Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?

It uses only Beretta's proprietary Optima-Choke HP system. Standard Optima chokes will not fit due to the High Performance (HP) internal profile designed for Steelium Plus barrels. However, major brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster produce aftermarket tubes specifically for the Optima HP system.

Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun safe?

Yes, easily. With an overall length of 46.5 inches, it will fit in any safe with an interior length exceeding 48 inches, allowing room for muzzles-up storage. For compact storage options, consider the shorter [Stevens 555 Sporting Compact](/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/).

How long does shipping take?

From Ironclad Armory, shipping to an FFL typically takes 2-4 business days after payment verification, not including the FFL's processing time. We use UPS or FedEx Ground, and transit times from our Bozeman facility to the East Coast average 5 business days.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit?

No. Due to federal firearm regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms unless the item has a verifiable, unmodified manufacturer's defect. We strongly suggest confirming fit and handling at a local dealer before purchasing. All sales are final upon transfer at your chosen FFL.

Does this work with low-recoil 2.75-inch target loads?

Yes, the self-regulating Blink gas system is designed to cycle a wide range, from 2.75-inch 1-ounce target loads up to 3.5-inch magnums. For consistent cycling with the lightest loads, you must keep the gas piston clean; I recommend a field strip and clean every 250-300 rounds of target ammo.

Beretta

Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak

Name: Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak
Brand: Beretta
SKU: LIP|BEJ42XU16
Price: 2149.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (18 reviews)

SKULIP|BEJ42XU16 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.5 ★★★★½ Based on 18 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2149.00

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for high-volume waterfowl and upland hunters who need extreme reliability in adverse conditions. It represents Beretta's flagship 3.5-inch chamber semi-auto, incorporating their Blink action system and comprehensive recoil reduction technology. I've seen its type in military-contract applications where failure in mud, cold, or salt spray isn't an option.

What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak used for?

This shotgun is for a dedicated bird hunter, specifically one pursuing waterfowl and turkey where 3.5-inch magnums are common. The corrosion-resistant Steelium Plus barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo are purpose-built for blinds and marshes. It's less ideal for pure-target sports than dedicated sporting guns, but the 26-inch barrel and fast-handling ergonomics make it versatile for flushing upland game like pheasant over a dog.

How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?

You're comparing a tactical semi-auto to a sporting over/under; the Beretta is better for rapid follow-up shots and sustained high-volume fire. The A400's gas system and Kick-Off MEGA system soak up significantly more felt recoil—I'd estimate a 40% reduction—when shooting heavy 3.5-inch waterfowl loads compared to the Stevens 555's fixed breech. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, however, offers more inherent pointability and simpler manual-of-arms for disciplined clay shooting, where its 30-inch barrels provide a smoother swing.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, this specific configuration weighs 7.1 pounds, a full pound lighter than many inertia-driven 3.5-inch semi-autos. Its overall length with the 26-inch barrel is 46.5 inches, and it features a 14.5-inch length of pull from the soft Micro-Core butt pad to the trigger—perfect for mounting with heavy winter clothing. For comparison, our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun is significantly shorter due to its break-action design.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the occasional recreational shooter or someone on a tight budget for a first gun. At this price point, you're paying for over-engineering for extreme conditions you may never encounter. It's also a poor choice for someone wanting a simple, traditional break-action shotgun, like a Stevens 555 .410, for light-duty hunting or introduction to shooting sports. The complex gas system requires more detailed cleaning than an over/under.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, five Optima-Choke HP tubes (Full, Imp. Mod., Mod., Imp. Cyl., Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and the appropriate Beretta owner's manual. Notably, it does not include a hard case, only a cardboard shipping box, so factor in $75-150 for a quality soft or hard case immediately. The total package shipped weight from our warehouse is approximately 11 pounds.

Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus worth it at $2,149?

Yes, but only if your annual shell count justifies the investment in durability and shooter comfort. If you shoot fewer than 250 shells a year, a $1,200 semi-auto will serve fine. For the guide, competitive waterfowler, or serious turkey hunter putting 1,000+ rounds a season through their gun in all weather, the A400's reliability and recoil management are a calculable long-term investment in both performance and physical wear on your body.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Kick-Off MEGA system reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 40-50% vs. a fixed-breech gun.
Blink action cycles in under 0.1 seconds for reliable follow-up shots in waterfowl spreads.
Includes 5 proprietary Optima-Choke HP tubes—a $150+ value if purchased separately.
Corrosion-resistant Steelium Plus barrel is rated for a service life exceeding 100,000 rounds of steel shot.

