Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge 28″ Optifade Timber
About this product
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge 28″ Optifade Timber is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun purpose-built for harsh-weather waterfowl and upland hunting, featuring Blink action technology for reduced felt recoil and fast follow-up capability. This configuration leverages a 28-inch Steelium Plus barrel to handle 3-inch shells with improved patterning, while its synthetic stock integrates the Kick-Off system and wears Beretta's proprietary Optifade Timber camouflage. At an MSRP of $2149, it competes directly in the premium autoloader space against models like the Browning Maxus II, prioritizing fast cycling and hunter comfort over traditional aesthetics.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl and upland hunters who demand reliability in wet, muddy, and cold conditions. The gas-operated Blink system cycles target loads to 3-inch magnums without adjustment, and the Optifade Timber pattern provides effective concealment in marsh and timber environments. Its 48.5-inch overall length and 7.2-pound weight balance well for pass shooting and walking-up pheasants alike.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The A400 is a faster-cycling, softer-shooting semi-auto better suited for high-volume waterfowling, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review is a more affordable, break-action over/under ideal for sporting clays and upland hunting where simplicity is valued. The Beretta's Blink system yields a 0.1-second faster cycle time than inertia-driven competitors, but the Stevens offers instant barrel selection and typically costs $1000 less. For a hunter who fires three boxes in a morning goose pit, the A400's recoil mitigation is the clear advantage.
What does it weigh and what are its dimensions?
Unloaded, this shotgun weighs 7.2 pounds (3260 grams) with a 28-inch barrel, resulting in an overall length of 48.5 inches. The length of pull measures 14.5 inches, and the vent rib is 11mm wide for a consistent sight plane. Compared to a 12-gauge A400 Xtreme Plus, this 20-gauge model is approximately 0.8 pounds lighter, reducing fatigue during long carries in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the budget-conscious shooter or someone seeking a classic walnut-stocked firearm for grouse covers. The synthetic stock and aggressive camouflage won't appeal to traditionalists, and the Blink system's complexity exceeds what a casual clay shooter needs. If your primary use is our the Stevens 334 Rifle for deer and you only occasionally hunt birds, a used pump-action is a more economical choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five Optima HP choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a soft-sided carry case, a recoil pad spacer kit, a 3-year warranty card, and an owner's manual. The chokes are Beretta's proprietary Optima HP thread pattern, incompatible with older Mobilchokes without an adapter. The case has internal dimensions of 52 x 12 x 4 inches, enough for the disassembled barrel and receiver.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus worth it at $2149?
Yes, if you hunt waterfowl over decoys in rain or snow more than 15 days a year and value reduced recoil. The Kick-Off system cuts perceived recoil by roughly 45% compared to a fixed-stock Browning Silver, and the Steelium Plus barrel's corrosion resistance is validated for 5000 rounds before noticeable wear. For a once-a-year pheasant trip, the cost is hard to justify versus a $800 Turkish auto-loader, but for the serious hunter, the reliability and comfort justify the premium.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by an estimated 45% compared to fixed-stock designs
- Blink action cycles in 0.1 seconds — faster than most inertia-driven semi-autos
- Steelium Plus barrel coating resists corrosion for over 5000 rounds in salt marsh conditions
- Weighs 7.2 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than the 12-gauge A400 Xtreme Plus equivalent
Trade-offs
- Optima HP choke system requires new tubes or adapters — incompatible with common Mobilchokes
- 14.5-inch length of pull may be long for shooters under 5'8" — requires $22 spacer kit to shorten
- Synthetic stock lacks the aesthetic appeal of walnut — purely functional finish
- MSRP of $2149 places it $400 above the Browning Silver Sporting model
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 082442960371 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XN28 |
| 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 | 9.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- No, it uses Beretta's newer Optima HP choke system, which has a different thread pattern and internal profile than the older Mobilchoke. You must use Optima HP tubes or purchase a $35 adapter from Beretta's parts department. The included set covers constrictions from Improved Cylinder to Full.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. The disassembled barrel (28 inches) and receiver/stock assembly (20.5 inches) fit in most hard cases designed for over/under shotguns. Beretta's included soft case has a 52-inch interior length, leaving 3.5 inches of clearance for added protection.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 1 business day, and transit time via UPS 2nd Day Air is typically 3-5 days to the continental US. You must provide your FFL's contact information and a copy of their license before shipment is released.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, per federal law and Ironclad Armory policy, firearms transfers are final once the 4473 is completed at your FFL. We recommend handling the shotgun at a local dealer first. We can assist with aftermarket stock spacers if the 14.5-inch length of pull is too long, which cost approximately $22.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Only if you order the Carlson's tube specifically threaded for Beretta Optima HP. The part number is 03722 for the 20-gauge version, and it runs about $65. Do not attempt to force a Mobilchoke-pattern tube into this barrel, as it will damage the threads.