So I pulled the trigger and ordered an A400 from my LGS. I got a chance to handle the Unico and the Xcel and liked them well enough to order the Xplor in 12 ga. I picked it up a few days ago but just got a chance to shoot it today.
Initial impressions are what one would expect. The fit and finish is superb and it functioned 100% through 50+ rounds of promo 1 1/8 oz dove loads. The only hiccup happened when I failed to insert a round far enough into the magazine and ended up with a double feed. It was easy to clear though given the slot in the lifter. After adding more drop at comb by changing out the stock spacers, it gave me the sight picture that I'm used to and I hit with it just as well as with my old 11-87. I even surprised myself by hitting a few target further out than usual.
I alternated between it and the Remington for a few rounds and I can't tell much of a difference in recoil. The 11-87 is heavier and the Beretta has the Kick-off system. Both have good recoil pads now that I've put a Limbsaver AirTech pad on the Remington. They are different but both are soft-shooting and neither slaps my cheek.
Criticisms:
I don't love the "enhanced" grain on the stock and the wood looks, and feels, porous. It reminds me of the fake wood stock on the crossman pellet gun I had as a kid. Very plasticky and fake looking.
Why does it come with two fairly useless chokes? Mine came with a no-steel full and a cyl along with the modified. Maybe they figure that you can do everything with those 3? I would have preferred SK and IC since the vast majority of my shooting is with IC.
It's too early to say if it will replace the 11-87 entirely but it's looking likely, especially with the right choke and more trigger time.
Initial impressions are what one would expect. The fit and finish is superb and it functioned 100% through 50+ rounds of promo 1 1/8 oz dove loads. The only hiccup happened when I failed to insert a round far enough into the magazine and ended up with a double feed. It was easy to clear though given the slot in the lifter. After adding more drop at comb by changing out the stock spacers, it gave me the sight picture that I'm used to and I hit with it just as well as with my old 11-87. I even surprised myself by hitting a few target further out than usual.
I alternated between it and the Remington for a few rounds and I can't tell much of a difference in recoil. The 11-87 is heavier and the Beretta has the Kick-off system. Both have good recoil pads now that I've put a Limbsaver AirTech pad on the Remington. They are different but both are soft-shooting and neither slaps my cheek.
Criticisms:
I don't love the "enhanced" grain on the stock and the wood looks, and feels, porous. It reminds me of the fake wood stock on the crossman pellet gun I had as a kid. Very plasticky and fake looking.
Why does it come with two fairly useless chokes? Mine came with a no-steel full and a cyl along with the modified. Maybe they figure that you can do everything with those 3? I would have preferred SK and IC since the vast majority of my shooting is with IC.
It's too early to say if it will replace the 11-87 entirely but it's looking likely, especially with the right choke and more trigger time.