Description
Ask a group of serious waterfowlers what they carry and the A400 Xtreme Plus comes up over and over, usually with a story about a freezing morning where it never missed a beat. This 28 inch model wears Realtree Max-7 camo from butt pad to muzzle and is chambered for 3.5 inch shells, yet the Blink gas system cycles fast and stays reliable whether you feed it light loads at the clays course or heavy steel in the timber. Beretta's Aqua Technology protective treatment coats the working parts inside and out, so rain, mud, and salt spray are part of the job description rather than a problem.
A Softer Shooting 3.5 Inch 12 Gauge
Big waterfowl loads are no fun out of the wrong gun, and this is where the Xtreme Plus earns its keep. The Kick-Off hydraulic recoil reduction system in the stock soaks up the push before it reaches your shoulder, a Micro-Core butt pad and soft comb take the sting off your cheek, and the gas action spreads out what is left. The result is a 3.5 inch 12 gauge you can shoot all day without dreading the next volley.
Steelium Plus Barrel and Real Field Upgrades
The 28 inch Steelium Plus barrel uses lengthened forcing cones borrowed from Beretta's competition guns to tighten patterns and smooth out recoil, and the stepped vent rib carries a steel mid-bead with a fiber optic front bead for a clean, precise sight picture in low light. Beretta also enlarged the controls where it counts: an oversized charging handle, extended bolt release, and a beveled loading port make reloads and manipulation easy with cold, wet, or gloved hands.
Why the A400 Xtreme Plus Stays in the Blind
Five extended Optima-Choke HP tubes come in the box, covering everything from Cylinder to Full, so you are set for decoying ducks, passing geese, spring gobblers, or an afternoon of five stand. This is the kind of shotgun people buy once and hunt with for decades, and the used market backs that up since owners rarely let them go.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Model: A400 Xtreme Plus
- MPN: J42XS18
- UPC: 082442967516
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 3.5 in
- Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Auto (Blink System)
- Barrel Length: 28 in Steelium Plus, Stepped Vent Rib
- Capacity: 2+1
- Chokes Included: 5 Extended Optima-Choke HP (F, IM, M, IC, C)
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front with Steel Mid-Bead
- Stock: Synthetic with Kick-Off Recoil Reduction and Soft Comb
- Finish: Realtree Max-7 Camo
- Safety: Crossbolt
- Length of Pull: 14.25 in
- Overall Length: 51 in
What’s Included
- Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus shotgun
- 5 extended Optima-Choke HP choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C)
- Choke tube wrench
- Stock shim kit
- Beretta hard case
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the A400 Xtreme Plus cycle light target loads, or is it just for heavy hunting shells?
It handles both ends of the spectrum. The Blink gas system is designed to run everything from light target loads up to full 3.5 inch magnum waterfowl shells without adjustment. That flexibility is a big part of why so many hunters also use this gun for offseason clays practice.
How much does the Kick-Off system really reduce recoil?
It makes a noticeable difference, especially with heavy 3 and 3.5 inch loads. The hydraulic dampeners in the stock work together with the gas action, Micro-Core butt pad, and soft comb to cut felt recoil and muzzle jump significantly compared to fixed-breech guns. Most owners describe heavy waterfowl loads as feeling closer to standard 2.75 inch field loads.
What choke tubes come with the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus?
This model ships with five extended Optima-Choke HP tubes: Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder. They are rated for steel shot in the more open constrictions, which covers just about any waterfowl or upland situation. A choke wrench is included in the case as well.
Is the 28 inch barrel a good choice for waterfowl hunting?
For most people, yes. The 28 inch length is the sweet spot for a 12 gauge autoloader, giving you a smooth swing on passing birds while staying manageable in a cramped blind or boat. Combined with the Steelium Plus barrel's lengthened forcing cones, it patterns hunting loads very well at typical waterfowl distances.


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