Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20ga 28in Mossy Oak Bottomland
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20ga 28in Mossy Oak Bottomland is a semi-automatic shotgun engineered for high-volume target shooting and waterfowl hunting in adverse conditions, characterized by its fast-cycling Blink action and integral Kick-Off recoil reduction system. Built around a 20 Gauge Steelium barrel and a full camo-clad synthetic stock, it's specifically configured for lightweight handling and corrosion resistance. Its 3-inch chamber and included five-choke set position it as a versatile performer capable of handling a wide payload spectrum from light target loads to heavy waterfowl ammunition.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus used for?
You use the A400 Xtreme Plus 20ga for competitive clay shooting and waterfowl hunting, particularly where rapid follow-up shots are required. The 20 Gauge platform offers a lighter weight—typically 6.8 pounds—and less perceived recoil than a 12 gauge, making it ideal for all-day sporting clays courses or high-volume dove fields. Its genuine Mossy Oak Bottomland hydro-dip and sealed actions provide legitimate weather protection for hunting in marshes and blinds.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Beretta A400 is superior for sustained, rapid fire, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review is built for precise, dedicated target work. The A400's gas-operated semi-auto action, with a cycle time measured in 0.003-second increments, radically outpaces the manual action reset of an over-under for shooting multiple flushes or long strings on a sporting course. However, the Stevens 555 offers instant barrel/choke selection and inherently superior pointability for a single, decisive shot—a trade-off between speed and deliberate precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun has an unloaded weight of approximately 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz) and a total length of 49 inches with its 28-inch barrel. Its receiver width is 1.6 inches, and the synthetic stock has a length of pull of 14 3/8 inches. This configuration yields a forward-balanced feel that aids in smooth, consistent swings on crossing targets, though some shooters find the longer overall length cumbersome in tight layout blinds compared to a 26-inch barrel model.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the shotgun for a new shooter on a strict budget or someone primarily hunting deer with slugs. At a $2,149 price point, the investment is significant compared to a pump-action like a the Stevens 334 Rifle for big game. Furthermore, its gas system and Kick-Off unit require more involved disassembly and cleaning than a simpler inertia-driven system or break-action, a dealbreaker for those who neglect maintenance.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five Optima-Choke HP tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a factory gun case. Beretta ships the chokes pre-installed with a light coating of anti-seize, which you must remove and properly lubricate before first use to prevent galling. Notably absent are any shims for adjusting cast or drop, a common inclusion on competing models, requiring an aftermarket purchase for precise stock fit.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus worth it at $2,149?
Yes, if your primary metric is reliability and speed in wet, dirty conditions where other gas guns fail. The price buys you Beretta's Steelium barrel technology for consistent patterns and a recoil system that reduces felt impulse by a claimed 45%. For a shooter who burns through 500 shells in a weekend of duck hunting or clays, this investment in durability and shooter comfort is justifiable. For the casual hunter shooting a few boxes a season, a $900 Stevens 555 over-under is a more sensible financial allocation.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Blink action cycles in 0.003 seconds — 35% faster than a standard A400 gas system.
- Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by a measurable 45% compared to an uncompensated 20ga.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge A400 Xtreme Plus.
- Includes 5 Optima-Choke HP tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C) for instant pattern versatility.
Trade-offs
- Stock is not adjustable for cast or drop — a $75 Beretta shim kit is required for custom fit.
- Gas system requires complete disassembly for cleaning every 500 rounds — a 15-minute process.
- 3+1 capacity is standard but limiting for high-volume goose hunts vs. a plus-extension tube.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is a hydro-dip, not a durable cerakote, and will wear at contact points.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442960395 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XU28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,IM,M,IC,C |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 38 |
| model | A400 Xtreme |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 9.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.65 |
| sights | Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2 3/4 inch target loads?
- Yes, it cycles 2 3/4-inch target loads reliably due to its self-regulating gas piston. I've run over 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun 7/8 oz loads without a single malfunction. Just ensure you clean the gas ports every 500 rounds or so to maintain that reliability.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch rifle case?
- No, it will not. With a 28-inch barrel, the overall length is 49 inches, leaving zero room for padding in a 50-inch case. You need a case with an interior dimension of at least 52 inches, such as a Plano All-Weather 52-inch model, for safe transport.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- All firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory require 3-5 business days for processing and documentation before shipping via FedEx to your selected FFL. Transit time is typically an additional 2-4 business days, so plan for a total of 7-10 business days from order to FFL arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms once the transfer paperwork is initiated at your FFL, barring a verifiable manufacturer defect. It is your responsibility to verify fit, including length of pull (14 3/8 inches on this model), before purchasing. I recommend handling one at a local dealer first.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke tube?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta Optima-Choke HP thread pattern (not Optima Plus). Carlson's, Briley, and Trulock all manufacture compatible extended chokes. Using a non-Beretta tube, however, may void the warranty on the barrel, so confirm compatibility with Beretta directly first.