12G Fabarm Elos B Field
Posted by Sam Chipper on 02 August 2022

One of the latest models to be fitted with this system is the Elos B Field model over and under. It is very much an entry level game gun and first impressions are very positive.
The voluntary phasing out of lead shot is having a dramatic effect on the landscape of gun sales and in turn how your local gun shop is stocking its racks this season.
It was interesting to see the voluntary phasing out of lead shot being discussed on the BBC’s Countryfile program. Now, this is a gun review so I will not make unhelpful political comment other than to point out that compliance to this phasing out of lead shot is now going to be under the spotlight and very much on the agenda by the critics of game shooting.
Back in 2008 an Italian Gunmaker recognized that lead shot was on borrowed time. This Gunmakers was Fabarm, through research Fabarm developed a new internal barrel construction that they called “Tri-bore”
This system is based on tapering the constriction at chamber and choke to allow for the different way steal shot produced pressure in the barrel.
Fabarm are so confident of this systems effect that all Tri-bore barrels are proofed to an “Overtest” proof pressure at the Italian proof house of 1630 bar. Claims are also made that with this system any choke can be used with any type and size of steal shot.
One of the latest models to be fitted with this system is the Elos B Field model over and under. It is very much an entry level game gun and first impressions are very positive. It has a contemporary appearance yet still conforms to what a good game gun should be.
The quality of walnut used in the stock exceeds that of most other guns in this price range and the stock and grip shapes are exceptionally well proportioned. The chequering on the grip and forend has a very traditional diamond shape that looks and feels superb.
The contemporary look of the gun mainly comes from the angular way in which the action has been machined. The black finish used on the barrels and furniture is a nitride satin black that appears to be very robust and durable. As with most Fabarms the action is finished in an unmistakable Titanium grey finish. The engraving pattern is sparse and consists of heavily inked acanthus leaves and scroll on the action sides and model name on underside of action in a contrasting and not unattractive black and orange font.
Mechanically this gun is built on strong, sound and reliable principles. It has a forged steel action and the barrels are mono-bock in construction. The bolt engages the barrel lumps below the standing breach and the ejector are of sprung type. Considering the proof level of this gun nothing appears to have been beefed up to achieve the additional strength.
Externally the barrels have a quality profile with a traditional 6mm vented top rib and solid mid rib.The multi choke system is flush and the tubes are removed smoothly and efficiently with a well-designed choke key.
Although the gun weighs in at just over 7lb it feels considerably heavier due the balance point being forward of the hinge pin. This might not suit everyone but gives the gun a very steady, solid and quality feel.
The overall finish of the gun was without fault and the Elos has a significantly higher quality feel than previous generations of Fabarms.
Field Test
Operationally the gun felt very new and had that unmistakable over tight feel of an out of the box entry level gun of this price. This said the gun still operated in a positive way. The gape was excellent and allowed for easy loading and unloading of unfired cartridges. The safe and barrel selector operated with ease and gave a very definite click in both the fire and safe positions.
The shooting experience was genuinely superb and for any new comer to sport this gun would meet their requirements very well. Target acquisition was done with ease and the lighter nature of the gun combines with a barrel heavy balance meant that you are not going to be punished if you’ve miss read a bird.
At fourteen and five eighths to center the gun fitted me very well. In comparison to other guns in its price range it is a shame not to see an easily interchangeable pad system supplied.
Conclusion
Overall, I would consider the Fabarm Elos is a very sensible choice for an entry lever first gun, its well-made and very easy to shoot. That said and with my gun dealer hat on I would struggle to recommend it over a more mainstream model such as the Beretta Silver Pigeon for Browning B525. My principle concern would always be its residual value in comparison to these mainstream giants of the gun world.
Overall
- Action/Barrels: Well made and superb profiling 18/20
- Handling This is no a Kreigoff but punches well above its price 18/20
- Trigger Overall shape was a joy ascetically, operation was crisp and without fault 18/20
- Stock A little short and would be nice to see a longer pad for the more lofty shot 17/20
- Value Very good quality but could be a pill to take when part exchanging. 17/20
- Overall 70/100
Written for the Shooting Times