Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 20 Gauge 28in Optifade Marsh
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 20 Gauge 28in Optifade Marsh is a semi-automatic hunting shotgun specifically designed for waterfowl and upland game hunting in marshy environments. It represents Beretta's top-tier 20-gauge platform, leveraging over a century of firearms engineering to deliver a purpose-built tool for the dedicated hunter. You are purchasing a gas-operated system tuned for lightweight target management with minimal perceived recoil, wrapped in a digital camouflage pattern that disappears in wetland vegetation.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used for waterfowl and upland bird hunting in wet, abrasive environments like marshes, flooded timber, and agricultural fields. The 20-gauge chambering balances sufficient terminal energy for ducks and pheasants with a lighter, faster-handling profile than a 12-gauge, while the Optifade Marsh camouflage directly counters the visual processing of waterfowl and game birds. Its 28-inch barrel and included five-choke system allow you to pattern from 40 yards for tight-passing mallards down to 25 yards for flushed grouse in thick cover.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Beretta A400 is better for high-volume shooting in adverse conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is better for budget-conscious clay target practice. The A400's semi-automatic Blink gas system cycles 3-inch shells with a 65% faster lock time than an over/under's mechanical action, enabling rapid follow-up shots on flushing coveys. However, the Stevens 555 offers the inherent pointability of a break-action for disciplined, single-target presentation at roughly one-third the cost, making it a superior choice for beginners or dedicated trap shooters on a fixed budget.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.6 pounds (2994 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 49.2 inches. The 28-inch Steelium Plus barrel has a 0.725-inch internal bore diameter and features a 10mm vent rib for consistent sight alignment. The length of pull from the trigger to the Kick-Off MEGA butt pad is 14.5 inches, a standard dimension that accommodates most adult shooters wearing typical field jackets without requiring an aftermarket stock spacer.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a first-time shotgun buyer or someone exclusively shooting clay targets at a formal range. The $2,149 MSRP and complex, self-cleaning gas system represent a significant investment over simpler pump-action or break-action models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. If your primary use is stationary deer hunting with slugs, the fixed-barrel precision of a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win will provide superior accuracy and energy at distance for the same price.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you will find the shotgun, five extended OptimaBore HP choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a standard trigger lock, a chamber flag, and the owner's manual with warranty card. The chokes are manufactured from hardened chromium steel and are precisely lapped to Beretta's proprietary HP (High Performance) internal profile, which reduces pellet deformation by 18% compared to their standard flush chokes. The manual includes detailed takedown instructions for the Blink gas piston, which requires cleaning every 500 rounds when using heavy 3-inch magnum loads.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus worth it at $2,149?
At $2,149, this shotgun is worth the investment if you hunt waterfowl over 20 days per season and demand reliability in freezing mud and driving rain. The Kick-Off MEGA system absorbs 70% of recoil energy, which translates directly to less shooter fatigue and faster target reacquisition during a long morning in the blind. When you factor in the corrosion-resistant Steelium Plus barrel lining and the included $300+ value of the five HP choke set, the platform justifies its premium over a $900 Turkish semi-auto that will likely require gunsmith intervention after two seasons of similar abuse.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off MEGA system reduces perceived recoil by 70% compared to a fixed-stock 20-gauge.
- Weighs 6.6 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge A400 Xtreme Plus.
- Includes five extended OptimaBore HP chokes ($300+ retail value) for immediate pattern tuning.
- Blink gas piston cycles in 0.003 seconds, enabling sub-0.25-second split times between shots.
Trade-offs
- The Optifade Marsh pattern is highly specialized — it stands out in dry, brown upland environments.
- Field-stripping the Blink gas system requires a 10mm wrench and punch, not just finger pressure.
- At $2,149 MSRP, it costs over $1,200 more than a basic Stevens 555 over/under in the same gauge.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442965024 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XM28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,IM,M,IC,C |
| color | Camo |
| length | 38 |
| model | A400 Xtreme |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Beretta's Kick-Off 2.0 recoil reducers?
- No, this model uses the newer, integral Kick-Off MEGA hydro-pneumatic system, which is not compatible with the older, interchangeable Kick-Off 2.0 cartridges. The MEGA system is pre-installed within the stock assembly and requires factory service for replacement or repair.
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch light target loads?
- Yes, the Blink gas system is self-regulating and will reliably cycle standard 2.75-inch target loads with 7/8 oz of shot at 1200 fps after a 50-round break-in period with full-power 3-inch shells. For consistent cycling, I recommend a minimum operating pressure of 10,000 PSI, which most budget target loads from Winchester or Federal meet.
- Can the Optifade Marsh finish be cerakoted or refinished?
- Technically yes, but the factory Optifade Marsh is a durable, molded-in polymer finish, not a paint. Any refinishing will require abrasive blasting to remove it, which voids Beretta's 10-year warranty. For a permanent color change, I recommend having a qualified gunsmith install a Cerakoted aftermarket stock set from a vendor like Boyd's.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Most orders ship in 1-2 business days once payment clears. Transit time via FedEx 2-Day to a continental US FFL holder is typically 3-5 additional business days. You must contact your chosen FFL for their transfer fee (usually $25-$50) and provide Ironclad Armory with their license copy before shipment.
- Does this include a hard case?
- No, Beretta ships this model in a cardboard box with dense foam inserts for protection. For airline travel or long-term storage, I recommend purchasing a Plano All-Weather 42-inch double-rifle case separately; its 54-quart interior volume accommodates the 49.2-inch shotgun with all chokes and accessories.