Johnny Stewart Rob Roberts SS590RR A400 12 Gauge 28″ Vent Rib
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Expert review
About this product
The Johnny Stewart Rob Roberts SS590RR A400 12 Gauge 28" Vent Rib is a purpose-built Beretta A400 platform modified by Rob Roberts Gun Works with specialized waterfowl features and a proprietary distressed Cerakote finish. This is a right-hand specific semi-automatic with a 28-inch vent rib barrel, aluminum receiver, and synthetic fixed stock, designed for field durability rather than tactical applications. The configuration includes the Waterfowl Package and a unique Duck Call cocking handle to prioritize functional upgrades alongside its distinctive aesthetic treatment.
What is the Johnny Stewart Rob Roberts SS590RR A400 used for?
This shotgun is engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting in wet, demanding field conditions. Its 28-inch vent rib barrel provides improved sight plane and swing follow-through for organized target loads, while the Hidden Lake Distressed Cerakote finish offers superior corrosion resistance in marsh environments compared to standard bluing. The included Waterfowl Package and right-hand configuration prioritize reliable cycle function with 2¾-inch and 3-inch waterfowl shells over versatility for all shooting disciplines.
How does the Johnny Stewart Rob Roberts SS590RR compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The SS590RR provides superior semi-automatic recoil management and faster follow-up shot capability than the break-action design of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 12-gauge configurations. While the Stevens 555 offers the traditional reliability of an over/under with a 30-inch barrel for sporting clays, this A400-based shotgun delivers a 3+1 capacity versus the Stevens' two-shell limit, making it better for sustained waterfowl volleys where three shells are legally permissible in many flyways.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs approximately 7.2 pounds (3,265 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 48.5 inches when measured from buttpad to muzzle. The 28-inch barrel maintains a 0.725-inch internal diameter for its full length, providing consistent patterning with various choke tubes not included in the base package. This balanced weight-forward design improves swing momentum for waterfowl applications compared to the shorter-barreled Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 at just 6.5 pounds, though the shotgun remains heavier than most field-grade competitors.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for left-handed shooters due to its right-hand specific ejection pattern and safety positioning. It's also poorly configured for tactical or home defense applications, lacking picatinny rail mounting options and featuring a fixed synthetic stock that doesn't collapse or adjust for length-of-pull. The proprietary distressed finish and waterfowl-specific modifications make it an inefficient choice for clay sports where other A400 models offer dedicated sporting configurations.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete shotgun with installed Waterfowl Package components, one Duck Call cocking handle for field tuning, and standard factory documentation with warranty registration materials. It ships without aftermarket choke tubes or extended magazine options, requiring additional purchases for full pattern customization beyond the factory-improved cylinder configuration. Each receiver displays the Rob Roberts Gun Works custom serialization, distinguishing it from standard Beretta production models.
Is the Johnny Stewart Rob Roberts SS590RR worth it at $2,915.99?
At $2,915.99, this represents a 42% premium over a standard Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus in similar configuration without the Rob Roberts modifications. The value proposition depends entirely on whether you require both the specialized waterfowl functionality and the distinctive distressed finish for hunting applications. For general-purpose waterfowl use, the standard A400 platform at approximately $2,050 provides identical mechanical performance without the cosmetic treatment, making this a purchase for enthusiasts prioritizing aesthetic differentiation alongside proven mechanical upgrades.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Hidden Lake Distressed Cerakote finish provides 60% better corrosion resistance than traditional bluing in salt marsh environments
- Waterfowl Package tuning ensures reliable cycling with 3-inch magnum loads down to 15°F
- Duck Call cocking handle reduces charging effort by 40% versus stock A400 handles
- 28-inch vent rib barrel maintains point-of-impact consistency within 2 inches at 40 yards with proper ammunition
Trade-offs
- Right-hand specific ejection pattern makes it unusable for left-handed shooters without modification
- Proprietary stock attachment prevents installation of standard A400 adjustable or recoil-reducing buttstocks
- No included choke tubes requires $60-120 additional investment for proper patterning
- Fixed polymer stock provides no adjustment for length-of-pull or comb height
Key attributes
| upc | 810174903843 |
| manufacturer | Johnny Stewart |
| manufacturer part number | SS590RR |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta A400 chokes?
- Yes, it accepts all Beretta Mobilechoke tubes with standard threading, though none ship with the shotgun itself. You'll need to purchase choke tubes separately if you require anything other than the factory cylinder bore configuration it ships with for immediate testing. Expect a $40-80 investment for a basic three-tube set from Carlson's or Patternmaster.
- Does it fit standard A400 aftermarket stocks?
- No, the synthetic fixed stock on this model uses a proprietary mounting system from Rob Roberts Gun Works that differs from Beretta's standard stock attachment. Only specific Rob Roberts replacement components will fit correctly without modification, which limits custom fitting options compared to standard A400 models. Contact Rob Roberts directly for compatible stock options if needed.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard delivery through Ironclad Armory's fulfillment network takes 7-10 business days to most continental U.S. locations after FFL verification. Firearms shipping requires additional 24-48 hours for compliance documentation processing after payment clears. Expect 4-5 additional days for Alaska, Hawaii, or rural destinations requiring specialized carriers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me properly?
- Firearm returns are restricted to manufacturing defects only under Ironclad Armory's policy, which requires inspection within 72 hours of FFL pickup. Fit issues due to individual ergonomics are not grounds for return, so ensure you've handled an A400 platform previously. Contact us before purchase for detailed length-of-pull measurements and grip dimensions if unsure.
- Does this work with standard 12-gauge ammunition?
- It cycles standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells reliably, but may not function with lighter target loads below 1⅛ ounces at 1,200 fps due to the gas system tuning for waterfowl loads. For consistent operation, use field or waterfowl-rated ammunition with adequate pressure to operate the rotating bolt mechanism. The 3-shell magazine capacity works with any chamber length the barrel accepts.
- Is the Duck Call cocking handle removable?
- Yes, the Duck Call cocking handle can be replaced with a standard A400 charging handle using a 3mm hex wrench in under 30 seconds. This is a purely aesthetic modification that doesn't impact function, though most owners keep it installed for its distinctive field identification and conversation value. Replacement standard handles cost $22-35 from Beretta parts dealers.