Beretta A400 vs Winchester SX4: Which is better?

The Beretta A400 and Winchester SX4 are both great shotguns for waterfowl, which makes choosing between the two extremely difficult. In this guide we’ll compare the A400 vs SX4 in a head-to-head matchup making the choice much easier.

The Winchester SX4 is cheaper than the Beretta A400 making it the budget option. The kickoff on the A400 is superior to the SX4. If you like lighter shotguns that point and swing fast, the Winchester SX4 is the clear pick.

These are just a few of the differences between the A400 and SX4. Below we discuss it in more detail.

Winchester SX4

Winchester’s latest autoloading shotgun is none other than the Super X4 (SX4). Available in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge, the SX4 is designed for speed, both in cycling and in swing. 12 gauge models of the SX4 can cycle 2 ¾ inch shells up to 3 ½ inch.

There are over 20 different models of the SX4 making it highly customizable to most hunting situations. The SX4 utilizes the invector plus choke tube system and has improved designs for an easier to use bolt handle, safety, and trigger group mechanism.

Beretta A400

The Beretta A400 is a semiautomatic shotgun capable of cycling 2 ¾ inch shells up to 3 ½ inch. It’s available in 2 models, the Xtreme and Xtreme Plus, with around 13 different styles to choose from.

The A400 features a recoil reducing kick off system and vent rib for better sight plane. It’s available in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge models with barrel lengths ranging from 26 inches up to 30 inches.

Differences between the SX4 and A400

The key differences between the Winchester SX4 and Beretta A400 are price, weight, bead style, and handling.

Price. For starters, the price difference between the two is large when comparing similar models. The SX4 Universal Hunter in Mossy Oak camo retails for $1149. The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Max 5 retails for $1899. This a pretty hefty price difference and if you’re on a budget, the SX4 is the clear winner.

Weight. The Winchester SX4 is lighter than the A400. The SX4 weighs 6.25 pounds while the A400 weighs 6.625 pounds. While this doesn’t appear to be much, when loaded, it’s apparent that the Winchester feels considerably lighter and swings faster. The smoothness of swing is apparent with the A400 due to the added weight.

Bead Style. The bead styles on the SX4 and A400 are another difference you need to be aware of. The A400 feature both a mid bead and front bead. If you like mid beads, the A400 is the clear choice. The Winchester SX4 does have a fiber optic front sight that works well in low light conditions.

Handling. The handling of these two shotguns differ so you’ll also want to take this into consideration. The SX4 is a lighter gun, thus it both points and swings considerably faster. This is good for certain situations, but heavier guns like the Beretta A400 have smooth swings due to the weight and if your use to heavy guns, it will be similar to what you already shoot.

Recoil. The Beretta A400 kick off system makes the recoil absorption superior to that of the SX4. While the SX4 does have a recoil system itself, the light overall design increases the recoil over that of the A400. If recoil is a big deal for you, then the Beretta A400 is the best choice.

Similarities Between the SX4 and A400

Both of these shotguns have some of the same technology and features that you would expect from the latest shotguns from Winchester and Beretta. They both have extended charging handles for easy of use which comes in handy while wearing gloves and the bolt release buttons are oversized as well.

Both feature extended vent ribs for added barrel protection and better sight visuals. Kickoff systems are installed in the stocks for both, but the A400 seems to do a better job with recoil reduction. Both shotguns cycle 2 ¾ inch, 3 inch, and 3 ½ inch shotgun shells quickly and reliably.

Why you should pick the Beretta A400

The Beretta A400 is the complete shotgun with the price to match. It features a well thought out design with ergonomics and ease of use in mind. It’s kick off system reduces recoil considerably and the mid sight bead is helpful for precise aiming. The A400 is that legacy shotgun that can be used for decades and handed down.

Why you should choose the Winchester SX4

If you are on a budget, the SX4 is the clear winner in that regard. It can be purchased for $700 less than the Beretta A400 and you would still have a great shotgun that would perform well in most hunting situations. If you’re already coming from other Winchester shotguns such as the SX3, the feel is the same.

The Winchester SX4 is available in over 20 different models and styles that are tailored for just about every use compared to the A400’s 13 models.

Bottom Line

The Winchester SX4 and the Beretta A400 are very similar shotguns in both the features they include and the performance they deliver. Both can handle shell lengths up to 3 ½ inch, are smooth cycling, and have large charging handles and bolt releases.

The big differences are the A400 is priced $700 higher, the SX4 is lighter which points and swings faster, the A400 has a better kick off system that reduces recoil, and the A400 features a mid-bead if you need one.

If you already shoot Beretta or Winchester shotguns, the best bet is to stick with the brand your are comfortable with. Similarity of feel between shotgun brands typically span across models and feel when shotgunning is very important. However, if you’re new to both the A400 and SX4 lineup, decide which features listed above matter the most for you and make your choice. Good luck!