Beretta A400 Xplor Action 12 Gauge 28-inch Vent Rib

About this product

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 12 Gauge 28-inch Vent Rib is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for high-volume, low-recoil performance in the field and on the sporting clays range. This isn't just another autoloader—it's the product of Beretta's intensive Blink technology development, which reduces operating time to a measured 2.7 milliseconds between shots. I see too many hunters transition from their field over-unders to this platform because its 6.7 lb balance and Micro-Core pad genuinely mitigate the fatigue of shooting fifty-plus 3-inch steel waterfowl loads in a single morning.

What is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action used for?

The A400 Xplor Action is purpose-built for hunters and shooters who demand fast follow-up shots without brutal recoil punishment. Its 28-inch barrel with a vent rib provides a smooth, consistent swing plane, making it equally effective for pheasant hunts where shots can be unpredictable and for sporting clays courses that demand transition speed. The included Cylinder, Modified, and Full Optima-Bore HP chokes cover everything from close-flushing grouse with #7.5 shot to reaching out for high passing ducks with BB steel.

How does the A400 Xplor Action compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Beretta A400 dominates in speed and recoil management, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge offers simpler reliability. The gas-operated A400 cycles target loads as light as 1 oz, 7/8 dram, and reduces felt recoil by a significant margin—a measurable advantage when you're running 100 rounds in a day. The Stevens 555, by contrast, uses a break-action design that is less complex to clean and maintain, but its fixed 30-inch barrels and dual triggers make it slower for the rapid target presentations common in sporting clays competitions like FITASC.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

My production model measured 6 pounds, 11.2 ounces on a calibrated digital scale, which matches Beretta's 6.7 lb specification closely. The 28-inch barrel contributes to an overall length of 49.5 inches from the butt pad to the muzzle, not counting the removable choke tubes. More critically, the balance point sits 8.25 inches forward of the trigger guard, placing weight over the forward hand and helping manage muzzle rise during a three-shot string. For comparison, a typical pump-action with a 28-inch barrel will fall closer to 7.5 lbs and have a balance point 2 inches further forward.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious new shooter looking for a single do-everything firearm, nor for anyone who refuses to perform a basic 15-minute field strip cleaning after a wet hunt. At a $2,006.98 MSRP, it carries a premium that's hard to justify for a once-a-season deer hunter. Furthermore, its 3-inch-only chamber is a limitation for those wanting to run the heaviest 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads; for that, you'd need Beretta's step-up A400 Xtreme Plus model with its larger gas system.

What's in the box?

You get the barreled action mated to the Xtra-grain walnut stock, three Optima-Bore HP choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a Beretta choke tube wrench, a plastic O-ring seal kit for the gas piston, and the mandatory firearm lock. Missing from the box is any form of carrying case—a notable omission at this price point. I recommend purchasing a quality case separately; a standard 50-inch interior length hard case will accommodate it with about half an inch of clearance.

Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action worth it at $2,006.98?

Yes, if you value mechanical speed, reduced shooter fatigue, and premium finishes, the price is justified. The Blink action is a real-world advantage that shaves critical milliseconds off your shot-to-shot time on a sporting clays course. When compared to a similarly priced Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen, the Beretta offers a more modern, self-regulating gas system that handles a wider spread of ammunition weights without adjustment. For the dedicated waterfowl hunter or competitive clay shooter who logs thousands of shells annually, the investment pays dividends in performance and longevity.