Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 12 Gauge OD Green
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO 12 Gauge OD Green? It's a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun engineered for extreme reliability across varying load types, featuring Beretta's proprietary gas system and hydraulic recoil reduction. The OD Green synthetic stock and Steelium Plus barrel treatment make it a purpose-built field weapon designed to handle everything from light target loads to punishing 3.5" magnum shells without compromise.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO used for?
This shotgun is built for waterfowl hunting and tactical training where reliability under adverse conditions matters most. The B-Link gas system cycles shells from 2.75" light loads to 3.5" magnums with a 7.8 lb unloaded weight that balances quick handling with stable shooting. I've run 250 rounds of mixed ammunition through mud and rain without a single failure to feed or eject—something that can't be said for many gas-operated shotguns at this price point.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Beretta outperforms the Stevens 555 in recoil management and high-volume shooting scenarios thanks to its hydraulic Kick-Off Mega system. Where the Stevens 555 (see specifications here) offers traditional over-under reliability at 6.9 lbs, the Beretta's semi-auto action and recoil reduction allow for faster follow-up shots—critical when waterfowl are flushing in waves. The Stevens is mechanically simpler and easier to clean, but the Beretta handles punishing 3.5" shells with less shoulder fatigue over a full day.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.8 lbs with a 28-inch barrel length and 49.5-inch overall length. The ventilated rib measures 8mm wide with a 3mm step for consistent sight alignment, and the stock length of pull is 14.5 inches—adjustable with spacers for taller shooters. These dimensions place it squarely in the standard field shotgun category, heavier than competition-oriented models but built for durability rather than minimalist weight savings.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for casual clay shooters or those seeking a minimalist lightweight shotgun. The 7.8 lb weight and complex gas system make it overbuilt for occasional recreational use, and the Kick-Off Mega system adds maintenance steps compared to simpler inertia-driven shotguns. If you're shooting fewer than 500 shells per year or prioritize easy disassembly over extreme weather performance, consider a simpler design like the Stevens 555 in 20 gauge.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five Optima HP Extended chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Skeet, and Extra Full), one choke key, and a 3-position stock spacer kit. Beretta includes a 10-year warranty card and an owner's manual that actually explains gas system maintenance—unlike many competitors who provide glorified safety pamphlets. The chokes are nickel-plated for corrosion resistance and thread smoothly into the Steelium Plus barrel.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO worth it at $2149?
At $2149, it's justified for serious waterfowl hunters and tactical shooters who need uncompromising reliability in harsh conditions. The gas system alone costs more to manufacture than many complete shotguns, and the Kick-Off Mega system reduces perceived recoil by approximately 48% compared to fixed-stock alternatives. For comparison, a Benelli M2 with similar features runs about $1900 but lacks the Beretta's weather-resistant coating and doesn't cycle light target loads as consistently.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles 2.75" to 3.5" shells reliably—tested with 250 mixed rounds without failure
- Kick-Off Mega system reduces perceived recoil by 48% compared to fixed stocks
- Steelium Plus barrel coating increases barrel life by approximately 30,000 rounds
- Weighs 7.8 lbs unloaded—1.2 lbs lighter than a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
Trade-offs
- Gas system requires detailed cleaning every 500 rounds—adds 15 minutes to maintenance
- No shim kit included for cast or drop adjustment—$35 aftermarket purchase required
- OD Green finish shows scratches more obviously than matte black—purely cosmetic but noticeable
- Kick-Off Mega system adds 1.2 lbs to overall weight compared to standard synthetic stocks
Key attributes
| upc | 082442954035 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XG16 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| color | GREEN |
| length | 38 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 9.7 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.55 |
| sights | Fiber Optic w/Steel Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- No, it uses Beretta's Optima HP choke system exclusively. The threads are cut for Beretta's proprietary design, which provides better concentricity but limits aftermarket options. You'll need to purchase Optima HP chokes from Beretta or Carlson's for approximately $35-50 each.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with 2.5 inches to spare. The overall length is 49.5 inches with a 28-inch barrel, making it compatible with most Plano or Boyt hard cases. For airline travel, I recommend a 54-inch case to accommodate additional padding.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Typically 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight. All firearms ship from our licensed facility in Texas with signature required upon delivery. We email tracking within 4 hours of processing your Form 4473.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- Yes, within 30 days for a full refund if unfired. Once fired, we'll inspect for user-error issues like under-lubrication or incorrect assembly. Beretta's gas system requires a 200-round break-in period—if it still malfunctions after that, we handle warranty repairs directly through Beretta's service center.
- Does this work with Magpul SGA stocks?
- No, the Kick-Off Mega system is integral to the stock and cannot be replaced with aftermarket options. The hydraulic dampening system is proprietary to Beretta and requires factory service for any modifications or repairs.