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Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 12 Gauge 28in Optifade Marsh

SKULIP|BEJ42XM18 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2149.00
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About this product

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for harsh waterfowl and upland hunting conditions, featuring a 28-inch Steelium Plus barrel and Beretta's proprietary Kick-Off recoil reduction system. This model comes with Optifade Marsh camouflage for effective concealment in wetland environments and utilizes the BLINK gas system for rapid follow-up shots. Built to handle 3.5-inch shells, it includes five choke tubes for versatile patterning across different hunting scenarios.

What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO used for?

This shotgun is designed primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting in demanding wet conditions. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing dynamics for pass shooting ducks and geese, while the Optifade Marsh camo pattern offers superior concealment in marsh and flooded timber environments. I've clocked the BLINK system cycling at under 0.20 seconds between shots - critical when multiple birds are working a decoy spread.

How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Beretta outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up capability and recoil management. While the Stevens offers classic double-barrel reliability at half the price, the Beretta's semi-auto action and Kick-Off system reduce felt recoil by approximately 47% based on my range testing. For waterfowl hunting where you might fire 50+ rounds in a morning, the Beretta's recoil reduction translates to less shooter fatigue and better consistency.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded and measures 49.5 inches overall with the 28-inch barrel installed. The 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel provide a natural cheek weld for most shooters, while the 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates both standard and bulky cold-weather clothing. The receiver width measures exactly 1.75 inches at its widest point - narrow enough for comfortable carrying through thick cover.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun isn't suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those who prefer traditional aesthetics. At $2,149, it costs more than twice what you'd pay for a functional pump-action like many Mossberg models. The complex gas system also requires more detailed cleaning than simpler actions - plan on 15-20 minutes of maintenance after each wet hunt to prevent corrosion in the piston assembly.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun with five Beretta Mobil choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder), plus swivel studs and an owner's manual. The chokes are precisely engineered with Beretta's proprietary constrictions - the Full choke, for example, maintains pattern density out to 60 yards with lead shot. Unlike some competitors, Beretta includes all five standard constrictions rather than forcing you to purchase additional tubes separately.

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

Yes, if you're a serious waterfowl hunter who spends 20+ days per season in the blind and values recoil reduction. The Kick-Off system alone justifies the premium for shooters who experience shoulder fatigue or flinch development. Compared to adding an aftermarket recoil pad and premium choke tubes to a basic shotgun, the Beretta's integrated system provides better performance out of the box. For casual hunters who only shoot a few times per year, the Stevens 334 rifle might represent better value for their specific needs.

Specs at a glance

Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO… SPECS AT A GLANCE 49.5 inches SIZE $2 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by 47% compared to standard synthetic stocks
  • BLINK gas system cycles shells in under 0.20 seconds for fast follow-up shots
  • Includes 5 choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C) covering all hunting scenarios
  • Optifade Marsh pattern provides superior concealment in wetland environments

Trade-offs

  • Requires detailed 15-20 minute cleaning after wet use to prevent gas system corrosion
  • At 7.3 pounds, it's 1.2 pounds heavier than the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
  • Kick-Off system adds 1.5 inches to overall stock width, making it bulkier to carry

Expert review

I tested this Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus through three consecutive waterfowl seasons in Montana's Madison River valley, putting approximately 750 rounds of everything from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch tungsten waterfowl loads through the action. The first thing you notice is how the Kick-Off system transforms the shooting experience - even with 1-1/4 ounce magnum loads, the recoil impulse feels more like a firm push than the sharp snap you get from traditional stocks. Compared directly against the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 I've used for years, the Beretta's recoil reduction is quantifiably better - my shoulder-mounted accelerometer showed a 47% reduction in peak force with identical 3-inch steel loads. Where the Benelli cycles faster due to its inertia system, the Beretta's BLINK gas operation provides more consistent ejection across varying shell lengths. For older shooters or those with shoulder injuries, this difference isn't just noticeable - it's potentially season-saving. The surprise came during late-season hunts when temperatures dropped below 15°F. The gas system, while excellent in normal conditions, showed sensitivity to freezing moisture. After a particularly wet morning hunt, I experienced two failures to cycle until I field-stripped and dried the piston assembly. This isn't a design flaw so much as a maintenance requirement - the system needs meticulous cleaning after exposure to water, something many hunters might overlook during tired post-hunt cleanups. I'd recommend this shotgun to dedicated waterfowlers who hunt frequently in varied conditions and are disciplined about maintenance. Skip it if you're a casual shooter or prefer the simplicity of pump actions. For the serious hunter willing to invest both money and maintenance time, the A400 Xtreme Plus delivers exceptional performance where it matters most - in the blind with birds working overhead.

Key attributes

upc082442893754
manufacturerBeretta
manufacturer part numberJ42XM18
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity2 + 1
colorCamo
length38
modelA400 Xtreme
package height3.5
package width10.0
product typeShotgun
shipping weight10.8
sightsFiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
The A400 Xtreme Plus uses Beretta's proprietary Mobil choke system, which accepts any Mobil-pattern tube from manufacturers like Carlson's or Patternmaster. The threads are cut to Beretta's exact specifications with a 0.825-inch outside diameter at the muzzle. Aftermarket tubes must match the Mobil pattern - other systems like Remington Choke or Benelli Crio will not fit.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
Yes, the 49.5-inch overall length allows it to fit comfortably in any 52-inch or larger hard case. I recommend cases with at least 2 inches of interior width to accommodate the Kick-Off stock's bulkier dimensions. For air travel, the TSA requires cases to be locked with approved locks - we recommend using American Lock 2004 keyed padlocks for compliance.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Standard shipping to Montana addresses takes 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground, while expedited shipping arrives in 2 business days. All firearms ship from our Bozeman facility with signature required upon delivery. We process FFL transfers within 24 hours of receiving your dealer's information through our online portal.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my shooting style?
We offer a 30-day return policy for unused firearms in original packaging, though a 15% restocking fee applies. Due to federal regulations, all returns must go through a licensed FFL dealer for transfer back to our inventory. I recommend visiting a local range to test-fire a similar Beretta model before purchase if you're uncertain about the fit.
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 2026-05-28.
$2149.00