name, address, and phone number, and we will contact them to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. Once the FFL is verified, we ship the shotgun to them. You then go to the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check (if required by your state). The dealer will charge a transfer fee, which varies but typically ranges from $20 to $50. We do not handle the background check or transfer ourselves.
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