Description
Picture this: It’s an hour before sunrise in a Missouri bottomland, the air is cold enough to see your breath, and you’re waiting for the first flight of ducks. You need a shotgun that shoulders smoothly in bulky clothes, cycles flawlessly in the muck, and swings like an extension of your arm. That’s the exact scenario the Beretta A400 XTR Plus KO 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3.5″, Real Tree Max 5 was built for. I’ve put hundreds of target loads and a few boxes of heavy 3.5″ magnums through this platform, and it just works. Here’s my take.
The Beretta A400 XTR Plus KO is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered for 3.5″ shells, featuring a 26″ barrel, Kick-Off (KO) recoil reduction system, and a Real Tree Max-5 camouflage finish. It’s designed for waterfowl and turkey hunters who demand reliability, reduced felt recoil, and a lightweight, weather-resistant platform.
Let’s start with the action. Beretta’s gas system on the A400 is famously self-cleaning, and I can confirm it runs cleaner than most. After a long, dusty day in a dove field or a wet morning in a duck blind, you’ll appreciate how much less crud builds up around the piston. This reliability isn’t just marketing—it means fewer malfunctions when you’re counting on that second or third shot. The 26″ barrel is a sweet spot, offering a quick swing for tight timber or fast-flushing birds without feeling whippy or sacrificing sight plane. The entire package weighs in at a very manageable 7.1 pounds, which is a blessing after a long day of carrying it.
Then there’s the Kick-Off system. Look, shooting 3.5″ magnum goose loads isn’t anyone’s idea of a pleasant massage. The hydraulic damper in the stock, however, turns a punishing shove into a manageable push. It’s not magic, but it’s the difference between flinching on your follow-up shot and staying on target. Combined with the gel-core cheek pad and the gun’s natural balance, it makes for one of the softest-shooting 12-gauges I’ve handled that still eats the big shells. The Real Tree Max-5 finish isn’t just for show; it’s a durable, dipped coating that stands up to briars, boat decks, and Missouri weather.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 47.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Gas-Operated |
| Finish/Camo | Real Tree Max-5 |
| Chokes | Includes 3 Beretta Optima-Choke Tubes (IC, M, F) |
Pros: Incredibly soft recoil for a 3.5″ gun. Proven, reliable gas system that’s easy to maintain. The 26″ barrel is versatile for both field and blind. The camo finish is full-coverage and tough. It’s drop-in ready for the field—no gunsmithing required to get started.
Cons: At $1644.06, it’s a serious investment. The Kick-Off system adds a little length to the stock, which can be a fit issue for shorter-armed shooters. Like many high-end semi-autos, it can be a bit finicky with ultra-light target loads until broken in.
So who is this for? It’s for the dedicated waterfowler who spends every possible weekend in the blind and needs a tool that won’t let them down. It’s for the turkey hunter who wants to handle heavy TSS loads comfortably. It’s also a fantastic fit for the high-volume clay shooter who wants one gun to do it all, provided they stick to standard velocity loads after the break-in period. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light 2 3/4″ target loads reliably?
A: After the recommended 200-round break-in period with heavier loads, yes, it should cycle standard 1 1/8 oz, 1200 fps target loads without issue. For the absolute lightest 7/8 oz loads, you might want to stick with a dedicated target model.
Q: Is the Kick-Off (KO) system worth it?
A: If you regularly shoot 3″ or 3.5″ magnum shells for waterfowl or turkey, absolutely. The recoil reduction is significant and tangible. For a hunter who mostly shoots 2 3/4″ shells for doves or pheasants, you could consider the standard A400 XPLOR model and save some money.
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are they compatible with other brands?
A: It comes with three Beretta Optima-Choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full). These are specific to Beretta’s Optima and Optima-Plus barrels and are not interchangeable with chokes from other brands like Browning Invector or Benelli Crio. You can, however, use any aftermarket chokes made for the Beretta Optima system.
If you’ve been waiting for a semi-auto that truly tames the big magnums without sacrificing handling, the A400 XTR Plus KO deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.