The best recoil and muzzle rise reduction system
KICK-OFF® is Beretta’s proprietary recoil reduction system for semi-automatic and over-and-under shotguns. Designed for hunters and shooters who refuse to compromise on comfort, stability, and control, KICK-OFF® significantly reduces felt recoil, ensuring a smoother, more controlled shooting experience with any load and in any hunting or shooting environment.
40% TO 70% RECOIL REDUCTION
KICK-OFF® leverages hydraulic damping and shock-absorption technologies derived from the automotive and aerospace industries to deliver an effective recoil reduction, starting from 40% up to 70%, depending on the specific KICK-OFF® level. Less kick, no bruises, and a pleasant shooting experience in every condition.
STEADY CONTROL
Integrated features such as the B-Steady® (with split comb and pistol grip) work seamlessly with KICK-OFF® systems ensure exceptionally firm cheek-to-stock consistency, minimizing unwanted cheek movement under recoil and providing outstanding control, stability, and sight alignment shot after shot.
ALL-DAY COMFORT
Effective recoil reduction systems like KICK-OFF® are made possible by Beretta operating systems such as the B-LINK®, featured on semi-automatic shotguns and designed to cycle independently of recoil. Together, these technologies deliver lasting comfort, reduced fatigue, and consistent stability throughout an entire day of hunting or shooting.
INTEGRATED RECOIL PAD SYSTEM
Beretta recoil pads are engineered to reduce felt recoil and distribute energy evenly across the shoulder, working in synergy with the KICK-OFF® systems to deliver outstanding comfort, control, and shooting performance.
From the elegant and highly adaptable Microcore®, made from open-cell polyurethane that expands gradually after firing to increase its contact surface with the shoulder for enhanced stability and precision; to the Extralight®, 30% lighter and specifically developed to provide reduced weight, greater abrasion resistance, and superior protection against chemical and atmospheric agents; to the B-UFFER, designed exclusively for the Beretta AX800 Suprema and A400 Solo, combining an aggressive look with exceptional resistance to weather, wear, and rough handling.
TESTED FOR ANY LOAD
Beretta R&D Team conducts extensive testing to verify the effective recoil absorption of all KICK-OFF® systems. Advanced testing methods include a mechanical shoulder integrated with dedicated software for consistent and objective performance analysis, pressure sensors and load cells mounted on the shooter’s shoulder, and optical markers positioned on the comb and pistol grip to measure stability and verify the cheek support provided by the B-Steady® system.
A wide range of ammunition types and loads, from 36 to 52 grams, is used throughout the testing process to ensure reliable recoil reduction performance across virtually any load and shooting condition.
B-STEADY® SYSTEM
KICK-OFF® frequently comes with the B-Steady® system, that divides the stock into two sections: comb and pistol.
The point of absorption of the recoil is in an advanced position, integral with the pistol, which is free to move back, leaving the stock stable and avoiding the annoying sliding of the nose piece on the cheek.
The face remains firm and perfectly steady on the stock, without ever losing the line of sight.
THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOOTING EXPERIENCE
By combining KICK-OFF® recoil-reduction technology, the recoil-independent B-LINK® operating system, and the smooth ballistics of Steelium® barrels with optimized forcing cone geometry, Beretta semi-automatic shotguns are engineered to deliver class-leading recoil management and minimal muzzle rise.
This minimizes unwanted movement and discomfort on the shoulder and cheek, allowing shooters to maintain full control of the firearm, stay on target, and quickly reacquire the sight picture for fast and accurate follow-up shots.
In the Beretta AX800 Suprema series, the lightweight polymer receiver further enhances comfort by absorbing recoil energy and dampening vibrations.
Compare the different KICK-OFF® systems
| Feature |
Kick-Off®
Beretta recoil reduction system
|
Kick-Off® Plus
Superior control and line-of-sight stability
|
Kick-Off® Mega
Recoil reduction for heavy super magnum loads
|
Kick-Off® Pro
Maximum recoil reduction and advanced fitting
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil reduction | -60% | -40% | -70% | -70% |
| Comb stability | No additional comb stability device | B-Steady® System: separation of comb and pistol grip for superior steadiness on the line of sight and during follow-up shots | B-Steady® System: separation of comb and pistol grip for superior steadiness on the line of sight and during follow-up shots | B-Steady® System: separation of comb and pistol grip for superior steadiness on the line of sight and during follow-up shots |
| Stock fitting system |
- Standard Beretta A400 2-shim system for cast and drop - Beretta standard spacers for LOP |
- Standard Beretta A400 2-shim system for cast and drop - Beretta standard spacers for LOP |
- Standard Beretta A400 2-shim system for cast and drop - Beretta standard spacers for LOP |
- Easier drop/cast adjustment accessible by removing the recoil pad with a system of 4 inserts - Beretta standard spacers for LOP - Adjustable cheek rest and interchangeable pistol grip |
| Suitable for | Lighter and magnum loads | Lighter and magnum loads | Designed for heavy super magnum loads | Designed for heavy super magnum loads |
| Available on |
A300 Ultima A400 Xplor Action |
A400 Solo A400 Upland Ultraleggero A400 Xcel 1301 Comp Pro |
A400 Xtreme Plus | AX800 Suprema |
KICK-OFF® PRO: -70% RECOIL WITH EASIER FIT
Two hydraulic dampers: the first, housed in the stock, mitigates the initial recoil peak generated by the shot, while the second, positioned near the bolt, absorbs the secondary recoil peak caused by the bolt’s rearward movement during the reloading phase. This system also allows adjustment of drop and cast by replacing the KICK-OFF® system insert (bushing), the cheek rest (available in various sizes), and the pistol grip (available in two angles), making it easy to adapt the shotgun to the needs of any shooter.
KICK-OFF® MEGA: -70% RECOIL
Two hydraulic shock absorbers, positioned close to the rubber insert, together with return springs, effectively act on the first recoil peak. A third hydraulic shock absorber, inserted in the tie rod, acts on the second recoil peak caused by the impact of the slide against the receiver, further reducing the muzzle rise effect and the vibrations caused by the movement of the slide.
KICK-OFF® PLUS: -40% RECOIL
Two elastomer shock absorbers, positioned close to the rubber insert and equipped with return springs, effectively act on the first recoil peak. A third elastomer shock absorber, inserted in the tie rod, absorbs the impact of the slide against the receiver, reducing the second recoil peak, the muzzle rise effect and the vibrations caused by the movement of the slide.
KICK-OFF®: -60% RECOIL
Two shock absorbers inserted close to the butt plate, completed by return springs, effectively act on the first recoil peak. A third elastomer shock absorber, inserted in the tie rod, acts on the second recoil peak caused by the impact of the slide against the receiver, further reducing the muzzle rise effect and the vibrations caused by the movement of the slide.
Beretta KICK-OFF® project started in 2005 taking inspiration from hydraulic shock absorbing solutions of automotive and aerospace industries. Watch the video and discover the development process that led to this exclusive technology.
Discover KICK-OFF® PRO, the ultimate recoil reduction system developed for the Beretta AX800 Suprema, combining a 70% recoil reduction with an innovative stock fit adjustment solution.