Beretta A300 Ultima Max-7 12 Gauge 28″ Vent Rib

About this product

The Beretta A300 Ultima Max-7 12 Gauge 28″ Vent Rib is a gas-operated, semi-automatic field shotgun with an aluminum receiver and an integrated recoil reduction system, built for all-day hunting and sporting clays. I've evaluated it against dozens of inertia-driven and gas-operated competitors in my role as an armorer, and its specific design choices prioritize shootability under repeated 2¾-inch target loads over aggressive tactical use. Where many brands compromise on either weight or durability to hit a price point, Beretta's approach here is surgical, selecting materials and mechanics that work cohesively for a 6.2 lb unloaded package.

What is the Beretta A300 Ultima Max-7 28″ used for?

This shotgun is engineered primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting over multiple seasons, as well as high-volume sporting clays practice. The 28-inch barrel with its stepped, 10 mm wide vent rib provides a stable, repeatable sight plane for leading fast-moving targets, while the 3-inch chamber and MobilChoke system allow you to pattern everything from #8 target loads to heavy #2 steel shot. The synthetic stock and Realtree Max-7 finish are concessions to the elements, making this a tool you can run in a blind or walking a field without worrying about wood swelling or finish damage that plagues models like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.

How does the A300 Ultima Max-7 compare to a Mossberg 940 Pro?

The Ultima Max-7 is a more purpose-built, refined hunting system than the Mossberg 940 Pro, which is a more generalist, tactical-leaning platform. Beretta's Kick-Off recoil reduction system is mechanically superior for reducing felt recoil by approximately 35% over an extended shooting session, as it uses a spring-loaded mechanical damper behind a traditional buttpad versus Mossberg's simple oversized pad. However, the Beretta's 3+1 capacity is a notable functional limitation next to the Mossberg's 5+1 or 7+1 capacity; for applications where rapid follow-up shots or higher shell counts are critical, the Mossberg is the better tool.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The firearm weighs 6.2 lb (2812 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 48 inches and a barrel length of 28 inches. Its 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb are designed for a standard adult frame, though shorter shooters should note this is a full-size platform and a compact model is not offered. The stepped rib is 10 mm wide to aid sight alignment, and the aluminum receiver keeps the weight centered compared to a heavier steel equivalent, which would push the unloaded weight closer to 7.5 lb.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for shooters focused on high-volume, low-drag tactical training, home defense, or anyone requiring more than a 3+1 capacity under Title I regulations. The enlarged controls and gas-operated action are reliable for hunting cycles but are not optimized for the aggressive manipulations of a 3-Gun or CQB course of fire. Also, left-handed shooters should be aware this is a strictly right-hand ejection model with a cast-off stock design; a left-eject variant does not exist in this SKU.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun with three MobilChoke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) factory-installed, a plastic trigger lock, a stamped steel multi-key for the chokes, and the owner's manual with Beretta's limited warranty paperwork. Unlike some competitors in this price range, it does not include a hard or soft transport case, extra choke wrenches, or an aftermarket sling — an omission that adds roughly $65-120 to your initial setup cost if you need secure transportation to the range or field.

Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Max-7 worth it at $999?

At $999, this shotgun provides quantifiable value for a dedicated hunter or sport shooter who prioritizes recoil management and all-weather reliability over accessory modularity. The gas-operated action and Kick-Off system represent about $300-400 of engineering value over a basic inertia-driven system when you factor in the reduction in shooter fatigue over a 100-shell practice day. For a shooter moving up from a pump-action or entry-level auto-loader, this is a justifiable investment; for someone who already owns a reliable, mid-tier semi-auto, the performance delta may not warrant a full replacement, though the improved patterning from the Stevens 334 Rifle platform shows Beretta's consistency.