A300 Ultima Feedback

[sndmn11]

Does anyone have field experience with an A300 Ultima? I didn't realize the 20ga version was under 7lbs, and it caught my eye. Especially the 24" "turkey" model seems like it would be handy for blue grouse.

I do have a 20ga/26" Affinty that I got recently, and it is fine, but we are looking to add one more shotgun to the family.

 

[go4thegusto]

I am running a 20 and the 12 turkey for upland. Best, most reliable, shotgun available IMO. Second only to V3 in soft shooting.

 

[sndmn11]

I am running a 20 and the 12 turkey for upland. Best, most reliable, shotgun available IMO. Second only to V3 in soft shooting.

I can't find great, or even good, info on the turkey model.

-I assume the rail comes off.
-Do they come with shims for drop/cast?
-Does the turkey model include other chokes?
-I saw one short video of a Beretta guy saying the turkey model was ported/gassed for heavy recoil loads (i.e. turkey); do you know if that's true? If it is, does yours cycle light loads like id use for clays?

 

[go4thegusto]

I can't find great, or even good, info on the turkey model.

-I assume the rail comes off.
-Do they come with shims for drop/cast?
-Does the turkey model include other chokes?
-I saw one short video of a Beretta guy saying the turkey model was ported/gassed for heavy recoil loads (i.e. turkey); do you know if that's true? If it is, does yours cycle light loads like id use for clays?

Yes rail comes off. I have mine configured as a standard upland gun. All chokes included as well as all shims (I am a lefty so this is a nice feature).
Interesting about gas system. I need to try light loads so not sure. I am sure that is adaptable easily.

 

[sndmn11]

Up

 

[RWT]

A buddy just picked up the Ultima and we shot it this weekend. Although not the turkey model. 12g and we ran everything through it from 2/34 9 shot dove loads to 3” #4’s. No issue cycling with any of them. Pulled it out of the box, wiped down, assembled and shot. It is now on my list to acquire. My benelli m2 will be up for sale shortly. The A300 has half the felt recoil and better controls. The A300 doesn’t bite your finger while loading and came with 5 chokes, shims and LOP adjustment piece. Worth it IMO.

 

[sndmn11]

A buddy just picked up the Ultima and we shot it this weekend. Although not the turkey model. 12g and we ran everything through it from 2/34 9 shot dove loads to 3” #4’s. No issue cycling with any of them. Pulled it out of the box, wiped down, assembled and shot. It is now on my list to acquire. My benelli m2 will be up for sale shortly. The A300 has half the felt recoil and better controls. The A300 doesn’t bite your finger while loading and came with 5 chokes, shims and LOP adjustment piece. Worth it IMO.

Rad, I missed out on the turkey model sale, but palmetto still has the 28" models on sale and sportsman's matched the price on both it and the turkey one.

 

[Macintosh]

Up/old thread. Looking at a 3” capable plastic stocked shotgun for waterfowl. Local shop has several a300’s and pushed me toward this, because I didnt want to spend $1800 on what everyone considers the “go-to” options (sbe, a400, etc) if Im not getting a legitimately better or more reliable platform. Online found some cycling horror stories with the a300, but without any context. Interested in feedback on how they cycle both target loads and waterfowl/turkey loads (1oz? On limited to 1 1/8? Adjustment required between light and heavy? Etc), as well as any reliability issues in very cold wx around water, and also interested in feedback on the kick-off stock especially for a long LOP. These felt short and I wasnt sure how/if its easy or possible to lengthen. Im skeptical that Id like the kickoff feature even if it does what its supposed to.
All feedback welcome.

(Edited for clarity)

 

[sndmn11]

@Macintosh they are $1800?

 

[Macintosh]

Local shop has a300 for 800 or so. It’s the sbe, a400, etc which are sold as the “buy once cry once you’ll end up here eventually” option that are 1800. Im not sure I want to spend 1800 unless its necessary to get what I want, so looking at the 800ish options—a300, affinity, etc. ive been an O/U and wood stock guy forever so I dont have a lot of experience with the newer autos. Since this would be a gun to drag thru the marsh and routinely get slathered in mud, etc, reliability would be a primary concern. Im also a stickler for gun fit so a shim system and ability to lengthen lop will be a critical feature.

Id buy used as well, I just live in a small town so very limited local options.

 

[sndmn11]

Local shop has a300 for 800 or so. It’s the sbe, a400, etc which are sold as the “buy once cry once you’ll end up here eventually” option that are 1800. Im not sure I want to spend 1800, so looking at the 800ish options—a300, affinity, etc.

Id buy used as well, I just live in a small town so very limited local options.

That makes more sense! I take 20ga 870, cynergy, and affinity, and switch every walk. The nostalgia of the 870 being my first gun and the cynergy being classic, are losing out to the affinity.

I do wish I would have jumped on an a300, but never did.