Shotgun review: Fabarm’s XLR Bulrush Max 5 is ideal for hunting in tight spots

Waterfowl shotguns have undergone a well-orchestrated evolution since the days of wooden stocks, blued metal and full-choked barrels. Today, they represent a special breed of shotgun, as tough as the hunters who brave the foulest of conditions to bag a few late-season ducks or geese. And that’s just what Fabarm had in mind when it introduced the XLR Bulrush Max 5.

In the world of waterfowling, you’re unlikely to find this shotgun in every blind. I don’t see that as a reflection of Fabarm’s performance or reliability, but rather the past availability of its offerings. Based in Italy and originally known for its side-by-side shotguns, Fabarm didn’t introduce its first semi-automatic shotgun until the late 1960s; today, the company manufactures 15 right-handed and five left-handed semi-auto hunting models. Raising awareness here of these firearms was no doubt the reasoning behind the Canadian distributor’s request that I test the XLR Bulrush Max 5.

Apply named, it comes decked out in Bulrush camo, the most pronounced aesthetic feature of this well-designed and ruggedly built shotgun. While the exterior is uniquely hunter-driven, it owes its mechanical XLR5 platform to competition guns. At its heart is the revolutionary Pulse Piston system, which acts as a progressive brake that eliminates the need for a valve system. An assumption could be made that this would curtail the use of certain types of ammunition, but to the contrary, the gun can handle everything from target loads to goose-busting magnum loads.

In short, this simple system contains fewer parts, and it’s easy to clean and inevitably more reliable. With light loads, all the pressure is used to reload the gun; with heavy loads, the pressure reloads the gun while activating the Pulse system’s braking. That not only slows the action, it also reduces felt recoil. This reliability and reduction in felt recoil is achieved through what Fabarm refers to as the “fastest cycling semi-auto hunting gun on the planet.” With a cycle speed of 0.31 seconds for five rounds, it is remarkable indeed.

To enhance downrange performance, Fabarm incorporated its Tribore HP (Hyperbolic Profile) barrel design into the shotgun. Beginning ahead of the forcing cone, the bore gradually tapers toward the choke constriction, reducing recoil and improving pattern performance. Included is a specialized choke, the Exis DK, which is tuned for non-toxic shot in every popular pellet size. According to Fabarm, this barrel and choke combo allows you to use up to extra-full chokes without any negative effect on the gun, something no other shotgun can do. And to further ensure absolute durability, the guns are tested by the Italian National Proof House to the highest possible rating of 1630 BAR.

While the shotgun’s exterior is uniquely hunter-driven, it owes its mechanical XLR5 platform to competition guns

As for user-friendly features, the oversized trigger guard, safety, magazine cut-off and extended bolt handle are all designed for enhanced control while wearing gloves in cold weather. Then there’s the competition-bred LR (long rib) that increases the sighting plane by 4½ inches, allowing the shooter to see down the rib with a more comfortable head-up posture. And to reduce glare, the top surface has been masked to provide a camo-free black matte finish. Completing the package is a highly visible fibre-optic front sight.

To protect against rust and corrosion, the barrel extension and bore are chrome-plated, while the bolt is PVD-plated and the chokes are nickel-plated; all of the exterior metal surfaces are covered in camo. Finally, the synthetic stock includes a soft recoil pad and a soft rubber comb. The stock is also coated with a Soft Touch camo process, which provides a rubberized feel for a firm grip in all weather conditions.

TEST RESULTS

When handling the XLR Bulrush Max 5 for the first time, I was surprised at how light it was. My postal scale confirmed that assessment, weighing the gun in at an ounce shy of seven pounds. For a waterfowl shotgun, that weight raises two potential issues: balance and recoil. With a bit of on-point shouldering, however, my concern about balance evaporated. Not only did the gun balance well, it was also quick on point, which is ideal when shooting from a blind or over decoys. Off the bench, the recoil generated by magnum loads indeed reminded me of just how light this gun is.

Unfortunately, and not entirely out of character for shotguns, the trigger broke inconsistently and heavier than expected at between six pounds four ounces and seven pounds four ounces. On the upside, the gun comes with a set of stock-adjusting shims to tailor the fit to your frame. Another nice touch is the gun’s adaptability for a sling carry (QD sling swivels are included), a decided plus for hunters who slog their way through bog-sucking mud or to a distant blind in the dark.

This is a well-made, quick-on-point shotgun that would be right at home in any waterfowl blind

On the range, I broke my evaluation of the shotgun into three components. First, I patterned eight mixed steel and non-toxic premium waterfowl loads at 40 yards using a full choke. Next, I switched to a modified choke and patterned six mixed steel and non-toxic duck loads of #3, #4, and #5 shot using Birchwood Casey mallard splattering targets. Finally, it was off to the trap range where I had my son, Brent, handle the honours for one round. Throughout, the gun cycled both light target and heavy magnum loads with ease.

Other than Remington Hyper Sonic Steel, the waterfowl loads patterned low and to the left. As a corrective measure, the comb would have to be raised along with a cast-off adjustment. However, if I were to shoot nothing but the Remington load, I would make no adjustment. When I switched to a modified choke for the six duck loads, the pattern location and density showed some improvement. These results reaffirm why patterning a shotgun with different loads and chokes is essential for ensuring clean kills and a full game bag.

On the trap range, with the gun choked modified, neither it nor Brent disappointed, as he did not miss a single bird. With all the ducks counted, this is a well-made, quick-on-point shotgun that would be right at home in any waterfowl blind.

THE SPECS

• Gauge: 12
• Total length: 48.5”
• Barrel length: 28”
• Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F
• Chamber: 3”
• Length of pull: 14.5”
• Drop At comb: 1.5”
• Drop at heel: 2.25”
• Weight: 6 lb 14 oz

For the complete range test results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/fabarmtest.