[SHOT 2023] Hands-On with Beretta’s New 28 Gauge A400 Upland Magnum

Today at Beretta’s pre-SHOT Show Range Day, we got to try out Beretta’s new 28 Gauge A400 Upland Magnum.  This svelte semiauto shotgun may be small in stature and meant for upland game, but according to Beretta reps it has the ability to take down ducks and geese with the right loads.  First announced in September 2022, this shotgun should be available now.

[SHOT 2023] Beretta’s New 28 Gauge A400 Upland Magnum

I’m not very recoil sensitive in the first place, but this 28 was very soft shooting. The combination of the diminutive gauge and the A400 gas system made the Upland Magnum very easy to shoot, and smashing clays was simple to do on repeat.  I use a Benelli Ultralight 28ga quite often in upland hunting, and while the Beretta A400 Upland Magnum is quite a bit heavier at roughly six and a half pounds, it has a bit better balance.

[SHOT 2023] Hands on with Beretta’s new A400 Upland Magnum 28ga

Specs, per Beretta:

• Model Code: J40AN88
• Model Name: A400 Upland
• MSRP: $1,829
• Barrel Length: 28″
• Choke: OCHP
• Gauge: 28

3″ capability comes to Beretta’s 28 Gauge lineup

The Upland Magnum has a 3″ chamber, and is the first Beretta semiauto 28ga to have this capability.  While the A400 Upland line does have some models that integrate kick-off technology into their wooden stocks, the model we got to try today did not, and it’s probably unnecessary for 28GA purposes.  This is one shotgun that does not move around under recoil at all.

[SHOT 2023] Hands on with Beretta’s new A400 Upland Magnum 28ga

The Upland Magnum’s receiver style is darker brushed nickel, with very prominent engraved number 28’s on the left side of the receiver, and understated engraving on the right hand side of the receiver.  The laser engraved walnut stock is nicely fit to the size of the 28ga receiver as well.  The A400 Upland Magnum will take Beretta’s OptimaChoke HP chokes, and likely will come with 3 of them.  For more information, please visit Beretta.