I've spent quite a bit of time lately behind the trigger of the Fabarm Elos N2, and it's one of those guns that just feels right the moment you mount it. If you've been hanging around a clay pigeon range for any length of time, you know the drill: everyone has an opinion on what makes a "perfect" over-under. Most people default to the "B" guns—Beretta and Browning—because they're safe bets. But honestly, if you haven't looked at what Fabarm is doing with the N2 series, you're missing out on a piece of Italian engineering that punches way above its weight class.
The first thing you notice when you pick up a fabarm elos n2 is the balance. It's not front-heavy like some budget clay guns, nor is it so light that it feels "whippy" or unstable during a long swing. There's a deliberate heft to it that tells you it was built for the high-volume shooting that comes with sporting clays.
It's All About the Fit
Let's be real: you can buy the most expensive shotgun in the world, but if it doesn't fit you, you aren't going to hit anything. One of the best things about the fabarm elos n2 is the factory-included Micro-Metric adjustable comb. Usually, on entry-to-mid-level sporting guns, the adjustable comb feels like an afterthought—a couple of clunky screws and some cheap plastic. On the N2, it's a much more refined system. It allows you to dial in your cast and drop so your eye aligns perfectly with the rib every single time.
The grip is another area where I think Fabarm got it right. It's a bit beefier than what you'll find on a standard field gun, featuring a palm swell that fills your hand nicely. For shooters with medium-to-large hands, this makes a world of difference in control. It helps you drive the gun toward the bird rather than just holding onto it for dear life.
Why the TRIBORE HP Barrel Matters
If you read the marketing materials, they talk a lot about the "TRIBORE HP" barrels. Usually, I take that kind of branding with a grain of salt, but there's actual science behind what Fabarm is doing here. Instead of a traditional bore that stays one diameter until it hits the choke, the fabarm elos n2 uses a multi-stage taper.
The barrel starts with an enlarged bore zone, then moves into a long conical section that gradually narrows the diameter. What does this actually do for you? It reduces friction and helps keep the shot pellets from getting deformed as they travel down the tube. More "round" pellets mean more consistent patterns and, hopefully, more broken clays. In my experience, the felt recoil also seems a bit softer compared to other over-unders in this price range, which is likely a byproduct of this barrel geometry and the generous forcing cones.
Performance on the Clay Field
When you're out on the course, the fabarm elos n2 behaves exactly how a dedicated sporting gun should. I've taken this gun through several rounds of 100 targets, and the fatigue factor is impressively low. Part of that is the weight—coming in at roughly 7.5 to 7.8 pounds depending on your barrel length—and part of it is the recoil pad. The pad is soft enough to soak up the "kick" of 1-1/8 oz target loads without being so "sticky" that it catches on your vest when you mount the gun.
The trigger is another highlight. It's crisp. There isn't a ton of take-up or creep, and the reset is positive. It's also adjustable for length of pull, which is a nice touch if you have shorter or longer fingers. You can just slide the trigger blade forward or back to find that sweet spot where your finger naturally rests.
The Aesthetics of the N2
Let's talk looks, because let's face it, we all want a gun that looks good in the rack. The fabarm elos n2 has a very modern, understated aesthetic. You won't find gaudy gold birds or excessive "scroll" engraving here. Instead, it features a matte black finish on the receiver with subtle purple accents (on the N2 Sporting) that give it a "performance" vibe.
The wood is usually a nice grade of Turkish walnut. Fabarm uses a semi-matte oil finish that looks classy but is also practical. If you get a little scratch in the field or at the range, it's a lot easier to fix an oil finish than it is to repair a high-gloss polyurethane coat. The checkering is sharp and provides a solid grip even if your hands are a bit sweaty or it's starting to drizzle.
Is the N2 Better Than the Competition?
This is the big question. When you're looking at the fabarm elos n2, you're likely also looking at the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon or the Browning Citori CX. Those are fantastic guns with decades of history. So, why choose the Fabarm?
For me, it comes down to the "extras." With the N2, you're getting an adjustable comb and an adjustable trigger as standard features at a price point where the competitors often charge extra for them. You also get a set of five EXIS HP hyper-long choke tubes. These aren't the stubby little things you see on older guns; they're long, high-performance tubes that really help with pattern density at a distance.
Also, Fabarm is the only Italian manufacturer that proof-tests their barrels to 1630 BAR. While you'll likely never need that kind of pressure tolerance for standard target loads, it's a nice bit of peace of mind knowing the gun is built to a incredibly high safety standard.
Maintenance and Longevity
Owning a fabarm elos n2 is pretty straightforward. Like any over-under, it likes to be kept clean and greased at the pivot points. The matte finish on the barrels is fairly durable, but you'll still want to wipe it down after a humid day to prevent any surface oxidation.
One thing I've noticed is that the action on the N2 is quite tight out of the box. It doesn't have that "floppy" feel that some cheaper guns have. It takes a few hundred rounds to really wear it in so it opens smoothly with one hand. To me, that's a sign of tight tolerances. I'd much rather start with a tight gun that wears into a perfect fit than a loose gun that starts rattling after a season of shooting.
Final Thoughts on the Range
At the end of the day, the fabarm elos n2 is a tool, but it's a very well-refined one. It's designed for the person who wants to take their clay shooting seriously without necessarily spending five figures on a custom Perazzi or Krieghoff. It bridges the gap between a "beginner" gun and a "pro" gun perfectly.
Whether you're shooting trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the N2 is versatile enough to handle all of them. It's a gun that grows with you. As your mount becomes more consistent and your lead becomes more instinctive, you'll appreciate the subtle adjustments the N2 allows you to make. It's not just a shotgun; it's a platform that you can tailor to your specific shooting style. If you get the chance to demo one at your local club, take it. You might find that the "B" guns have some serious competition.