“Travis Mears and I hit the duck blind with two Fabarm semi-auto shotguns: the XLR5 Waterfowler and the XLR Chesapeake. We swapped guns throughout the hunt to see how they felt in real conditions, comparing recoil, swing, and rib design while chasing ducks.”
Specifications
Model | FABARM XLR5 Waterfowler (True Timber Viper) |
---|---|
Gauge | 12 |
Operation | PULSE PISTON™ |
Barrel | TRIBORE HP™ |
Barrel Length | 28", 30" |
Barrel Rib Height | 10.4mm |
Chamber | 3" |
Chokes | Inner HP (3) Medium, Long, Extreme and one EXIS DK™ with True Timber camo |
Stock | Synthetic |
Stock Finish | True Timber Viper Western™ Camouflage + Soft touch finish |
Action Finish | Cerakote O.D. Green |
Left Handed | Available |
Recoil Pad | Microcell 22mm |
Average weight* | 7 lbs. |
Case | INTEGRALE™ Case |
Overall length of gun w/ .75" extended choke | 49.25" (28" barrel), 51.25" (30" barrel) |
Sight(s) | Front red fiber optic |
Trigger | Standard with Oversized trigger guard |
Safety | Oversized |
Accessories | Sling swivels, shims, choke case and friction choke wrench |
Proof Test | 1630 BAR |
Warranty | 5 years |
Specifications
Model | FABARM XLR5 Waterfowler (True Timber Viper) |
---|---|
Length of pull | 14.5" |
Drop at comb | 1.625" |
Drop at heel | 2.375" |
Cast at heel | .1875" |
Pitch | 5° |
Cast at toe | .25" |
Reach | 4.125" |
MSRP
Item | Description | MSRP |
---|---|---|
FA01345 | XLR5 Waterfowler 12g 28" RH | $2,645 |
FA01350 | XLR5 Waterfowler 12g 28" LH | $2,895 |
FA01355 | XLR5 Waterfowler 12g 30" RH | $2,645 |
FA01360 | XLR5 Waterfowler 12g 30" LH | $2,895 |
FABARM XLR5 Waterfowler
Over the last several years FABARM XLR5 shotguns have taken the competition world by storm. A long list of technical features that have never been incorporated into semi-automatic shotguns combined with durability and reliability has made the XLR5 a favorite with target shooters. The engineers at FABARM are now applying the same philosophy to making a specialized waterfowl model.
At the heart of the high performance XLR5 platform is the revolutionary Pulse Piston™ system that acts as a progressive brake thereby eliminating any valve system and allows for the function of varying types of ammo. This equates to a system that is simpler, contains less parts, is easy to clean and inevitably more reliable. Additionally, the braking of the pulse system progressively slows the action with heavy loads reducing felt recoil. Most significantly the reduction in recoil and enhanced reliability is achieved in what is the fastest cycling Semi-auto hunting gun on the planet at .31 of a second for five rounds.
To maximize down range performance we have incorporated FABARM’s proven TRIBORE HP™ barrel design into the XLR5. This tapered bore allows for reduced recoil and improved pattern performance. We have even created a special competition choke tube, the EXIS DK, tuned for non-toxic ammo in the most popular pellet sizes. This choke in combination with the TRIBORE™ barrels allow the XLR5 to do what no other hunting shotgun can, use up to extra full choke without any negative effect on the firearm. As an assurance of strength and durability every FABARM XLR5 is tested by the Italian National Proof House to the highest possible rating of 1630 BAR.
If pure performance is the heart of the XLR5, the extensive list of user friendly features are the brains. The oversized trigger guard, safety, magazine cut off and extended bolt handle are purposely designed to allow for full control of the firearm with even the bulkiest winter gloves. The competition bred LR (Long Rib) concept has a top rib that increases the sighting plane by 4 1/2” and allows the shooter to see down the rib with a more comfortable head-up posture. To reduce glare we have masked off the top surface of the rib to provide a camo free matte black finish and added a high visibility fiber optic front sight.
Water and mud can destroy a shotgun quickly. To reduce the possibility of rust and corrosion the barrel extension and bores are chrome plated. We have also PVD coated the bolt, nickel plated the chokes and covered the external metal surfaces with camo for added protection. The synthetic stock is also coated with a Soft Touch camo process to create a rubberized feel.
“The Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler is a competition-bred semi-auto dressed for the duck blind. I teamed up with champion shooter Travis Mears to put it through its paces—first on a duck hunt, then on clays. We dive into the ergonomics, recoil, build quality, and overall shooting experience. Is it really an elite duck gun? Let’s find out.”

Read Full Article“Wes Lang, president of Fabarm, is a top shot and dedicated hunter. His goal has been to bring to the American hunter and shooter shotguns made for us, with stocks that fit and features we Americans appreciate. The XLR5 Waterfowler is loaded with them.”

Read Full Article“Every few years I test a duck gun that makes my firearms safe feel utterly incomplete. The Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler is one of them.”

Read Full Article“Overall, I found Fabarm’s XLR5 Waterfowler to be an exceptionally well-made and well-thought-out shotgun. It will do everything you ask of it—and look good while doing it!”

Read Full Article“What’s so fab about the new Fabarm? Everything. Nothing tames recoil like a gas-operated shotgun, and Fabarm’s Waterfowler does a great job of it. This semi-auto is loaded with features aimed directly at waterfowl hunters.”

Read Full Article“Love Italian auto-loaders? Of course you do. The new XLR5 is a must-have.”

Read Full Article“Fabarm USA added refinements to its excellent competition shotgun to create a specialized duck gun, the XLR5 Waterfowler.”
“There has been allot of interest in hunting guns in the United States from Fabarm and this is the result. They’ve listened to their customers.”
“The rib not only goes to the whole entire length of the barrel, but also goes down to the top of the receiver giving you an extra 4 1/2 inches of sighting plane for shooting those long range passing ducks and geese.”