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On
he Beretta A300 Ultima is the latest Beretta gas operated semi-
automatic shotgun to be released, so I was waiting with anticipation
for it to arrive here in Southland after learning I'd been chosen to
provide a Testfire for the autumn Hunting & Fishing New Zealand
catalogue.
The Ultima has been packed with many of the more recent but well proven
Beretta features, and we predict it will fast become the 'no-brainer' gas operated
shotgun of choice in the quality/value price range. The first thing you notice
is the nice balance and how quick pointing it feels in the hands. The weight is
good at 7lb, the rubber pad on the comb is comfortable against the face, and the
Kick-Off recoil reducing system suggests it will be a pleasure to shoot. Other big
improvements on its predecessor (The Outlander) include the oversize charging
handle and the bolt release button. Both features make life easy when operating
on those cold and wintery days with your gloves on. I also noticed it had the
milled-out loading port which allows crisper and quicker loading of the shells,
especially with gloved hands.
Beretta advise it will be supplied in 12 and 20 gauge, in black synthetic, or
as with my testfire model, the latest Max 5 camo pattern. I find Max 5 to be a
"OTHER BIG IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS PREDECESSOR
(THE OUTLANDER) INCLUDE THE OVERSIZE CHARGING
HANDLE AND THE BOLT RELEASE BUTTON. BOTH
FEATURES MAKE LIFE EASY WHEN OPERATING
ON THOSE COLD AND WINTERY DAYS WITH YOUR
GLOVES ON."
BERETTA
500 YEARS. ONE PASSION.
BERETTA A300 ULTIMA
THE ULTIMA
IN VALUE
BY JOHN MANERA
HUNTING & FISHING NZ, INVERCARGILL
TEST
FIRED
bit darker and therefore it will certainly suit those hunters who feel that other
patterns can be a bit too light, especially for hunting out of exposed maimais,
layout blinds or when twilight hunting.
All the great features came together when I actually got out and shot it. It
mounted superbly and is very quick pointing. It shoots everything from light 2
3/4" trap loads through to heavy 3" steel waterfowl or lead field Magnums. While
not as soft as its big brother the A400, the Kick-Off hydraulic dampening system
makes this the softest shooting gun it its class. This and its fast handling will
make it a great 12-month all-rounder for everything from clays, to rabbits, to
ducks and geese. Farmers will love this gun.
Other things I noticed include the large 4mm hi-viz fibre-optic front
sight and the mid-rib bead for consistent target acquisition especially in poor
light. The wide 7x7mm stepped ventilated rib also helps the fast-pointing
performance. The Ultima also features the Beretta Mobile choke system with 3
tubes included.
Back home I found that the disassembly to clean and check the gun over
was a very simple operation. When I compare this with the Remington 1187 and
SKB I've hunted with in the past, this gun is a dream to maintain and this feature
would actually encourage me to maintain it regularly.
In short, the A300 Ultima is a great shotgun choice for the 2023 duck
hunting season - and the months beyond. Priced from $1999 (Black Synthetic) it
is well worth the investment, perfect for those wanting to maximise their spend
with a mix of high quality and value. The Ultima will be available to testfire in
the upcoming Beretta Duck Hunters Clay Target Shoot Circuit which Hunting &
Fishing New Zealand coordinates in the build up to each season. So please come
and give one a crack where you can try before you buy' and compare it to other
guns including Benelli, Stoeger and Franchi. We are confident you won't be
disappointed. Lastly, don't forget the exclusive Beretta 'Win Your Money Back'
promo this autumn. Details are on page 10, but essentially buy your Beretta
semi-auto or Silver Pigeon I shotgun from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand and
you go into regional draws where 6 lucky Beretta gun buyers will win their
money back! (See page 10 for terms and conditions).
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