Fabarm O/U's?

B

bradu

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Anyone own a Fabarms O/U (or have shot one)? Just looking for opinions.

I went and looked at a couple today and they seem quite solid/well built and the price is reasonable. Money no object, I'd probably go for Beretta 686 E sporting (but of course money is always an object).

I've only been able to find a few reviews/write ups on the internet, but all have been very positive.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcomed :)

Cheers,
Brad

www.sportinggun.co.uk/guns/447994/Fabarm_Elos_shotgun_review.htmlutm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sportingguncouk%2Ffeeds%2Fguns+%28Sporting+Gun+-+Gun+Reviews%29

www.gunmart.net/gun_review/fabarm_stl_vs_sporter/

www.gunmart.net/gun_review/fabarm_axis_exis_sporter/?utm_source=gun_reviews&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=rl
 
Fabarm's

On the long term, the Beretta will likely hold its value better than the Fabarm.

Not sure what a Fabarm is selling for but noticed that Prophet River (click link at top of page) has a 686E Sporting for $1999. Also great service from Prophet River.

If you havent done so, check Cdn Tire at Macloed and Southland. When I bought my last gun, the 10 minute drive from Wholesale Sports to CT saved me $400 plus the GST for the identical item. You have to check though because not all items at CT are lower priced.

My two sons & I all shoot 686ES guns. Not fancy but you get the same action as the higher priced models.
 
Salter,

I hear you on the value thing for sure and had also seen the (very good) price at Prophet. And as luck would have it I was at that Canadian tire yesterday looking for the pink shotgun shells (they were sold out). While I was there I looked at what they had on the rack. They had a few nice guns but the prices weren't great.

hr,

The STL is a nice gun but I was thinking more along the lines of an ELOS sporter with 30" barrels and an adjustable stock. Should work well as a first/all around gun. That said, resale value on the Fabarms suck (though I'm not likely to be selling it anytime soon). One big reason I'm considering the ELOS is the relatively low cost for a decent quality O/U. It lists at $1499 locally at TSE and they are having their annual easter/gun show sale this weekend so I might be able to pick one up at a really great price. The reviews from across the pond on the Elos (and all the Fabarms O/U's for that matter) have all been very favorable as well.

I'm still on the fence so far. The Prophet 686e Sporter price has me second guessing for sure. I'm thinking at this point it'll all boil down to how good a deal I can get on the Elos, if I can get into one for 25-30% off list, I might just jump on it. If not, I may just bide my time and snag the Beretta when I have a bit more cash.
 
Fabarm Alpha

I have been shooting a Fabarm Alpha for seven years. Its my go to bird gun and also use it for the occasional round of sporting clays. Never had any issues and enjoy it every time I use it.
The Elos is the replacement for the Alpha I believe.
Kind of thinking of picking up one of the Axis 20s. Just waiting to see what the sale brings.
Resale value means nothing to me as i have no intentions of ever selling this gun.
 
While I can't comment on a fab after 12 years... There are a lot of ole berets on here, so u know they will last...

But I am really happy w the fit and finish of the fabs, and I have not had any problems w my fab.

There is a minty 12g Axis for sale in the EE maybe worth u checking out...
 
Had never seen/heard of the Alpha but I just googled it, very nice gun.

There is an Axis in the EE, 32" though so maybe not a great field gun. I'd consider it myself but the 32's aren't my first choice and I was wanting an adjustable stock too.
 
Actually picked up an Elos C Sporting today at The shooting Edge's annual sale.

Nice gun, good deal. 30" Barrels, 4 chokes, adjustable comb, adjustable trigger, and even came with a pretty decent plastic case.

Thinking I might have to go back tomorrow to see if they have a kick-eez pad that'll fit. Also, picked up a box of shells for $59 while I was at it :).

Unfortunately I tweaked my back this morning or I'd have taken her out to Aheia/Calgary Firearms Centre this afternoon for a test drive.

