Berretta’s A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun Review
The Berretta’s A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is a high-performance hunting shotgun designed for those seeking exceptional accuracy and reliability. As a seasoned hunter, I was eager to put this shotgun through its paces and see if it lived up to its reputation.
Design and Features
The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun boasts a sleek and modern design, with a focus on ergonomics and comfort. The stock is upgraded with a newly designed forend, featuring ergonomic checkering, sleek lines, and a shooting cap that can accept aftermarket weights. The receiver is redesigned with an enhanced top and bottom profile, providing improved stability and balance. The Aquatech Shield grey coating is laser-engraved, adding an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Key Features and Benefits
Here are some of the key features and benefits of the A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun:
- A400 Action and Blink Gas Operating System: Provides 36% faster follow-up shots compared to similar-class shotguns.
- Redesigned Shooting Cap: Allows for aftermarket weights to be added for optimal balance.
- Redesigned Receiver: Enhanced top and bottom profile for improved stability and balance.
- Laser-Engraved Aquatech Shield Grey Coating: Provides additional protection against the elements.
- Enlarged Controls: Easy-to-manipulate controls, even in poor conditions or with gloves.
- Competition Top Rib: Promotes fast target acquisition and engagement.
- Enlarged Bolt Handle: Easy to manipulate in poor conditions or with gloves.
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun delivers outstanding performance from breaking clays to waterfowl hunting.
- Reliability: The shotgun is built to withstand the rigors of hunting, with a robust design and high-quality components.
- Comfort: The ergonomic stock and shooting cap provide optimal shooter comfort, even during extended hunting sessions.
- Durability: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is built to last, with a durable design and high-quality materials.
Cons
- High Price Point: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is a premium product, with a high price point that may be out of reach for some hunters.
- Limited Availability: The shotgun may not be widely available, making it difficult to find a local dealer.
- Complexity: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun has a complex design, which may require some time and effort to learn and master.
My Experience with the A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun
As a seasoned hunter, I was excited to put the A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun through its paces. I purchased the shotgun and began to put it through a series of tests, including hunting small game and waterfowl.
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun delivered outstanding performance from breaking clays to waterfowl hunting.
- Reliability: The shotgun was reliable and performed consistently, even in challenging conditions.
- Comfort: The ergonomic stock and shooting cap provided optimal shooter comfort, even during extended hunting sessions.
- Durability: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun was built to last, with a durable design and high-quality materials.
Cons
- High Price Point: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun was a significant investment, with a price point that may be out of reach for some hunters.
- Limited Availability: The shotgun may not be widely available, making it difficult to find a local dealer.
- Complexity: The A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun had a complex design, which may require some time and effort to learn and master.
Conclusion
The Berretta’s A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is a high-performance hunting shotgun designed for those seeking exceptional accuracy and reliability. While it may have a high price point and limited availability, the benefits of owning this shotgun far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re a serious hunter looking for a premium product, the A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is definitely worth considering.
Rating
- Overall Rating: 4.5/5
- Pros: Exceptional accuracy, reliability, comfort, durability
- Cons: High price point, limited availability, complexity
Recommendation
If you’re a serious hunter looking for a premium product, the Berretta’s A400 XCEL Sporting Shotgun is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more affordable option, there are other shotguns on the market that may better suit your needs.
