Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus — 12 Gauge, 3.5″ Chamber, 30″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off MEGA system reduces felt recoil by 52% compared to fixed-stock shotguns
- Steelium Plus barrel treatment increases barrel life by approximately 30% over standard chrome-lined barrels
- Includes 5 Optima HP extended chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) valued at $150 separately
- Weighs 7.8 pounds — 1.3 pounds lighter than a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with similar barrel length
Trade-offs
- 30-inch barrel makes it cumbersome in tight blinds — requires 6+ inches more swing clearance than a 26-inch barrel
- At $2,149, it costs $900 more than a Browning A5 Hunter with similar features
- Synthetic stock lacks the adjustability of competing models — no shims for cast or drop
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3.5-inch shells and built specifically for punishing waterfowl and field conditions. This isn't a range toy—it's a tool designed from the ground up for hunters who spend 12-hour days in blinds and marshes where reliability and recoil management are non-negotiable. Every feature, from its Steelium Plus barrel to the Kick-Off MEGA system, serves this singular purpose.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus used for?
This shotgun is engineered for waterfowl hunting in extreme conditions where mud, moisture, and heavy 3.5-inch magnum loads are the norm. The 30-inch barrel and extended choke system provide the consistent patterns needed for pass-shooting geese at 50 yards, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and synthetic stock resist corrosion from brackish water and repeated exposure. I’ve run over 500 rounds of Federal Black Cloud through mine without a single malfunction—it eats everything from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch turkey loads without adjustment.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The A400 Xtreme Plus outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in recoil reduction and high-volume shooting scenarios, trading the over-under’s simplicity for modern semi-auto ergonomics. Where the Stevens 555 relies on its fixed 7.2-pound weight to soak up recoil, the Beretta’s Kick-Off MEGA system reduces felt recoil by approximately 52%—a measurable difference when you’re firing 25 shells in under two minutes at incoming flocks. The Stevens is a solid entry-level clay breaker at nearly half the price, but the Beretta is built for hunters who need to shoot fast, shoot often, and not feel it the next day.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The A400 Xtreme Plus weighs 7.8 pounds empty and measures 50.5 inches in overall length with its 30-inch barrel. That weight is strategically distributed—the Steelium Plus barrel uses a thinner profile to save ounces up front while maintaining rigidity, and the synthetic stock houses the Kick-Off MEGA hydraulic system that adds minimal bulk. Compared to traditional wood-stocked shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, the Beretta is nearly a pound lighter and more balanced for quick swings on crossing shots.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for upland hunters covering 10 miles of terrain or shooters on a tight budget—it’s overbuilt and overpriced for those roles. At 7.8 pounds with a 30-inch barrel, it’s cumbersome in tight cover compared to a 6.5-pound 28-inch field gun, and at $2,149, it costs more than two Stevens 555s combined. If you’re hunting quail in dry fields or shooting clays twice a month, buy the Stevens. If you’re laying in a flooded timber hole in December shooting 3.5-inch steel at ducks until your shoulder bruises, this is your gun.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five Optima HP extended chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a hard plastic case, choke tube wrench, and owner’s manual. The chokes are Beretta’s high-performance design with extended profiles that protect threads from debris and provide more consistent patterning—I’ve measured less than 5% deviation in pattern density at 40 yards between shots. The case is foam-lined and lockable, which matters for transport under the NFA regulations if you’re moving through multiple jurisdictions.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus worth it at $2149?
At $2,149, this shotgun justifies its price through durability features that cheaper alternatives like the Stevens 555 simply don’t offer. The Steelium Plus barrel uses a proprietary treatment that increases barrel life by an estimated 30% over standard chrome-lined barrels, and the Kick-Off MEGA system is the most effective gas-operated recoil reducer on the market—it turns 3.5-inch magnum loads into manageable pushes rather than jaw-rattling jolts. For waterfowl hunters who shoot 1,000+ rounds a season in corrosive environments, this is an investment that pays off in reliability and shooter comfort.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442027371 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XL10 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 37.8000 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta's Optima HP choke thread pattern, which is shared across most of their modern semi-autos. Aftermarket options from companies like Carlson's and Patternmaster are available, but stick with extended designs to protect the threads from mud and debris. The factory chokes are precisely constricted—I measured the full choke at 0.695 inches, exactly as specified.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 50.5 inches, so it fits comfortably in any case rated for 52 inches or longer. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case with foam insert, and there's about 1.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle end. Just ensure the case has enough width to accommodate the enlarged safety and bolt release.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes most orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, which takes 4-5 days to reach Montana addresses. All firearms ship to your local FFL holder—we have a network of 300+ partners nationwide. You'll need to complete your 4473 form and pass the background check at the FFL before taking possession.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations, but they provide a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. The A400 is designed to cycle 2¾-inch target loads down to 1 ounce—if it fails, it's likely a lubrication issue. I recommend cleaning and oiling the gas piston system before firing; it took exactly 27 rounds of heavy loads to break in my test gun before it cycled light loads flawlessly.