Fabarm Axis Elite shotgun review

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The shape of the action frame is certainly eye catching with a curved sculptured line at the back of the action, and the engraving is very good too.

By Jason Harris

Monday, 21 April 2008

THE new Fabarm Axis Elite over-under shotgun might look markedly different from the outside, but do the changes we see go more than skin deep?

For all its striking good looks the makers have chosen to stay true to an interior design that's proved its worth and reliability over the years.

However, this is not to say some improvements haven't been made along the way.

Chief change is the company's Tri-bore system - a patented method of over boring barrels which allows the use of extremely long flush-fitting choke tubes. This arrangement creates an elongated taper into the choke cone that both reduces recoil and produces better shot patterns.

As I say, the mechanics of the gun follow tried and tested principles with the hammers placed below and the sears hinged from above.

One nice touch is the second bent that's been cut into the tumbler to act as an intercepting sear should the hammer be jolted out of the first bent. A disconnector also comes into play to take the selector away from the sear arm as soon as the top lever is operated, and the hammers rebound on firing thanks to captive coil mainsprings.

The barrels have been made on the mono-block principle and fitted with a ventilated top rib that tapers from 10mm at the breech down to 7mm at the muzzle where a small red foresight bead adds the finishing touches.

Fabarm Axis Elite shotgun.

The gun has been chambered to take 3in magnum cartridges and subjected to superior steel shot proof as standard. The single selective trigger is operated by a button in the middle of the manual safety catch with the trigger guard being shaped to compliment the form of the action and fore-end.

Lock up is achieved by a full width bolt that bites at the bottom of the breech block with the gun hinging on stub pins set in the
side of the action walls. These appear to be replaceable should the need arise. Talking of wear reminds me that the fore-end iron incorporates a self-adjusting tightening device to keep the opening snug and positive.

The shape of the action frame is certainly eye catching with a curved sculptured line at the back of the action, and the engraving is very good too.

The decoration has been done by machine but it's in the style of best quality Italian hand engraving in this case quite deep scroll work, with an etched background to give a deep look of relief engraving.

Fabarm Elite action.

The action frame has been treated to a dull a grey colouring, which Fabarm calls their titanium finish. The trigger is gold plated and is adjustable for length of travel.

Wood quality on the test gun was very good with both the stock and fore-end matching each other nicely thanks, in part, to the sculptured and contemporary look they've been given. Looks aside, they are still very functional and comfortable to the touch.

The stock has been headed up to fit with the curves at the back of the action frame and the chequer patterns have been laser cut to afford different grip levels between the two.

The woodwork has been oil finished and fitted with a neat wood butt plate to match the stock.

Stock dimensions fall nicely into the game shooting mould with drops of 1½in and 2¼in and comb and heel. Length of pull is 14.3/8in which allows for some extra clothing and quick shouldering on colder days.

- Each gun is supplied in a semi
rigid travelling case.

- It weighs approx 7lb.

- Four choke tubes come as standard.

Fabarm Axis engraving.

JASON'S VERDICT:

I liked this gun, the quality of machining is very good - a direct result of Fabarm's wise investment in top notch CNC machine tools.

While it is designed and balanced as a field gun, it will rise to the challenge of clay shooting come the time you want to get your eye in for the new season.