The Shooter’s Companion

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An independent reference on sporting shotguns, for shooters, collectors, buyers and sellers.

Beretta
A400 Xplor

A gas-operated field semi-automatic in Unico, Light and bronze-receiver Action versions

A400 Xplor Action · USA400 Xplor Unico · USA400 Xplor Light · Other

Drawing of a Beretta A400 Xplor from the right: one barrel, a narrow top rib and front sight, an action with an ejection port, a chequered walnut stock and a chequered fore-end.
Drawing: 12-bore Action field, 28 in, right side

he A400 Xplor is Beretta’s field , available as the 12- Unico by October 2009.1, 2, 3 The US Unico has a green receiver and a 3½-inch ; the US Action has a bronze receiver and a 3-inch .4, 5 The Light has a silver receiver and accepts 2¾- and 3-inch cartridges.6, 7

The of the US 12- Action and Unico have a compensating exhaust valve and a self-cleaning piston.5, 4 The tested Action 20 lacks the compensating valve.8 Beretta lists 12- and 20- Actions with 76 mm chambers and a 28- with a 70 mm .9

Specifications

12-bore · game

Lockwork; the US 12- Action and Unico have a compensating exhaust valve and self-cleaning piston10, 5, 4, 11, 8
TriggerChrome-plated and crossbolt safety on the US 12- Action and Unico10, 5, 4, 11, 8
Introducedby 20093, 2
Bore12-bore
Chambers76 mm (3 in)
Barrels26, 28 in
ChokesOptimachoke HP; removable

5, 12, 13 Compare specifications

Specifications

ConfigurationBoreChambersBarrels, inRib, mmGradeChoke systemYearsMarketsStockFinish
Action, no GunPod or Kick-Off14, 15, 16, 17, 1820-bore26Action, no GunPod or Kick-Off2012OtherBronze-brown action
Action, no GunPod or Kick-Off14, 15, 16, 17, 1820-bore28Action, no GunPod or Kick-Off2012OtherBronze-brown action
Game
Game5, 12, 1312-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 286.35ActionOptimachoke HP; removable2012USBronze-toned aluminium alloy action
Game5, 12, 1312-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 286.35Action KOOptimachoke HP; removable2012USBronze-toned aluminium alloy action
Game4, 19, 1312-bore89 mm (3½ in)26, 286.35UnicoOptimachoke HP; removable2012USGreen-toned aluminium alloy action
Game4, 19, 1312-bore89 mm (3½ in)26, 28, 306.35Unico KOOptimachoke HP; removable2012USGreen-toned aluminium alloy action
Game20, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 306LightOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game22, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 306Light KOOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game23, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action (Ready for GunPod 2)Optimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game24, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action KO (Ready for GunPod 2)Optimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game, left-handed25, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Mancino (Ready for GunPod 2)Optimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOtherleft-handed
Game, left-handed26, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Mancino KO (Ready for GunPod 2)Optimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOtherleft-handed
Game27, 18, 21, 2812-bore76 mm (3 in)22Action Slug (Ready for GunPod 2)CylinderOther
Game29, 18, 21, 2812-bore76 mm (3 in)22Action KO Slug (Ready for GunPod 2)CylinderOther
Game30, 18, 2120-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game31, 18, 2128-bore70 mm (2¾ in)26, 285ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game32, 18, 2112-bore89 mm (3½ in)26, 28, 306UnicoOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game33, 18, 2112-bore89 mm (3½ in)26, 28, 306Unico KOOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesOther
Game34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Other
Game34, 18, 2120-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Other
Game34, 18, 2128-bore70 mm (2¾ in)26, 28, 305ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Other
Game, left-handed34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Left-HandedOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Otherleft-handed
Game34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Kick-OffOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Other
Game, left-handed34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Left-Handed Kick-OffOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2021Otherleft-handed
Game34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)22, 24Action Slugfixed2021Other
Game34, 18, 2112-bore76 mm (3 in)22, 24Action Kick-Off Slugfixed2021Other
Game35, 18, 21, 912-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesby 2024Other
Game, left-handed35, 18, 21, 912-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Left-HandedOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesby 2024Otherleft-handed
Game35, 18, 21, 912-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Kick-OffOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesby 2024Other
Game, left-handed35, 18, 21, 912-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306Action Left-Handed Kick-OffOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesby 2024Otherleft-handed
Game35, 18, 21, 9, 2812-bore76 mm (3 in)22, 24Action SlugCylinderby 2024Other
Game35, 18, 21, 9, 2812-bore76 mm (3 in)22, 24Action Kick-Off SlugCylinderby 2024Other
Game35, 18, 2120-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2024Other
Game35, 18, 21, 928-bore70 mm (2¾ in)26, 28, 305ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubesby 2024Other
Game9, 18, 2120-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 306ActionOptimachoke HP; removable; 3 tubes2025Other
Game36, 5, 3712-boreAction2011OtherBronze action

