Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget 12 Gauge 30″ Walnut
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget 12 Gauge 30″ Walnut is a purpose-built competitive shotgun designed to win across trap, skeet, and sporting clays events with minimal shooter adjustment. This is Beretta's flagship multi-discipline competition platform, combining their fastest action system with unprecedented ergonomic adjustability for shooters who demand one tool for all games. It represents the current engineering peak of high-volume, soft-shooting gas-operated shotguns.
What is the Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget used for?
This shotgun is used for competitive clay target shooting across all three major disciplines—trap, skeet, and sporting clays. The core design goal was eliminating the need for multiple dedicated guns, as the adjustable B-Fast system allows you to reconfigure stock drop, cast, and rib position in minutes. Its 30-inch barrel and dedicated competition chokes provide the long sight plane and consistent patterns required for 70-yard crossing shots and fast-report trap.
How does the Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The A400 Xcel is significantly more advanced and adjustable than the Stevens 555 Sporting, trading the simplicity of an over/under for speed and reduced recoil. While the Stevens offers two fixed chokes for around $800, the Beretta provides a tunable gas system, three premium chokes, and micrometer-adjustable comb and rib for $3,549, making it the clear choice for serious competitors who shoot multiple rounds weekly. The A400's gas operation reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to the Stevens' fixed-breech design, which directly impacts shooter fatigue over a 100-target event.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The A400 Xcel Multitarget weighs 7.3 pounds (118.5 oz) and measures 49.5 inches overall with its 30-inch barrel. The critical dimension for fit is the length of pull, which is adjustable from approximately 14.25 inches to 15.5 inches using included spacers, while the adjustable comb adds 0.75 inches of vertical height variation. This adjustability range accommodates most adult shooters from 5'8" to 6'4" without requiring permanent stock modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for beginners, budget-conscious shooters, or anyone whose primary use is hunting. The $3,549 price point buys competition-specific features that are wasted on casual use, and the 30-inch barrel is cumbersome in a duck blind or turkey woods. If you shoot fewer than 500 shells annually or prioritize versatility for field use over competition optimization, a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge or standard A400 field model provides better value.
What's in the box?
The box contains the complete shotgun with installed Improved Cylinder choke, plus two additional Optima-Choke HP tubes (Improved Modified and Modified), three comb adjustment spacers, two recoil pad spacers, a choke tube wrench, and the standard Beretta hard case. Notably missing is the tool for the adjustable rib's set screws—you'll need a 2.5mm hex key from your own kit—and any lubricant for the gas system, which requires specific grease for the piston rings.
Is the Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget worth it at $3,549?
At $3,549, this shotgun is worth it only for competitive shooters who regularly participate in multiple clay target disciplines and demand factory-backed adjustability. You're paying approximately $1,200 more than a standard A400 Xcel for the multitarget-specific B-Fast adjustable rib and comb system, which would cost over $800 to retrofit separately. For the shooter who needs one gun to transition from Saturday trap to Sunday sporting clays without reconfiguring their mount, this premium is justified by performance and time savings.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- B-Fast system allows micrometer adjustments to drop, cast, and rib height in under 5 minutes—no gunsmith required
- Gas-operated Blink action cycles in 0.18 seconds with target loads, 40% faster than inertia-driven competitors like Benelli
- Weighs 7.3 lbs—0.8 lbs lighter than comparable Browning Citori CXS over/under with similar barrel length
- Micro Core recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to standard rubber pads on field guns
Trade-offs
- Missing 2.5mm hex key for rib adjustments—requires separate $8 tool purchase from hardware store
- Walnut stock shows handling marks faster than synthetic—requires monthly oil treatment in dry climates
- At 49.5 inches overall, too long for most vehicle gun racks—requires dedicated case for transport
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 082442838038 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40CS10 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 40.6 |
| model | A400 Xcell Sporting |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 11.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.95 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta Optima-Choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta Optima-Choke HP system, which is compatible with all standard Optima-Choke tubes (not Optima-Bore). The gun ships with three HP-specific tubes—Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Improved Modified—that provide more consistent patterns than field-grade chokes. You can order additional tubes directly from Beretta USA or through authorized distributors like Brownells.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No, it requires a case at least 50 inches in internal length due to its 49.5-inch overall length. Most standard takedown cases are 52 inches, which provides only about an inch of foam padding on each end. For proper protection during travel to matches, I recommend a hard case with 54-56 inches of internal space, like the Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case.
- How long does the gas system run between cleanings?
- The Blink action gas system will run 500-750 rounds of target loads (2¾-inch, 3-dram, 1⅛ ounce) before carbon buildup begins to affect reliability. For competition use, clean the piston, rings, and magazine tube every 400 rounds to ensure consistent cycling times under 0.2 seconds between shots. Using a bore snake on the barrel every 100 rounds maintains pattern consistency.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't adjust enough?
- Ironclad Armory's policy allows returns within 30 days for unfired, unmodified firearms in original packaging, but you must arrange and pay for shipping through an FFL. The adjustable stock accommodates most shooters, but if you require a length of pull outside the 14.25-15.5 inch range, Beretta offers custom-order stocks through their performance shop for approximately $450-700.
- Does this work with a Gracoil hydraulic recoil reducer?
- Not without modification. The Micro Core recoil pad is integrated with the stock's adjustment system, and the stock's hollow design isn't sized for standard aftermarket reducers. For shooters seeking additional dampening, Beretta sells an optional Kick-Off hydraulic system that replaces the existing buttpad assembly for about $220, maintaining all adjustment functionality.