Description
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is Beretta's top-of-the-line waterfowl semi-auto, and the 26" Mossy Oak Bottomland version is built specifically for hunters who spend real time in the field. It chambers 3-1/2" shells and cycles 2-3/4", 3", and 3-1/2" loads interchangeably with zero adjustments needed. The Blink gas system uses a self-cleaning piston and compensating exhaust valve that vents excess pressure automatically, which is why this gun stays cleaner longer and runs reliably even in miserable conditions. Field & Stream's waterfowl gun test had it edging out the Benelli SBE3, and Outdoor Life named it an Editor's Choice. Those aren't flukes.
What the Kick-Off System Actually Does for You on the A400 Xtreme Plus
Recoil management on this gun is layered. The Kick-Off Mega system uses two spring-loaded hydraulic absorbers in the stock to tackle the first recoil impulse, while a third dampener called Kick-Off3 sits behind the receiver and cushions the bolt's rearward slam. On top of that, the soft comb on the stock reduces the slap your cheek takes. Together, Beretta claims up to 70% reduction in felt recoil, and hunters who have put heavy 3-1/2" steel through it back that up. For anyone shooting a lot of rounds in a single outing, that difference adds up fast.
Built for the Blind: Controls and Finish on the A400 Xtreme Plus
Beretta thought through the practical side of hunting with this one. The charging handle and bolt release are both oversized for gloved hands, and the loading port is enlarged and beveled to reduce thumb bite and make quick reloads easier when your hands are cold and wet. The Aqua Technology coating on the OptimaBore HP barrel resists water, sand, salt spray, and powder fouling. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo covers both the receiver and the synthetic stock, making this gun a natural fit for timber and marsh environments. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for a Picatinny rail if you want to run an optic.
The Steelium Plus barrel deserves its own mention. It's cold hammer-forged from a nickel-chrome-molybdenum tri-alloy blend and features a 14-inch lengthened forcing cone that transitions the shot charge gradually from the chamber to the bore. That extra length means more consistent, tighter patterns whether you're running lead, steel, or bismuth. The 7×7 stepped rib gives you a wider sighting plane than a standard rib, with a steel mid-bead and fiber optic front sight for fast target acquisition in any light.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Model: A400 Xtreme Plus KO
- MPN: J42XU16
- UPC: 082442893846
- Action: Semi-Automatic (Blink Gas System)
- Gauge: 12
- Chamber: 3.5"
- Barrel Length: 26"
- Barrel Type: Steelium Plus OptimaBore HP, Vent Rib
- Rib: 7x7mm Stepped Ventilated Rib
- Capacity: 2+1
- Choke System: Optima-Choke HP (Extended Black Edition)
- Stock: Synthetic with Kick-Off Mega, Kick-Off3, and Soft Comb
- Finish: Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front / Steel Mid-Bead
- Safety: Reversible Crossbolt
- Trigger: Chrome-Plated
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Overall Length: 51"
- Hand: Right Hand
What’s Included
- Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Gauge shotgun
- 5 Black Edition Extended Optima-Choke HP tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C)
- Adjustable stock shims (drop and cast)
- Carry case
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the A400 Xtreme Plus cycle light target loads or only heavy waterfowl shells?
The Blink gas system is designed to handle a wide range of loads without any manual adjustment. It reliably cycles everything from light 7/8 oz target loads all the way up to 3-1/2" magnum waterfowl rounds. The self-cleaning compensating exhaust valve vents excess pressure from heavier loads automatically, so you don't need to swap springs or settings between different shell weights.
How much does the Kick-Off system actually reduce recoil on the A400 Xtreme Plus?
Beretta rates the combined Kick-Off Mega and Kick-Off3 system at up to 70% reduction in felt recoil. The Kick-Off Mega uses two spring-loaded hydraulic absorbers in the stock to absorb the initial recoil impulse, while Kick-Off3 adds a third dampener behind the receiver to cushion the bolt's return impact. The soft comb adds another layer of cheek protection on top of that.
Is the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish on the A400 Xtreme Plus just paint, or is it more durable than that?
The camo coverage on the receiver and synthetic stock is more than a basic painted finish. The barrel also features Beretta's Aqua Technology coating, which is a protective treatment designed to resist water, salt spray, powder fouling, and sand. For hunters spending time in marsh or saltwater environments, that added protection matters over time.
Can I run steel shot through the A400 Xtreme Plus, and which chokes are safe to use?
Yes, the A400 Xtreme Plus is built for steel shot. The OptimaBore HP barrel has a bore diameter slightly larger than the nominal 12 gauge spec and features a lengthened forcing cone, both of which help with steel shot patterning and reduce pressure. The included Black Edition Optima-Choke HP extended tubes are rated for steel shot use, though for steel you'll generally want to stay at Modified or more open for best results and safe pressures.
What is the barrel length on this specific Mossy Oak model, and is the 26" a good choice for waterfowl?
This model comes with a 26" barrel. For most waterfowl hunting situations, especially from a blind or in timber and tight cover, a 26" barrel offers a good balance of swing speed and handling without feeling unwieldy. If you're hunting more open water or prefer the extra sight radius, Beretta also offers this gun in 28" and 30" versions.
Does the A400 Xtreme Plus come with a plug for the magazine?
The A400 Xtreme Plus has a tubular magazine that holds four rounds. Two plugs are included to reduce the capacity to two or three rounds when required for hunting. The crossbolt safety is reversible for left-handed use, and the gun also comes with an adjustable shim system so you can dial in stock fit for drop and cast.






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