Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler & XLR Chesapeake

We took these Fabarm semi-autos into the blind at Greystone Castle in Texas with pro shooter Travis Mears. The goal? Find out which 12-gauge feels like the ultimate Fabarm duck gun. Both are built off the same action, but the Waterfowler features Fabarm’s raised long rib while the Chesapeake runs a flatter, lighter setup. Here’s what stood out from real hunting use.

Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler — Key Specs

• MSRP: $2,645
• Operation: Gas (Fabarm Pulse Piston)
• Available Gauges: 12 gauge
• Barrel Length Options: 28" barrel - Available in 30"
• Chamber Size: 3”
• Weight: 7lbs
• Length of Pull: 14 1/2
• Chokes: Fabarm HP chokes
• Extras: Raised/extended long rib over the receiver, soft-touch coating, left-side bolt release, slightly heavier for added steadiness in the blind

Fabarm XLR Chesapeake — Key Specs

• MSRP: $2,175
• Operation: Gas (Fabarm Pulse Piston)
• Available Gauges: 12 gauge
• Barrel Length Options: 28" barrel - Available in 30"
• Chamber Size: 3”
• Weight: 7lbs
• Length of Pull: 14 1/2
• Chokes: Fabarm HP chokes
• Extras: Flatter/shorter rib profile, soft-touch coating, left-side bolt release, lighter and quicker swing

Ergonomics

Both guns mounted smoothly, but the rib design made the biggest difference. The XLR5 Waterfowler’s long rib let me keep my head more upright. The Chesapeake sat flatter, requiring a bit more head-down posture but offering a lighter, quicker swing. Travis—who shoots the Chesapeake for his exhibitions—felt right at home with it. I leaned toward the Waterfowler’s rib fit, but both clearly had their strengths.

Recoil and Reliability

We both noticed how light the recoil was for a 12-gauge. The Fabarm gas system cycled fast and smooth, which mattered on quick doubles and even a 50-yard head shot. Shells were ejected with authority—sometimes a little too much authority, as my spent hulls nailed Travis in the face a few times. But the takeaway: both guns ran flawlessly all morning with hunting loads.

Want even less recoil? We love the FalconStrike recoil reduction systems.

Breakdown / Quality of Build

The soft-touch coating on both guns stood out big time—no cold, plasticky feel like some other waterfowl guns. Controls were well placed, with the unique left-side bolt release surprisingly easy to get used to. Both felt solid in hand, with the Waterfowler carrying a few extra ounces that actually steadied the gun in the blind.

Shooting Experience

This is where the guns showed personality. Travis smoked birds with the Chesapeake, running it as naturally as his trick-shooting setup. I connected well with the Waterfowler, especially on quick shots when ducks slid in low. The raised rib gave me confidence in target acquisition. Bottom line—both were duck killers, but each shooter gravitated toward a different fit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a smooth-cycling, soft-shooting semi-auto, both Fabarm options deliver. The XLR5 Waterfowler shines for hunters who like a higher rib and a bit of extra weight. The Chesapeake feels fast, light, and natural if you prefer a flatter plane. On this hunt, we proved that either one will put birds on the strap—just depends on your shooting style.

What do you think about the Fabarm XLR series? Share your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY!

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we’ll only hit what we’re focused on — live the #targetfocusedlife