BERETTA A400 XTREME PLUS

Semi-automatic shotguns are a popular choice for many types of shooting. Whether for clays, wildfowling or general pest control, a wide range of options are available. I have not used many semi-automatics in my own shooting, so whenever the opportunity arises to test one, I am always keen to try something different.
From the semi-automatics I’ve used in the past, it’s clear that each one handles and feels incredibly different. Some are designed for birds, while others are tailored for clays. I had yet to find a semi-automatic I felt truly comfortable using as an all-round shotgun, but from what I had heard, the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus promised to be that very gun. It was time to take a closer look and see for myself.
Beretta shotguns are among the most popular in the world. Their over-and-under models are incredibly well-regarded among many shooters, and so too are their semi-automatics. A while back, I used a Beretta A400 Xcel for a couple of outings decoying crows over maize cover and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was extremely interested to see what changes and improvements had been made in the new model.

What recoil?
Some readers may have seen Beretta’s previous Kick-Off system, where the stock pad of the gun has a recoil system built into it. I will be honest in saying I was not the greatest fan of this system. It sounded very creaky and noisy when mounting and shooting the gun. Users I have spoken to felt a lot of gun movement on their face, which could be very off-putting when shooting.
The new Kick-Off Plus system is completely different. It divides the stock into two sections (between the stock and the pistol grip), leaving the stock stable and avoiding any annoying sliding of the nose piece on the cheek. I was very pleased when shooting the gun for the first time, as my head stayed firmly and comfortably on the stock after taking the shot. I can confirm that the system does work, as I felt very little recoil.

Let’s take a look
As for the aesthetics of the gun, I think it looks incredibly smart for a camouflage design. This is the Max 5 style, but there are a few other camouflage styles to suit personal preferences, and also a basic black version.
I am a left-handed shooter, and this particular gun has a left-hand port, which is brilliant, as it makes the gun a lot easier to load and means I don’t have to deal with spent cartridges flying past my face and disrupting my focus when shooting. Obviously, this model is also available in a true right-handed specification.
The stock shims that are supplied can be used to alter the cast and drop, enabling every shooter to achieve the gun fit they require. The standard length of pull is 14¼”, but the gun comes with a ½” plastic spacer if extra length is required. It is fitted with a 20mm MicroCore rubber pad, which sits comfortably in the shoulder. If the shooter wants to further increase the length of pull, this is easily achieved by adding more plastic spacers, which are available from Beretta stockists.
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is fitted with a Steelium Plus barrel, which has been proven to deliver excellent ballistic performance and is proofed for high-performance steel loads. Five external Optima HP Black Edition chokes are provided, ranging from Skeet through to Full choke, so there is a choice of constriction to suit most shooters’ preferences.
The shotgun feels incredibly solid in the hands and seems to have been built to an extremely high standard. The gun has an Aqua Tech Shield surface treatment, which is designed to provide maximum protection internally and externally from corrosion and everyday wear.
The rubber inserts on the pistol grip and fore-end allow the gun to sit firmly in your hands, which I can see will be very helpful when shooting in wet weather or when out wildfowling.
The pistol grip has a very long reach to the trigger, which isn’t ideal for shooters like me who haven’t got particularly large hands, but this is a very common problem I have found with all the semi-automatics I have used.
The gun weighs 7lbs 14oz, which is slightly heavier than most hunting-designed semi-automatics, and I believe this greatly improves its handling qualities.
In my opinion, the best attribute the gun has to offer is the brilliantly designed stepped rib. I am a firm believer that if the shooter has a better view of the target, then their success in breaking targets or cleanly dispatching birds will be greatly increased. The 7x7mm stepped rib allows the shooter’s eye to be positioned well over the receiver and barrel of the gun. As a result, the receiver does not strain the eye, allowing a clear focus on the target to be acquired and maintained with ease.
From the first moment I mounted the gun, I loved the field of view it gave. A narrow rib leading straight down to a small mid-bead and fibre optic element at the muzzle resulted in fantastic visibility around the barrel of the gun. I knew I was going to enjoy shooting it.

Giving it a go
Most of my review guns come with me for an outing in the hide, shooting either crows or pigeons. As I predicted, this Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus performed incredibly well. With every shot I took, the cartridges cycled faultlessly, and the recoil was smooth from the 30g loads I was using. I have no doubts that heavier loads would be just as smooth through this gas-operated semi-automatic. This will give confidence to shooters who plan to use steel loads through this gun, as recoil is generally a lot heavier with non-toxic loads.
I chose to use the half choke that was provided with the gun. It is a constriction I rate highly, and through this barrel it performed to a devastating standard. After cleanly dispatching the first few corvids out to a distance of 40 yards, I was confident I had a winning combination. The handling of the gun was heavier and slower-moving than most of the other semi-automatics I have used, and I really liked that. It gave me a lot more control when shooting longer targets.
My belief in the stepped rib was confirmed, with fantastic target acquisition and great visibility around the receiver and barrel. The trigger pull was very crisp, and my only negative point would be that it was a struggle to reach the trigger comfortably with my short, stumpy fingers. The oversized cocking handle and bolt release made the gun incredibly easy to load, which was a welcome feature on a field gun, as such additions are usually found on sporting models. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip out crow shooting with this gun and would highly recommend it for hide use.

Conclusion
The stepped rib is a game-changer due to the increased field of view that it gives the shooter. It will be a great choice of semi-automatic for anyone seeking an attractive, well-built gun that serves as a reliable working tool and performs every time the trigger is pulled. Although this model is designed for wildfowling, I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t be used for all types of shooting. I would rate it as one of the best semi-automatic shotguns I have handled to this day.
The design and technology that have gone into creating this model are incredible. Beretta has created a semi-automatic that is reliable, functional and generates minimal recoil. It is also very easy to dismantle for cleaning and equally easy to reassemble.
Overall, I can’t see why anyone looking to invest in a semi-auto wouldn’t want to consider this model. It certainly isn’t cheap, but you’ll be paying for a premium product that won’t let you down in the field and will endure many years of shooting. GM