Beretta A400 Xplor Action Review

Explore the Beretta A400 Xplor Action, a gas-operated semi-auto shotgun available in 12, 20, and 28 gauges with a 3-inch chamber. Features fiber-optic sights and comes in 26 and 28-inch barrel options, weighing approximately 6-7 pounds. Includes three Optima-Bore HP choke tubes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of its features, performance, and specifications.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action Overview

The A400 Xplor Action is praised for its ability to perform well in various hunting scenarios, from waterfowl and upland bird hunting to sporting clay shooting. Its gas-operated Blink action, lightweight design, and recoil reduction features make it a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action Features

Performance

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action is a standout for its dependability. People who use it say it works well almost all the time. They have few problems with it, even when they use different kinds of ammo or hunt in different places.

What makes it so good? It has a special system inside that uses gas to help it shoot. This system also makes the gun kick less when it fires. So, when you shoot, it feels smoother and doesn’t hurt your shoulder as much. This means you can enjoy your hunting or shooting for longer, without feeling uncomfortable.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action Pros and Cons

Maintenance

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action shotgun requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are the key maintenance steps for this shotgun:

Safety First

• Make sure the gun is not loaded. Open the action and check the chamber, magazine, and barrel to ensure there are no shells inside.

Disassemble Your Shotgun

• Follow the manual’s instructions to take your gun apart. Usually, this involves removing the barrel, fore-end, and trigger assembly. It’s designed to be easy, so you don’t need special tools.

Clean the Barrel

• Use a cleaning rod with a soft cloth attached. Dip the cloth in gun solvent and push it through the barrel from the breech to the muzzle end. This removes the gunk and lead deposits.
• After the solvent, run a dry cloth through the barrel to pick up any leftover residue.

Clean the Action

• Apply solvent to the action. Use a small brush (like a toothbrush) to scrub the moving parts and remove any buildup.
• Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.

Clean the Chokes

• Unscrew and remove the chokes if your model has them. Clean them with solvent and a brush, then dry them off.

Lubricate

• Apply a thin layer of gun oil to all moving parts, the action, and the outside of the barrel. This prevents rust and keeps everything moving smoothly.

Reassemble Your Shotgun

• Put all the parts back together according to the manual. Make sure everything fits properly and moves smoothly.

Check the Function

• Once reassembled, safely check that the action is smooth and the trigger works correctly. Do not point the gun at anyone and make sure it’s still unloaded.

Wipe Down the Exterior

• Use a cloth with a little gun oil to wipe down the outside of the gun. This will protect the finish and keep it looking good.

Storage

• Store your shotgun in a dry, safe place. Use a gun case or safe to protect it from humidity and damage.

Additional Tips

For beginners using the Beretta A400 Xplor Action shotgun, here are some additional tips to enhance safety and shooting proficiency:

1. Start with Safety: Always prioritize safety. Learn the basic gun safety rules, such as keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always being sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
2. Get Familiar: Spend time getting to know your A400 Xplor Action. Read the manual thoroughly to understand its features, how to load and unload it safely, and how to perform basic maintenance.
3. Practice Dry Firing: Dry firing (pulling the trigger on an unloaded gun) is a good way to get comfortable with the trigger pull and handling of the shotgun without the recoil. Make sure the gun is completely unloaded before doing this.
4. Start with Lighter Loads: If you’re new to shooting, begin with lighter recoil ammunition to get used to the feel of shooting before moving on to heavier loads.
5. Wear Protective Gear: Always wear hearing and eye protection when shooting. This protects your ears from loud noises and your eyes from debris.
6. Proper Stance and Grip: Learn the proper stance and how to hold your shotgun correctly. This will help manage recoil and improve your accuracy.
7. Take a Class: Consider taking a beginner’s shooting class. A professional can teach you the basics of handling, aiming, and shooting your shotgun safely and effectively.
8. Clean Regularly: After each use, clean your shotgun to keep it in good working condition. Regular maintenance prevents build-up and wear.
9. Use the Right Chokes: Experiment with different chokes (if your shotgun has interchangeable chokes) for various shooting activities. Chokes can affect the spread of the shot, impacting your shooting accuracy at different distances.
10. Be Patient and Have Fun: Shooting is a skill that improves over time. Don’t get discouraged by early misses. Practice regularly, learn from each session, and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled shooter.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action Performance Review

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	The Beretta A400 Xplor Action is known for its excellent accuracy, making it great for hunting and clay pigeon shooting.	9/10
Reliability	This shotgun is highly reliable, handling various types of ammunition with ease and rarely experiencing jams or issues.	9/10
Customization	While it offers some customization, like interchangeable chokes, options are more limited compared to other models.	7/10
Ergonomics	Designed for shooter comfort, its lightweight and ergonomic features make it easy to handle and shoot.	8/10
Recoil Management	Its Kick-Off system and other technologies significantly reduce recoil, offering a more comfortable shooting experience.	9/10
Value	Considering its features, performance, and the Beretta brand reputation, it offers good value for its price.	8/10
Overall	The Beretta A400 Xplor Action stands out for its accuracy, reliability, and effective recoil management, suitable for both beginners and seasoned shooters.	8.5/10

Conclusion

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action stands out as a versatile and reliable gas-operated autoloading shotgun, suitable for various hunting and shooting activities. Its advanced features, including the gas-operated Blink action, recoil reduction system, and adjustable shim system, enhance its performance and user comfort. While it comes with a higher price point, its quality construction and dependable performance make it a valuable investment for hunters and sport shooters seeking a premium shotgun.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action suitable for beginners?
   
   • Yes, the A400 Xplor Action’s user-friendly design and recoil reduction features make it suitable for beginners. However, proper training and adherence to gun safety rules are essential.
     
2. Can the A400 Xplor Action accommodate different shooting preferences?
   
   • Yes, the shotgun’s adjustable shim system allows shooters to modify the stock’s drop and cast, customizing it to fit individual physical dimensions and shooting preferences.
     
3. Does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action require special maintenance?
   
   • Regular maintenance is essential for the A400 Xplor Action to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance is recommended.
     
4. What is the significance of the Gun Pod 2 feature?
   
   • The Gun Pod 2 serves as a digital counter and diary for the shotgun, keeping track of shot counts, ambient temperature, and shooting locations, providing valuable data for analysis and performance tracking.
     
5. Is the A400 Xplor Action suitable for waterfowl hunting?
   
   • Yes, the A400 Xplor Action is well-suited for waterfowl hunting due to its reliable gas-operated system and versatility in handling different types of ammunition.
     
6. Does the Beretta A400 Xplor Action come with interchangeable chokes?
   
   • Yes, it comes with three Optima-Bore HP choke tubes, providing options for shooters to adapt to different shooting scenarios.
     
7. What kind of shooting activities is the A400 Xplor Action suitable for?
   
   • The shotgun is versatile and suitable for various shooting activities, including upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and sporting clays shooting.
     
8. How does the A400 Xplor Action handle recoil?
   
   • The A400 Xplor Action features a recoil reduction system, including the Kick Off hydraulic shock absorbers, to significantly reduce felt recoil, enhancing shooting comfort.
     
9. What is the approximate weight of the Beretta A400 Xplor Action?
   
   • The weight of the A400 Xplor Action varies based on gauge and model, ranging from approximately 6 to 7 pounds.
     
10. Is the Beretta A400 Xplor Action worth the higher price point?
    
    • Despite its higher price point, the A400 Xplor Action offers good value due to its quality construction, reliable performance, and advanced features, making it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and sport shooters.