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Identify and date

The tested Action 20 has its full model name and on the left side of the receiver, and Blink on the bolt.38, 39 The barrel side carries the and length.40 Italian year stamps date the proof test and usually sit on the receiver or frame and on the barrel.41, 42 From 1 June 2020 the marked the year with its last two digits inside a rectangle.43, 44

WhereMarkings
Left receiver side of the tested Action 20Full model name and 38
Right receiver side of the tested Action 20Beretta logo and line name39
Bolt of the tested Action 20Blink39
Side of barrel and length40
rimOne to five notches identify Full through Cylinder28
Receiver or frame and barrelProof-year stamp, in its usual positions41, 42

Proof date

The stamp gives the year of proof. CZ applies up to 31 May 2020, and 20 from 1 June 2020. The later stamp encloses the year’s last two digits in a rectangle.41, 45, 43

Proof date codes

Before you buy

  1. Read the barrel’s marking: the US Unico is chambered for 3½ inches and the Action for 3 inches.40, 4, 5
  2. Match replacement tubes to the fitted barrel; an A400 Optima- HP barrel accepts only Optimachoke HP tubes.13
  3. Inspect the tubes for defects, warping and deposits, and check their tightness with the supplied spanner.46
  4. Inspect the gas cylinder, piston, elastic piston seal and magazine tube for combustion deposits.47
  5. Check that the piston moves freely on the magazine tube.47
  6. Note the before judging the gas assembly; the tested Action 20 lacks the compensating valve.8

History

The A400 Xplor Unico had appeared by October 2009.3, 2 The Light was among Beretta’s new models in April 2011, and a later report dates the Action’s launch to 2011.48, 49, 36 Beretta presented the Action 20 at its Milan gallery on 13 September 2012, and the 28- had appeared in a preview by November 2013.14, 50, 51

The Action had MicroCore recoil pads in the 2021 catalogue and Extralight pads in 2024.34, 35 In 2025 the Action 20 gained a 24-inch barrel option.35, 9, 18

DateChangeObservable feature
2011Beretta launches the Action.36, 5Bronze receiver.
2012Beretta presents the Action 20 in Milan.14, 1520- configuration with a bronze-brown receiver.
2024The Action’s recoil pad changes from MicroCore to Extralight.34, 35Recoil pad designation.
2025The Action 20 gains a 24-inch barrel option.35, 9, 18Barrels of 24, 26, 28 and 30 inches, where there were 26, 28 and 30 before.

Compare

12-bore · game · 26 in · US

GunWeightBarrels, inRib, mmChokesChambersActionYears
Beretta A400 Xplor5, 12, 13266.35Optimachoke HP; removable76 mm (3 in); the US 12- Action and Unico have a compensating exhaust valve and self-cleaning piston10, 5, 4, 11, 82012
Benelli Montefeltro52, 53, 542.948 kg (6 lb 8 oz; catalogue, 26 in)26Crio; removable; 3 tubes76 mm (3 in) with a detachable group55, 562023
Browning Maxus57, 583.175 kg (7 lb 0 oz; catalogue, 26.0 in)266.35Invector-Plus Flush; removable; 3 tubes89 mm (3½ in)Power Drive 59, 60

