Beretta A400 Upland 12 Gauge 28in Walnut — Superb Field Semi Auto

Description

The Beretta A400 Upland in the 28 inch configuration is the version most shooters should look at first. Two extra inches of barrel over the 26 inch gun changes how it swings more than the spec sheet suggests: the muzzle carries through a crossing bird instead of stopping, and the longer sighting plane makes it easier to stay honest on a going-away shot.
Part number J40AN18 pairs that barrel with a 3 inch chamber, a two round magazine, a nickel finished engraved receiver, and an Xtra Grain walnut stock carrying Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil reduction.

Why the longer barrel earns its keep

Barrel length on a shotgun is mostly about momentum and sight radius, not velocity. A 28 inch tube weighs a little more out front, and that weight resists the tendency every shooter has to slow the swing at the moment of the trigger pull. On doves, on decoying ducks, and on any bird moving across you, that steadiness is worth more than the few ounces it costs.

It also lengthens the distance between the front bead and your eye, which tightens up alignment errors. Walk-up hunters in thick cover may still prefer the 26 inch gun, but anyone shooting open fields, field edges, or clays will find this length easier to shoot well.

Blink gas system, Steelium barrel, Kick-Off stock

The Blink gas system is the fastest cycling action Beretta builds into an autoloader, and it runs light 2 3/4 inch target loads and 3 inch magnums interchangeably thanks to a self-cleaning piston and pressure venting. That single-gun flexibility is why the A400 line ends up in so many hands that started out looking at two guns.

The barrel is Steelium, a tri-alloy steel that is cold hammer forged and then vacuum distended for a uniform bore. Paired with the Optima-Bore HP profile and its extended forcing cone, it treats the shot column gently on the way out, which shows up as fewer flyers at the edge of the pattern. Three OptimaChoke HP tubes are included.

Specifications

• Model: Beretta A400 Upland, part number J40AN18
• Gauge: 12
• Chamber: 3 inches
• Capacity: 2+1 rounds
• Barrel length: 28 inches, Steelium with a ventilated rib
• Bore: Optima-Bore HP with an extended forcing cone
• Chokes: three OptimaChoke HP tubes
• Action: semi-automatic, Blink gas system with a self-cleaning piston
• Receiver: nickel finished, engraved
• Stock: Xtra Grain walnut with Kick-Off recoil reduction
• Hand: right

Why it is worth considering

• A barrel length that swings smoothly on crossing and passing birds.
• Blink cycling speed for fast second and third shots.
• Hydraulic recoil dampers in the stock, which matter on a light gun with 3 inch shells.
• Steelium barrel and Optima-Bore HP geometry for consistent patterns.
• A nickel engraved receiver and figured walnut that look the part in the field and in the cabinet.

Who it suits

This one suits the shooter whose season runs from September doves through late-season pheasants, with rounds of skeet and sporting clays in between. The extra length rewards a deliberate swing and forgives a rushed one less, which is exactly what most shooters need to improve. Hunters working thick grouse cover or tight woodcock coverts will be happier with the 26 inch barrel, and anyone who wants a lighter gun that is gentler on the shoulder should consider the 20 gauge versions of the same model.

Shells, chokes, and transfer notes

Shotshell pressures and dimensions are standardized by SAAMI, and the 3 inch chamber takes both 2 3/4 and 3 inch 12 gauge shells without any adjustment to the gas system. For upland birds we stock 1 3/8 ounce number 5 loads, and for practice the 1 1/8 ounce heavy target load keeps costs down. Steel shot runs safely through improved cylinder and modified OptimaChoke HP tubes; never put steel through a full choke, and confirm your state non-toxic shot rules before hunting.

If you want the same action in a shorter, faster-handling gun for thick cover, the 26 inch A400 Upland is the companion build. Shooters who would rather have a synthetic stock and save money should compare the A300 Ultima. Every long gun we sell ships to a licensed FFL for transfer and background check, and Pennsylvania buyers should plan on the state point of contact check at pickup.