A400 Xtreme Plus

Built squarely for miserable weather and freezing marshes, the A400 Xtreme Plus pairs Beretta's Blink gas-operating system with a 3.5-inch chamber and a Steelium Plus barrel featuring a long forcing cone. The synthetic stock incorporates the proprietary Kick-Off recoil mitigation system along with a soft comb inlay to prevent cheek slap. Oversized controls, including an enlarged bolt release and charging handle, are thoughtfully shaped so you can manipulate the action without stripping off heavy winter gloves.

In the field, the platform shines under heavy abuse. While shooting heavy 3.5-inch steel payloads through lightweight inertia guns often punishes the shoulder, Beretta's gas piston and stock dampening soak up an extraordinary amount of recoil. It shoulders cleanly, swings smoothly via the stepped ventilated rib, and reliably cycles everything from standard target loads to stout magnum goose shells without valve tinkering. The barrel profile also delivers exceptionally uniform patterns with high-velocity steel.

At roughly eight pounds depending on barrel length, this is a hefty platform clearly designed for the blind rather than chasing wild pheasants across miles of prairie. The gas system also requires more diligent cleaning than an inertia gun, especially after exposure to brackish water and swamp grit. Yet for committed waterfowl hunters prioritizing shoulder comfort and blind reliability over carry weight, it remains the gold standard in the premium tier.