5 Beretta A400 Xplor Problems You Should Know

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action is a semiauto shotgun from Beretta providing a variety of options, calibers, and barrel lengths. This provides exceptional flexibility for the user.

Despite this roster of features, there are a few Beretta A400 Xplor problems that dim its reputation.

These problems include cycling and ejection issues, displacement of the ejector, and frequent jams among other quality concerns. Such as the extractor damaging the chamber lip.

Before I proceed further with the procedures of Beretta A400 Xplor troubleshooting, below are a few of the features and specifications of the gun.

Features & Specifications of the Beretta A400 Xplor:

Beretta A400 Xplor Specs
Cartridge12/20/28 Gauge
Capacity2+1/3+1 Rounds
Barrel Length22/24/26/28/30 Inches
Weight6.7/5.6/5.5 lbs.
Length34.5 – 42.5 Inches
Rib Width6mm x 6mm
ChokesOCHP
SafetyCrossbolt
SightsBead Sights
Common Beretta a400 Xplor Problems
Beretta a400 Xplor

Common Beretta A400 Xplor Problems and Solutions

Now, let us proceed with the problems that plague the gun, alongside stating the procedures to get your Beretta A400 Xplor problems fixed.

Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions

Beretta A400 Xplor ProblemsSolutions
Cycling IssueCleaning up the first gas port
Ejector DisplacementRe-staking the ejector
Jamming IssuesEmploying a firmer grip/Break in properly/Cleaning the gun
Extractor Damaging Chamber LipGrinding and polishing the extractor
Ejection ProblemsChanging ammo/Cleaning the gas port

1. Cycling Issue:

The Beretta A400 Xplor has had multiple complaints from users about the cycling issues that come with the gun itself.

The A400 Xplor Action will often not cycle standard factory loads. Even after the gun has been broken in properly for a prolonged period.

Solution:

Almost all cycling issues that the Beretta A400 Xplor Action faces, can be solved by following a simple cleaning method.

Every A400 Xplor model has two gas ports. The first one, which is drilled, oftentimes does not meet exact quality standards.

To fix the issue you have to clean up this port. Find a drill bit with the exact same size as the existing hole on the A400 Xplor Action. You have to use the said drill bit to clean up the gas port.

Do not use a drill. Only the drill bit. And operate it with your hands slowly. Only a few metal flakes should be removed.

2. Ejector Displacement:

The ejector has a specific channel on which it rides back and forth the gun. However, with prolonged usage, the ejector may work out of its dedicated channel.

The ejectors on the A400 Xplor are staked in from the factory. But with time, the metal might slowly get loose from its dedicated slot.

Solution:

The solution is to simply re-stake the ejector back into its guiding channel. And if there is any wear on the ejector, you could also replace it.

 Beretta A400 Xplor Action Replacement Ejector
Beretta A400 Xplor Action Replacement Ejector

Replacement ejectors (Fig 1) for the Beretta A400 Xplor Action are easily found online. You could either replace it yourself or consult a qualified gunsmith for the task.

A qualified gunsmith can also assist you with the re-staking of your old ejector pin if needed.

3. Jamming Issues:

Sometimes the Beretta A400 Xplor Action faces problems with the shells jamming inside the gun.

This can be due to several reasons. One must hold the gun with appropriate strength so that much of the recoil cannot be absorbed by the shooter.

Or it could be due to the ammo type. And finally, it could be due to a dirty gun.

Solution:

The first step is to see if changing the stance of the shooter fixes the problem or not. If the issue persists, you may try different ammo to remedy the issue.

And finally, properly clean the gun and lubricate it as intended. This should hopefully remedy any issue regarding the shells jamming while shooting the gun.

4. Extractor Damaging Chamber Lip:

As stated previously, the Beretta A400 Xplor Action, does not always meet the quality control standards of many users.

Damaged Chamber Lip of a Beretta A400 Xtreme, Similar to an Xplor
Damaged Chamber Lip of a Beretta A400 Xtreme, Similar to an Xplor

One such issue is the extractor damaging the chamber lip (Fig 2) with prolonged usage. The extractor slowly chips away a bit of material where it contacts the lip of the chamber.

Solution:

The chamber lip material is quite soft to withstand that sharp angle of the extractor constantly rotating against its surface.

With more wear, the bolt head gets harder to rotate. It also grabs onto the shell rim and hence the harder it is for the bolt head to rotate and lock into the barrel.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action Extractor
Beretta A400 Xplor Action Extractor

The issue may be fixed by removing the extractor and grinding a nice radius on the bottom edge of the extractor. This will slightly grind off the valley that forms on the chamber lip.

Then you may proceed to polish both surfaces with a polishing compound of your choice.

However, if that extractor should happen to wear out, it can be easily replaced. Replacing the extractor is significantly easier than replacing the barrel.

5. Ejection Problems:

The Beretta A400 Xplor Actin often faces ejection issues due to several reasons. Such as an obstructed gas port or low-quality ammo. Cheaper shells with steel bases are most likely to cause this issue.

Solution:

It is always advised to keep the gas port clean. As it can introduce several malfunctions into the gun.

Some ammo that has good compatibility with the Beretta A400 Xplor Action are Remington Gun Clubs, Estate SS, AA, and the Academy Monarchs.

And it might also be due to not properly breaking in the gun. Hence it is good practice to shoot the gun for a prolonged period to break it in, to ensure intended functionality.

User Feedback on Beretta A400 Xplor

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action has a bit of mixed reception from its users. While most of it tends to be on the positive end of the spectrum, some may also bring up the demerits of the gun.

One user has posted a review on the Beretta product page of the A400 Xplor Action stating that he has owned the gun for about 5 years and it has served him reliably.

On one thread of the Shotgun World forum, another user has commented that he has no complaints with the A400 Xplor Action.

However, one user stated on Tiger Droppings that his extractor slowly walked out of the channel. But it was after shooting 20,000 rounds, which makes it very reliable indeed.

But the cycling issues are quite prevalent in the A400 Xplor. As can be seen from various sources online. Such as this post from Trap Shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What sort of chokes does the Beretta A400 Xplor use?

Optima-Bore HP chokes.

Can the Beretta A400 Xplor be equipped with optical sights?

Yes.

How much weight does the Kick-Off recoil reduction system add?

About a pound.

How fast can the Beretta A400 Xplor shoot?

It can shoot 4 shells in less than a second.

Which variants of the Beretta A400 Xplor are left-handed?

The 12 gauge and 28 gauge variants.

Conclusion

Although there are quite a few Beretta A400 Xplor problems, you may have noticed that the solutions to those issues are also quite simple and do not require much effort.

The majority of user reviews about the Xplor tend to be positive. However, in such a case that you have run into an issue with your A400 Xplor, this article will guide you through the processes to troubleshoot your gun.

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