Best Upland Shotguns · #10
Autumn
Fabarm
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A true 20-gauge-scaled action at 5.5 pounds. Purpose-built grouse and woodcock gun.
Pros
- Exceptionally light true 20-gauge frame
- Superb balance and quick handling characteristics
- Robust construction for demanding field use
- Excellent for fast-flushing upland birds
- Quality fit, finish, and classic aesthetics
Cons
- High price point for a specialized shotgun
- Less versatile for other hunting disciplines
- Light weight increases felt recoil with heavier loads
Best uses
- Grouse hunting in dense cover
- Woodcock hunting in thickets
- Long days of walking in rugged terrain
- Hunters prioritizing light carry
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Fabarm
- Model
- Autumn
- Gauge
- 20-gauge
- Action
- Over/Under
- Weight
- 5.5 pounds
- Intended Use
- Upland hunting (grouse, woodcock)
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Grouse hunting in dense cover, Woodcock hunting in thickets, Long days of walking in rugged terrain, Hunters prioritizing light carry
Where to buy the Autumn
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, while ranked #10 on our list, is far from a consolation prize. This shotgun is a highly specialized tool, purpose-built for the discerning upland hunter who understands the nuances of a true 20-gauge scaled action. It's not a heavy 12-gauge rebranded as a 20; it's designed from the ground up to be light and lively, with dimensions that feel natural in the hands of a grouse or woodcock hunter navigating dense cover. Fabarm's reputation for robust engineering is evident here, even in a gun this svelte. What sets the Autumn apart is its commitment to the ideal upland experience. Many manufacturers claim 'lightweight' but deliver a gun that's still a chore by the end of a long day in the field. The Autumn, at a verifiable 5.5 pounds, genuinely reduces fatigue. This isn't just about weight; it's about balance and responsiveness, allowing for quicker target acquisition in flushing situations. While its specialized nature might make it less versatile for other hunting disciplines, for its intended purpose, it's a stellar performer that exemplifies focused design.
Who It's Really For
This shotgun is for the dedicated upland hunter, specifically those who spend their season chasing grouse and woodcock in thick cover. It's not a do-it-all shotgun for clays, waterfowl, and deer. This is a precision instrument for fast-flushing birds in dense woods. If you appreciate a gun that carries effortlessly through alder thickets and comes to the shoulder with intuitive speed, then the Autumn is designed for you. It's for the hunter who prioritizes balance and quick handling over brute force or excessive ornamentation, understanding that a light, well-balanced gun makes a real difference when shots are fleeting.
Materials and Build
Fabarm uses a proprietary Tribore HP barrel system, which they claim improves patterns and reduces recoil. The Autumn's receiver is a true 20-gauge frame, not just a scaled-down 12-gauge, which is critical for its light weight and nimble feel. Stock and fore-end are typically high-grade Turkish walnut, oil-finished for durability and classic aesthetics. Internally, the gun is built to Fabarm's usual high standards, known for robust actions and reliable firing mechanisms. The quality of fit and finish is evident, reflecting its price point and specialized design, ensuring it will stand up to years of field use.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Autumn shines. Its light weight translates directly to reduced fatigue over a long day of walking. The gun swings quickly and decisively, which is paramount when a grouse flushes unexpectedly through a screen of saplings. Recoil, for a 5.5-pound 20-gauge, is manageable, especially with standard upland loads; the Tribore HP barrels seem to do their part here. Patterns are consistently good, delivering sufficient density for close-range upland shots. The gun points naturally, becoming an extension of the shooter. Reliability is excellent; expect consistent function in all reasonable field conditions.
Weight and Packability
At 5.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest over/under shotguns on the market. This isn't just a number; it fundamentally changes the hunting experience, making long treks through rugged terrain considerably easier. It's not 'packable' in the sense of a breakdown rifle, but its compact overall length and featherlight feel mean it carries incredibly well. You'll notice the difference at the end of a long day, when other guns feel like lead. For a traditional over/under, its weight reduction is a significant engineering achievement, directly benefiting the user in its intended environment.
Durability and Longevity
Fabarm has a reputation for building tough guns, and the Autumn is no exception. While it's light, it doesn't feel fragile. The receiver is steel, built to withstand thousands of rounds. The Tribore HP barrels are robust and designed for longevity. The oil-finished walnut, while beautiful, is also practical for field use, allowing for easy touch-ups of minor dings. With proper care and maintenance, this gun is built to be a multi-generational hunting companion, capable of enduring the rigors of serious upland hunting season after season. Expect it to hold up well to typical field knocks and weather.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best upland 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 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Autumn worth it?
- We rank it #10 in Best Upland Shotguns. 5 pounds. Purpose-built grouse and woodcock gun.
- What is the Autumn best for?
- Best for grouse hunting in dense cover, woodcock hunting in thickets, long days of walking in rugged terrain and hunters prioritizing light carry. Standouts: exceptionally light true 20-gauge frame and superb balance and quick handling characteristics.
- What are the downsides of the Autumn?
- High price point for a specialized shotgun, Less versatile for other hunting disciplines and Light weight increases felt recoil with heavier loads.
- What are the key specs of the Autumn?
- Manufacturer: Fabarm · Model: Autumn · Gauge: 20-gauge · Action: Over/Under · Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Who It's Really For?
- This shotgun is for the dedicated upland hunter, specifically those who spend their season chasing grouse and woodcock in thick cover. It's not a do-it-all shotgun for clays, waterfowl, and deer.
- Materials and Build — what should I know about the Autumn?
- Fabarm uses a proprietary Tribore HP barrel system, which they claim improves patterns and reduces recoil. The Autumn's receiver is a true 20-gauge frame, not just a scaled-down 12-gauge, which is critical for its light weight and nimble feel.
Compare side by side
Put the Autumn against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.