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Disappointingly the dinosaur gun we were all hoping for is not a dinosaur gun after all. Beretta have not yet published anything yet, but from what I have read, their new autoloader shotgun, Xplor UNICO A400, it is a refinement of the Beretta Xtrema 2 and 391.
Over the weekend I was searching for photos of the new shotgun, and even emailed my contact at Beretta USA, but all I could find was some pretty boring images taken by Beretta showing it being shot from a distance. For some reason Beretta made all the journalists who attended the launch to agree not to publish any photos before November. I believe the photo above is legit. An Italian online store published it, only to take it down soon after (presumably after realizing they were not allowed to publish it). I have blurred out their name so that they do not get into any trouble.
Onto the shotgun itself …
The shotgun will come chambered in a 3″ version and 3.5″ super-magnum version. It optionally features the new kick-off^3 (that is kick-off-cubed, for those of you who do not use spreadsheets) recoil reduction system stock. Two hydraulic dampers in the stock (the return spring is forward of the receiver, not in the stock) and another damper, maybe mercury or a spring mechanism, in the forend.
Jim Shepherd reports:
With our barrels plugged for only three shots, I didn’t get to try the four-shot speed, but I did empty my three shots at a rate I didn’t think possible-and aimed, not simply fired. That’s apparently due the test gun’s using Beretta’s new “Kick-Off” recoil reduction system. Along with a new Micro Core recoil pad, dual hydraulic dampers in the butt and a third to reduce recoil peak from the bit of the bolt against the receiver, it absolutely reduced the impact of a long day’s shooting.
Maybe the first recoil damper is inserted into the magazine, which would explain why they were not allowed more than three rounds loaded into the magazine? I don’t really know, I am guessing.
It uses a new gas system called the Beretta BLink. The name is a reference to its speed. Weighing in at 6.6 lbs, it is very light and slightly lighter than the Benelli Vinic.
James Marchington, of Sporting Shooter magazine (UK), published a scan of the specifications …
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ or 3.5″ (both will chamber shorter cartridges) |
| Capacity | Unknows |
| Receiver | Aluminum |
| Finish | Adonized color. Engraved with logo and “scrathes” |
| Barrel Lenghts | 26″, 28″, 30″ |
| Safety | Reversible safety button |
| Wood | X-Tra Grain (???) |
| Recoil Pad | Micro-Core pad |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Price | $1600 – $1700 |
I will update the blog when more information becomes available.
UPDATE: The actual retail price appears to be $1500 without kick-off and $1600 with.
