Unveiling the Core: Specifications and Feature Highlights
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge is more than just a pretty face; it’s a meticulously engineered machine designed for peak performance. Let’s start with the critical specifications that define this shotgun:
The heart of the A400 Xtreme Plus is its gas-operated system, a design known for its reliability and efficiency. This system harnesses the energy from the fired shell to cycle the action, ensuring rapid follow-up shots. It’s a key feature for hunters who need a quick second shot or for clay shooters looking to keep up with fast targets.
The chamber is designed to accommodate 3.5-inch shells, expanding your ammunition versatility. This opens up a wide range of possibilities, allowing you to use everything from lighter target loads to heavier waterfowl loads, making it a true all-rounder.
The A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge is available with barrel lengths that cater to various shooting preferences. Whether you prefer the maneuverability of a shorter barrel for upland hunting or the longer sight radius of a longer barrel for waterfowl, you’ll be able to find a configuration that suits your needs.
The overall weight of the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge is carefully balanced for comfortable handling. While a bit heavier than some competitors, this weight aids in reducing recoil and contributes to a more stable shooting platform. This weight also provides some benefit for swing and follow through on those quick moving targets.
Featuring a substantial capacity, the shotgun’s magazine allows for multiple shots before requiring a reload. This is particularly valuable in hunting scenarios where quick follow-up shots are essential.
The A400 Xtreme Plus is constructed from high-quality materials, including a robust synthetic stock that is both durable and resistant to the elements. The barrel, often made from steel, is designed to withstand the pressures of consistent use. The finish, designed to resist corrosion and wear and tear, ensures the shotgun can withstand the rigors of field use.
Now, let’s dive into the key features that make this shotgun stand out:
Kick-Off® Plus
One of the most significant features is Beretta’s Kick-Off® Plus system. This is a revolutionary recoil reduction system that significantly tames the felt recoil. It utilizes two hydraulic dampers to absorb the energy from the shot, making the shooting experience significantly more comfortable, especially when using heavier loads. This also allows for faster follow-up shots and reduces shooter fatigue.
Blink® Gas Operating System
The Blink® gas operating system is a hallmark of the A400 series. This system ensures incredibly fast cycling, allowing for up to 36% faster follow-up shots compared to other models. The speed translates into a distinct advantage for both hunting and clay shooting.
Steelium® Plus Barrel
The barrel of the A400 Xtreme Plus is engineered with Beretta’s Steelium® Plus technology. This barrel is characterized by its triple-cone forcing cone, which improves shot pattern performance and reduces recoil. The result is more consistent patterns and greater accuracy at varying distances.
Aqua-Tech Coating
The Aqua-Tech coating is a critical feature for those who regularly venture into challenging environments. This advanced coating protects the barrel and other metal components from corrosion, rust, and wear. It’s essential for those who hunt in wet conditions or expose their shotgun to harsh elements.
Optimized Bore Profile
The optimized bore profile contributes to the exceptional shot patterns that the A400 Xtreme Plus is known for. This design ensures the shot pellets travel in a controlled manner, resulting in tighter, more uniform patterns.
Extended Choke Tubes
The inclusion of extended choke tubes is a great benefit. These tubes allow for greater versatility in shot patterns. With the right choke, you can fine-tune your shotgun for a variety of shooting conditions, from close-range upland hunting to longer-range waterfowl shooting.
Other Notable Features
Stock Design: The synthetic stock on the A400 Xtreme Plus is built for durability and adjustability. The design often includes shims, which can be used to customize the fit to the shooter’s body type and preferences, leading to enhanced comfort and accuracy.
Forend Design: The forend is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, even in wet or cold conditions. This ensures that the shooter maintains a firm grip and control over the shotgun.
Safety Features: The safety features are designed to prevent accidental firing. This includes a cross-bolt safety and a trigger safety.
Trigger Features: The trigger is designed to provide a clean and crisp break.
Craftsmanship and Build Quality: A Closer Look
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge is built to the exacting standards Beretta is famous for. The shotgun demonstrates exceptional build quality. The materials used are of high quality, contributing to the firearm’s longevity and resilience. The fit and finish are also exceptionally refined, adding to the premium feel of the shotgun.
The design of the A400 Xtreme Plus also emphasizes ergonomics. The shotgun is carefully balanced, contributing to a natural pointing experience. The stock’s design enhances comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions. The controls are placed conveniently for easy access.
Reliability is critical for any shotgun, particularly those used in the field. Beretta has a reputation for producing reliable firearms, and the A400 Xtreme Plus is no exception. The gas operating system is known for its dependability. Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure that any firearm performs reliably for many years to come.
On the Range and in the Field: Performance Assessment
The shooting experience with the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge is a pleasure. The Kick-Off® Plus system truly makes a difference, significantly reducing perceived recoil. This makes it comfortable to shoot, even with heavier loads. The recoil reduction also benefits quicker follow-up shots.
Handling and swing are exceptionally smooth. The shotgun’s balance allows for easy pointing and tracking of moving targets. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent.
If you are interested in competitive shooting or for extended practice sessions the overall ease of use adds significantly to the shooting experience.
Pattern testing, using the included choke tubes, reveals the A400 Xtreme Plus’s versatility. The provided chokes allow you to tailor the shot pattern to the specific hunting or shooting needs.
This 20-gauge shotgun works well with a variety of ammunition, including shells of different lengths and shot types. This versatility is a major advantage for hunters who often encounter diverse shooting scenarios.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s weigh the positives and negatives of the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge.
Pros
Reduced Recoil: The Kick-Off® Plus system is highly effective.
Fast Cycling: The Blink® gas operating system maximizes shooting speed.
Durability: The high-quality construction means it can handle tough conditions.
Excellent Build Quality: Premium materials and a refined fit and finish.
Versatile: Compatibility with a wide range of ammunition.
Accurate: The Steelium® Plus barrel and optimized bore contribute to accuracy.
Low Maintenance: The Aqua-Tech coating and general design make it easy to clean.
Cons
Price: It’s an investment.
Weight: A bit heavier than some other options in this gauge.
Compared to the Competition
When comparing the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge to its competitors, it’s important to note that it goes up against shotguns from other prominent manufacturers. The key areas where the Beretta shines are its recoil reduction system, and its fast cycling. While some competitors might offer similar features, the combination of these attributes, combined with the Beretta’s build quality and reliability, gives the A400 Xtreme Plus a real edge.
Evaluating Value
Considering its price, it’s important to assess whether the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge offers good value for money. The cost of the shotgun reflects its superior build quality, performance, and advanced features, such as the Kick-Off® Plus system. While it may be more expensive than some competing shotguns, the long-term durability, shooting comfort, and fast cycling can provide a significant return on investment for those who value quality and performance. It is a serious contender for those looking for a top-tier semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun.
In Conclusion
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 20 Gauge lives up to its reputation. It’s a top-performing shotgun, offering exceptional recoil reduction, fast cycling, and durability.
If you’re looking for a 20-gauge shotgun, the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is an excellent choice, especially for those who value comfort, reliability, and high performance. Its combination of innovative features, robust build quality, and consistent performance makes it a favorite among serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts. The A400 Xtreme Plus provides the tools to hit targets with both speed and accuracy.
