FABARM CLASSIC LION GRADE 1
Posted May 25, 2023
Fabarm Classic Lion Grade 1 shotgun is a premier Italian-made shotgun with elegant lines and areas of intricate engraving, available in either side-by-side or over/under configurations. The suggestion is that it is good enough for royalty, made to exacting specifications with immaculate attention to detail. I had the opportunity to field test this fabulous shotgun in both twelve and twenty gauge, in either configuration, with the new Lux Flor grade stock—delightful!
The case in which the shotgun is contained displays an outline of the Lion, the Fabarm symbol, with a gently pebbled tan simulated leather with a quilted inner lining. It opens on a hinge at the top to expose the shotgun within the velvet lined high-quality patterned stock.
Upon inspection, the first thing I noted were the elegant and intricate engraving patterns on the blued receiver. The engravings are extensive and detailed, as if done by a master craftsman, depicting a vast array of animals and foliage, as is also seen on the trigger guard. At the center lies a blooming pattern with a lion’s head, inlaid in gold. All of the engravings are cased in gold, and this combination of metals gives the gun an imperial look.
The two-piece stock is made of European walnut, with an oil-rubbed finish. The buttstock in particular is well proportioned with a Prince of Wales grip moulded into the butt stock in the Lux Flor (‘flowering’) grade which beautifully catches the eye. The checkering pattern is extensive and flawless, and except for the gold-colored Fabarm logo at the head of the cut, the wood grain is emphasized with a hint of dark stain which gives it a slightly aged appearance.
The barrel is dedicated six-grooves, with a modest amount of venting in the top rib, which helps to lessen felt recoil. Both barrels are marked with the Fabarm name and are brightly polished in silver. The bottom rib has a length adjusted to the bore of the gun, with a standard mid bead sight and a higher fiber-optic front sight.
The top opening lever is slightly recessed into the stock and, when the lever is pulled to the left, the barrels swing up for loading, exposing a bright and shiny bore. The gun is fitted with two double-locking lugs – one located on the front of the top rib, and the second at the back of the receiver. The safety is of the traditional tang-type, ensuring perfect and safe gun-handling.
The trigger guard is made from stainless steel and executed in a fine basket-weave checkered pattern with an integral metal release lever. The trigger is two stage adjustable, with a smooth-actioned highly visible blade.
The ejectors, as in any quality firearm, are timed perfectly and reliably extract the spent rounds. The interior of the chambers are chrome plated, making cleaning easier and lengthening the life of the firearms.
These shotguns are fully capable and ready to handle heavy loads and the recoil is relatively mild because of the sturdy stock design and the light weight. To me, the Fabarm feels like an all-round gun; capable, reliable, and very accurate over a wide range of shooting distances.
Overall, the Fabarm Classic Lion Grade 1 is a shotgun of exceptional quality and a classic example of Italian gun making excellence. It has all the features of a premium shotgun, exquisite aesthetics, royalty fitment and engineering, and elegant craftsmanship. It fits the hands just right, operates impeccably, and with the Lux Flor grade stock is utterly gorgeous. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fine shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Features an elegant, classic design.
• Comes with a chrome-plated barrel and receiver.
• Barrels are made of premium-grade steel.
• Chambered in 12 and 20 gauge, as well as 410 bore.
• Standard-length barrel length for improved maneuverability and accuracy.
• Matte finish reduces glare when shooting.
• Polymer-cased recoil pad reduces felt recoil.
• Includes a variety of chokes for improved accuracy.
Cons:
• Some models are on the heavier side and may be difficult to handle for smaller-frame shooters.
• Not compatible with 3 ½ inch shells.
• Polymer-cased recoil pad may not reduce the felt recoil as much as some prefer.
Who Should Buy
FABARM CLASSIC LION GRADE 1 can be an excellent purchase for those who are serious about shooting. This firearm is designed to provide superior accuracy, accuracy that is generally only achieved through custom modifications. For shooters who take their practice seriously, this semi-automatic rifle is an ideal choice.
On the other hand, those who simply want to target shoot for fun, or simply own a gun for home defense, may not see the benefit of investing in a high-quality and expensive firearm.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|
| FABARM CLASSIC LION GRADE 1 | 12-Gauge | 30" |
| Browning Citori 725 Feather | 12-Gauge | 30" |
| Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon | 12-Gauge | 28" |
| Mossberg Silver Reserve II | 12-Gauge | 28" |
| Remington 870 Wingmaster Lite | 20-Gauge | 28" |
Features / Specs
• 12 Gauge Over & Under Shotgun
• 28” Barrels
• Polished Black Chrome Finish
• 3” Chamber
• 14 1/2” Length of Pull
• Average Weight of 8lbs.
• 5 Extended Mid-Range Choke Tubes
• Single-selective Trigger
• Auto Ejectors
• Wide Checkered Walnut Stock
• Schnabel Fore-end
• Logo Engraved on Receiver
• Includes Hard Case
Popular Accessories
Most people who own a Fabarm Classic Lion Grade 1 use the following accessories:
- Trigger Lock - This is an important accessory to ensure your shotgun is secure and not misused.
- Recoil Pad- A recoil pad is used to reduce the force of the kickback when firing the shotgun.
- Optics and Rails- Scopes, red dot sights, and rail systems let you customize and enhance your shooting experience.
- Breeching Lever- A breeching lever is necessary to break down the shotgun for cleaning and maintenance.
- Chokes- Chokes are used to customize the spread of the shot when firing the shotgun.
- Hard Case- A hard Tuka case is the perfect way to protect your shotgun and accessories when transporting or storing them.
- Stock Extension- If additional length is needed, there are stocks available that extend the length of the shotgun to fit different users.
Accuracy
The FABARM Classic Lion Grade 1 is known for its accuracy. It is a dynamic gun that features a cold hammer-forged barrel and a precise stock geometry for a highly accurate shooting experience. The barrel is designed to be highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, allowing the shooter to expect long-lasting performance. The stock design has also been optimized for precision shooting, with a wide forearm for stability and an adjustable comb to fine-tune the fit. This combination of design characteristics allows the FABARM Classic Lion Grade 1 to shoot remarkably tight patterns, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooting sports and even hunting.
