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If you spend more than $2000 on a gun, you expect it to work perfectly. Sometimes this does not just happen, and we understand.
In that case, the customer service should be ready to offer assistance.
It is the expectation of many shooters who buy the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus shotgun. It’s one of the most expensive guns on the market.
However, anything with a good side never lucks a negative – no matter how great it might be. And the Beretta X400 Xtreme Plus is no different.
We will be sharing some of these issues as highlighted by some users.
Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus – 4 Common Issues
The quality and precision of this gas-driven auto-loader compete favorably in the higher-end market. It offers a low-profile performance suitable for every short.
It does not come as a surprise. Beretta is known for building some of the best semi-auto guns for hunting enthusiasts.
Since they released the A300 series in the 80s, the company has never looked back. Buying a Beretta means investing your money in quality.
Nevertheless, here are the common problems you are likely to face with a gun.
Problem 1: Cycling Problem
One of the most significant issues with a new Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is the cycling issue.
As mentioned above, this is one of the highest-end guns, a perfect hunting piece. Unfortunately, many users have complained about this cycling issue.
Mind that it does not happen for every gun. It often has problems ejecting 3 and 3 ½ inch shells.
It struggles more with the latter.
No sales rep seems to explain what might be happening to the gun properly—one user posted on refugeforums.com about this issue and how customer care has been unable to help.
Can This Be Fixed?
From the experience of many users, it might be a while before any genuine assistance comes from customer care.
There isn’t much data on the internet about fixing these issues either. Before going through the trouble, there are a few tricks you can try to get it fixed.
Clean And Lube It
If you can, take the A400 Xtreme apart, clean it, and lube it lightly.
Luckily, there is not much to clean here as the professional team at Beretta has taken care of most aspects.
Try shooting some low brass 1 oz loads. If they don’t eject, try using 1 1/8 ones.
Now, these may still not eject.
It’s pretty disappointing that these light loads would refuse to recycle. The gun is marketed with medium to heavy loads.
Using 2 ¾ inches high brass and 1 ¼ oz pheasant shells might slightly differ, and they will eject quickly. However, the next round may not be chamber.
In some cases, try manually recycling 20 of these rounds through the shotgun. If it still does not work, don’t give up yet.
There are other things you attempt with your Beretta Xtreme Plus.
If your gun shows the same issue, disassemble, re-clean, and lube with a little extra oil. Your gun should start working correctly.
Check The “Teeth” On The Ring
Even with all that cleaning and lubing, your gun might still not work. One trick posted on the forum above seems to work pretty well.
Take the Beretta A400 apart one more time. The aim here is to look for any component that might seem out of place.
Find a picture of the piston assembly and scrutinize it, comparing it with what you have. Make sure you are not missing a piece.
Most guns that work well come with everything well intact. Check the ring.
This part may be small and easy to ignore, but it might be the real issue.
Typically, the “teeth” on the ring should be facing towards the front of the gun.
If it is facing upward, down, or any other direction, that will bring out the recycling problem.
Now flip it around and test. Your gun should start cycling even the 1 oz low brass loads with ease.
You can now start shooting some targets with a better experience.
The cycling issue is a real pain in the neck for shooters. It makes the Xtreme Plus look less effective.
But it’s not clear yet why it happens. Perhaps this piece of information might help you fix it.
Call customer care for more assistance if the gun still doesn’t recycle. It could be a bigger underlying problem.
Problem 2: Double Feeding The Shells
Another serious problem with the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is the double feeding of the shells. It jams the gun, making it harder for the shooter to use.
This problem may start after using the gun for some time. The gun starts to release two shells into the carriage ramp for feeding into the chamber.
It could be because of the cartridge release mechanism if cleaning is not it.
Resolving The Issue
No one understands why a Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus double feeds the shells. But you can use your regular cleaning routine, which includes a trigger assembly.
Check if the spring is fouled with dirt or powder. Clean it carefully and make sure the parts are reset correctly.
The A400 Xtreme Plus manual pulls the bolt back until it locks. Load the first round in the ejection port, allowing it to rest on the carrier.
Now push the bolt release before chambering the round. Next, hit the safety button to engage and load shells directly into the magazine via the lower loading gate.
Calling customer care for support might not bear many fruits. It would help if you still tried, though.
Sometimes you need to try as many channels as possible.
Problem 3: The Weight
It is hard to meet any duck guides with the A400 Xtreme Plus. It does not mean the gun is bad, but it’s comparatively heavier than most modern auto-loaders.
Guides often carry a lot more gear than their clients. Hence, they will require something much lighter.
Also, they don’t shoot very much compared to their clients.
In terms of purpose also, this gun is not an upland option. It might work well on a rooster and for an occasional pheasant hunter.
But if you are looking for serious bird hunting in the woods, this might be your best choice.
Problem 4: Customer Care Issues
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is an excellent gun. But it has specific issues that many customers have reported.
Apart from those mentioned above, some people have complained about the lack of commitment from customer support.
One user on refuge forums explains how they sent a long letter explaining the cycling and double feeding issues. The gun was repaired after a short time and returned.
But that did not do much since the issue returned just after spending less than two boxes.
After calling back, the customer still did not get their help. It’s pretty frustrating to have such an expensive gun that does not meet expectations.
Many other Extreme Plus A400 gun owners have complained about the poor customer service before and after sales.
But this does not mean all employees will give you the same treatment. You might be lucky to find one that will give you the best experience.
Conclusion
If you enjoy gas guns and are within financial capability, the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus is the ideal firearm.
The auto-loading hunting gun has fixed most things Beretta got in their first guns.
But that does not go without a few issues here and there. It’s always good to prepare for some disappointments.
Note that your experience with these guns may differ from another person’s. So, please don’t assume you will face the issues discussed here.
