For 12 years, the Beretta A400 series has established itself as one of the most versatile and reliable gas semiautos ever. It cycles all loads from light target rounds up to 3-inch goose and turkey magnums with manageable recoil, while remaining a great option for pheasant hunters as well.
As an added bonus, the A400 is easy to maintain and can be field-stripped with minimal effort. The fore-end comes off, and the bolt carrier, piston stock and recoil spring slide out easily for cleaning. The barrel and bolt are also a snap to remove. The gun uses a metal cylinder under the barrel to house the gas piston, which is accessible by depressing the rotating bolt head. This eliminates the need to disassemble the entire receiver to remove the bolt handle, a pain in most other shotguns.
This model comes with a synthetic stock with a super-soft, no-snag Micro Core recoil pad and an S Grip checkering pattern for a secure hold in all weather conditions. It is also equipped with the Optima HP interchangeable choke system to give you consistent patterns with lead or steel shot.
I don't see many duck guides carrying this gun, but that is not a strike against it. It is heavy enough to tote into the marsh and can definitely be used for upland bird hunting, but I would not recommend it to a dyed-in-the-wool waterfowler who likes to hunt behind pointers every weekend.
