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Reader Survey >Beretta A400 L Review: A Classic Style, Modern Performer
- Last updated: 30/09/2025
The A400 has always been a strong seller for Beretta, as this reliable, super-fast-cycling, gas-operated semi-auto is renowned and well regarded by shooters in Britain and across the world. The new A400 L epitomises a graceful semi-auto, designed to excel in the sporting arena of competition clays, yet in my view, equally suited to the field.
Key features include the all-new, very well-executed floral-type engraving on the aluminium action, which is both tasteful and eye-catching. The high-grade walnut stock is a knockout in both colour and figure, and has been subtly redesigned for improved comfort. DLC-finished components reduce friction and abrasion, keeping the A400 L aligned with modern finishes, with bluing becoming old hat these days.
The lightning-fast B-Link gas-operated system remains, along with the steel-shot-proofed Steelium barrel, showcasing the technology for which Beretta is renowned. Meanwhile, the aluminium trigger group delivers a lighter, crisper pull with shorter reset times for follow-up shots.
I have always liked the A400, having owned a few, and my 28-bore was a honey with its lightning-fast bolt operation and ejection, minimal recoil, and superb handling. The A400 L is no different except for the 12-bore sizing. It still handles extremely well for its 3.2kg weight, with the balance point positioned perfectly at the fore-end/action joint.
The wood really stands out on this new model L, with a higher gloss finish than is usual, so the oil has been rubbed to a bright lustre that certainly enhances and brings out the grade three walnut beneath. Both colour and figuring are very good, and the stock and fore-end are matched very well, a small touch, but you will notice it if they are different.
The fore-end, with its redesigned ergonomics, is interesting, as it has carbon-fibre vents at the end to allow any excess gas to vent freely. The redesigned and larger panels of chequering are very finely cut and do actually grip, which is not always the case with some guns.
Interestingly, the end cap allows you to fit additional weights, thus altering the balance of the gun very precisely. This system is called B-Balance and allows the gun’s weight to be adjusted by up to 55g. I weighed the end cap itself at 84g, making a maximum of 139g in total. The weights are in two halves, so you can adjust to your own taste.
Moving to the rear, the grip now benefits from an ambidextrous palm swell, and I really like this as it finally centralises and correctly positions the firing hand. Again, well-defined cut chequering is used. The Extralight recoil pad uses Beretta’s Microcore recoil-absorbing construction for better comfort and stability in the shoulder without snagging, as its open-cell polyurethane structure is allowed to expand after firing, thus increasing the surface area with the shoulder for secure and precise support. These pads are available in different sizes, allowing for length-of-pull adjustments in combination with Beretta spacers.
The A400 L is available in 12-bore only, with a single barrel offered in either 28” or 30”, both featuring a 3” chamber. Whichever length you choose, the cold hammer-forged Steelium Plus barrel (Ni-Cr-Mo steel) incorporates a triple progressive forcing cone (up to 320mm) for optimal terminal energy and recoil reduction, producing even, dense shot patterns with a wide variety of shot.
Up top is a 10x8mm rib with a non-reflective surface, a midpoint brass bead, and a white bead at the muzzle. There are eight vents beneath it to provide adequate cooling during rapid fire and to reduce mirage. The extended chokes are all steel-proofed, and each gun comes with M, IM, and IC restriction sizes as standard.
Now to the action, with its elegant sweeping profile and aluminium construction. The most obvious difference is the new nickel-plated finish, with full floral engraving and an inked background applied in a tasteful style. You also now get an enhanced action with refined top and bottom profiling, plus an enlarged loading port, extended bolt handle, and release, all designed for fast and intuitive handling.
“The new A400 L epitomises a graceful semi-auto, designed to excel in the sporting arena of competition clays, yet in my view, equally suited to the field.”
- Bruce Potts
Being a gas-operated semi-automatic, the A400 L is powered by Beretta’s ultra-efficient B-Link gas operating system that ensures 36% faster follow-up shots and better control for faster target acquisition. The self-cleaning gas piston is enclosed with a polymer shield that’s attached to the twin action bars, which really helps reduce the maintenance needed. The barrel’s gas ports have also been redesigned to maximise consistency and improve cycling with lighter loads, which is always useful in a semi-auto.
The loading port and the competition-grade pro lifter have both been enlarged for faster, hassle-free loading. The lifter stays in the raised position when the bolt is closed, allowing new rounds to be inserted into the magazine more quickly, whether singly or in dual or quad mode. It also reduces the risk of you getting your thumb caught!
The trigger is light and crisp for a semi-auto, and the manual safety catch is enlarged and reversible for both left and right-handed shooters.
As usual, I fitted the ½ (Modified) choke and shot some patterns at 30 yards, my usual hunting distance, to assess the pattern spread and density for three 12-bore loads. Being hunting-based, I focused on pigeon loads, though I also included a nice clay cartridge.
Whenever a bright-action engraved shotgun comes out, my initial thought is always, “I hope it’s not too gaudy.” Well, the A400 L is elegance personified, as the nickel action and tasteful engraving enhance the lines and looks, and make it stand out in a good way. Its handling is so fluid and natural, even with the longer 30” barrel, and the action, as seen in the tests, is 100% reliable, super-fast, and, I have to say, pretty clean afterwards too. It’s a premium semi-auto, and at a price point that these days seems quite reasonable.
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