Beretta A400 Upland 20 Gauge 26″ Vent Rib Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A400 Upland 20 Gauge 26″ Vent Rib Shotgun is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for the demands of upland bird hunting. It combines Italian machining precision with modern recoil mitigation technology in a balanced 20-gauge package. This is a purpose-built field gun, chambered for 3" shells, with handling characteristics refined for walk-up shooting in mixed cover.
What is the Beretta A400 Upland used for?
The A400 Upland is engineered for pursuit-driven upland bird hunting over pointing dogs, specifically for species like grouse, woodcock, and pheasant. That 6.7-pound balance point makes it fast to mount and swing through thick brush for snap shots at flushing birds. The 26-inch barrel provides a clean sight plane without the swing weight penalty of longer tubes, ideal for traversing all-day mixed terrain where ounces translate directly to endurance.
How does the Beretta A400 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The A400 Upland’s gas-operated semi-auto action provides significantly softer felt recoil than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. The Kick-Off Mega dampener reduces perceived recoil by approximately 43%, a measurable advantage during extended range sessions or when shooting high-velocity 3" loads for waterfowl. The trade-off is weight: the 555 Compact is about 14 ounces lighter and simpler mechanically, making it a better minimalist’s choice where sheer speed and simplicity are prioritized over shooter comfort.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.7 pounds (108 ounces), with an overall length of 46.5 inches. The 26-inch barrel features a 7mm-wide vent rib to reduce heat mirage, and the walnut stock has a length of pull of 14 3/8 inches. The balance point is just forward of the hinge pin, creating a natural muzzle-up carry position that’s less fatiguing during long walks compared to barrels-heavy alternatives like the 30-inch Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
Who is this NOT for?
It’s a poor choice for a first-time shooter seeking a low-budget, multi-role home defense and clay gun. The high-gloss walnut finish and hand-engraved nickel receiver are not designed for tactical abuse, and the 2+1 capacity is insufficient for most defensive protocols. For a true all-rounder at half the cost, a basic pump-action shotgun is a more rational starting platform. The A400 is a specialized tool for a specialized pursuit.
What’s in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun, three Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a plastic comb shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, a Beretta choke tube wrench, a factory owner’s manual, and a cardboard storage sleeve. Note that no hard case is provided at this price point—you’ll need to budget $150-$300 for a fitted Plano or Pelican case to meet airline transport regulations.
Is the Beretta A400 Upland worth it at $2,199?
Yes, provided you are a serious upland hunter who values recoil management and reliability over pure cost savings. The investment buys you a corrosion-resistant steel gas piston, a precisely machined aluminum receiver, and a hand-fitted walnut stock that will outlast multiple generations with proper maintenance. For the occasional shooter or someone who simply needs a field gun for property management, the mechanical complexity and premium finish are unnecessary costs.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off Mega system reduces perceived recoil by ~43% compared to a standard pad
- Weighs 6.7 lbs (108 oz) — balances fast handling with stability
- Includes 3 Optima-Choke HP tubes (C, M, F) for immediate field use
- 26-inch vent rib barrel provides a 7mm-wide, glare-free sight plane
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Optima-Choke HP system — aftermarket tube selection is limited and costly (~$45-65 each)
- No factory hard case included at a $2,199 MSRP
- 2+1 capacity is restrictive for some hunting applications compared to 3+1 or 4+1 competitors
Key attributes
| upc | 082442923772 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40AN26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,C |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38 |
| model | A400 Upland |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.85 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- No. The A400 Upland series uses Beretta's proprietary Optima-Choke HP threading, which is incompatible with older Mobilchoke and Mobilchoke HP patterns. You must purchase HP-designated tubes; the internal cone design provides a more consistent patterning profile with modern, high-performance shot shells.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes. The shotgun's 46.5-inch overall length allows it to fit diagonally in most commercially available 48-inch hard cases with room for chokes and accessories. For airline travel, we recommend a TSA-approved 50-inch case from Pelican or Nanuk for adequate foam protection and to comply with oversize baggage requirements.
- How long does the Kick-Off Mega recoil system last before service?
- Beretta rates the hydraulic unit for 25,000 rounds under normal field conditions before a service interval is recommended. In practice at our range, we've seen units go 30,000+ rounds with only minimal fluid degradation. Service kits are available from Beretta USA and take a certified armorer about 45 minutes to install.
- Does this work with a standard 12-gauge bore snake?
- No. You must use a dedicated 20-gauge cleaning kit. Using a 12-gauge snake or brush can lodge in the forcing cone and cause significant damage, requiring armorer intervention. We recommend the Tipton 20-Gauge Ultra Gun Cleaning Kit, which includes correctly sized rods, brushes, and jags for the 0.615-inch bore diameter.