Instead I went down to the gun show, which was ok, not great, but ok. Though I did come across another shotgun brand I'd never seen or heard of before called "FAIR". They had a couple of very nice O/U's and at fairly reasonable prices (I found my next gun already, lol).
 
I don't know anything about the Fabarm, but most gun reviews that you read are suspect, they seldom find any fault and if there is a fault, they don't mention it. Gun mags. are the worst for it because they are sponsor's guns and rarely will they say anything negative. You will prolly get a better review on a site like this if the reviewer is impartial, and not all are!
 
Fabarm is the best kept secret on the market and perhaps the best value -- Not many folks realize this but all the actions & barrels for Ceasar Guerini 12 & 20ga guns are made by Fabarm --most parts are interchangeable.
I own three Fabarms with another on order.
 
Grouser, I actually knew about the Ceasar Guerini connection through my research before making the decision to go ahead (I'm kind of a research junkie when it comes to making purchase decisions). You're are yet another source of positive info, much appreciated!

As much as some reviewers/magazines can be somewhat biased I have yet to find even one source of negative feedback on the Fabarms guns anywhere. Apparently they are much more common in the UK/Europe and well regarded there. I'm quite happy with my purchase.

If the weather cooperates I hope to get out and test drive it this week.
 
In fact Guerini liked Fabarms work enough to buy an equity stake earlier this year.

caesarguerini.it/eng/News/Caesar-Guerini-Srl-takes-an-equity-stake-in-FABARM-S.p.A

10 January 2011
Brescia
CAESAR GUERINI today announced that it takes equity stake in FABARM S.p.A. creating the second largest shotgun manufacturing group in Italy.
The integration of the two companies will capitalize on the multiple synergies between the two companies: Joint projects in Research & development, global purchasing and supply chain management, to strengthen its position by improving its competitiveness.
The solid financial structure will enable the group to continue its large investment program made during the years 2000-2010 ( investment of 9,6 % of turn-over per year ).
The commercial policy of this entity is driven by innovation, increasing the in-house creativity, promoting the image and quality of the products and position them for a segment that wants to be sure of “100 % Italian made”, with the desire to allow both brands to maintain their unique personalities while pursuing growth through the enhanced capabilities of the new group.
About Caesar Guerini:
Caesar Guerini Srl is a worldwide leader in fine firearm manufacturing with multiple awards for product excellence.
Specializing in over-and-under shotguns for the sportsman and competitive shooter.
About Fabarm:
FABARM is a company with a sales organization which cover more than 50 countries. Recognized for their value and their innovative design, the products are based on innovative features and design, covering most of the market segments, from the civilian to the Law enforcement. “This decision shows our commitment to the continued growth of Caesar Guerini into new markets, and will be an important catalyst to rapid expansion of our manufacturing base,” said Giorgio Guerini, President of Caesar Guerini Srl.
Our team is excited by the bright future this new manufacturing group represents” said Ottavio Olini, President of Fabarm S.p.A.
 
Nice guns and much influenced by Wes Lang in the US, the CG. Unfortunately, FABARM is not that much in the EURO market. I have yet to see one at any Euro or World FITASC shoot! It is a low end piece. The auto sucks big time! It is a way for CG to acquire a lower end market as the Beretta Group does with Stoeger. It is no way a competitor to the two Bs!

Sorry to rain on your parade, but this is the way the world turns!

Regards,
Henry:cool:
 
Can't say I'm familiar with Fabarms auto's at all.

I'd have to disagree that they aren't competition for entry level guns from the two B's (and at 50-60% of their cost they represent a good value for the money).

That said, they are certainly not a high end gun at all and I'd be very surprised to see one in serious competitive circles.

In any case it doesn't really matter. For now, as a starter gun, I'm happy. I'm sure for the next few years it will serve me well. Should I decide to get more serious and start shoot competitively, a higher end piece will be on the menu for sure. :cheers:
 
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