22-Oct-2026
Fabarm is an Italian maker with a loyal following in the UK, and a range that confuses newcomers. Its names do not tell you what type of gun you are looking at. The L4S and the XLR5 are gas-operated semi-autos, while the Axis and the Elos are over-and-unders. Searching for “Fabarm shotgun models” or “Fabarm UK” is a common starting point, and this guide gives you a clear map.
We keep to general guidance rather than quoting prices or detailed specifications, because both change with the model year, the variant, and the condition of the gun. Check the individual listing, and ask the seller to confirm the exact model.
Autoloaders and over-and-unders: The first split
The most useful thing to know is the type of action. The L4S and XLR5 are semi-automatic shotguns, the sort of gun you choose for quick follow-up shots, rough shooting, pigeon and vermin control, or sporting clays. The Axis and the Elos are over-and-under shotguns, the traditional choice for clay shooting and driven game, with two barrels, a break-action and a more classical look.
Fabarm also offers other lines, including side-by-sides and older semi-autos, and the second-hand market has plenty of examples. If you are starting from scratch, decide first whether you want a semi-auto or an over-and-under. Our guide to best side-by-side shotguns by budget helps with the traditional split, and our best semi-automatic shotguns by budget covers autoloaders in general.
Browse: Fabarm shotguns · Fabarm L4S · Fabarm XLR · Fabarm Axis · Fabarm Elos
The L4S and XLR5: Fabarm’s semi-autos
The XLR5 is the one that has drawn the most attention, and reviewers have praised it for cycling a wide range of cartridges without fuss and for handling that feels quick for a semi-auto. It has been offered in left-hand versions as well, which is an important point for left-handed shooters, who are often poorly served by autoloaders. The L4S is the newer design, presented as a more modern take on the semi-auto, with variations for sporting, hunting and other uses.
Both are used for a mix of clay shooting, pigeon, and rough shooting. If you value speed and reliability above a traditional look, they deserve a place on your shortlist. As always, specifics vary by version, so read the description and ask questions.
Browse: Fabarm XLR semi-autos · Fabarm L4S · Benelli M2 · Beretta A400 · Winchester SX4
The Axis and the Elos: Fabarm’s over-and-unders
The Axis is the field-oriented over-and-under, and reviewers have noted some clever design features on the Axis Elite. The Elos range is Fabarm’s broader over-and-under family, with models for sporting, game and smaller-gauge use, including .410 guns. You will find a lot of Elos listings, particularly in 12 bore.
If you shoot clays, game or both, an over-and-under gives you the classic sporting experience with two barrels, two chokes and a straightforward mechanism. Many UK shooters prefer them for the way they handle and for how easy they are to clear and make safe. Compare Fabarm O/Us with other makers in our best over-and-under shotguns by budget.
Browse: Fabarm Axis O/U · Fabarm Elos · Fabarm Gamma · Miroku shotguns · Caesar Guerini
How do they compare with the competition?
Fabarm competes with the big names in both categories. In semi-autos, the usual rivals are Beretta, Benelli, Browning, and Winchester. In over-and-unders, buyers also look at Browning, Miroku, Beretta, Zoli and ATA. Fabarm’s appeal is that it gives you a distinctive alternative with a strong reputation for build and finish, sometimes at a more accessible position than a headline brand.
Do not choose purely on badge. The best gun is the one that fits you, suits the shooting you actually do, and is in good condition. Our Fabarm buyer’s guide goes through the brand’s history and range in more detail.
Browse: Fabarm shotguns · Browning shotguns · Beretta shotguns · Zoli shotguns · ATA shotguns
Which Fabarm suits which shooter?
Start with what you shoot. A sporting clay shooter who wants quick handling and low fuss might look at a semi-auto such as the L4S or XLR5, while a driven-game or skeet shooter who likes the traditional feel of two barrels may be happier with an Elos or an Axis. Rough shooters and pigeon men often prefer autoloaders for the follow-up shot, and anyone who values a gun that is quick to unload and make safe in a crowded peg line tends to lean towards an over-and-under.
Budget matters too. Fabarm sits in a sensible middle ground, and the second-hand market can offer good value if you are patient. Ask each seller about the gauge, the chamber length, the choke tubes, and the cartridges the gun has been fired with, and try to handle the gun before you commit. Fit is personal; a gun that feels right in the shoulder will always out-shoot one that does not. If a gun needs the stock altering to suit you, talk to a qualified gunsmith before you buy and factor that into your decision.
Browse: Fabarm shotguns · Fabarm Elos · Fabarm L4S · Fabarm Axis · All shotguns
What to check on a second-hand Fabarm
For a semi-auto, ask how the gun has been cleaned and which cartridges it has fed on, then check the action cycles smoothly. Look at the gas parts and the magazine, and make sure the choke tubes are present and fit cleanly. For an over-and-under, check the barrels sit tight to the action, the ejectors work, the single trigger fires both barrels, and the stock is free of cracks.
Whatever the type, inspect the bores for pitting or dents, confirm the chamber length suits the cartridges you plan to shoot, and ask for the service history. Our guide to chamber and cartridge length is worth a read before you buy.
Browse: Fabarm L4S · Fabarm Elos · Fabarm Axis · Fabarm XLR · All shotguns
FAQ
Is the Fabarm XLR5 a semi-auto or an over-and-under? It is a gas-operated semi-automatic. The Axis and Elos are the over-and-unders.
What is the difference between the Fabarm L4S and XLR5? Both are semi-autos. The L4S is the newer design, while the XLR5 has a long track record. Check the specification of each gun.
Does Fabarm make left-handed guns? Left-hand versions of some models have been offered, so ask the seller or dealer.
Are Fabarm shotguns good value second-hand? They have a strong reputation, and a well-kept gun can be a sensible buy. Condition and fit are what matter.
Find your Fabarm on Rightgun.uk
Whether you are drawn to a semi-auto or an over-and-under, you can browse Fabarm shotguns from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk. Start with Fabarm shotguns, compare what is available, and contact sellers directly. If you have a Fabarm to sell, listing it takes minutes and puts it in front of UK shooters who are searching right now.
Further reading: Fabarm shotguns UK buyer’s guide, Best semi-automatic shotguns by budget, Best over-and-under shotguns by budget, Best side-by-side shotguns by budget, and Beretta 694 vs 692 vs DT11.
