doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Fabarm Autumn vs Rizzini BR550

Good morning:

I was curious if anyone has any experience with either? I did a search of the forum and found some information regarding the Rizzini. Quick backstory:

I am looking for a quality, modern, side by side that will allow me to shoot just about any type of shotshell. I fear that the days of lead are numbered, maybe not now or even 3-5 years but the day will come when we transition by mandate rather than choice. Another reason is type of hunting shift. For the past couple of decades my focus has been the ducks. It has never been great here in Virginia, I lost my favorite spot this year, and my focus has shifted more towards Woodcock here. I still travel to Maine and Upstate NY for ducks, grouse, and woodcock, and when I do, I usually take a Parker. One was originally manufactured in 1903, the other in the mid-20's, so steel is most definitely out.

I also don't want to blow through Bismuth on grouse and woodcock, and I just want a quality, modern SxS.

Finally, I like longer barrels, I'm left-handed with those quirks, and both Fabarm and Rizzini offer those options. I also like the BR552. I'm a dedicated 16 gauge guy, and Rizzini has that option, but I'm not opposed to a 20 gauge knowing that is the only option with the Fabarm Autumn.

Any experience with pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

B. Rizzini has an excellent reputation in UK with interchangeable replacement barrels in the same frame size being a big plus 🇨🇭(sorry for old joke about Swiss flag).

I am very happy with my 12 bore Premier Sporter although I appreciate that is not the type of gun you are looking for.

I had a Fabarm Autumn and it was hell for stout, could handle any load out there but I also have a BR 550 with somewhat rare 30" barrels. One of my shooting friends talked me out of the Fabarm and I am selling the BR550. It is a great gun but my wife has convinced me to quit trying to shoot guns that don't fit me and settle on ones that do. I will say the Rizzini feels a little more lively. Originally the trigger on the Rizzini had a bit of creep. Since it came with a lifetime warranty I sent it back to Utah when there was a bit of separation in the wood to metal on the forearm. They fixed that and the trigger. Mine were both single triggers but I see Rizzini offers double triggers. I think the Fabarm may have been a shade heavier but not by much. The engraving on the BR550 is better imo. Tough choice, both good guns.

Do you regret letting the Fabarm go?

Not really. I have been going through a phase lately and trying to stick with guns that really fit and sell others that I tell myself I shoot good but really make adjustments for.

I have two Rizzini BR550s. They are the older style case hardened not the RB. I bought two 20 gauges as a composed pair and got a really good deal on them as the RB was coming out. The idea also was that I could shoot steel in them for going over to the UK or Europe. I shortened the stocks and put on 1/2" recoil pads and had the stocks bent a 1/4" cast off. They are very quick to handle and at a little over 6 pounds carry well also. I've shot 100 sporting clays with them a number of times with hot loads and you hardly know you've been shooting. I would prefer double triggers but I've had no trouble with the single triggers.

I have a BR550 Round Body 28ga. with straight English stock, great wood, and wood butt plate.
With 74.3cm (29¼") barrels. Which is odd since the standard configurations are listed as 67, 71 or 76
Easy to carry, the round body is comfortable - 2.513 kg - 5lbs 8.6oz.
I like the clean barrel lines - "Piani Fissi" or as Beretta calls it "Triblock"
Seamless look without visible Monobloc weld lines.

I have a double trigger kit and 32ga barrels on order from Rizzini.
Great gun for woodcock.
If you are ordering a left hand stock, maybe also order custom dimensions?

Where do you order the double trigger kit? Rizzini USA doesn't show it.

I'm going through a similar phase. I know that I've lost at least a couple inches worth of height over the years. But that also seems to mean that I'm better off with guns that have a shorter LOP. Currently in the process of weeding out ones I don't want to try to modify to fit me and focus on those that do.

I ordered it when I visited Filippo at Rizzini in Marcheno last September.
I bet If you contact your local Rizzini dealer they can order one.
If not let me know and I can put you in touch with Filippo.
Will take a while - I am still waiting after 10 months.