Description
The Beretta A400 XTR Plus KO 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3.5″, Real Tree Max 5 is a premium gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters. It combines Beretta’s proven reliability with a specialized Kick-Off recoil reduction system and a durable, effective camouflage finish for the field.
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to punishing 3.5″ magnums through this platform, and here’s my take. The Beretta A400 XTR Plus KO 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3.5″, Real Tree Max 5 isn’t just another scattergun—it’s a purpose-built tool that smooths out the harshest recoil and blends into the marsh like a ghost. That said, you’re paying for performance and a name with a legacy.
Key Features
- Kick-Off Plus Recoil System: This isn’t marketing fluff. The hydraulic damper in the stock genuinely soaks up a massive amount of felt recoil, especially with 3.5″ shells. Your shoulder will thank you after a long day.
- Real Tree Max-5 Camo: Full coverage, including the barrel and receiver. It’s a durable, dipped finish that holds up to brush and weather, breaking up your outline perfectly.
- Steelium Pro Barrel: Beretta’s proprietary barrel technology with extended forcing cones and a back-bored design. The result is more consistent patterns and less perceived recoil. It’s a 28″ barrel, which is the sweet spot for swing and balance on this model.
- 3.5″ Chamber: Gives you maximum versatility. You can run light 2.75″ target loads, standard 3″ magnums, or the big 3.5″ payloads for long-range waterfowl or turkey without a hiccup.
- Self-Cleaning Gas System: The Blink system is famously low-maintenance. It cycles fast and keeps carbon fouling to a minimum. I’ve gone through several boxes without a cleaning and it just kept running.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 49.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.1 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Real Tree Max-5 |
| Action | Gas-Operated Semi-Auto |
| Choke System | Beretta Optima-Choke (3 included) |
Weighing in at about 7.1 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough mass to manage swing dynamics. The balance point is just ahead of the receiver, making it feel lively but not muzzle-heavy. At a price of $1644.90, it sits in the upper-mid range for serious hunting semi-autos—you’re investing in technology that works.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the hunter’s shotgun. If you spend weekends in a duck blind chasing greenheads, or in a turkey woods setup, this is built for you. It’s for the shooter who values a fast, reliable second or third shot and wants to mitigate the brutal recoil of high-volume or magnum shooting. It’s also a great fit for competitive shooters who dabble in sporting clays but want a gun that can handle heavy hunting duty. Look, if you’re just busting clays a few times a year, there are more economical options. This is for the dedicated field operator.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The recoil reduction is phenomenal—it genuinely feels like shooting a 20-gauge. Reliability is top-tier; I’ve never had a failure to feed or eject with factory ammo. The camo finish is complete and high-quality. It cycles a huge range of loads, from 7/8 oz. target to 1-5/8 oz. magnum steel. It’s drop-in ready for most aftermarket chokes like Carlson’s or Briley tubes that use the Beretta Optima system.
Cons: The price tag is significant. The Kick-Off system adds a bit of length to the stock, which can be an issue for shooters with shorter arms (though spacers are included). The Real Tree Max-5 pattern is specific—you either love it or you don’t. Some find the disassembly for a deep clean a bit more involved than a simple inertia system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it really shoot lighter loads reliably?
A: Yes, absolutely. The self-regulating gas piston is designed to handle the spectrum. I’ve run cheap, light 1 oz. target loads through it without a single issue. It’s one of the most versatile gas systems on the market.
Q: Is the Kick-Off system worth the extra cost?
A: If you shoot a lot of 3″ or 3.5″ magnums, 100%. The difference in felt recoil and fatigue is dramatic. For occasional target shooting with light loads, you might not fully utilize it, but it’s always there when you need it.
Q: What comes with the gun?
A: It typically includes three Beretta Optima-Choke tubes (IC, M, F), a shim kit for stock adjustment, and the necessary tools. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, and it ships to Missouri and compliant US states when ordered through a licensed dealer like us.
If you’re ready for a shotgun that can handle the toughest conditions and make your shooting experience more comfortable, this Beretta A400 XTR Plus KO is worth a close look.
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