The Fabarm ELOS D2 is a lightweight, excellently balanced over/under shotgun that’s perfect for game bird hunting. It’s available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge configurations, but I’ll mainly be focusing on the 20 gauge version in this review.
Each ELOS D2 comes with a Tribore HP barrel (28” in length), a nickel-plated receiver, and a semi-deluxe Turkish walnut stock. The receiver is rounded on the underside, and the stock features a beautiful matte, hand-oiled finish. While it doesn’t feature a high-tech sight like a red dot, it does include a perfectly adequate brass bead sight that makes target acquisition easy. In the box, you’ll find five Inner HP choke tubes to use at several different firing lengths, maintaining excellent accuracy each time.
The sleek aluminum action is very finely finished and the lever moves smoothly. This gives you a real advantage over any game birds you’re hunting, helping you hit every target with ease. It also features a pistol grip with the standard ELOS checkering, and despite its relatively light carry weight of just around 6.5 lbs (depending on the density of the wood), it’s perfectly balanced and not too whippy. It’s not as lightweight as, say, the Mossberg 715T, but it’s just about as light as you can expect from a shotgun with a walnut stock! It mounts very well and is comfortable to shoot.
Since it is a lighter-weight shotgun, recoil is definitely noticeable, but not unmanageable. There’s no built-in recoil reducer, but there is a standard rubber buttpad. The comfortable shape of the stock further helps to reduce recoil, as well. The trigger is also very smooth, with an average pull weight of around 5.25 lbs and just a slight bit of travel before it fires. The trigger is powered by inertia, and the D2 features improved sear springs and a redesigned hammer from the original version. It’s very reliable, and I’ve never had any malfunctions while using it.
The ELOS D2 is a perfect example of Fabarm’s fine Italian craftsmanship. Unlike the Akdal MKA 1919, which is better for self-defense, this is a hunting gun first and foremost. It’ll run you about $2,600 new, and includes a five-year warranty should anything go wrong. If you need a high-quality, fast-handling over/under shotgun that’s perfect for hunting, won’t weigh you down, and will never be subject to any ATF restrictions, you won’t be disappointed by the ELOS D2.
Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast, and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field. Columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller, and other publications.
