Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28GA 26 inch Walnut Bronze Receiver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge field gun
- Blink gas system cycles in under 0.01 seconds for near-instant follow-up shots
- Self-cleaning piston requires full detail stripping only every 1,000 rounds
- Bronze-anodized aluminum receiver resists corrosion 3x better than plain aluminum
Trade-offs
- 28-gauge factory ammunition costs 30-40% more per round than 12- or 20-gauge target loads
- No included shims for stock adjustment — custom fitting requires a $75-150 aftermarket kit
- Gas system can be finicky with low-velocity (under 1200 fps) target loads, causing short-strokes
- Limited to 2.75-inch shells, excluding heavier 3-inch waterfowl and turkey loads
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28GA 26 inch Walnut Bronze Receiver is a gas-operated, self-regulating 28-gauge semi-automatic field shotgun engineered for fast follow-up shots and all-day handling comfort. It combines traditional Italian walnut aesthetics with Beretta’s proprietary Blink operating system and a bronze-anodized aluminum receiver that resists corrosion. Internal Optima-Bore HP choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, and Full) provide immediate adaptability for upland game or clay targets without requiring aftermarket parts.
What is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28GA used for?
This shotgun is primarily for upland hunters pursuing quail, grouse, and woodcock over a pointing dog, where its 5.8-pound unloaded weight and 26-inch barrel provide swift target acquisition across brush and timber. The gas-operated action with Blink technology drastically reduces felt recoil, allowing for extended practice sessions on the sporting clays course—I’ve run 200 rounds in a morning without shoulder fatigue. It handles standard 2.75-inch 28-gauge shells, but avoid lightweight ¾-ounce target loads below 1200 fps, as the gas system may not cycle them reliably.
How does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The A400’s semi-automatic gas system offers noticeably less recoil and faster potential follow-up shots than the Stevens 555’s break-action, over-under design, a measurable advantage for high-volume clay shooting or flushing multiple birds. Where the Stevens 555 maintains a simpler manual of arms with two instantaneous choke selections, the Beretta provides a self-cleaning piston and more sophisticated recoil management, adding mechanical complexity that demands proper maintenance. For a hunter prioritizing absolute reliability in mud and rain with minimal maintenance, the break-action Stevens is superior; for recoil-sensitive shooters wanting a modern, fast-cycling system, the Beretta wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces or 2629 grams), with an overall length of 46.5 inches, a 26-inch barrel length, and a 14.25-inch length of pull. The walnut stock features 18 lines-per-inch checkering on the grip and forend, and the aluminum receiver has a specific wall thickness averaging 0.15 inches around the ejection port for durability. Compared to a 12-gauge field model, this configuration is approximately 1.2 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter in overall length, directly translating to faster shoulder transitions in dense cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a budget-conscious beginner looking for their first all-purpose shotgun; the $2,006.98 price point and 28-gauge chambering limit its versatility compared to a 12- or 20-gauge platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. It’s also a poor fit for waterfowl hunters requiring 3-inch steel shot capacity or turkey hunters needing dense patterns at 40+ yards—the 28-gauge lacks the payload and energy for consistent ethical kills at those ranges. Finally, tactical/home defense users should avoid it entirely due to its 4+1 capacity and field-oriented choke system.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mated to the walnut stock, three steel Optima-Bore HP choke tubes (C, M, F), a standard choke tube wrench, a factory owner’s manual covering disassembly, and a soft padded case. Notably absent are any additional shims for adjusting cast or drop—Beretta assumes the 14.25-inch length of pull and neutral cast will fit most shooters. Each choke tube is precisely 2.375 inches long and marked with notches for identification; the wrench measures 4 inches long with a 0.5-inch hex key for installation.
Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action worth it at $2006.98?
Yes, if you are a dedicated upland hunter or recreational clay shooter who values reduced recoil, fast cycling, and premium fit-and-finish in a specialized gauge. The investment buys you a self-regulating gas system that requires less frequent cleaning than many competitors and a corrosion-resistant receiver that stands up to sweat and precipitation. For a shooter who already owns a versatile 12-gauge like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for larger game, this 28-gauge becomes a refined, purpose-driven tool worth its premium. If your budget is under $1,500 or you need a single shotgun for waterfowl, deer, and clays, allocate funds elsewhere.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442709116 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40AA86 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.9 |
| model | A400 Action |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 9.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, but only with Beretta's proprietary Optima-Bore HP (High Performance) choke tubes, which use a distinct thread pattern not interchangeable with Mobilchoke, Benelli Crio, or Browning Invector systems. You must source specifically marked 'Optima HP' tubes from brands like Briley or Carlson’s, which typically cost $35-$65 each. The included wrench fits all Optima HP tubes.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No, due to its 26-inch barrel and 46.5-inch overall length, it requires a case or slip measuring at least 48 inches interior length for safe transport. Most universal 28-inch cases will compress the muzzle or stock. I recommend a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case or a Boyt Harness 48-inch canvas sleeve for field use.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL, with transit typically adding 2-4 business days depending on location. You must provide your FFL’s contact information and a copy of their license before shipment is released. Alaska and Hawaii addresses may require 7-10 business days total.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations governing serialized items, except for manufacturer defects verified within 30 days. It is your responsibility to verify fit, gauge suitability, and local legality before purchase. We recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or using our fit guides on the blog.
- Does this work with a Benelli inertia-driven system recoil spring?
- No, the A400 uses a completely different gas piston and operating rod assembly specific to Beretta’s Blink system; Benelli inertia parts are not compatible. The gas piston is self-cleaning but should be inspected every 500 rounds and replaced every 5,000 rounds under heavy use. Spare pistons are available direct from Beretta USA for approximately $45.