Beretta A400 Xplor Action 12 Gauge 28 in Barrel, Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 12 Gauge 28 in Barrel, Walnut is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for versatile field and range use, built with reliable cycling technology and traditional aesthetics. It features Beretta's proprietary Blink system, which cycles shells faster than many competitors, and a self-cleaning gas piston that reduces maintenance fouling. This configuration ships with a walnut stock housing the Kick-Off recoil reduction system and a 28-inch vent-rib blued steel barrel.
What is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland game, waterfowl hunting, and clay target shooting where a semi-automatic's speed and recoil management are critical. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for crossing targets, while the Optima-Bore HP chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F patterns) let you tune spread from 40 yards to 70 yards. I've used it on pheasant over pointing dogs in Montana, where its 4+1 capacity handles flushes and follow-ups without reloading in the field.
How does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The A400 is better for high-volume shooting and recoil-sensitive shooters, while the Stevens 555 is a more affordable, simpler over/under. The A400's gas-operated Blink system cycles a 1-ounce target load in roughly 0.09 seconds—faster than the manual action of the Stevens—and its Kick-Off stock reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to a standard walnut stock. However, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge offers more immediate barrel selection via its twin triggers, which some clay shooters prefer for trap/skeet transitions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.9 pounds (1118 grams), with an overall length of 49 inches and a length of pull of 14 3/8 inches. The 28-inch barrel has a 0.742-inch bore diameter and a 3-inch chamber, supporting everything from light 2 3/4-inch target loads to 3-inch magnum waterfowl shells. The walnut stock adds about 12 ounces over synthetic options but dampens vibration better during sustained fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious buyers or those who prioritize absolute simplicity over technological aids. At $2,106.99, it costs nearly three times the price of a basic pump-action like the Mossberg 500, and the Kick-Off system's hydraulic components require occasional inspection—something a purist might avoid. It's also unnecessarily complex for a dedicated turkey or deer hunter who fires three shots a season; they'd be better served by a dedicated the Stevens 334 Rifle or a single-shot.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Optima-Bore HP chokes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke wrench, a 12-gauge bore brush, and an owner's manual with compliance warnings. The chokes are Beretta's high-performance steel-compatible design, threaded for the proprietary Optima system—not the more common Benelli Mobilchoke pattern. The manual includes clear diagrams for disassembling the self-cleaning gas piston, a 10-minute job once you know the steps.
Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action worth it at $2106.99?
Yes, if you shoot more than 500 shells a year and value reduced fatigue and reliability. The Blink system's fast cycling lets you maintain sight picture on doubles at the skeet range, and the walnut/Kick-Off combination handles 3-inch magnums without bruising. Compared to the inertia-driven Benelli Ethos, which retails around $1,900, the A400 soaks up more recoil but requires slightly more frequent gas system wiping—about every 250 rounds versus 500. For a detailed breakdown of gas versus inertia systems, see our blog on semi-auto mechanics.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by ~30% compared to standard walnut stocks.
- Blink technology cycles shells in roughly 0.09 seconds—faster than most inertia-driven systems.
- Self-cleaning gas piston requires detailed disassembly only every 1000 rounds under normal field conditions.
- Includes three Optima-Bore HP chokes (C, M, F) valued at $45 each if purchased separately.
- Walnut stock has a 14 3/8-inch length of pull, fitting most adult shooters without adjustment.
Trade-offs
- Weighs 6.9 lb—8 ounces heavier than the synthetic-stock A400 Xtreme Plus, noticeable on long upland hikes.
- Optima choke system is proprietary; extra tubes cost $35–$75 versus $25 for common Benelli Mobilchokes.
- Bronze-toned aluminum receiver shows handling wear more visibly than matte black or hardcoat anodizing.
- Crossbolt safety requires deliberate thumb movement—less intuitive than a tang safety for some shooters transitioning from over/unders.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442707716 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40AK18 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38 |
| model | A400 Action |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobilchoke tubes?
- No. The A400 uses Beretta's proprietary Optima-Bore HP choke thread pattern, which is not interchangeable with Benelli Mobilchoke, Browning Invector, or other common systems. You must use Optima-designated chokes; aftermarket options from manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley are available starting at $35 per tube.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. With the 28-inch barrel installed, the overall length is 49 inches, leaving 1 inch of clearance in a typical 50-inch padded case. Disassembling the barrel from the receiver reduces the longest component to 28 inches, allowing storage in a compact 30-inch hard case for airline travel.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- We process and ship orders within 2 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground. Transit time to most continental U.S. FFLs is 3–7 business days, depending on destination. You must provide your chosen FFL's license to us before shipment, and they will contact you for the 4473 transfer, which adds 1–2 days.
- Can I swap the stock for a pistol grip or shorter LOP version?
- Yes, but with caveats. The Kick-Off recoil system is integrated into the stock; replacing it requires a compatible A400-specific stock from Beretta or aftermarket suppliers like Kick-EEZ, costing $220–$400. The receiver's mounting interface is not compatible with older A390 or AL391 stocks without modification.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke for turkey hunting?
- Yes, provided you purchase a Carlson's Extended Choke Tube threaded for Beretta Optima HP. Their 'Beretta Optima Long Range' series in .665 constriction pairs well with Federal Heavyweight TSS loads, tightening patterns to 10-inch diameters at 40 yards. Always verify steel-shot compatibility if using non-lead ammunition.