Fabarm Elos N2 RS Sporting – UPGRADED

Fortunately, many manufacturers continue to introduce various shotgun models to suit individual preferences. Let’s face it, many shotguns on the market look very similar. However, some models have a more exciting, modern appearance and incorporate the latest technologies.

On test
Today, I’m looking at a shotgun that is fairly new to the market. I consider it a relatively budget-priced sporting shotgun that has appealing aesthetics and impressive modern technologies, while setting itself apart from many other sporting shotguns. I introduce to you the Fabarm Elos N2 RS Sporting.
The original Fabarm Elos N2 Sporting has now been fine-tuned into the RS Sporting. It retains all the performance features of the standard N2 Sporting, making it a great shotgun for clay target shooting. This model is aimed at the serious competition shooter who wants an over-and-under sporting shotgun that offers exceptional value for money.
The RS has a completely new stock dimension and fore-end design to enable the shooter to achieve a more comfortable mount and allow the gun to sit in the hands with ease. This has been achieved by making the RS stock slightly chunkier than the original N2 and giving it a pistol grip that is deeper and turns down at a steeper angle, with a thicker palm swell. The barrel weight has been increased and adjusted to put more weight between the hands, improving handling and reducing recoil. Additionally, the wood set has been upgraded to oil-finished Turkish walnut, giving the gun a premium look without the premium price tag. With these changes, the RS now weighs in at 8lbs 4oz as opposed to just under 8lbs with the original N2, making it very similar to most other modern sporting shotguns.
The technical upgrades to this model all sound impressive, with several thoughtful enhancements to make the gun better suited to clay shooting, but there was only one way to find out!

Set-up
After assembling the gun, I chose to fit the ¼ and ½ chokes from the set of four extended chokes supplied. I have heard great things about the Exis HP competition chokes that come with this model. They apparently achieve incredible patterns through the Tribore HP barrels, so I was looking forward to testing this for myself.
As I mounted the gun for the first time, I could see over the barrel, but it wasn’t as high as I wanted, and I was looking slightly down the side of the barrel. However, this was not a problem, as all the RS models are fitted with an adjustable cheekpiece, so every shooter can achieve the exact fit they require. It was very easy to adjust, with two screws in the side of the cheekpiece to alter the height and two adjustable pillars under it to alter the cast. After five minutes of adjustment, I was happy with the picture I was seeing down the barrel, and I was ready for my first shots.

Time for some clays
I decided to shoot a sportrap layout that consisted of various targets to get a true feel for how the gun handled and performed. After finishing a couple of rounds, I was extremely happy with its performance and can confirm that the alterations that Fabarm has made to the RS model have improved the handling of the gun for the better.
The chunkier stock dimensions allowed the gun to sit comfortably in my shoulder pocket, and the thicker palm swell allowed my hand to hold the gun firmly and guide the stock into my shoulder with ease.
I really like the new style of fore-end. I wasn’t overly fond of the Schnabel design on the original N2, but the thicker, rounded fore-end on the RS sits in my hand more comfortably, and I feel that I can move the gun more assertively.
The 10 to 8mm tapered rib guided my eye comfortably to the end of the gun, where I could pick up and maintain a clear focus on each target, and the 28g load I was using was highly manageable, with smooth recoil in the shoulder and minimal muzzle flip. The additional weight in the RS model’s barrels has certainly contributed to this.
It’s also worth noting that the 3” chambered Tribore HP barrels on this model are overpressure tested to 1,630bar and proofed for high-performance steel, making the gun future-proof if non-toxic loads have to be used.

Getting into the swing of things
The test gun was fitted with 32” barrels, and although not perfectly balanced, with the weight slightly forward of the hinge pin, I did like it, as it gave me greater control when swinging the gun, as I am used to shooting a shotgun that is heavier than this one. The negative side is, you don’t have the option of adding weight to the stock or barrel to achieve the balance you require. However, we have to keep in mind the price of this gun, as it can’t have everything.
Out of all the types of targets I shot with the RS, I would have to say that it performed better on the closer, technical targets. I held the barrel at my hold points, acquired a clear focus on the targets and moved the gun quickly and assertively, achieving some very convincing breaks with the ¼ and ½ chokes. I felt no need to change this combination, as a tighter choke wouldn’t have broken the clays any better.
I will admit that I struggled with a left-to-right crosser that was at around 45 yards and travelling at speed. On the occasions I did hit the clay with either choke, it broke perfectly well, so I do not doubt that the choke and cartridge combination was perfect for the job. My issue with missing came down to the technique I was trying to use to break the target. I felt that the gun moved fast, which seemed surprising given its overall weight of 8lbs 4oz and its slightly forward balance. I had to move my hold point out further on the longer left-to-right target and shoot it with a maintained lead to achieve the gap and line I needed to break the target. Once I had figured out what I needed to do to smoke the clay, I was doing it consistently with a big grin on my face.
I would say that this Fabarm is designed for all sporting clay shooters, but it would definitely suit the person who wants a faster-moving gun. A club-level shooter looking for an upgrade to their first gun, or a beginner looking at spending a decent amount on something they won’t want to change in a hurry, may find it a good choice.
Given this budget, the obvious choice would be to consider a standard Beretta or Browning sporter and compare them with the Fabarm. They would all be good choices, but with different handling qualities to suit the individual. Comparing the aesthetics and adjustability of these guns, the Fabarm Elos N2 RS has won it for me.
Beretta and Browning shotguns have stood the test of time regarding reliability, and you may be concerned that the RS won’t. So, it is reassuring to know that all new Fabarm shotguns are now backed by a five-year manufacturer’s mechanical warranty, which says a lot about how much this manufacturer believes in its products. There are many Fabarm dealers and demo events across the country, and they are worth a visit to see whether one would suit your shooting needs.

Conclusion
Fabarm states: “There is no other sporting clay gun that offers a better combination of handling, features, and overall quality for anywhere near this price.” For a new, modern sporting shotgun, I would have to agree. I am a classic example of following brands that have stood the test of time, but Fabarm has put a lot of development into its recent products and is now up there with some of the better-known manufacturers.
I believe the RS model to be a great improvement on the old N2 because its specification is better suited to the modern sporting shooter. It will appeal to club-level shooters who are looking for a fresh-looking, fast-moving shotgun with stock adjustability for the perfect fit. Left and right-handed stocks are available, so all shooters are catered for. I’m very impressed with the gun and look forward to having another go with it again soon.
Many thanks to Matt Panter from Anglo Italian Arms and Coombe Farm Sporting for enabling me to review this gun.