27-Oct-2026
Beretta has long been the first name many UK shooters think of when they want a semi-automatic shotgun. The trouble is the choice. The A300 Ultima, the A350 and the A400 look alike on a shelf, share a family resemblance and attract a lot of the same questions: which is best for rough shooting, which suits pigeon and pest control, and is the extra money for an A400 worth it?
This guide sets the three side by side in plain language. We keep to general guidance rather than quoting prices or detailed specifications, because both change with the model year, the variant, and the condition of the gun. Always check the individual listing, and read the manufacturer’s information for the exact gun in front of you.
How do the three fit together?
Think of the three as steps on a ladder. The A300 Ultima is the more affordable gas-operated semi-auto, designed to bring Beretta handling and reliability to a wider range of buyers. Independent reviews describe it as a lower-cost alternative to the flagship A400 line, using a similar look and a more straightforward finish and stock.
The A400 is the flagship tier. It tends to bring a more refined finish, extra recoil-reducing features, and a wider selection of variants, including Xcel sporting guns and Xplor field models. The A350 sits between the two in the minds of many buyers, with a reputation for a good balance of features and cost. Because Beretta updates its line from time to time, treat that description as a guide rather than a fixed rule.
Browse: Beretta A300 · Beretta A350 · Beretta A400 · Beretta 1301 · All Beretta shotguns
The A300 Ultima: Beretta on a tighter budget
The A300 Ultima is the model many first-time semi-auto buyers shortlist, and searches for it have been strong. Reviews describe a gas-driven action, a three-inch chamber in the standard guns, and simplified controls, with practical touches such as larger bolt and loading-gate controls. A synthetic or camouflage finish is common, which suits wet-weather work in the field.
Where the A300 earns its place is value. It does the job that most rough shooters and pigeon men need, and it keeps the cost of entry down. The trade-off is that some of the refinements of the A400, such as the number of recoil dampers and the quality of finish, are scaled back. That is a sensible compromise for a gun that will be carried through hedges and left in the back of a vehicle. Our guide to the best semi-automatic shotguns by budget puts it alongside other options.
Browse: Beretta A300 semi-autos · Beretta A300 · Beretta 302 · Beretta 303 · Hatsan Escort
The A400: the flagship range
The A400 is the model most often compared, searched, and discussed. It is offered in several versions: the Xcel for sporting use, the Xplor for field work, and others. Features that attract buyers include recoil management, a refined action, and a finish that holds up well over time. We cover those variants in our A400 Xcel, Xplor and Upland comparison and in our A400 review.
The A400 also has a strong second-hand market, which is good news for both buyers and sellers. Gun owners who upgrade often put a well-maintained A400 up for sale, and demand tends to be steady. If you intend to shoot a lot of cartridges, particularly in a season of driven days or regular clay practice, the extra refinement can pay off in comfort.
Browse: Beretta A400 semi-autos · Beretta A400 · Beretta 391 · Beretta AL391 · Beretta A391
Which suits which kind of shooting?
For pigeon decoying, pest control and rough shooting, the A300 Ultima is a very sensible choice. A semi-auto gives you quick follow-up shots, and the lower cost matters when the gun will pick up the odd knock. For driven game and regular clay practice, the A400 range offers a gun that is more comfortable over a long day.
If you are torn, think about how many cartridges you shoot in a typical season, how much recoil bothers you, and how hard you are on your equipment. Fit matters too. A gun that does not fit you will shoot poorly, whatever the badge on the receiver, so try before you buy where you can. Our guide to the best over-and-under shotguns by budget is a helpful companion for anyone still deciding on the type of gun.
Browse: Beretta A400 · Beretta A300 · Benelli M2 · Winchester SX4 · Remington 1187
Recoil, weight and fit
Semi-autos soften recoil by using some of the energy of the shot to cycle the action, and manufacturers add further recoil-reducing features in the stock. The A400 range makes more of this than the A300, which is one reason it appeals to people who shoot a lot of cartridges. Weight and balance also differ between variants, so a gun that feels lively and quick in the hands of one shooter may feel heavy to another.
Fit is the factor people overlook. Length of pull, comb height, and cast all affect where the gun shoots, and a semi-auto is no different from any other shotgun. If the stock does not suit you, speak to a qualified gunsmith or coach before you buy, and allow for that in your decision.
Browse: Beretta A400 · Beretta A300 · Beretta A350 · Benelli M2 · All Beretta shotguns
What to check on a used Beretta semi-auto
Buying used can be a sensible way into a Beretta. Start by checking the cycling of the action with the cartridges you actually plan to use, and ask whether the gun has been cleaned and serviced regularly. Gas-operated guns need routine cleaning to run reliably, so a gun that has been looked after is worth more than one that has not.
Look at the stock for cracks and dents, check the choke tubes are present and fit cleanly, and examine the bore and the outside of the barrel for rust or damage. Confirm the chamber length matches your cartridges; our guide to chamber and cartridge length explains why that matters. Finally, ask about the history. Honest sellers will happily tell you how the gun has been used.
Browse: Beretta A400 · Beretta A300 · Beretta 1200 · Browning A5 · Franchi shotguns
FAQ
Is the Beretta A300 a good shotgun? Independent reviews describe it as a dependable, affordable gas-operated semi-auto that suits rough shooting and pigeon work. As with any gun, fit and condition matter most.
What is the difference between the A300 and A400? The A400 is Beretta’s flagship range, with more refinement, recoil-reducing features, and a wider choice of variants. The A300 Ultima is the lower-cost alternative using a similar design.
Where does the A350 fit? Many buyers see it as a middle step between the two. Check the specification of each individual gun, because details vary by year and variant.
Are Beretta semi-autos reliable? They have a strong reputation, but gas-operated guns need regular cleaning and sensible cartridge choices to keep running well.
Find your Beretta on Rightgun.uk
Whether you are weighing an A300, an A350 or an A400, you can browse new and used Beretta semi-autos from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk. Start with Beretta shotguns, compare what is available, and contact sellers directly. If you have a Beretta to sell, listing it takes minutes and puts it in front of UK shooters who are already looking.
Further reading: Beretta A400 Xcel, Xplor and Upland compared, Beretta A400 review, Best semi-automatic shotguns by budget, Beretta 694 vs 692 vs DT11 and Remington 1100 vs 11-87.
