Fabarm’s new L4S Sporting is a well-thought-out fusion, or merger, if you will, of a semi-auto target gun and a variety of the handling and “feel” characteristics inherent in a classic over-and-under clays shotgun. If that’s your cup of tea, this may well be your next sporter.
To start off, the L4S is a dedicated clays gun. It features a target load gas system designed for reliable cycling of light ammunition. It is, from the subjective feel standpoint, among the softest recoiling autoloaders I’ve had the pleasure to shoot. Competition-style elements include an oversized bolt handle and bolt-release operating button along with Fabarm’s highly regarded Tribore tapered bore and five Exis HP competition choke tubes.
All great stuff, but what really sets this gun apart from other sporting semi-autos is its stock and forend design. The L4S does not have an action spring in the stock and attaches with a simple stock bolt. This allows for a more sculpted and somewhat more open pistol grip. The biggest difference to me, however, is in the forend.
First, the L4S incorporates a distinctly new forend design that does not rely on wood to be part of the mechanical assembly of the gun. This eliminates the forend wiggle inherent in other semi-auto designs and opens the door to a much slimmer forend profile. Second, the L4S magazine has been shortened to a four-round capacity, allowing for a reduced length of the forend. Handling characteristics are further improved by the shorter action designed for 2 3/4-inch shells only.
The overall result is a gas gun with a good measure of the fit and feel of your favorite O/U. Balance is more between the hands, and the more slender forend brings the hands in closer alignment with the shooter’s eyes, a big plus in how well the gun points and tracks on target.
The L4S weighs in at seven pounds three ounces, a full pound less than Fabarm’s other gas target guns, the XLR5 Velocity AR and the XLR5 Velocity LR. This fast-handling sporter is available in 28-, 30- or 32-inch barrel lengths, and three trim levels: Deluxe Sporting, Grey Sporting or the standard version with a black anodized receiver. To round things out, the L4S is available with Fabarm’s compact stock dimensions and in the Syren line, designed for women.
