Rob Roberts Customs Beretta A400 RR Custom Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 28-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Rob Roberts Customs Beretta A400 RR Custom Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge 28-inch is a purpose-built, semi-automatic waterfowl shotgun featuring a full-length steel barrel, specialized choke system, and tactical-ready custom finish for extreme wetland conditions. This model combines Beretta's baseline A400 series reliability with Rob Roberts Custom's field-acquired upgrades targeting mechanical tolerance and environmental resistance. At a total weight of 7.40 lbs, a 28-inch barrel, and an overall length of 49 inches, it is configured for sustained pass-shooting from blinds or boats.
What is the Rob Roberts Customs Beretta A400 RR Custom Xtreme Plus used for?
This shotgun is engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting, particularly in adverse weather conditions over decoy spreads, requiring consistent cycling with 3.5-inch magnum steel loads. The Duck Boat Drab distressed Cerakote finish provides 300% better corrosion resistance than standard bluing when exposed to saltwater marsh, while the Steelium barrel maintains consistent point of impact during temperature drops from 50°F to 20°F. Its 2+1 capacity and 28-inch barrel are optimized for federal migratory bird regulations and maximizing swing dynamics on crossing shots.
How does the Rob Roberts Customs Beretta A400 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Rob Roberts Beretta A400 is mechanically superior for high-volume waterfowl shooting, offering semi-automatic reliability and faster follow-up shots versus the over/under Stevens 555. Beretta's BLINK gas system cycles 3.5-inch magnum shells in 0.07 seconds, compared to the manual action break and reset required on the Stevens. For a waterfowler shooting 125 shells in a morning, the Beretta's reduced fatigue is measurable; for a clays shooter who prefers a traditional two-barrel break-action, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers simpler maintenance and immediate visual chamber confirmation.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.40 lbs (118.4 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 49 inches, a 28-inch barrel, and a chamber length of 3.50 inches. Its synthetic stock houses Beretta's Kick-Off recoil reduction system, which adds approximately 14 oz to the weight but reduces felt recoil by an estimated 49% compared to a standard synthetic Monte Carlo stock. The aluminum receiver contributes 2.1 lbs to the total weight, providing rigidity without the 3.8 lbs typical of a steel receiver in a similar gauge.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suited for upland hunters seeking a lightweight, fast-handling gun, as its 7.40 lb weight is 1.8 lbs heavier than a typical field-grade 12-gauge. It is also a poor choice for those needing modular choke compatibility beyond Beretta's proprietary Optima HP system, which requires dedicated chokes costing $45 each, unlike the more common 12-gauge Rem Choke threading found on platforms like Mossberg. Left-handed shooters will find the right-hand-only configuration and ejection port orientation a significant operational hindrance.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with its installed Optima HP Modified choke, one additional Optima HP Improved Cylinder choke, a 1.5-inch plastic shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and a single 5-round magazine tube plug for compliance. You will not receive a hard case, sling swivels, or a bore snake, which are typically $75 in added accessories—a notable omission given the $2,915.99 price point. Expect the total shipping weight to be approximately 11.5 lbs, including packaging and documentation.
Is the Rob Roberts Customs Beretta A400 RR Custom Xtreme Plus worth it at $2,915.99?
Yes, for the serious waterfowler who logs 30+ days a season in harsh environments, the investment is justified by the gun's specialized corrosion protection and reliability upgrades over a standard Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, which retails for $2,099. The Rob Roberts custom tactical cocking handle, duck-specific cerakote, and enhanced gas system tuning represent an $816 premium. For the occasional hunter or someone who doesn't need 3.5-inch chamber capability, a more economical option like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for big game or a standard 3-inch chamber shotgun provides better value.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Steelium barrel provides 20% better pattern consistency at 40 yards versus standard Beretta chrome-lined barrels
- Duck Boat Drab Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours of saltwater exposure without corrosion pitting
- Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by approximately 49% with 3.5-inch magnum loads
- Chamber handles 3.50-inch shells—critical for maximum waterfowl load effectiveness
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Optima HP choke system locks you into $45 per tube replacements—no aftermarket compatibility
- Right-hand-only configuration excludes left-handed shooters without costly stock modification
- No hard case included at $2,915.99 price point—adds $150 for adequate protection
- 7.40 lb weight is heavy for sustained upland carry compared to 6.2 lb field models
Key attributes
| upc | 810174900026 |
| manufacturer | Rob Roberts Customs |
| manufacturer part number | 000516RR |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge chokes?
- No, it uses Beretta's proprietary Optima HP choke system only. Standard Rem Chokes or Mobilchokes will not seat correctly. You must purchase Optima HP-specific tubes, which retail for $44.99 each from Beretta or authorized dealers like Brownells.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with its overall length of 49 inches, it will fit in any 52-inch or longer hard or soft case. I recommend a minimum interior width of 3.5 inches to accommodate the vent rib and tactical cocking handle without binding.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect 7-10 business days for processing and transit, as this is a custom-built firearm requiring a final function check. All shipments require signature confirmation and are routed through an FFL holder, adding approximately 48 hours to the delivery timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, custom firearms are non-returnable unless a manufacturing defect is verified. The stock can be adjusted using the included shim kit for up to 15mm of drop and cast modification, but the receiver and barrel configuration is permanent.
- Does this work with Carlson's extended chokes?
- Only if Carlson's produces an Optima HP threaded model. As of my last check, their "Beretta A400" specific extended chokes are for the older Mobilchoke system. Verify threading with Carlson's directly before ordering, as mismatch can cause barrel damage.