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Related models

Sources

  1. Beretta A400 Xplor Unico, type. American Rifleman, 2009-10-30. magazine · Archive
  2. Beretta A400 Xplor Unico, date. American Rifleman, 2009-10-30. magazine · Archive
  3. Beretta A400 Xplor Unico. American Rifleman, 2009-10-30. magazine · Archive
  4. Beretta 2012 Product Guide — US A400 listings, xplor-unico-specifications. Beretta USA; text mirror hosted by Readkong, 2012. maker catalogue · Archive
  5. Beretta 2012 Product Guide — US A400 listings, xplor-action-description-and-specifications. Beretta USA; text mirror hosted by Readkong, 2012. maker catalogue · Archive
  6. Beretta's A400s: 21st Century Shotguns, receiver-colours. American Rifleman; John M. Taylor, 2012-07-18. magazine · Archive
  7. New Shotguns for 2011 — Beretta A400 Xplor Light and Xcel, chambers. Shooting Times, 2011-04-18. magazine · Archive
  8. Beretta A400 Xplor Action cal. 20 — magazine test, 20-gauge-gas-valve. Armi Magazine. magazine · Archive
  9. Beretta Firearms Catalog 2025 — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-specification-table. Beretta; distributor-hosted PDF, 2025. maker catalogue · Archive
  10. Beretta 2012 Product Guide — US A400 listings, xcel-specifications-and-codes. Beretta USA; text mirror hosted by Readkong, 2012. maker catalogue · Archive
  11. Beretta's A400s: 21st Century Shotguns, common-platform. American Rifleman; John M. Taylor, 2012-07-18. magazine · Archive
  12. Beretta 2012 Product Guide — US A400 listings, xplor-action-us-product-codes. Beretta USA; text mirror hosted by Readkong, 2012. maker catalogue · Archive
  13. Beretta semiautomatic shotgun user manual C62157 002, a400-choke-compatibility. Beretta. manual · Archive
  14. Il nuovo 20 di Beretta, milan-presentation. Armi e Tiro, 2012-09-14. magazine · Archive
  15. Il nuovo 20 di Beretta, finish-and-fittings. Armi e Tiro, 2012-09-14. magazine · Archive
  16. Il nuovo 20 di Beretta, barrel-lengths. Armi e Tiro, 2012-09-14. magazine · Archive
  17. Il nuovo 20 di Beretta, weights-with-lengths. Armi e Tiro, 2012-09-14. magazine · Archive
  18. Beretta semiautomatic shotgun user manual C62157 002, nominal-barrel-lengths. Beretta. manual · Archive
  19. Beretta 2012 Product Guide — US A400 listings, xplor-unico-us-product-codes. Beretta USA; text mirror hosted by Readkong, 2012. maker catalogue · Archive
  20. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-8. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
  21. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, choke-abbreviation. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
  22. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-9. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
  23. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-10. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
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  25. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-14. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
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  28. Beretta semiautomatic shotgun user manual C62157 002, choke-marks. Beretta. manual · Archive
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  32. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-24. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
  33. Beretta international catalogue — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-configuration-25. Beretta; scan hosted by Caza Acuáticas. maker catalogue · Archive
  34. Beretta Firearms Catalog 2021 — 486 and A400, xplor-specification-table. Beretta; distributor-hosted PDF, 2021. maker catalogue · Archive
  35. Beretta Firearms Catalog 2024 — 486 and A400 configurations, xplor-specification-table. Beretta; distributor-hosted PDF, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  36. Beretta A400 Xplor Action — 20-gauge launch report, action-launch-year. all4shooters; Pierangelo Tendas, 2012-10-07. magazine · Archive
  37. Beretta A400 Xplor Action — 20-gauge launch report, conflicting-20-gauge-fittings. all4shooters; Pierangelo Tendas, 2012-10-07. magazine · Archive
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  42. Beretta USA catalogue 2004: National Proof House Year Stamp Markings, position. Beretta USA; PDF hosted by BerettaWeb, 2004. maker catalogue · Archive
  43. Cambio marchio anno di prova, numeric-stamp. Banco Nazionale di Prova, 2020. proof house · Archive
  44. Cambio marchio anno di prova, change-date. Banco Nazionale di Prova, 2020. proof house · Archive
  45. Conarmi: Italian proof marks and year codes, code-table. Consorzio Armaioli Italiani. magazine · Archive
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  47. Beretta semiautomatic shotgun user manual C62157 002, piston-deposits-and-cleaning. Beretta. manual · Archive
  48. New Shotguns for 2011 — Beretta A400 Xplor Light and Xcel, new-models. Shooting Times, 2011-04-18. magazine · Archive
  49. New Shotguns for 2011 — Beretta A400 Xplor Light and Xcel, date. Shooting Times, 2011-04-18. magazine · Archive
  50. Beretta A400 Xplor calibro 28, new-28. Armi e Tiro, 2013-11-15. magazine · Archive
  51. Beretta A400 Xplor calibro 28, date. Armi e Tiro, 2013-11-15. magazine · Archive
  52. Benelli USA 2023 Dealer Workbook — Montefeltro, configurations-2023. Benelli USA, 2023. maker catalogue · Archive
  53. Benelli USA 2023 Dealer Workbook — Montefeltro, configurations-2023; supplied chokes. Benelli USA, 2023. maker catalogue · Archive
  54. Benelli USA 2023 Dealer Workbook — Montefeltro, configurations-2023; gauge and chamber table. Benelli USA, 2023. maker catalogue · Archive
  55. The history of the Benelli Inertial System, montefeltro-1983. Benelli Armi, 2022-06-30. maker website · Archive
  56. Benelli Montefeltro calibro 12: quarant’anni e non sentirli, test-configuration. Armi e Tiro, 2022-07-25. magazine · Archive
  57. Maxus Mossy Oak Duck Blind, item-011601205. Browning. maker website · Archive
  58. Maxus Mossy Oak Duck Blind, product-heading. Browning. maker website · Archive
  59. Maxus Semi-Auto Shotguns overview, power-drive. Browning. maker website · Archive
  60. Maxus Shotgun Owner’s Manual, original model, safety. Browning. manual · Archive
  61. Beretta's A400s: 21st Century Shotguns, receiver-and-barrels. American Rifleman; John M. Taylor, 2012-07-18. magazine · Archive

Revised