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AIRB0RNE6176

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Not too may (if any) threads on possibly the finest tactical pump action 12ga in the world, I give you the Fabarm STF/12 Professional:
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I discovered this AWESOME shotgun by "accident" by training with some Italian Security Forces while I was on U.S. Embassy Duty and then again on combat deployments in the Middle East. We had the chance to shoot the STF/12 side by side with our detachment's Remington 870s and Mossberg 590s from the State Dept bubbas, and all of us were totally "blown away" with it's exceptional performance. It handles just like a 870 for it's operation and has the perfect LoP (12.6") for plate carriers/flak jackets/etc. With the Nordic Components gear, I've got a 7+1 HD 12ga pump action shotgun that actually runs better than my 870 and even my Benelli SuperNova and M3. I added on a HS503GU red dot to co-witness with the included ghost ring rear and fiber optic front sights on the removable top rail, a TLR-1HL WML on the included bottom rail (long gun kit on the way), a Briley Fabarm Exis HP Spectrum Black Oxide Cylinder choke (.000"), and the 5-shell holder from Fabarm themselves. I use the included (and very stout) muzzle break whenever I want to use the extra +3 mag tube I also purchased from Arnzen Arms to give me a "8+1 Toothed-Terror". Read up on it at:

Fabarm STF 12 (Black) - FABARM PROFESSIONAL

There's only two things keeping it from being more well known here in the U.S.: 1) it is an all Italian made shotgun with hardly no U.S. after-market parts or support; Fabarm is a great shotgun manufacturer but Beretta/Benelli are the first names that come to mind for Italian tactical shotguns, and 2) the price @ MSRP of $1395...; The STF/12 is essentially the "Benelli M4" of pump action tactical shotguns, not only in terms of a higher price but also in regards to it's high quality build, incredible standard features, performance in the field & on the range, durability & functionality, and it's amazing appearance (i.e. you're getting what you paid for). It's got the strongest barrel in the market, and is super accurate enough to be considered a 3" slug rifle out to 50+yds. I've been through 3 different shotgun courses with this thing and it has earned it's place as my go-to HD shotgun (nothing against my Benelli's and Remington). I was fortunate to pick mine up early last year for less than $900 with all the extras, but their prices are in the $1200+ range now. While you can probably get 2 or 3 pump guns (& shells) for that price, it's worth looking into if you want a premium 12ga tactical pump action shotgun that is top notch and well deserving of the extra coin.

Hope this helps, and Happy 4th of July!
 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
I had another forum member ask me about the sights on the STF/12, so here are some decent pics for the masses. Notice the included green fiber optic ghost ring on the rear and red fiber optic on the front, which are perfectly seen through the HS503C if I want to run straight iron sights. Also, there is a set of basic iron sights hard mounted on top of the receiver if I'd want to totally remove the entire top for an even lower profile shotgun. This thing is AWESOME!
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Although RandyWakeman @ #6 is correct that the STF/12 does have an ambidextrous safety, I think Patch44 @ #3 is asking if the round left side of the safety can be swapped and reversed with the triangle right side of the safety. This feature gives you the ability to feel the status of the safety by touch.

Unless you cut or modify the trigger group assembly, I don't think you can "reverse" the sides' shape of the safety.
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Although RandyWakeman @ #6 is correct that the STF/12 does have an ambidextrous safety, I think Patch44 @ #3 is asking if the round left side of the safety can be swapped and reversed with the triangle right side of the safety. This feature gives you the ability to feel the status of the safety by touch.

Unless you cut or modify the trigger group assembly, I don't think you can "reverse" the sides' shape of the safety.
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View attachment 54274
I wish I could reverse the awful oversized safety on my Waterfowler.
 
What a beauty! If it is made by Fabarm, you know it is high quality. Is the safety reversible?
Yes, they all are: Fabarm L4S safety question .

XLR5, L4S, STF12 all of them have reversible safeties. Not only that, the smaller safety of the L4S is interchangeable with the XLR5 Waterfowler as well and vice-versa.
 
There's only two things keeping it from being more well known here in the U.S.: 1) it is an all Italian made shotgun with hardly no U.S. after-market parts or support;
The $95 buffer tube adapter Featured Archives - FABARM PROFESSIONAL allows you to add essentially any AR-15 collapsible stock you wish.

It is only recently that they have been readily available, for when Covid hit . . .. whammo, they were instantly sold out.

 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Good to go, and even better, good to know.

The standard stock is perfect for me with it's LoP, and I'm used to the triangle side of the safety being on the right side. I am, however, going to move the TLR-1HL from the bottom of the forend to the front left of the barrel once the coiled pressure switch kit arrives.
 
I came across a Fabarm shotgun at a local gun show several years ago. I don't recall the model, but it was similar in appearance to the ones pictured here. The 2 things that drew me to stop and look at the gun were its HK markings and that it had an interesting wedge or fan shaped muzzle attachment. The seller had a hand written index card explaining what the gun was and its features. Apparently the fan shaped attachment was designed to pattern shot into a roughly hallway shape and size. I think it had some sort of sensationalistic name like "Hallway Sweeper" or something similar but I can't recall for certain.

One of the shotguns my father loved to bird hunt with was an old Savage 440B which was actually manufactured by FABARMs but imported by Savage...a very well made and nice looking shotgun.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
@ #12 White02, that could have possibly been some iteration of the classic H&K/Fabarm FP6. There was one of those on display in Quantico, VA years ago when I went through Marine Security Guard School for U.S. Embassy Duty. Man, if I could find and own one of those beauties...
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Finally got around to moving the TLR-1HL and installing a stock shell holder for the right side. The STF/12 is still my go-to bedside 12ga, as the semi-auto's are staged elsewhere in the house/property for other "needs"...
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