The new hunting season begins e Beretta presents the new semi-auto dedicated to woodcock and in any case to wandering hunting. A400 UltraLite cal. 12, as the name implies, it is a particularly light shotgun: it weighs only 2,7 kg with a 61 cm barrel. It is part of the large A400 family, characterized by the B-Link reset mechanism which integrates the gas system with rotating shutter head: a guarantee of reliability and functionality that has been tested for several years now. To discover the new born we went to Trenzano (BS), at the Bettolino TAV. The shotgun is contained in an elegant green pre-shaped polymer case, and inside we find the two chokes of type "F (*)" and "CL" (*****) "in addition to the" M (*** ) ”Already mounted on the barrel, the t-shirts for the strap, the plates for changing the fold of the stock, the instruction booklet and the guarantee. As soon as the package is opened - it is a new shotgun and never came out of the packaging - we immediately notice the new carbon fiber rib, derived from that of the Beretta Black series shotguns. The barrel - in this case 61 cm - is of the Steelium type in Beretta triple-alloy steel, obtained by cold hammering and vacuum stretching. The geometry of the OptimaBore HP tube mates with the OptimaChoke HP chokes, all to guarantee homogeneous patterns with both lead and steel shots. Before mounting the barrel we note the rotating head and the gas recovery system, self-cleaning thanks to the scraping band, and the generous spring positioned around the magazine tube.
The carcass is in ergal with anti-reflective black oxidation, and both sides are enriched with sober laser engravings inspired by the hunting world. On the right side, above the trigger, the Beretta logo and a woodcock in flight are visible; continuing forward, under the opening of the trolley you will find the UltraLite logo and two curved friezes; in the front area of the breech, after the tank release button, a second woodcock takes off. Let's move on to the left side, where in addition to the cut-off button there are two other woodcocks in flight, we find the A400 UltraLite logo and friezes. The chromed steel trigger is protected by the black polymer guard bearing the Xplor logo, while the safety, with the generous triangular button, is located immediately above the trigger itself. The stock and fore-end are made of grade 2 wood, a solution that allows for easy restoration in the event of scratches - a fairly common occurrence especially when it comes to a rifle designed for stalking. The butt plate is the classic 10 mm Beretta MicroCore which expanding when fired increases the support surface on the shoulder, giving greater stability and absorbing most of the recoil: an important feature, especially for a shotgun whose main feature is precisely lightness. On the butt pistol, in the guard, there is an elegant oval in carbon fiber that shows the classic Beretta 3 arrows.
We come to the field test. Taking the shotgun in hand, you immediately realize the great work done by the designers to create a light and balanced weapon, without neglecting safety: both the thickness of the steel of the barrel and the reloading / locking system are in fact identical. to those found on standard weight Beretta semiautomatics. Harnessing the A400 UltraLite you realize a small jump made on the carcass in the rib continuation line, which helps in fast bracing: a very useful device when, especially when hunting, you tend not to lower your head well. For the test I decide to do some Compak hunting series. I leave the intermediate choke “M (***)” mounted - these are plates at various distances and with different trajectories - and the speargun is immediately very agile and fast. Thanks to the lightness and the reduced length of the barrel, it allows me to break easily a few meters from the target, while it is more demanding in the case of long targets that require a targeted and less instinctive shot: in this case a longer barrel would be advisable. long, for example 66 or 71 cm. The checkering on the stock and the long shaft allow a secure and firm hold even to tall people with long levers. A firm grip is in fact essential, especially with a rifle weighing only 2,7 kg.
Fiocchi TT 28 g cartridges were used for the test. In three series there have never been any problems or malfunctions: I also tried to fire three shots in very rapid succession, without resting the rifle on the shoulder, and even in these extreme cases the Ultralite reloaded correctly and without hesitation. All thanks to the B-Link gas recovery system, which fires and re-arms in any conditions of use and with any weight, even the lightest.
I have the impression that with the A400 UltraLite Beretta has managed to create a particularly agile and easy to handle shotgun, as well as very light in weight, relying on the proven technology of the A400 series, originally conceived for much heavier shotguns, and without compromising. with the quality of materials and passive safety. Overall, it is a weapon that can give great satisfaction to all woodcock makers, but not only that: even those who hunt in the mountains will appreciate a light and handy speargun, capable of making a real difference. © photos Daniel Borghetti.
Data sheet:
Model: Beretta A400 UltraLite
CALIBRO: 12/76
operation: Semi-automatic with B-Link gas recovery
Shutter: Rotating head and carriage in burnished steel
carcass: Ergal
Finishing: carcass Black oxidation
Engraving: Lasered, with A400 UltraLite logo and woodcocks
canna: OptimaBore HP, glossy bluing
Rod length: 61, 66, 71cm
Chokes: OCHP, three supplied (CL, M and F)
Bindella: 6 × 6 ventilated in carbon fiber
Quarrying: Elastic ejector
Shoot: Trigger unit A400
Trigger: Chromed
Stopper: Standard A400
Safety: On the reversible bridge
Viewfinder: Red optical fiber
Piega: Variable with platelets
Recoil pad: MicroCore 10mm
Dipstick: Standard A400
Strap shirts: Supplied in a case
Packaging: ABS case
Other: Bend plates and choke wrench
Weight :: 2,7 Kg approx
List Price: € 1.959,00