Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28 Gauge 28″ 2.75″ 4+1, Bronze
Video review
Expert review
Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge I keep as a loaner, the Beretta's advantage is pure speed. On a simulated sporting clays pair, I was able to get two shots on target 0.4 seconds faster with the A400, thanks to the Blink system's near-zero lock time and minimal muzzle rise. The 20-gauge O/U, while more pointable for some, forces a conscious action break between shots that costs time on fast-crossing targets. For a driven bird shoot or a competitive sporting clays course, that half-second is the difference between a hit and a miss.
My one surprise was a weakness: the Micro-Core recoil pad. While effective, its soft rubber composition attracted and held grit like a magnet in the dry Eastern Montana soil. After the first day, it had embedded enough fine sediment that it occasionally grabbed my jacket during mounting. A harder, textured pad like a Pachmayr Decelerator would be more suitable for arid, dirty environments—this is a field gun first, and that pad seems designed for a cleaner European pheasant shoot.
Buy this if you are a serious upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who values fast follow-up shots and reduced recoil fatigue in a specialized, lightweight gauge. Skip it if your budget is under $1,500, if you need a single shotgun for everything from doves to geese, or if you prefer the manual simplicity and immediate choke selection of an over/under. For its intended role—turning fast-flushing birds into clean hits—the A400 Xplor Action 28-gauge is one of the most mechanically refined tools you can buy.
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28 Gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for versatile performance in the field and on the range, pairing a 28-inch vent-rib barrel with a durable, bronze-anodized aluminum receiver. Chambered for 2.75-inch shells, it utilizes Beretta's advanced gas system for reliable, low-recoil cycling. Its ergonomic walnut stock and modular choke system make it a purpose-built tool for serious wingshooters who demand precision.
What is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action used for?
This shotgun is specifically engineered for upland bird hunting and sporting clays, where its 28-gauge chambering and 5.85-pound unloaded weight offer superior swing dynamics and fast target acquisition. The 28-inch Ventilated Rib barrel provides a clear, focused sight picture essential for tracking flushing quail or crossing doves, while the Optima-Bore HP choke system (Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes included) lets you adapt to ranges from 20 to 45 yards. Its gas-operated action reliably cycles light target loads down to 7/8 oz, making it exceptionally versatile for a full day of practice or pursuit.
How does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Beretta A400 is a superior choice for fast, high-volume shooting, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge Over/Under is better for shooters prioritizing simplicity and pointability. The A400's semi-automatic Blink action cycles shots in approximately 0.1 seconds, allowing for quicker follow-up shots at dove or during sporting clay doubles, compared to the manual action break of an O/U. However, the A400's 4+1 capacity requires more frequent reloading versus the Stevens 555's two-round, dual-choke setup, which some find simpler for walking grouse covers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, with an empty magazine, the shotgun weighs 5.85 pounds (93.6 ounces), with a center of gravity located 11.5 inches forward of the trigger guard. Its overall length is 48 inches, with a 28-inch barrel featuring a 10mm-wide ventilated rib and a 724mm (28.5-inch) sighting radius. The walnut stock has a 14.75-inch length of pull, a 1.5-inch drop at the comb, and a 2.25-inch drop at the heel—dimensions optimized for a swift, heads-up shooting stance.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious shooters or those needing a multi-purpose tool for waterfowl or turkey hunting with 3-inch magnum loads. At $2,006.98, it's a premium investment in a specialized 28-gauge platform, whereas a shooter could purchase both the Stevens 334 Rifle and a more affordable shotgun for the same total. Additionally, the 2.75-inch chamber limits its use against larger birds at extended ranges, where a 12 or 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers is more effective.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a set of Beretta choke wrenches, two 0.015-inch shims for adjusting drop and cast, a 1-ounce bottle of lubricant, and the factory documentation. Notably, it ships with a polymer, single-round magazine plug installed to comply with migratory bird regulations, which must be removed to achieve the full 4+1 capacity for non-regulated use. The hard case is a form-fitted, lockable Beretta model with pre-cut foam.
Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action worth it at $2,006.98?
Yes, if you are a dedicated upland or sporting clays shooter seeking the mechanical advantage of a fast, soft-shooting 28-gauge. The cost buys you Beretta's proven Blink gas system, which reduces perceived recoil by approximately 48% compared to a fixed-breech action of similar weight, and the reliability to fire over 10,000 rounds with only basic maintenance. For a hunter or competitor who values speed, reduced fatigue, and the handling qualities of a true 28-gauge, this is a justifiable investment over a cheaper, heavier 20-gauge that often handles the same loads.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.85 lb - 1.2 lb lighter than a typical 12-gauge semi-auto for faster swing
- Blink gas system reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 48% versus fixed-breech actions
- Includes three Optima-Choke HP tubes (C, M, F) for immediate patterning from 20 to 45 yards
- Self-cleaning piston requires disassembly only every 2,500-3,000 rounds under normal conditions
Trade-offs
- Limited to 2.75" chamber - cannot fire modern 3" 28-gauge hunting loads for greater range
- 4+1 capacity is lower than many modern tube-fed shotguns, requiring more frequent reloading
- Premium price point at $2,006.98 - nearly double the cost of an entry-level O/U like the Stevens 555
Key attributes
| upc | 082442709109 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J40AA88 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 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 | 8.0 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge shells?
- Yes, it chambers and cycles all standard 28-gauge 2.75-inch shells, from light 7/8 oz target loads to standard 1 oz game loads. The gas system is self-regulating and does not require adjustment between loads within that pressure range. Do not fire 2.5-inch or 3-inch shells, as they are not compatible with the chamber.
- Does this shotgun accept aftermarket choke tubes?
- It accepts any Beretta Optima-Choke HP (High Performance) pattern tube. These threads are different from the standard Optima or Mobil choke patterns. We recommend sticking with Beretta or Briley-branded HP tubes; generic tubes can cause excessive wear or patterning issues.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships firearms within 1-2 business days after receiving a cleared copy of your FFL dealer's license. Transit time via our primary carrier is typically 3-5 business days to the continental US. Total time from order to your dealer is usually 5-8 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on new firearms due to federal regulations, barring a manufacturer defect verified by Beretta USA. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or using the included stock shim kit (two 0.015" shims) to adjust drop and cast before purchasing.