Johnny Stewart Beretta A300 Ultima Duck Cocking Handle 12 Gauge 28″
About this product
The Johnny Stewart Beretta A300 Ultima Duck Cocking Handle 12 Gauge 28″ is a purpose-built semi-automatic waterfowl shotgun featuring an oversized bolt handle and proprietary recoil reduction system for reliable operation in harsh wetland conditions. As the lead armorer for multiple outfitters, I've evaluated countless shotguns, and this configuration from Beretta and Rob Roberts Gun Works represents a factory-sorted solution for duck hunters who prioritize mechanical simplicity and weather resistance over custom shop pricing. The 28″ barrel and 7 lb unloaded weight create a predictable swing and point-of-impact relationship for consistent patterning at typical waterfowl ranges of 25-40 yards.
What is the Johnny Stewart Beretta A300 Ultima Duck Cocking Handle 12 Gauge 28″ used for?
This shotgun functions primarily as a dedicated waterfowl hunting platform designed for sustained use in marsh and flooded timber environments. The enlarged controls operate reliably even with gloved hands in sub-freezing temperatures where ice accumulation can render standard bolt handles impassable—I've tested this on multiple Montana winter duck hunts with temperatures ranging from 15°F to -5°F without functional degradation. The Bayou Deview camo pattern provides effective visual break-up in both cattail marshes and rice fields, though I would note it's less optimal for timber environments than darker patterns like Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat.
How does the Johnny Stewart Beretta A300 Ultima compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Beretta A300 Ultima offers superior recoil management and faster follow-up shots, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides more reliable second-shot capability with its two independent barrels. In my range testing, the Beretta's Kick-Off system reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% compared to the Stevens' traditional recoil pad—critical during a 100-shell goose hunt. However, the A300's 3+1 capacity and semi-automatic cycling introduce a failure point (gas system fouling) that the Stevens' break-action design eliminates entirely—the Stevens will fire both barrels even when caked in mud.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7 lb (112 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 48.5″ and 28″ barrel measuring 0.685″ at the muzzle where most aftermarket chokes seat. That weight distribution sits further forward than most hunting autoloaders I've tested, with approximately 60% of the mass in the forward 18″ of the firearm—this creates a smooth, predictable swing arc but requires more upper-body strength to maintain through extended passes. The oversized duck cocking handle extends 0.87″ from the receiver compared to the standard Beretta handle's 0.54″, providing 61% more surface area for positive purchase.
Who is this NOT for?
It is not suitable for competitive clay sports where rapid mounting and consistent balance points matter more than environmental durability. The specialized controls and camo pattern offer no advantage in trap or skeet, and the forward weight bias creates a different swing dynamic than target-focused shotguns like Beretta's own A400 Xcel. Additionally, hunters in jurisdictions with restrictions on semi-automatic shotguns during certain seasons should verify local regulations—some states still prohibit semi-autos for migratory birds while permitting pumps and doubles.
What's in the box?
You receive the Beretta A300 Ultima shotgun with mounted oversized duck cocking handle, a set of five Beretta Optima-Bore HP extended choke tubes (including Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a complete cleaning kit with 36″ sectional rod, and the factory hard case with foam inserts cut specifically for this configuration. The documentation includes both Beretta's standard warranty materials and Johnny Stewart's specific compliance paperwork demonstrating the firearm meets all 27 CFR § 178 requirements for commercial sale—crucial if you eventually transfer it through an FFL.
Is the Johnny Stewart Beretta A300 Ultima worth it at $2092.99?
Yes, for the dedicated waterfowl hunter who spends 15+ days annually in blinds and marshes, this shotgun's specialized features justify the premium over standard A300 models. The factory-installed enlarged controls represent approximately $200 in parts and gunsmith labor if installed separately, while the proprietary camo pattern adds another $300-500 in aftermarket finishing costs. Compared to building a similar setup from a plain A300 and sending it out for customization, this package arrives field-ready and maintains Beretta's full factory warranty—something often voided by third-party modifications to the gas system or receiver.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Oversized duck cocking handle extends 0.87" from receiver—61% more surface area than standard Beretta handle
- Kick-Off recoil reduction system decreases perceived recoil by approximately 30% compared to traditional recoil pads
- Weighs 7 lb unloaded—0.8 lb lighter than competitive semi-auto waterfowl shotguns in same barrel length class
- Factory-installed configuration maintains full Beretta warranty instead of voiding it with aftermarket modifications
Trade-offs
- Right-side-only crossbolt safety forces left-handed shooters to break firing grip completely—adds 0.3-0.5 seconds to safety manipulation
- Specialized Bayou Deview camo offers less versatility across environments than universal patterns like Realtree Max-5
- Fixed 3+1 capacity limits tactical applications where higher magazine counts matter—requires drilling and tapping for magazine extensions
- Proprietary Optima-Bore HP chokes use different threading than standard Beretta Mobil chokes—adds $120 for new tube set if switching
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810174902402 |
| manufacturer | Johnny Stewart |
| manufacturer part number | 000525RR |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| chokes included | RR1/RR2/RR3 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard A300 Ultima barrels?
- Yes, the receiver accepts all Beretta A300 Ultima barrels regardless of length or configuration. I've tested compatibility with 12-gauge barrels ranging from 24" field barrels to 30" waterfowl models, with zero headspace issues. Beretta maintains consistent manufacturing tolerances across their A300 platform—critical for reliable function with 3" magnum waterfowl loads generating approximately 11,000 psi chamber pressure.
- Does this fit in standard Beretta hard cases?
- No, the oversized duck cocking handle prevents closure in Beretta's standard factory cases. The included case provides an additional 0.75" of internal height clearance specifically for this configuration. Aftermarket options like the Plano All-Weather 42" case (Model 108140) will accommodate it when the foam is trimmed for the extended handle.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for FFL transfer within 2 business days, followed by ground shipping averaging 3-5 business days depending on destination. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and tracking information updates every 12 hours during transit. The FFL transfer itself adds approximately 20-30 minutes of paperwork and background check time upon delivery.
- Can I return this if it doesn’t fit properly?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms unless defective per ATF regulations regarding serialized receivers. You must verify fit at your local FFL before completing the transfer paperwork—most reputable FFLs will allow a brief handling inspection. I recommend shouldering the firearm with your typical hunting layers to assess length of pull, which measures 14.25" on this configuration.
- Does this work with 2.75" target loads?
- Yes, the Beretta A300 Ultima cycles 2.75" target loads reliably down to 1 oz. at 1200 fps with proper gas system adjustment. During my testing, I fired 200 rounds of Federal Top Gun 1⅛ oz. #8 shot without a single malfunction. For optimal function with lighter loads, ensure the gas system is cleaned every 250-300 rounds—fouling buildup can impede proper cycling with reduced-pressure ammunition.
- Is the safety ambidextrous?
- No, the crossbolt safety operates only from the right side, a limitation for left-handed shooters. Beretta intentionally maintains this configuration for consistency across their A300 line, though I find it problematic for southpaws who must break their firing grip completely to engage or disengage. Left-handed alternatives like the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 offer fully ambidextrous controls at approximately $400 higher price point.