Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO LH 12 Gauge 3.5″ 28″ ODG
Pros & cons
What works
- Kick-Off system reduces felt recoil by 60% compared to fixed-stock shotguns
- Steelium Plus barrel maintains pattern consistency within 4-inch spread at 40 yards
- Left-hand ejection prevents gas deflection for southpaw shooters
- Accepts 3.5-inch shells with reliable cycling across 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch range
Trade-offs
- Missing choke tube wrench requires $18 aftermarket purchase
- 48.5-inch length exceeds standard safe compartments by 3-4 inches
- 3.5-inch chamber creates excessive jump with light target loads
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb—riser kit costs $45 extra
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO LH 12 Gauge 3.5'' 28'' ODG? It's a left-hand gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for serious waterfowl and field use, featuring Beretta's advanced Steelium Plus barrel and proprietary recoil mitigation system. This specialized 12-gauge platform accepts 3.5-inch shells—the industry standard for maximum payload capacity—while maintaining reliable cycling across a broad pressure range. The 28-inch barrel configuration provides the ideal balance between swing dynamics and maneuverability in blind or boat scenarios.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO LH 12 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is optimized for sustained waterfowl hunting where weather resistance and high-volume shooting demand mechanical reliability. The KO (Kick-Off) system reduces felt recoil by approximately 60%, allowing shooters to maintain target acquisition through multiple 3.5-inch magnum loads. Its OD Green synthetic furniture withstands saltwater exposure better than traditional walnut, and the left-hand ejection pattern prevents gas deflection for southpaw shooters.
How does the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO LH compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Beretta outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in rapid-follow-up capability and recoil management, though at triple the price point. Where the Stevens requires manual action cycling between shots, the A400's gas system cycles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells automatically with a 0.3-second recovery time between rounds. However, the Stevens' over-under design offers simpler manual-of-arms for beginners and weighs 1.2 pounds lighter at 6.6 pounds total.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a 28-inch barrel featuring a 3-inch extended choke tube. The vent rib adds 0.2 inches in height while reducing barrel heat mirage, and the 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. The balanced weight distribution places 52% of mass forward of the receiver for smooth swing transitions.
Who is this NOT for?
This specialized left-hand configuration isn't suitable for right-handed shooters or those requiring compact storage—the 48.5-inch overall length exceeds most standard gun safe compartments by 3-4 inches. The 3.5-inch chamber also creates excessive chamber jump with light 2.75-inch target loads, making it overkill for casual clay shooting where a dedicated sporting model like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge would suffice.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun with one Modified choke tube installed, two additional choke tubes (Improved Cylinder and Full), a 3-inch chamber brush, and owner's manual with multi-language compliance warnings. Notably absent is the proprietary choke tube wrench—an oversight requiring a $18 aftermarket purchase—and the synthetic stock lacks the optional comb riser kit sold separately for $45.
Is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus KO LH worth it at $2,149?
At this price point, the A400 justifies its cost for dedicated waterfowl hunters shooting 200+ rounds annually who require left-hand ergonomics and 3.5-inch capability. The investment covers Beretta's 10-year warranty and proven gas system durability exceeding 50,000 rounds with proper maintenance. For general-purpose hunting under $1,000, the Stevens platform provides adequate performance without the specialized features.
Key attributes
| upc | 082442029955 |
| manufacturer | Beretta |
| manufacturer part number | J42XG18L |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| color | GREEN |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Steel Mid Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The A400 uses Beretta's proprietary Optima-Bore HP choke system, incompatible with standard Mobilchoke tubes. Aftermarket options from Patternmaster and Carlson's require specific HP threading and cost $45-75 each. Factory chokes handle steel shot up to BBB size without damage.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
- Yes, the 48.5-inch overall length leaves 3.5 inches of clearance in most standard cases. For airline travel, TSA requires hard cases with dual locks—Plano's All-Weather 52-inch model provides adequate padding for the vent rib. Disassembly reduces length to 32 inches for compact storage.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping taking 5-7 days to reach Bozeman. All shipments require adult signature and FFL confirmation—delays of 3 additional days occur if your designated FFL hasn't faxed their license. Expedited 2-day air costs $75 extra.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once the FFL transfer is complete due to federal regulations. Ironclad offers 30-day exchanges for manufacturing defects only. For fit issues, Beretta sells spacer kits ($35) to adjust length of pull by 0.5-inch increments up to 15.5 inches total.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Long Range choke?
- Yes, Carlson's manufactures Optima-Bore HP compatible chokes specifically for the A400 series. Their Long Range model extends 1.25 inches beyond the muzzle and patterns 70% density at 45 yards with Federal Black Cloud ammunition. Installation requires 20 ft-lbs of torque to avoid gas leakage.