Fabarm Autumn Elite 20-bore

Italian proofed for steel shot and handling much like an over-and-under, this smart side-by-side has been designed with the future in mind, says Michael Yardley

- Michael Yardley

THIS MONTH'S test concerns a Fabarm Autumn Elite 20-bore: a 28in-barrelled, trigger-plate side-by-side with single selective trigger. It is a bells-and-whistles version of the firm's Autumn model, with silver nitride coin finish, open scroll laser engraving, (fairly restrained) gold gamebird inlays and upgraded wood. The basic Autumn, which may still appeal to traditionalists, has chemically applied colour case hardening (emulating the look of the classic bonemeal process) without the goldwork.

First impressions of the Elite are of a smart gun: a sort of mini pigeon gun that is quite boldly, but tastefully, decorated. Some might do without the gold birds but they suit the character of the gun. Not much separates the two Autumn models in price: £3,495 for the Elite and £3,350 for the plainer version. There is also a standard 12-bore Classis (from which the Autumn guns have evolved) and a deluxe Classis Grade IV with sideplates. The former has relatively sparse but pleasant scrollwork, while the latter is a deluxe model boasting full coverage with more elaborate bird and dog hunting scenes (again lasered).