Semi-automatic shotguns are a popular choice for many types of shooting. Whether for clays, wildfowling or general pest control, there are many options available. I have not used many semi-automatic shotguns for my own shooting, so when the opportunity arises to test one I am always excited to try something different.

From the various semi-automatics I have used in the past it has become apparent they all handle and feel incredibly different from one another. Some are designed for birds and others for clays. I hadn’t laid my hands on a semi-automatic I felt comfortable using as an all-round shotgun, but from what I had heard, the latest Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus was going to be that gun. It was time to have a closer look and find out.
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Beretta shotguns are among the most popular in the world. Their over-and-under models are incredibly popular among many shooters and so are their semi-automatics.

Last year 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.
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Recoil reduction system

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 would 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.
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General overview

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 design. I am a left-handed shooter and this particular gun has a left-handed port, which is brilliant as I didn’t have spent cartridges flying past my focus when shooting. They are also a lot easier to load. Obviously this model is also available in a true right-handed specification.

There are a number of stock shims provided that can be easily changed to alter the cast and drop, enabling every shooter to achieve the gun fit they require. The stock length of pull is 14¼" but it 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 requires a longer stock, this is easily achieved by adding more plastic spacers, which are available from Beretta stockists.

The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is fitted with Steelium Plus barrels, which have been proved to achieve fantastic ballistic performance and are 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 A400 Xtreme Plus 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 forend 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 myself who haven’t got particularly large hands, but this is a very common problem I have found with all semi-automatics I have used. The gun weighs 7lb 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 on the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus allows the shooter’s eye to be positioned well over the receiver and barrel of the gun. Therefore the receiver of the gun isn’t putting strain on your eye and a clear focus on the target can be easily acquired and maintained.

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 bead at the end of the muzzle resulted in fantastic visibility around the barrel of the gun. I knew I was going to enjoy shooting it.

In the field

with my short, stumpy fingers. The oversized cocking handle and bolt release made the gun incredibly easy to load, which was very refreshing to have on this field gun as it is normally sporting-designed guns that have these features. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip out crow shooting with this gun and would highly recommend it for hide use.

Conclusion

The stepped rib on this A400 Xtreme Plus is a game changer due to the increased field of vision it gives the shooter. It will be a great choice of semi-automatic for someone who wants an attractive, well-built gun as a working tool that you know will fire when you pull the trigger. 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 is incredible. Beretta have created a semi-automatic that is reliable, functional and extremely low on recoil. It is also very easy to dismantle for cleaning and equally easy to reassemble. Overall I can’t see why anyone looking at investing in a semi-automatic 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. 
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TECH SPEC

Make: Beretta
Model: A400 Xtreme Plus 
Calibre: 12-bore 
Mechanism: Semi-automatic
Orientation: Left-handed (right- handed available)
Barrel Length: 28" (26" and 30" available)
Stock Length: 14¼" 
Weight: 7lb 14oz Chamber: 3.5" Chokes: Multi
Steel proofed: Yes 
Importer: GMK Warranty: 3 years 
PRICE: From £2250

More information available from GMK Telephone: 01489 587500