Description
Picture this: It’s the last hour of light on a Missouri waterfowl marsh, the wind is cutting, and you’re soaked. You need a shotgun that doesn’t just work—it thrives. A tool that eats 3.5-inch magnums for breakfast and asks for seconds, all while keeping your shoulder in one piece. That’s the mission profile for the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12 Ga, 30″ Barrel, 3.5″ TrueTimber DRT Fixed Kick-Off Stock, 2rd. I’ve put everything from light target loads to the heaviest waterfowl steel through this system, and here’s the straight talk.
What is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus? It’s a gas-operated semi-auto shotgun built for extreme waterfowl and turkey conditions. The 30-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber handle heavy magnum loads, while the integrated Kick-Off recoil reduction system in the TrueTimber DRT stock makes shooting them manageable. It’s a durable, weather-ready hunting tool designed for serious, high-volume shooters.
Let’s start with the heart of it: the action. Beretta’s updated gas system on the Xtreme Plus is self-cleaning and incredibly soft-shooting. I’ve run over 200 rounds of mixed ammo in a single, muddy goose hunt without a hiccup. It cycles everything from light 2¾-inch target loads up to punishing 3.5-inch magnums—that versatility is huge. The 30-inch barrel gives you a long, smooth swing perfect for pass-shooting ducks or geese, and the longer sight plane boosts confidence on distant targets. The whole package weighs in at a very manageable 7.3 pounds, which is impressive for a gun this tough and with a barrel this long.
The fixed Kick-Off stock is the game-saver. Here’s the thing—shooting a box of 3.5-inch shells through a standard shotgun is a commitment to pain. The hydraulic damper in the buttstock absorbs a massive amount of that rearward thump. The difference is tangible; it feels like shooting standard 3-inch loads. The TrueTimber DRT camo isn’t just for looks. It’s a dipped, durable finish that sheds moisture and blends perfectly in marsh grass and timber. This gun is drop-in ready for your next hunt, with no gunsmithing required to start putting birds down.
Durability is baked in. The steel components are treated with Beretta’s proprietary Blink coating, a corrosion resistance I’ve tested in everything from salty air to freezing rain. The bolt, barrel, and action come out looking clean while other guns might start to show spots. The loading port is beveled for easy reloads with cold, gloved hands—a small detail that matters at dawn in a layout blind.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches |
| Overall Length | 50.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Stock | TrueTimber DRT with Fixed Kick-Off |
| Magazine Capacity | 2+1 Rounds (Plugged for Hunting) |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional recoil reduction, flawless reliability in harsh conditions, and versatile ammunition handling. The corrosion protection is top-tier. The cons? The price point at $1644.06 is an investment. Some may find the fixed stock length non-adjustable, though it fits most shooters well off the shelf. The 2+1 capacity is standard for migratory bird hunting but less than some competitors’ target models.
Who is this for? This is for the dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who spends long days in the blind and demands reliability above all. It’s for the shooter who uses heavy loads regularly and wants to preserve their shoulder and shooting form. If you hunt in wet, abrasive environments and need a tool that won’t let you down, this is your workhorse. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable regulations, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Kick-Off system be removed or adjusted?
A: No, on this model it is a fixed, integrated system. The stock is a single, solid unit designed for maximum durability and recoil absorption without moving parts that could fail in the field.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It includes Beretta’s Mobilechoke system (compatible with Benelli Crio chokes) and typically comes with a set of flush-mounted chokes (often IC, M, F). The 30-inch barrel is threaded for them, giving you great pattern flexibility for different game.
Q: Is it suitable for upland hunting or clays?
A: While it can cycle light loads, its 7.3-pound weight and 30-inch barrel make it specialized for waterfowl and turkey. For a dedicated upland or clays gun, you’d want a lighter model like the A400 Xcel. This one is built for the marsh and the timber.
If you’re ready for a shotgun that handles the worst conditions and the heaviest loads without flinching, the A400 Xtreme Plus is worth a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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