When you start talking about shotguns, you’re going to hear names like Remington and Mossberg. You’re also likely to hear Beretta A300 mentioned as well.
The Beretta company may or may not have the same breadth of models available that other manufacturers do, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss it.
On the contrary, the Beretta A300 is one of the most perfect shotguns on the market and is as reliable as any other firearm made by Beretta.
What Is the Beretta A300?
The Beretta A300 is a simple shotgun, but despite its look, it is a sleek firearm that is impressive in its own right. Also known as the Outlander, this gun packs quite a punch.
The gun has a lightweight aluminum alloy and a wooden stock. It may not look it, but the shotgun is actually very tough and can take the heat.
According to Beretta:
The A300 is made of the proprietary steel blends that have made Beretta shotguns famous for their durability. The Mobilchoke barrel is designed to shrug off the pounding of heavy hunting loads, giving you a long-lasting tool that will work as long as you need it to.
But in spite of its toughness, the A300 is light, feels lively in the hands, and easily follows your eyes to the target, thanks to the low-profile action.
If you ever do get the shotgun wet, you’ll be happy to know that the Beretta A300 has a water-resistant finish to prevent rusting. Any gun owner would agree that a feature like that is important.
According to Gunivore:
Beretta even customized the barrels to be able to handle heavy loads for a long time. One of the most underrated components on a shotgun is the trigger guard, and the A300s are made with heavy-duty polymers and sealed with a wear-resistant finish to ensure their longevity.
Beretta A300 Specs
In case you’re interested, here is a quick breakdown of the shotgun’s specifications, too:
- Gauge -– 12
- Length -– 48 inches
- Barrel –- 28 inches
- Chamber Length -– 2 3/4 inches by 3 inches
- Capacity -– 2+1
- Weight –- 7.25 pounds
- Sights –- Metal Bead
- Finish –- Blued
The Beretta A300 has sold thousands of times over across the globe. And with such a simple design, they are both easy to maintain and repair if needed.
When you open the box that the Outlander arrives in, you’re going to see exactly what you expect. There aren’t unnecessary bells or whistles on this gun because that wouldn’t be practical.
Beretta honors the idea that having a fully usable gun is more important than adorning it in ways that would seem to hold no substance.
Consider the sling attachment
While this isn’t necessarily unique to the Beretta A300, if you can learn to use it properly, then your shooting can improve. Take a look at those little metal nubs on the stock and cap. That’s where you would attach a sling attachment. While they don’t look like much, they’re incredibly functional.
Attach sling attachments on the shotgun to provide some useful handling techniques for the gun while it’s snapped onto the nubs. By using the sling attachment, you can do a few things that you might have not even thought of.
If you were to get a Baretta A300 without the nubs, you should seriously consider installing them yourself.
Do you have to have the sling?
Sure, you can carry the shotgun with the strap. That’s a no-brainer. Did you also know that you can wrap the strap around your arm to provide you with extra support when you’re shooting, too?
It’s true. You can. It’s called the hasty sling technique and helps the shooter feel more confident when they’re shooting.
A better way to use the sling is to use the speed sling technique. This way of using the sling is also known as the British two-point method. Its purpose is to create a more stable platform when you’re shooting as well as making it useful while carrying.
When you go out and shoot in the field or just for practice with a clay thrower, you have to choose how you’re going to shoot. You could be standing, kneeling, or in some other position that can compromise the stability of your firearm.
By knowing how to use the sling, you can overcome those issues and reestablish a stable shooting platform from which to fire.
What Makes the Beretta A300 Unique?
Many different features make the Beretta A300 a unique shotgun. To start with, they adapt very easily for right-hand or left-hand shooters. They come as right-handed shotguns from the factory, but it takes a quick minute to convert the gun to a left-handed firearm.
Something else that is impressive is the way that there are spacers to allow you to adjust the various parts of the Beretta A300. That means you’ll never have to outgrow your Beretta.
Imagine gifting a Beretta A300 as an older teen for a graduation gift. That teen will never outgrow the gun because of how adjustable it really is.
If you’re interested, there are also aftermarket options available for the Beretta A300. The synthetic stocks have the ability to adjust a full inch and a half on the LOP. There are also three choke tubes that can be used with this gun.
You’ll want to take particular note of the self-cleaning piston as well as the self-regulating and pressure reducing valve. Beretta also keeps their traditional single bolt finish. The woodwork is also nicely finished complete with a soft recoil pad.
The Beretta A300 is perfect for shooting clays as well as hunting small game.
Pricing for the Beretta A300
You can find good deals on the Beretta A300 from various storefronts. Places like Cabela’s, Bass Pro, and Gander Outdoors are prime locations to find deals that will end up costing you less than the suggested retail price.
You may even be able to find a pre-owned Beretta A300 at a local pawn shop for a better price still.
But even if you buy it used, you can rest assured that the gun is going to stand the test of time.
Expect to pay between $800 and $1,000.
How the Beretta A300 Compares Against Other Shotguns
You could absolutely buy a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500 and pay less for either of those than you would for the Beretta A300. But the question is whether or not you would want actually to do that.
Here’s the thing:
The Beretta is adjustable and has various options available to customize the feel. Most of those customizable options come with the gun from the beginning.
On the Mossberg or the Remington, there’s a significant price difference if you want to be able to change the gun at all. Interchangeable barrels and stocks would cost more if you were to get a shotgun from Mossberg’s Flex series.
All three gun manufacturers claim a long lifespan, but the reality is that Beretta is one of the oldest firearm manufacturers in the world.
Add to that the way that the Beretta A300 can go from left to right-hand gun and you’re golden. The Remington doesn’t convert that way.
The Mossberg 500 has an ambidextrous feel to it, which is great, but it’s not personalized to your fit and feel.
To top it off, the Beretta A300 is available in what you could call an upgrade: the A400. According to Gunivore, the A400 is a premium edition of the same style as the A300. The differences lie in the features.
They both have self-cleaning pistons, Beretta engineered, and are both excellent for waterfowl hunting or clay shooting. In the author’s expert opinion, the A300 may even be better than its upgrade.
Real Reviews from Real People
Phil Bourjaily with Field & Stream had nothing but words of praise for the Beretta A300. He said he wished he bought two because they’re affordable, reliable, and great to teach new shooters.
Gun Mart loves the Outlander as a favorite semi-automatic with everything a customer could ask for.
You’ll find some other positive commentary over at Duck Hunting Chat. One person, in particular, Cajun1, left a review stating his son owns a Beretta A300 and has never had a problem with it. He goes on to praise its reliability and durability as well.
What We Think About the Beretta A300
The bottom line for us is that the Beretta A300 is a substantial investment. It is reliable and durable shotgun that won’t give you any issues. We also love that it is adjustable and will grow with its owner. That means it should last you a lifetime if you maintain it properly.
It may be simple in design, but every ounce of design it does have has purpose and practicality in mind. This is the gun that you can go hunting with or engage in a clay shooting competition with a real chance to win.
What do you think of the Beretta A300? Do you own one? Tell us what you think about it in the comments!
Featured image: CC4 by Resort Archery Beretta via Wikimedia
