Beretta A400 Xcel VS SKB RS300 | Shotgun Showdown

[@Gunnut10mm]

I haven't shot the RS300 but the whole A400 family has things really right that makes it very difficult for any gun to compete with. I think the national sporting clays champion won last year or the year before with an A400 shooting against what I am sure were much more expensive guns. I also know that with the kick off it's one of if not the softest recoiling shotguns gun out there. That became a much bigger deal to me since I got paralyzed and shoot from a wheelchair now.

[@talalkassem575]

Hello, regarding the recoil, I advise you to try the fabarm xlr velocity or the remington v3 then you will realize which is the softest kicking shotgun ever made.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Do you agree or disagree with my decision in this showdown? We look forward to hearing your feedback! Thank you for watching and subscribing. Keep living the Target Focused Life 👊

[@eabdic1]

Hey Steve, I’d suggest making a video or post on community to watch out for scammers in the comment section. They use your profile and are tricking people into the shotgun giveaway. Just wanted to let you know that, keep up the great work.

[@doughnut5887]

Yes I have been messaged too

[@colemyers5015]

Same they did it with me to

[@justashootin5164]

Steve I feel you r 100% correct, I also hope that you can use your influence on these gun company’s to add features that make since to the guns intended use as well as having manufacturers stand behind there products more than there profit margins. In other words have manufacturers take notes from Vortex optics, and there products will fly off the shelves

[@user-dd5df9wk2f]

Shot around 4000ish rounds through my skb rs400t, I forgot what’s different on mine but she still shoots like new and has been a trusty trap shooting gun all through my highschool seasons and I still use it as my main hunting gun. Dropped 2 pheasants opening weekend👊🏽

[@tomahawk5827]

A400 all day long. I’ve shot my buddy’s A400, amazingly soft shooting. Only dislike on this one is the blue bolt. Weird since I kinda liked the blue receiver on the old A400 Excel.

[@talalkassem575]

Skb makes excellent shotguns, i tried the skb 605 over under, it is awesome. Great Patterns, low recoil, nice handling and the finishing is awesome.

[@reedfortier865]

Can you do a SKB VS SX4 but in left handed? Or any left handed semi with the lefty SX4!!!!

[@gemonic9103]

I have extensively shot various sporting versions of the a400 and I can say that they are 100% reliable guns. They run every type of shell I feed them all the way down to 7/8 oz target loads! They run clean and dirty, and the recoil is very soft. Now it might be worth keeping an eye on the barrel extension (the part of the barrel that extends into the receiver) because with a multitarget and a black xcel I've had, those extensions have come loose. But some blue loctite does the trick perfectly. Thanks for your reviews Steve!

[@sethrich5998]

I recently bought a Fabarms XLR5 Waterfowler and while I can’t comment on reliability in field conditions yet, I will say it is a fantastic shooting shotgun with really well thought out features. Really like the mid hight wide & black rib that goes all the way down the receiver. Bridges the gap of a sporting and hunting shotgun very well. At 7lb 5oz, slightly weight forward, it’s a nice weight and balance for both sport and hunting. Would be a great comparison to this A400 Xcel Sporting for sport shooting or the Maxus II Wicked Wing 3” for hunting. Need to get Reeds on carrying Fabarms shotguns!

[@talalkassem575]

I have bought a fabarm xlr velocity, a sporting shotgun that is really impressive from all sides, reliability, recoil, handling, speed etc.... Although it is a bit heavy and chambered for 2&3/4 cartridges but you can use it for all types of hunting and for spending a nice time shooting clays. It is a great value of money.

[@sethrich5998]

@@talalkassem575 I’ve been very happy with mine, worked flawlessly in field conditions so far. Nothing to complain about. For a gas gun, it’s super easy to clean too and the materials give me no concern about rust from being out in the marsh. More people in the US need to know about Fabarms shotguns.

[@newtonjones5748]

A400 all day, I own it- and of all of my shotguns it is my go to for both waterfowl hunting and shooting clays- unless I am shooting my far more expensive custom over/unders. Every day use- A400 is an excellent balanced gun that mounts consistently, swings effortlessly and will knock down anything from clays to birds while cycling the lightest loads to the heaviest steel loads you throw at it.

