Description
Ask a group of waterfowl hunters what the softest shooting 3.5 inch autoloader is, and the A400 Xtreme Plus comes up almost every time. Beretta built this one around their Kick-Off hydraulic dampening system paired with a Micro-Core recoil pad and a soft comb, so the gun soaks up magnum goose loads instead of your shoulder and cheek doing the work. When you're burning through a case of steel over a decoy spread, that difference shows up by mid-morning.
Built to Run When the Weather Turns Ugly
This is where the Xtreme Plus separates itself from the standard A400. Beretta added an extended charging handle, an oversized bolt release, and an enlarged loading port straight from the factory, so you can run the gun with cold, wet, or gloved hands without fumbling. The Blink gas system cycles noticeably faster than most autoloaders and digests everything from 2.75 inch field loads up to 3.5 inch magnums. Aqua Tech Shield treatment on the metalwork adds real protection against rain, mud, and salt marsh grime, which matters when your blind is half underwater by shooting time.
A400 Xtreme Plus Barrel and Pattern Performance
The 26 inch Steelium Plus barrel is a big part of the story. Its extended forcing cone smooths out shot deformation for tighter, more even patterns while shaving a bit more off felt recoil. A stepped 7×7 vent rib with an integral mid-bead and fiber optic front bead gives you a clean sight picture in flat, gray, early morning light. Five extended Optima-Choke HP tubes ship with the gun, covering everything from decoying ducks up close to late season honkers stretching the range.
Why Pick the Realtree Max-7 Version
Max-7 is Realtree's purpose-built waterfowl pattern, blending cattails, grasses, and flooded timber tones that disappear in nearly any wetland setup. The full camo coverage over the synthetic stock and receiver kills glare and shine. If a duck gun is going to earn its keep season after season, this is the kind of setup that does it.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Model: A400 Xtreme Plus
- MPN: J42XS16
- UPC: 082442967509
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 3.5"
- Action: Semi-Auto (Blink gas system)
- Barrel Length: 26" Vent Rib Steelium Plus
- Capacity: 2+1
- Choke System: Optima-Choke HP, extended
- Chokes Included: F, IM, M, IC, C
- Sights: Fiber optic front bead with steel mid-bead
- Stock: Synthetic with Kick-Off recoil reduction and soft comb
- Finish: Realtree Max-7 camo
- Length of Pull: 14.25"
- Safety: Crossbolt
What’s Included
- Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 gauge shotgun
- Five extended Optima-Choke HP choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C)
- Beretta hard case
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus cycle light target loads or just heavy hunting shells?
The Blink gas system on the A400 Xtreme Plus is one of the more forgiving actions out there. It handles 2.75 inch, 3 inch, and 3.5 inch shells, and most owners find it runs standard 1 1/8 oz target loads without a hiccup once the gun is broken in. That flexibility makes it easy to shoot clays in the offseason with the same gun you hunt with.
How much does the Kick-Off system really reduce recoil?
It makes a genuine difference, especially with 3.5 inch magnums. Kick-Off uses hydraulic dampeners in the stock alongside a Micro-Core recoil pad and soft comb, spreading the recoil impulse over a longer period so it feels more like a push than a punch. The A400 Xtreme Plus has a well-earned reputation as one of the softest shooting waterfowl autoloaders you can buy.
What's the difference between the A400 Xtreme Plus and the standard A400 Xtreme?
The Plus adds the Steelium Plus barrel with a longer forcing cone for better patterns, a stepped rib with mid-bead and fiber optic front sight, plus factory-installed oversized controls including an extended charging handle, enlarged bolt release, and a bigger loading port. It also features Aqua Tech Shield corrosion protection. In short, it takes an already reliable duck gun and makes it easier to run in nasty weather.
Is the 26 inch barrel a good choice for waterfowl hunting?
For a lot of hunters, yes. The 26 inch barrel swings a little quicker and handles better in tight blinds, layout boats, and flooded timber compared to a 28 inch tube. Since gas guns already have a long receiver, the overall sighting plane is still plenty long for smooth swings on passing birds.





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