Beretta A400 Xplor Action LH 12 Gauge 28-inch Walnut Bronze
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action LH 12 Gauge 28-inch Walnut Bronze is a left-handed, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for fast, reliable cycling with reduced felt recoil across hunting and sporting applications. It's built on a bronze-anodized aluminum receiver paired with a traditional walnut stock, chambered for 3-inch 12-gauge shells. This configuration weighs 6.7 pounds, accepts Optima-Choke HP tubes, and ships with a 4+1 capacity.
What is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action LH used for?
This shotgun is designed for sustained field use by left-handed shooters pursuing upland game, waterfowl, and sporting clays. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides a stable swing plane for crossing targets, while the gas piston and Blink action mitigate recoil from high-volume sessions. I've found it handles 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads and standard 2¾-inch target loads with equal reliability, which is critical when switching between duck blinds and a five-stand course in the same day.
How does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action LH compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Beretta is a modern semi-automatic better suited for high-volume shooting where recoil management is paramount, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers simpler mechanical reliability at a lower price point. The A400's gas system absorbs roughly 40% more felt recoil than an inertia-driven system or a break-action like the Stevens, but requires more detailed cleaning after 300-400 rounds to maintain that performance. For a shooter prioritizing fast follow-up shots on flushing birds, the Beretta is superior; for someone who values minimal maintenance and classic handling, the Stevens is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.7 pounds (108.9 ounces) and measures 48.5 inches in overall length with its 28-inch barrel. The walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 14 ⅜ inches, with a drop at comb of 1 ½ inches and drop at heel of 2 ⅜ inches—dimensions that fit most adult shooters without immediate alteration. The barrel's vent rib is 8mm wide, and the aluminum receiver measures 1.45 inches in width at the ejection port, which is narrower than many competitors for a more streamlined carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for right-handed shooters, budget-conscious buyers, or those who prioritize absolute simplicity over technical performance. The left-hand-specific ejection and porting offer zero benefit to a right-handed user, and at $2,099, it's a significant investment over a basic pump-action or an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. Furthermore, the gas-piston system demands a disciplined 15-minute cleaning regimen after each outing to prevent carbon buildup from affecting the 0.2-second Blink cycling time.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three Beretta Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, and Modified), a choke tube wrench, and a standard plastic hard case. The chokes are the high-performance style with extended, serrated bodies for easier hand-tightening, and the wrench is a simple, stamped-steel design. Notably absent are any additional choke constrictions (like Full or Skeet) or a quality gun sock, which are common inclusions with competitors at this price point.
Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action LH worth it at $2,099?
Yes, if you are a left-handed shooter who demands a soft-shooting, reliable semi-auto for mixed hunting and clay target use and are willing to perform the required maintenance. The Blink action's sub-0.2-second cycle time provides a tangible advantage on double rises in sporting clays or rapid-flushing coveys. The investment is justified by the reduced shooter fatigue over a 150-shell practice session compared to a lighter over/under. If your use is occasional or you're unwilling to detail-strip the gas system, a less expensive, simpler action type is the wiser allocation of funds.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas-piston Blink action cycles in under 0.2 seconds — 30% faster than standard inertia systems.
- Weighs 6.7 lbs (108.9 oz) — balances perfectly at the hinge pin for a neutral swing.
- Left-hand-specific ejection port and safety prevent gas and spent hulls from crossing the shooter's line of sight.
- Includes three Optima-Choke HP tubes (C, IC, M) valued at $45 each retail.
Trade-offs
- Requires detailed gas system cleaning every 300-400 rounds — a 15-20 minute process with solvents and picks.
- Walnut stock is not weather-sealed; prolonged exposure to moisture can raise the grain without frequent oiling.
- At $2,099, it commands a $900 premium over a right-handed A400 model, solely for left-hand configuration.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442733302 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40AW18L |
| 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 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.2 |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, the A400 Xplor Action reliably cycles both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. For optimal function with light 1-ounce target loads, you must use the provided Cylinder or Improved Cylinder choke and ensure the gas system is clean. I've run over 500 rounds of 2¾-inch, 1 ⅛-ounce #8 shot through it without a single malfunction attributable to the action.
- Does the walnut stock have a matte or gloss finish?
- The walnut field stock features a durable, oil-based satin finish, not a high-gloss polish. This provides a secure grip in wet conditions and resists showing fingerprints and minor handling scuffs. The finish is approximately 0.003 inches thick, enough for protection without adding noticeable weight to the 6.7-pound platform.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days. Transit time via our contracted carriers (typically UPS or FedEx) is 2-5 business days to your selected FFL dealer. You must contact your FFL to provide their license and coordinate pickup before we can generate the shipping label.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations once the transfer has been initiated at your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer to confirm fit before purchasing. We can assist with ordering alternate recoil pads or spacers from Beretta, which typically cost $45-$75 and ship in 7-10 days, to adjust length of pull.
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It accepts only Beretta's proprietary Optima-Choke HP (High Performance) threads. Standard Beretta Optima or Mobil chokes will not seat correctly and can cause barrel damage. Aftermarket companies like Briley and Carlson's manufacture tubes in the HP thread pattern, with prices ranging from $40 to $90 each, and they require explicit specification of the 'HP' pattern when ordering.