[@dave_724]

the beretta is dreamy i keep eyeing one up every time i go to buy cartridges i’ve not shot a beretta semi auto since the 391s where current and i love the way they look now

[@donrollo7329]

I have 2 A400 xcel 12g and they are really nice shooters, I then had a guy named Bill Skinner put his touches on them. Wow changed the Smurf blue to now rootbeer brown, did trigger with over travel stop, polished bolt over sized bolt release! It is simply AMAZING now

[@cfreuen]

The a400 series is awesome. I think they are the best shotgun for the money on the market. I have the Xplor, and will probably upgrade to the next Xplor when they update the controls like they did with the Xcel. The only other gas operated semi that I would consider in it's place is the fabarm.

[@jollyshrimpo]

How is it at clays? Im sure it does fine but its the only higher end a400 that comes in a lefty version. Would definitely get the excel but if im paying 1600 for a shotgun i want one that wont pepper my eyes.

[@cfreuen]

@@jollyshrimpo I haven't run the new xcel yet but I know a couple folks that really like theirs. I think for it's price, it's impossible to beat. Could you find some over unders or fancy multi target models that you might be better with? Sure but they'll all cost significantly more. These a400 models perform awesome, and are versatile enough to use in different ways. If you're set on a "sporting" semi it's a good choice.

[@steverinehart787]

I must say the Beretta feels great when I picked on up at the gun shop, but it is costly. Never handled the SKB.

[@adamhead8566]

If the SKB had different wood work I would definitely pick it up

[@jss8494]

Still waiting for a review on the CZ 1012!

[@Rhino-mt1rf]

I recently purchased an A400 Excel Sporting without the Kickoff System. I wanted the flexibility to change the Stock as I needed. I shoot Sporting Clay's and 5-Stand. That being said, it beat the living crap out of my cheek. Not the Guns fault, just a fit issue. After having a Gunsmith install a Gracoil - Recoil Reducing Adjustable Pad and helping me with the fit, the Gun feels great. It cycles anything from 7/8oz Loads to 1-1/8oz Loads. Only loads it has trouble with are the Winchester Low Recoil / Low Noise Loads (which I expected to be the case). It did randomly cycle them, just not consistently. Breaking down the A400 for cleaning is ridiculously easy. One of the easiest guns to clean, next to my AR and AK's. Overall, I love shooting the A400. It'll be in the Safe for many, many years to come.

[@Vtecoulaki]

I really like to see you testing some old models like benelli black eagle ...the beretta 302 or 390 and 391....

[@magoo5.0johnson45]

Which one would I pick, The RS400T😀

[@Double.A.Ron23]

could you do a comparison between the Browning silver and the Sx4

[@richwilcox9564]

I would also pick the Beretta.

[@vaughnprecision]

I did pick the A400, love that gun.!

[@FeckArseIndustries]

How about this for a suggestion? There are too many variables for speed testing. If you throw the clays well with one particular gun and they're close together, you'll get a faster time. Throw three clays as they spread and the time slows down. What about a 'speed board'? Continue all your fabulous reviews and tests but just add a more defined test. Three clays at 20yrds in set positions. Set the timer, bleep, shoot. The three clays will always be in the exact same place at the exact same distance. The only variables left are you and your trigger finger?

[@TargetFocusedLife]

That is a fair point and one that I am well aware of. Getting a great throw makes a hugte difference. I only show a few of my attempts but I often do the speed test 20-40 times before I feel that I really did the gun justice. I could keep the test the same but highlight the time it was from first shot to last, that would at least take out the throw variable.

[@FeckArseIndustries]

@@TargetFocusedLife True, but chucking clays is fun too. Why not do both???

[@mikeblast7507]

Love the A400 xcel. Sadly, The one you're demoing here is a beaut. Sadly, I already have too many other expensive shotguns, this one is a bridge too far financially. Maybe one day. You have too much fun!

[@dalerobbins4737]

A400 👍 But I really like the SKBs have two from back in the day and I shoot them great

[@robertandrews6555]

Looked at a brand new A400 xcel grey today, hadn't seen one before,.... I must have one, already have a buyer lined up for my barely used Franchi affinity 😁😁😁

[@randomguy3034]

The A400xp Wraith is probably my favorite shotgun. You can certainly argue purpose but it's like a fat 1301 with a better kickoff system. Plus it looks nice with an extended tube though it increases disassemble time. My second favorite shotgun is tied with the 940jm pro and the Benelli M2 speed. If I could afford it I'd probably have like 10 shotguns. Buttttt...I can't afford it :D

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

How about the A400 Excel versus the Beretta A300 Ultima? Same company, virtually the same features, half & full price.

