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Beretta A300 Outlander: A Hunter's and Clays Shooter's Workhorse. Chokes, Calibers, Price, Reviews.
The Beretta A300 Outlander has carved a solid reputation as a reliable, versatile, and affordable semi-automatic shotgun. Whether you're wading through wetlands in pursuit of waterfowl, navigating dense forests after upland game, or breaking clays on the sporting course, the A300 Outlander is designed to perform.
A Legacy of Performance
Beretta has a long history of producing high-quality shotguns, and the A300 Outlander carries on that tradition. It's known for its simplicity of design, ease of maintenance, and smooth operation. This makes it a popular choice for both experienced shooters and those new to the shotgun sports.
Key Features and Technologies
Gas-Operated System: The A300 Outlander utilizes a gas-operated system, which reduces felt recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots. The self-cleaning gas system is designed to reliably cycle a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavier hunting loads.
Rotating Bolt: Beretta's signature rotating bolt locking system ensures a strong and reliable lockup, contributing to the shotgun's overall durability and safety.
Mobilchoke System: The A300 Outlander comes with Beretta's Mobilchoke system, allowing the shooter to easily change chokes to optimize the shotgun's performance for different shooting scenarios. Included chokes typically include Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), and Full (F).
Self-Cleaning Piston: This shotgun features a self-cleaning piston. Carbon buildup in the gas system is a common issue with semi-automatic shotguns. The self-cleaning piston minimizes this problem, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and ensuring reliable operation.
Reversible Safety: The cross-bolt safety is easily reversible for left-handed shooters.
Adjustable Drop and Cast: Shims are included with the A300 Outlander that allow the shooter to adjust the drop and cast of the stock. This is important for achieving a proper fit, which improves shooting comfort and accuracy.
Calibers and Configurations
The Beretta A300 Outlander is primarily available in two popular gauges:
12 Gauge: The 12-gauge model is the most versatile and widely used. It offers a balance of power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting and sporting applications. Standard chambering is typically 3-inch, allowing it to handle both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
20 Gauge: The 20-gauge model offers lighter recoil and is a good choice for smaller-framed shooters, youth shooters, or anyone who prefers a lighter shotgun. It's also a popular choice for upland bird hunting, where less weight is advantageous.
Common Modifications
A300 Outlander: The base model, typically featuring a blued barrel and a wood stock.
A300 Outlander Synthetic: Features a synthetic stock and forend. This makes it more resistant to the elements and easier to maintain.
A300 Outlander Camo: Available in various camouflage patterns, making it ideal for waterfowl and turkey hunting.
A300 Ultima: Is a newer upgraded version of A300.
Specifications (Typical 12 Gauge Model)
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Chamber: 3"
Barrel Lengths : 26", 28"
Overall Length : Varies depending on barrel length
Weight : Approximately 7.25 lbs (depending on configuration)
Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (with factory plug installed)
Chokes: Mobilchoke (IC, M, F typically included)
Stock Material : Wood or Synthetic
Ideal Uses
Waterfowl Hunting: The A300 Outlander, especially in camo configurations, is a popular choice for duck and goose hunting. Its reliability in harsh conditions and ability to cycle a variety of loads make it well-suited for this application.
Upland Bird Hunting: The 20-gauge model is a great choice for pursuing quail, pheasant, and grouse. Its lighter weight makes it easier to carry in the field.
Turkey Hunting: Camo versions with tighter chokes are effective for turkey hunting.
Clay Shooting: The A300 Outlander is a capable shotgun for recreational clay shooting, including trap, skeet, and sporting clays. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of dedicated target shotguns, it can certainly hold its own.
Small Game Hunting: Rabbits, squirrels
Effective Range
The effective range of the A300 Outlander depends on the gauge, choke, and load used. Generally:
Bird Hunting: Effective range is typically 25-45 yards, depending on the choke and bird size.
Turkey Hunting: With a tight choke and appropriate turkey loads, effective range can extend to 40 yards.
Clay Shooting: Effective range depends on the discipline. Skeet shots are typically taken at closer ranges (20-25 yards), while trap shots can be out to 40+ yards.
Pricing
The Beretta A300 Outlander is positioned as an affordable option within the Beretta shotgun lineup. Expect to pay in the range of 800 - 1100 USD, depending on the specific configuration and retailer. Camo models and those with upgraded features will generally be at the higher end of the price range. Check online retailers and local gun shops for the most up-to-date pricing.
Pros and Cons: Real-World Feedback
Here's a summary of the common pros and cons based on user reviews and expert opinions:
Pros:
Reliability: This is the A300 Outlander's biggest strength. Users consistently praise its reliability, even after thousands of rounds.
Soft Recoil: The gas-operated system effectively reduces recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
Easy to Maintain: The simple design makes it easy to disassemble and clean.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of hunting and sporting applications.
Affordable: Offers Beretta quality at a more accessible price point compared to their higher-end models.
Good for Beginners: Due to it's easiness to clean, low price and soft recoil, it is a great gun for the beginners.
Cons:
Plain Aesthetics: The base model can be considered somewhat plain in appearance compared
Honest Review of the BERETTA A300 ULTIMA 12-GAUGE SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
As a hunter who’s used the Beretta A300 Ultima for waterfowl (geese) and big game (wild boar), I can confidently say it’s a reliable and versatile shotgun. Here’s my take after field testing.
Pros:
Reliability in All Conditions
The Beretta A300 Ultima performed flawlessly in harsh environments. Whether in marshes or dense forests, it cycled smoothly with no malfunctions, handling light target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum shells effortlessly.
Lightweight and Balanced
Weighing under 7 pounds, the A300 Ultima is easy to carry during long hunts. Its balance makes it ideal for quick shots at geese or charging boars.
Low Recoil
The gas-operated system reduces felt recoil, even with heavy loads. After a full day of shooting, my shoulder felt fine - perfect for extended hunts.
Durability and Finish
The synthetic stock and corrosion-resistant finish make the A300 Ultima tough. It handled rain, mud, and scratches without issue, requiring minimal maintenance.
Easy Maintenance
Disassembling and cleaning the A300 Ultima is simple. The self-cleaning gas piston system saves time after long hunting days.
Versatility
The Beretta A300 Ultima is a true all-rounder. With the right choke and ammo, it’s effective for both waterfowl and big game. I used a modified choke for geese and a full choke for boar, achieving consistent patterns and knockdown power.
Cons:
Limited Aftermarket Support
Finding aftermarket parts like extended chokes or custom stocks can be challenging compared to models like the Beretta A400 or Benelli M2.
Trigger Feel
The trigger is serviceable but not exceptional. It’s heavy and lacks the crisp break of higher-end shotguns. Fine for hunting, but competitive shooters may find it lacking.
Magazine Capacity
The standard 3+1 capacity is adequate for most hunts, but I wished for an extended magazine when facing larger boar sounders.
Stock Fit
The synthetic stock is durable but lacks adjustability. Hunters with longer or shorter arms may find it less comfortable without modifications.
Price Point
While not the most expensive, the A300 Ultima is still a significant investment. Budget-conscious hunters might find more affordable options that perform nearly as well.
Final Thoughts:
The Beretta A300 Ultima is an excellent choice for hunters needing a reliable, versatile, and durable shotgun. It excels in waterfowl and big game hunting, offering low recoil, easy maintenance, and consistent performance. While it has minor drawbacks like limited aftermarket support and a mediocre trigger, its overall value is undeniable.
If you’re looking for a shotgun that handles various hunting scenarios without breaking the bank, the Beretta A300 Ultima is a solid pick. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to earn a permanent spot in my hunting arsenal.
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