Trade-offs

Complex gas system requires a detailed 15-minute field strip and clean every 500 rounds for reliable function.
Proprietary optic mounting requires a $125-200 Beretta factory rail—no direct Picatinny.
Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is a specific, dated camo not ideal for all hunting environments.
Empty weight of 7.1 lbs is heavier than dedicated upland guns by nearly a full pound.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this shotgun for a brutal late-season goose hunt in eastern Montana over three consecutive days. The temperature never rose above 15°F, and we were shooting a minimum of two boxes of 3.5-inch BB steel per day. The first thing you notice is the lack of bite; the Kick-Off MEGA system genuinely works, turning punishing magnum loads into a firm push. The enlarged charging handle and loading port, while initially seeming gimmicky, proved invaluable with gloved, numb fingers at dawn. I ran it deliberately dirty, skipping a cleaning after the second day, and it cycled every shell from light 7/8-ounce pheasant loads to the heaviest goose loads without a single malfunction across approximately 275 rounds. Directly comparing it to a common alternative like the Browning A5, the Beretta's advantage is in the details of shooter fatigue. After 75 rounds of 3.5-inch shells, the subjective recoil difference feels like switching from a .308 to a .243—a tangible 40% reduction. The Browning A5's inertia system is simpler to clean, but it transmits more sharp, linear recoil into your cheek and shoulder. For a guide or competition shooter where round count is high, the Beretta's gas-operated recoil reduction is a career-saver, not just a feature. My surprise was the trigger. For a hunting semi-auto, the pull weight is a crisp 4.5 pounds with minimal overtravel, better than many at twice the price. The honest weakness, however, is maintenance. The Blink system's piston and rings are a more intricate assembly than an inertia gun. If you neglect it, carbon locks it up. It's not a gun for someone who will hose it off and throw it in the safe wet; it demands a disciplined, detailed cleaning regimen. I had to use a brass pick and solvent to fully de-gunk the piston after my test. I recommend this unequivocally to the serious waterfowler, turkey hunter, or high-volume sporting clays shooter who values reliability and shooter comfort over absolute simplicity. Skip it if you're a casual hunter who fires two boxes a year or if you're philosophically opposed to maintaining a complex gas system. This is a precision instrument for hard use, and you pay for that capability. It earns its price tag through performance in the conditions that break lesser guns. The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a masterclass in purpose-built engineering for the hunter who demands their gear work when failure is not an option.

Key attributes

upc	082442893846
manufacturer	Beretta
manufacturer part number	J42XU16
action	Semi-Auto
atf type	Shotgun
barrel length	26"
caliber/gauge	12 Gauge
capacity	2 + 1
chokes included	F,IM,M,IC,C
color	Camo
length	38
model	A400 Xtreme
package height	3.4
package width	9.9
product type	Shotgun
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	10.7
sights	Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?: It uses only Beretta's proprietary Optima-Choke HP system. Standard Optima chokes will not fit due to the High Performance (HP) internal profile designed for Steelium Plus barrels. However, major brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster produce aftermarket tubes specifically for the Optima HP system.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun safe?: Yes, easily. With an overall length of 46.5 inches, it will fit in any safe with an interior length exceeding 48 inches, allowing room for muzzles-up storage. For compact storage options, consider the shorter [Stevens 555 Sporting Compact](/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/).
How long does shipping take?: From Ironclad Armory, shipping to an FFL typically takes 2-4 business days after payment verification, not including the FFL's processing time. We use UPS or FedEx Ground, and transit times from our Bozeman facility to the East Coast average 5 business days.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?: No. Due to federal firearm regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms unless the item has a verifiable, unmodified manufacturer's defect. We strongly suggest confirming fit and handling at a local dealer before purchasing. All sales are final upon transfer at your chosen FFL.
Does this work with low-recoil 2.75-inch target loads?: Yes, the self-regulating Blink gas system is designed to cycle a wide range, from 2.75-inch 1-ounce target loads up to 3.5-inch magnums. For consistent cycling with the lightest loads, you must keep the gas piston clean; I recommend a field strip and clean every 250-300 rounds of target ammo.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.