[@phildavis1282]

A400 in a heartbeat 👍

[@kevinseay4282]

The beretta family of A400 is second to none, i have never shot another gun by any manufacturer (rem,browning, purdey, krieghoff, perazzi, longthorne, webley/ scott ) for the price over functionality and fit is just way beyond other makes... even more expensive than them too! Just picked up the excel sorting after 2022 US OPEN in backwoods quail club and wish i would've had it then!

[@paytenblevins3401]

Have you ever shot a Fabarm xlr5? Any model? I think it’s miles above beretta in almost every way. Fit and finish Is way better on the Fabarm and also comes with nicer wood for the price. I used to shoot under beretta and after 5000 rounds through the Fabarm vs beretta in 3 months time, there is just no comparison. But beretta makes a nice gun, not trying to down your gun because I do still like the a400 and 391.

[@shobudd7139]

Best to only cry once. A400 Sporting for life. Hand it down to offspring and give them the best.

[@rotasaustralis]

I have an A300 and have shot the A400 & I know which one I would choose. The A300 is a beautiful gun. I love it.

[@tylersmith918]

You should do a review on the Weatherby Orion 1 or the sporter!!

[@markroberts5634]

It would be the A400 for me but then I’m a little biased towards Beretta anyway.

[@sprayandprayhunting5711]

the best brother. can you review the beretta outlander 20g pls tks

[@robinson50001]

what did you like better an A300 outlander or an A400 xcel?

[@alihilly1]

Have 2 A400 (20 and 12) and a Grey Hunter Fabarm in 12. The Fabarm is far superior to anything gas that Beretta make. Much better wood, fit, finish and trigger.

[@paytenblevins3401]

Totally agree! Every guy with an a400 I’ve let shoot my Fabarm xlr5 lr and they immediately see and feel how much nicer the Fabarm is. They truly are amazing guns.

[@7paradigm7]

Are they 3x as nice? Aren't they $4k?

[@alihilly1]

@@7paradigm7 which one? Both about 2.5 to 3k.

[@usmanmustafa8890]

Plz do a weatherby Sa 08 gas gun review

[@colinyoung6838]

Hey I'm commenting again if you could hopefully get your hands on a pretty cheap semi automatic the Tristar Viper Max. I'd love to see you do a review on this wallet saver shotgun!!!

[@brodydykes2613]

I had one that had cycling issues and sold it and bought the a400 xtreme plus and wish I would have just saved a little longer the first time and got the beretta to start with

[@temotemo6939]

Plz can u do winchester model 101 review? That is made in Belgium

[@jimjulius7802]

Thoughts on the Pointer Field Tek 4?

[@ryanharris9119]

What do you think about the cz 1012 and their other shotguns? Anyway we could get a review or comparisons??

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Coming soon! Just picked one up from Reeds! 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)

[@zachreed1990]

I would love to see cz 1012

[@zachreed1990]

?

[@glennhurleyjr5791]

I really enjoy your shotgun showdowns. I disagree with you on the front cross bolt safety. I am probably in the minority but I prefer the cross bolt safety to be in front of the trigger guard. I grew up ( since 1962) hunting small game with a Winchester model 12, with the cross bolt safety in front of the trigger guard. It is a way of life for me to carry my index finger on the safety, then when a pheasant flushes, the safety is pushed to the off position and my triggger finger slides back and pulls the trigger in one smooth motion.

[@guillermoflores1245]

The blue bolt is to honor the original blue A400!

[@user-eg8cp1vc2l]

How are you my friend which is better beretta a 400 plus or benelli super blak

[@brodydykes2613]

Beretta by a long shot

[@tnross23]

I have shot both and have skb o/u guns, so for the money I’m taking the skb. If they were both the same price I’m not so sure.... jmo I’m probably wrong lol

[@zechariahnash8801]

I know it's not directly related to this video, but im torn between an a400 xlpor and a300 ultima in 20g for turkeys. Is the a400 worth double the price?

[@garretthenderson3147]

I have an a400 extreme plus and my daughter shoots a a300 extreme plus in 20 gauge. We use them for sporting clays going twice a week putting about 200 rounds a week, maybe a little more. My opinion is the a300 in 20 gauge is soft recoiling and easy to shoot. My daughter crushes clays. However, we just upgraded her to a Benelli ethos super sport, because the a300 just isn't the same quality as the a400 and is literally falling apart. The trigger group pin vibrates out each outing. The charging handle falls out every 5 shots or so. The bolt release plastic cover falls off. Beretta sent us a new charging handle and bolt cover, but the charging handle falls out way too easily. Just seems like the quality isn't there for high volume shooting.

