Best Pheasant Shotguns · #9
Autumn 20
Fabarm
Reader rating
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A refined round-body over-under with a hand-detachable trigger and a lively feel in the hands.
Pros
- Exceptional balance and lively handling
- Hand-detachable trigger group for easy maintenance
- Durable steel receiver and quality wood
- Consistent and crisp trigger pulls
- Comfortable for all-day field carry
Cons
- Higher price point than many entry-level options
- Specific aesthetic may not appeal to all
- Can be heavier than some ultralight alternatives
Best uses
- Upland bird hunting
- Pheasant drives
- Quail and grouse
- Sporting clays practice
Specifications
- Gauge
- 20 Gauge
- Action
- Over-Under
- Receiver
- Round Body Steel
- Feature
- Hand-Detachable Trigger Group
- Intended Use
- Upland Bird Hunting
Pricing
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Best for
Upland bird hunting, Pheasant drives, Quail and grouse, Sporting clays practice
Where to buy the Autumn 20
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
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The Fabarm Autumn 20 presents itself as a sophisticated, purpose-built shotgun for the discerning upland hunter. Its round-body receiver and classic lines immediately convey a sense of traditional craftsmanship, yet beneath that aesthetic lies modern engineering focused on performance. This isn't a shotgun designed for casual clay shooting or waterfowl blinds; it's meticulously crafted for the field, where fast handling and reliable mechanics are paramount. It distinguishes itself with thoughtful features aimed at practicality during a long day of walking, blending old-world appeal with contemporary reliability without feeling overly complex. For those who appreciate the finer points of a well-balanced firearm while chasing birds, the Autumn 20 offers a compelling package. While it sits at number nine on our list, its placement doesn't diminish its quality or effectiveness. Instead, it highlights its niche appeal, catering to hunters who prioritize a refined experience over sheer utility or budget. The shotgun’s lively feel comes from a combination of its weight distribution, stock geometry, and the inherent balance of a 20-gauge over-under. It’s a tool that disappears into your shoulder, allowing instincts to take over when the covey flushes. Fabarm has clearly invested in producing a firearm that is both elegant and robust, designed to be carried and shot extensively across varied terrain.
Construction & Materials
The Fabarm Autumn 20 features a robust steel receiver, ensuring durability and a solid feel in the hands. The careful machining of the round-body design is evident, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and its balance. Stock and forend are typically crafted from select Turkish walnut, often oil-finished to enhance grain and provide a traditional feel, while also allowing for easy field repair of minor dings. Barrels are chrome-lined, a common and welcome feature that resists corrosion and simplifies cleaning after a day in damp conditions. The entire package speaks to an assembly process that values precision and longevity, using materials that are proven performers in the demanding outdoor environment.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Autumn 20 truly shines. Its balance point is typically excellent, promoting a fluid swing and intuitive pointing. The 20-gauge chambering offers a practical balance of power and reduced recoil, making it comfortable for extended periods of shooting. Ejection is generally reliable and positive, clearing spent hulls efficiently without being overly aggressive. Triggers are crisp and consistent, contributing to accurate shot placement on fast-moving targets. The inclusion of interchangeable chokes allows for adaptability across different hunting scenarios and target distances, a crucial detail for varied upland pursuits. This shotgun delivers consistently when it counts.
Weight & Packability
As a 20-gauge over-under, the Autumn 20 typically tips the scales in a comfortable range for all-day carry, often around 6.5 to 7 pounds depending on barrel length and wood density. This weight is substantial enough to absorb recoil effectively but light enough to not become a burden during miles of walking. Its breakdown design, typical of over-unders, allows for compact transport in a case, fitting easily into vehicle trunks or even as airline baggage with the right container. While not a featherweight, it strikes a practical balance for the active hunter, prioritizing shootability over extreme minimalism.
Durability & Longevity
Fabarm has a solid reputation for building durable firearms, and the Autumn 20 is no exception. The steel receiver and robust hinge pins are designed to withstand thousands of rounds without developing play. The hand-detachable trigger mechanism is not just a convenience for cleaning; it allows for easy inspection and maintenance of critical components, extending the life of the firing system. With proper care and routine cleaning, this shotgun is built to last for generations. The quality of materials and fitment suggests a gun that will stand up to the rigors of frequent field use, developing character rather than wearing out.
Alternatives & Value
At its price point, the Autumn 20 competes with other mid-to-high tier over-unders from established European and American manufacturers. Comparable alternatives might include certain offerings from Browning, Beretta, or even some higher-end Turkish makers. What sets the Fabarm apart is often its specific blend of traditional styling, the hand-detachable trigger group, and the proprietary Tribore barrel technology, which some shooters find offers superior patterns. While it demands a significant investment, its build quality, handling characteristics, and potential for long-term ownership represent good value for a specialized upland gun.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best pheasant shotguns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Autumn 20 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Autumn 20 worth it?
- We rank it #9 in Best Pheasant Shotguns. A refined round-body over-under with a hand-detachable trigger and a lively feel in the hands.
- What is the Autumn 20 best for?
- Best for upland bird hunting, pheasant drives, quail and grouse and sporting clays practice. Standouts: exceptional balance and lively handling and hand-detachable trigger group for easy maintenance.
- What are the downsides of the Autumn 20?
- Higher price point than many entry-level options, Specific aesthetic may not appeal to all and Can be heavier than some ultralight alternatives.
- What are the key specs of the Autumn 20?
- Gauge: 20 Gauge · Action: Over-Under · Receiver: Round Body Steel · Feature: Hand-Detachable Trigger Group · Intended Use: Upland Bird Hunting
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Autumn 20?
- The Fabarm Autumn 20 features a robust steel receiver, ensuring durability and a solid feel in the hands. The careful machining of the round-body design is evident, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and its balance.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Autumn 20?
- In the field, the Autumn 20 truly shines. Its balance point is typically excellent, promoting a fluid swing and intuitive pointing.
Compare side by side
Put the Autumn 20 against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.