If you’re looking for a top-performing and reliable shotgun, I’m sure you’ve heard about Beretta. Among their top-of-the-line offerings are the Beretta A300 and Beretta A400 models. Both are great options, but which is better depends on your needs.
This guide explains the key differences so you can choose the best for your needs. If you want to purchase the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol, you can easily find it online and in-store at Black Bayou Armory, a trusted gun shop in Benton.
Quick Comparison: Beretta A300 vs A400
| Beretta A300 Ultima | Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price at our store | About $899 to $1,499 | About $2,049 to $2,149 |
| Chamber | 3″ | 3½” magnum (12 gauge) |
| Gas system | Gas-operated piston system | B-Link gas system |
| Recoil reduction | Kick-Off on select models (2 dampeners) | Kick-Off Mega (3 dampeners) |
| Barrel | Steel barrel | Cold hammer-forged Steelium Plus |
| Weight | About 7.1 to 7.7 lb | About 7.4 to 7.8 lb |
Beretta A300 vs A400: Key Differences
1. Price Range:
- The Beretta A300 is the cheaper option, which is good for those looking for a quality shotgun without spending too much money. This model works best for novice or recreational users.
- The Beretta A400 is more expensive for its more advanced features than the A300, so it is more suited for professional users looking for peak performance from their firearm.
2. Recoil Reduction:
- The Beretta A300 handles recoil impressively, making shooting with even lighter target loads very comfortable. Some A300 Ultima models add a Kick-Off recoil stock with two hydraulic dampeners.
- The Beretta A400 takes recoil reduction to the next level with its B-Link gas operating system and, on the Xtreme Plus, the Kick-Off Mega stock with three hydraulic dampeners. This allows the shooter to shoot comfortably for a longer duration of time.
3. Weight and Handling:
- Beretta A300 is slightly lighter on most models, at about 7.1 to 7.7 pounds, with a slimmer fore-end that many shooters find easy to carry and handle.
- Beretta A400 runs about 7.4 to 7.8 pounds on the Xtreme Plus. The difference is small, and the A400’s extra refinement helps reduce felt recoil and enhances stability.
4. Versatility:
- Beretta A300 is a shotgun for hunting, sport shooting, and even home defense. One specific model, the A300 Ultima Patrol, is built for home defense and tactical use.
- Beretta A400 is more refined for sport shooting and hunting. It is best known for cycling many loads, from light target loads to heavy-duty hunting rounds.
5. Chamber and Loads:
- The Beretta A300 is chambered for 3″ shells, which covers most hunting and target loads.
- The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus handles everything from 2¾” to 3½” magnum 12-gauge shells, making it the choice for late-season waterfowl. Some other A400 models, like the Xplor Action, Upland and Xcel, are 3″ guns.
6. Barrel and Durability:
- The Beretta A300 uses a conventional steel barrel that holds up well to normal hunting and range use.
- The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus uses a cold hammer-forged Steelium Plus barrel and Beretta’s Aqua Tech Shield coating, built to resist rust and wear in wet, harsh conditions.
Beretta A300 and A400 Models We Carry
Beretta A300 Ultima
The all-around A300 for waterfowl over decoys, dove, upland birds and clays. Shop the Beretta A300 Ultima 12 gauge, also available in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and as the A300 Ultima Turkey.
Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
Beretta’s flagship waterfowl shotgun with a 3½” chamber and Kick-Off Mega. Shop the A400 Xtreme Plus in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, Optifade Marsh or black synthetic.
Beretta A400 Xplor Action, Upland and Xcel
Walnut-stocked A400s for upland hunting and clays. Shop the A400 Xplor Action, the engraved A400 Upland, or the competition A400 Xcel Sporting.
Why Choose the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol?
The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun is a great pick if your budget is controlled and you want something reliable, affordable, and provides great performance. Reason being:
- Durability: The A300 Ultima Patrol is built to withstand the rigors of long-term law enforcement, home defense, and tactical use.
- Ease of use: Even a beginner can use it because of its soft-shooting gas system and user-friendly features.
- Affordability: The value of the A300 Ultima Patrol is phenomenal compared to Beretta’s A400.
Check out Black Bayou Armory for purchases. We have the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol in stock both online and in-store, in black, gray and 20 gauge.
Beretta A300 vs A400: Which One Should You Buy?
Go with Beretta A300 if:
- You’re looking for a quality shotgun but are on a tight budget.
- You need a shotgun suited for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense.
- You would rather have an easy-to-carry and maneuver shotgun.
- You shoot 3″ shells or lighter.
Go with Beretta A400 if:
- You don’t mind spending more money on a shotgun with better features.
- You would like superior recoil management for an easier shooting experience.
- You are an expert shooter who demands superior performance.
- You hunt waterfowl with 3½” magnum loads.
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between a Beretta A300 and A400?
The Beretta A300 is a reliable, budget-friendly shotgun with a proven gas system, while the A400 is a higher-end model with the faster B-Link gas system, better recoil reduction, and a Steelium barrel. The A400 Xtreme Plus also accepts 3½” shells, while the A300 is chambered for 3″.
2. Is the Beretta A400 worth it?
Yes, if you want a high-performance shotgun with low recoil, fast shooting, and premium features. It is a very good option for hunting, competition, and clay shooting.
3. Is the Beretta A300 worth it?
Yes, it is worth it if you need a solid, affordable shotgun that works well for hunting and shooting sports. It is simple, reliable, and a good value for the price.
4. Can the Beretta A300 shoot 3½” shells?
No. The A300 Ultima is chambered for 3″ shells. If you need 3½” magnum loads, look at the A400 Xtreme Plus.
5. Which is better for duck hunting, the A300 or A400?
For serious waterfowl hunting, the A400 Xtreme Plus is the better choice because of its 3½” chamber, stronger recoil reduction and corrosion-resistant finish. For ducks over decoys with 3″ loads, an A300 Ultima in camo handles the job well for a lot less money.
Final Thoughts:
The Beretta A300 and A400 are excellent shotguns, but they have different functions. The A300 is the best option when considering the price, as it is reasonably priced and reliable. The A400 is for those willing to pay more and expect the best from a shotgun.
Visit Black Bayou Armory, a gun shop in Benton, if you consider getting the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. We have an online and physical store, so shopping the way you want is no problem. Browse all our Beretta shotguns, and be sure to buy while stocks last!
