[joneseboy]

I'm looking at the Fabarm Velocity to shoot for a new young shooter. Anybody have any experience with the shotgun. Does it shoot softly?
Thanks, joneseboy

 

[OLD ONE EYE]

I have not shot one yet they are robust autos and should be soft shooter being auto and on the heavy side. If the shooter is strong enough to handle the gun. I would have the shooter shoot one first they also changed the grip size so find out which one you need the early guns were ok for big hands so they made a small reach stock. Young shooters usually are in a hurry to get a gun try to slow down the process and have him shoot several guns and make sure it fits shooting for POI . Helping new shooters is something that gives me enjoyment.
Buddy

 

[dickgtax]

We just hosted the state SCTP championship at our club, and I will add to Buddy's comment with an emphatic "no." The Fabarms Velocity is way too big and heavy for young, experienced shooters. If you stay with the smaller, lighter,
simpler autos the kids will handle it a lot better. The Velocity is close to 9 pounds. You'd be better off staying closer to 7 to 7 1/2 pounds with an Remington 1100,11-87 or Beretta 391. light one ounce loads, reduced length stock, and 28" barrels. Plus, if you pick up a nice clean used gun, you'll have
$1,500 to $2,000 less invested.

 

[skeet_man]

If you're going to spend that kind of $, buy a used Devault 391 conversion.

 

[viperrt]

Other than Old One Eye who stated he has never shot an XLR5, how many of you who expressed your opinion have actually shot one or actually own one?

My first question would be for Joneseboy to provide a little more information regarding the "new shooter". I have seen 10 year olds that are 5' 8" and 150 lbs or more.

I own a XLR5 which is a purpose built trap gun not a field gun. Buy a new 1100 (not a worn old gun), send the barrel off for an adjustable rib, forcing cone work, and quality choke tubes, then the stock off for an adjustable comb, find a Timney steel trigger (if you can), and then add up the cost. Oh I forgot the XLR5 comes with a recoil reducer in the stock which is easily removed and will reduce the overall weight and an adjustable LOP. And when you're done you still have a field gun that was never intended to handle the number of rounds of a purpose built trap gun. Dennis' 391 conversion was just described above.

 

[glenfish]

I am pleased with my Fabarms. Own a couple of 391's as well. Don't be afraid to try the Fabarms.

 

[cbxchris]

I am a lefty so the velocity is a hit with me. That said I shot a 391 for years. The Velocity is a heavy gun and even the generation 3 stock tends to be for bigger hands. I will have to say it is a touch softer shooting than a 391. I don't think it will handle 3/4 oz loads like a 391. I really like the adjustable rib and large bolt handle which I could never use on my 391 due to being left handed. The velocity throws some fabulous patterns with factory chokes and the rib adjustments as shown in the manual are pretty much spot on. I have not been as pleased with any auto this much since buying the 391. As for a young person using one I would say NO unless they are a good sized kid. YMMV.........

 

[fly]

if it fits, buy it for him or her, I have seen you kids shooting K & P guns too. Don't start them with cheap junk.

 

[Desert Hiker]

I had a XLR 5 and it is a soft shooting gun, I think I would go with a 30" barrel and not the 32". However, it is a little heavier than say the Rem 1100 but it's a nice gun. Plus the version I had had adjustable comb and rib and trigger for LOP flexibility...I am an unsingle shooter so decided to trade my XLR 5 on a Caesar Guerini Challenger Trap and it's just like new. If your interested you can call Hi-Grade Shooting Supply in Irwin , PA. and see what price he will sell it for. Used XLR 5's hard hard to come buy...Good luck...Ron