[@davescully8216]

A400 all day long easy to shot and super easy to strip down

[@Drillz007]

not sure if you take requests to check out shotguns but i recently heard about a shotgun called a tristar viper max supposedly a nice gas shotgun but cant find any in-depth videos on it online would you be able to check it out/ give a review one day down the road? or is it more of a sponsored shotgun type deal

[@brodydykes2613]

I had one and sold it for a a400 xtreme plus wish I would have just saved longer and bought the beretta to start with

[@rileystillmunkes3011]

Cz-USA 1012 review

[@MrVuicho]

Beretta for sure if I was into gas guns, but I love recoil so inertia drive all day baby!

[@WhatupG]

It would be tough to justify the extra 800 ... so it depends on your resources and priorities

[@jrowinski82]

Buy once and cry once, then give the A400 to your grand kids.

[@WhatupG]

@@jrowinski82 good point... if you have the resources, and can afford it, I agree Beretta makes a good quality product... I have never heard of SKB, and seeing that they're Turkish made, wouldn't even be on my radar honestly. I'm with ya on buy quality and take care of your stuff....

[@johnarmstrong9509]

Once you pick it up and shoot it you'll justify it pretty quickly. I bought one for my son, needless to say I now have one.

[@user-kw8tx6ro6j]

اريد مراجعة على piot le page نصف اوتوماتيكية made in Japan❤😂

[@jeffreybarner7662]

If money is not an issue it’s a pretty easy choice for me… A400

[@josephbucci3749]

Not really a fair showdown…. The price points are too far off and of course it shows. The A400 btw is not a wood stock with the kick off system. The adjustable stock on the SKB is nice. If it didn’t have it I bet the price point would be closer to the A300 which IMO is the proper gun for comparison. To me the SKB is an A300 with an adjustable stock. If you out the SKB stock on the A400 you’d get more recoil. Be more interesting to see the beretta stock on the SKB.

[@sikandershah9619]

Beretta……hands down!

[@sikandershah9619]

Thank you for your response Best regards

[@jrowinski82]

Is the A400 a 3 inch chambered shotgun?

[@Rhino-mt1rf]

The A400 Xcel Sporting is 3". I believe in other versions of the A400 you can find it in 3.5".

[@jrowinski82]

@@Rhino-mt1rf Thanks for the info!

[@TheAllMotorAllDay]

1301 comp pro $1560

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

A400 every day!

[@ramirofigueiredo]

Bom

[@RichardJuntunen]

The A400 does not have a short enough LOP for short arms on youth shooters. Even youth A400s do not go less than 13.5 LOP.

[@chaderickson1910]

A400 all the way!

[@vincentranieri441]

My a400 wouldn't cycle. Had it to multiple gun shops. Basically unusable

[@richardsveum8452]

SKB's are solid guns but a Beretta is a Beretta.

[@Plainsimple67]

MAX I WOULD PAY FOR THAT TURKISH MADE SHOTGUN IS $500.00!!🤷‍♂️

[@bb5242]

then you won't get one

[@Plainsimple67]

@@bb5242 YAH, NOW I WON'T EVEN PAY THAT MUCH FOR IT, A400 ALL THE WAY!!✊😉👉

[@syedasanusi8650]

Turkish shotgun Retay and huglu

[@chrispolovich3071]

sold my a400 for a benelli ethos super sport,,, smooth, faster, and never fails,,,,,

[@rudyelizondo1935]

A400 all day long

[@user-or6ix8is3g]

Robust guns for sure

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

It's not even close A400 drop the mic

[@spyrol]

Once again the age old saying, you get what you pay for.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

They are the Crossblade with Hi-Def Copper Lenses (interchangeable) ESS Eye Pro 😎 Get 35% off with “ESSTFL35”:

[@quackoholic1]

Just trying to verify if I indeed won something. Lol. I believe someone is using your identity to tell subscribers they won. If I'm wrong I apologize and will gladly send my payment.

[@Systemaman]

Me too

[@colemyers5015]

They did the same there scammers

[@quackoholic1]

@@Systemaman thought so, it got way sketchy.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

There is an account that is using my profile picture and telling people they won a prize and they need to pay for shipping. This is not me! This is a scam! If you look at the user name it is a phone number and not Target Focused Life.

[@oldmanfred8676]

That SKB300 is one ugly as shotgun, I would never choose it for any purpose!

[@nageeb96]

not worth the crazy money bub

[@johnnyhonda4404]

Beretta vs some Turkish garbage I've never heard of. Tough call....

[@richarddegen6184]

Japanese