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A400 20ga won't cycle

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vtofa

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My A400 explor action 20ga will not cycle standard factory 7/8 oz 1200 fps loads. Even after over 2,000 rounds it still won't function properly.
Any ideas? Should the second gas port be drilled out? For some reason Beretta did not drill it, and that seems to be the standard for this gun.
 
#3 ·
Slow down and forget the drill idea. I have 2 of these 20 ga A400 guns that work very well with quality ammo. I have also seen a friend have problems related to ammo brand and cleaning/lube issues. There will be some other owners along here soon with ideas. One gas port is correct for you Beretta.
 
#6 ·
i know how to fix this. I have the same gun and had the same problem. In total I have seen 5 guns with the same issue, all have been fixed with the following method. Beretta did a poor job drilling the first gas hole, it is roughly machined. All you have to do is to clean up this port. Find a drill bit that is the exact same size as the existing hole and use it to clean it up. Only the tiniest amount of metal should be removed, basically a few metal flakes.

I did this on mine and it now shoots everything, even junky Winchester Universals from Walmart. Then I helped a friend with the exact same problem, and it worked too. Then I've shared it on a couple of forums of people complaining about the same thing. All successful.

good luck!
 
#8 ·
Bought the A400 excel in .28 and right of the box consistently jammed. Sent back to Beretta and they removed small amount of wood from the fore end and sent it back. Cycled for 6 shots and jams constantly. I really feel like it is shell lifter issue. Anyone know how to very correct operation ?
 
#9 ·
I bought a a400 20 gauge jammed with whatever I tried to run thru it even 1oz shells Sent it to Coles ( they do factory warranty work on Berettas) got in back in 2 weeks and it works great now. Beretta paid for the work and paid to have it shipped back. IMO they are the place to work on your Beretta.
 
#10 ·
It seemed like maybe barrel chrome got in the gas port of mine. I could insert a drill bit into the hole, (it was even a little loose) but it stopped and would not go through into the barrel. It does now. The gun shoots any 7/8 oz load. Coles might be a good choice, if you don't want to do it yourself.
btw, the 20 ga guns I've seen do not have the pressure relief spring arrangement on the barrel cylinder like the 12 ga guns have.
 
#12 ·
hmb said:
Sounds like a good idea. HMB
Click to expand...
This is TERRIBLE advise.

DO NOT attempt to drill out the gas ports on that barrel.

The A400 series designed for 2 3/4" loads comes with what looks like 2 gas port holes (located inside the barrel lug). ONLY ONE OF THESE IS FUNCTIONAL AND THE OTHER IS PLUGGED INTENTIONALLY.

There is something wrong with your gun, but as I said, it's not the fact that only one of the gas ports is open.

My advise is to send it to Cole Gunsmithing along with a letter of explanation on why you sent it in for repair. They are the "Beretta" people.
 
#14 ·
Claypoppy is right! Only one hole is functional for a 20 and 28ga A400. Never an issue shooting 7/8's 1200 fps loads.
Make sure gas port is completely open by using drill bit periodically followed with pipe cleaner and solvent. BTW, don't put any oil on the gas piston.
 
#16 · (Edited)
See I told you.
Never put oil on anything on any gas operated automatic that is located on or near the magazine tube.
As I will say again NEVER!
Use a drill bit in your hand to make sure that the gas port or ports are clean as well as opened completely.
As another thing is automatic guns just need the hell shot out of them for a bit.
Don't worry!
Don't be concerned!
Don't send gun anywhere until you tried these things.
Hmm!
TRY It!
 
#17 ·
I bought one for my son and have cleaned it, lubed it - it cycles 50% of the time with 1250 7/8 20 gauge target loads ... kinda sucks. Shot about 1000 rounds still about 50%. Ejects shells 70% of the time, mostly it just doesnt lock back or pick up second shell.
 
#18 ·
Had same issue and gas port was not drilled all the way. Cleaned it out rest of the way and have no issues. Actually went slightly larger because I do not hunt with it and only shoot target shells. This will guarantee reliable cycling.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Ok so my wife has the same gun and was and to some extent still having the same issue. I asked her to hand me the owners manual after the first time out to the range with it to see if maybe I could find an issue with the assembly, a part etc and I came across a paragraph that read a break in period is required using up to 250 heavy field loads so off to the range I went with a few boxes of Kent 3" Faststeel 7/8oz @1550 fps waterfowl loads. Those things have some awful SNAP to them. That little gun is lively with them but they hammer geese with authority.
15 rounds in I decide to try some target loads. The gun was cycling every brand and type of target loads available except Winchester Super Targets with a published 7/8oz 1200 fps rating and is still the same to this day 4 years and about 3 flats of 3" hunting loads and 5 or 6 flats of target loads through it. They just don't have what it takes to cycle that gun even though they work flawlessly in my SX3 20ga.
I'd recommend you check the gas piston too and pick up a spare. My wifes gun quit cycling this season mid-hunt and when I pulled it apart disvovered the rings on the gas piston had split. Just a little over 2000 rounds fired. From what I can tell based on availability to replace(they sell out fast) it must be a common failing. I have two replacements on the way.
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