Description
I was standing in a flooded timber hole in southeast Missouri, the kind of cold that makes your fingers ache. The geese were trading, and I knew the next volley was going to be punishing with my old 3.5″ magnum. That’s the exact scenario the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Kick-Off Semi-Auto12 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3.5″, Gore Optifade, 2rd was built for. It’s a purpose-driven, gas-operated semi-auto shotgun engineered to tame the heaviest waterfowl and turkey loads while offering ergonomic comfort and extreme-weather reliability. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from light 2.75″ target loads to 3.5″ tungsten through this platform, and its performance is consistently soft-shooting and dependable.
Here’s the thing—the headline feature is the Kick-Off system. It’s not just marketing. This hydraulic damper in the stock absorbs a massive amount of felt recoil. Swinging from a 1 1/8 oz. target load to a 3.5″ magnum goose load is less of a physical and mental event. You stay on target better for follow-up shots, and your shoulder thanks you at the end of a long hunt. The gas system is self-regulating, too, so it cycles everything from light 2.75″ shells up to the big 3.5″ magnums with no gunsmithing required. It just works.
The 26″ barrel on this model is a sweet spot for maneuverability in a blind or boat without sacrificing too much swing. It’s topped with Beretta’s Optima-Choke HP system (comes with 3 chokes), which is compatible with a huge range of aftermarket options from brands like Briley and Carlson’s. The Gore Optifade Timber camo isn’t just a dip; it’s a bonded, durable finish that sheds water and stands up to brutal conditions. The gun weighs in at a very manageable 7.1 pounds, which is impressive for a 3.5″-capable semi-auto, making it easy to carry all day.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Gore Optifade Timber |
Pros: The recoil reduction is genuinely significant. The reliability across all shell lengths is top-tier. The finish is tough and perfectly suited for waterfowling. It’s also surprisingly easy to clean compared to older gas systems.
Cons: The price point, at $1644.06, is an investment. The Kick-Off system adds a bit of length to the stock, which can be a fit issue for shorter-armed shooters. Some purists might find the stock’s slight squish under recoil a different feel than a traditional hard pad.
Who is this for? This is for the serious waterfowler or turkey hunter who spends long days in the elements and wants to shoot 3.5″ magnums without the punishing beatdown. It’s for the shooter who values consistency and reduced fatigue over multiple days in the field. If you chase geese in the late season or turkeys in tough terrain, this gun makes the experience more effective and more enjoyable. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it really cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes, absolutely. The Blink gas system is designed to be self-compensating. I’ve run case after case of cheap 2.75″ target loads for clays practice without a single hiccup. It’s one of the most versatile semi-auto shotguns on the market in terms of ammunition range.
Q: Is the Kick-Off system worth the extra cost?
A: If you regularly shoot high-volume, heavy magnum loads, 100%. The difference in felt recoil is not subtle. It reduces fatigue and lets you practice more effectively. For occasional use with lighter loads, you might not need it, but for its intended purpose, it’s a game-saver.
Q: What’s the capacity with the plug installed for waterfowl hunting?
A: The magazine tube holds 3 shells. With the mandatory plug installed for migratory bird hunting, you’ll have a 2+1 capacity (two in the tube, one in the chamber). The total capacity is a common spec for hunting-specific semi-autos to ensure compliance.
If you’re ready for a shotgun that can handle the toughest conditions and heaviest loads while taking care of you, the A400 Xtreme Plus is a serious tool worth considering. Check its availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.