Walk into any sporting clays bay long enough and you’ll eventually meet the A400. Beretta’s gas-operated semi-auto has earned a place in gun racks from the skeet house to the uplands on the strength of a platform that runs reliably and swings naturally. The new A400 L Field isn’t a mechanical revision of that formula — it’s a dressed-up expression of it, aimed at the shooter who wants the same proven action under wood and steel that earns a second look.
The most immediate departure from the standard A400 is the receiver. Beretta went with a full nickel plate and covered it with scroll and floral engraving set against an inked background. It’s a traditional look executed with enough detail to hold up under close inspection, and it pairs with a Grade 2.5+ walnut stock and forend that Beretta redesigned for this model.
The rework centers on ergonomics: enlarged checkering surfaces and an ambidextrous palm swell replace the standard grip geometry, giving the gun a more deliberate feel in hand regardless of which side you shoot from.
Mechanically, the A400 L Field carries the full A400 feature set. The B-LINK gas operating system, which Beretta says cycles up to 36% faster than conventional gas designs, drives a DLC-coated bolt assembly through an action that includes an oversized bolt handle, extended bolt release, and enlarged loading port. The barrel is a Steelium Plus, Beretta’s triple forcing cone design that stretches the transition zone to approximately 320mm (12.6 in.) — a geometry intended to reduce felt recoil and improve pattern consistency. The trigger guard is aluminum, a detail that reads as a refinement over polymer in a gun at this price point.
“The A400 platform has become one of the most trusted and proven semi-automatic shotguns in the world,” said Caleb McMillen, Beretta USA Sr. Product Manager for Long Guns. “With the new A400 L Field, we wanted to create a shotgun that delivers the advanced performance shooters expect from the A400 while elevating the craftsmanship and visual appeal for those who appreciate a truly refined sporting firearm.”
The A400 L Field is available through authorized Beretta dealers, where you can also check out the A400 L Sporting model.
The Beretta by the numbers:
- Barrel length: 28″
- Action: Semi-automatic, B-LINK gas system
- Bolt finish: DLC coating
- Stock: Grade 2.5+ walnut, ambidextrous palm swell
- Receiver finish: Nickel-plated with scroll/floral engraving
- Trigger guard: Aluminum
- Barrel technology: Steelium Plus (triple forcing cone, ~320mm transition)
- MSRP: Starting at $3,619
If you already run an A400, is the combination of engraved receiver and upgraded walnut enough to justify the step up to the L Field?
