Fausti’s top-quality XF4 Sporter
Charles Smith-Jones says Fausti’s XF4 is a no-nonsense, top-quality Sporter
The Fausti family has been manufacturing shotguns in the Gardone Valley of Italy since Stefano Fausti founded the company in 1948. It is now run by his daughters, Barbara, Giovanna and Elena, who feature prominently in its marketing. The company produces over-and-under and side-by-side models for both the hunting and competition markets. Fausti’s guns have always enjoyed a reputation for functionality, craftsmanship and style, though there are no cheap entrylevel guns in a range that has prices starting from around £2,500. Fausti also produces two Express models of double-barrelled rifles in a wide variety of calibres to cater for the hunter of larger game.
Purpose
The XF4 is a relatively recent addition to the Fausti range, and the company advertises it as something of an all-rounder intended to meet the varying disciplines of the competition world. With its round body and black action, the immediate impression is minimalist and functional without any excessive decoration beyond the name on each side, though the sleek lines mark it out as something more special and make it aesthetically very pleasing. However, this is clearly a gun with a serious purpose rather than just something to be admired.
It is offered in three finishes – Gold, Platinum and Black, which are echoed in the lettering on the action, though there are no other physical differences between them. In a market dominated by 12-bores, it is refreshing to find that the XF4 is also offered in 20- and 28-bore and even .410, ensuring that anyone wanting a true Sporter in one of these calibres will not be disappointed.
As you might expect from a gun intended for prolonged use as a Sporter, this one
is built to take the hammering of many thousands of cartridges without loosening up. A key component is the Fausti-patented Four Lock system, which really keeps things tight: not only are there twin lugs at the rear of the monobloc that locate into recesses at the bottom of the receiver, but there are similar lugs and recesses at the sides. The result is a very solid and secure arrangement that effectively prevents loosening over time. Reliability is further enhanced by a lack of over-complication in the mechanism, which is built on a tried and tested inertia system, which should just keep on shooting without issues. A manual safety with a standard lateral sliding mechanism for barrel selection completes what you would expect to find on a Sporter.
The walnut stocks tend to be straight patterned and there are varying wood grades available. Extended XPro chokes are standard but the purchaser of a new gun can opt for internal chokes at no extra cost. They are supplied in sets of five or six. The adjustable comb can be altered for both height and pitch, and a left-handed version is available. Fausti offers a bespoke stock service, if desired.
Comfortable
This is a comfortable gun to use; the round body allows for a low profile, the slight palm swell of the semi pistol grip fills even the smaller hand nicely, and the fore-end may be rounded or semi-beavertail. The chequering is laser cut, not overly sharp and effective while feeling comfortable to hold. The top conical rib and mid-rib are ventilated to allow for the rapid barrel cooling that is essential under competition conditions.
Though there is no adjustable internal balancing system such as is provided by some other manufacturers, it is unlikely that the shooter would wish to adjust the natural balance of this gun in the first place. Recoil is surprisingly low and the XF4 seems to have a built-in pointability and effortless control that means the gun just seems to naturally go where you look. Opening and closing it feels positive and silky smooth and further emphasises the precision of the manufacturing process involved in its production.
The XF4 is not cheap — you’ll get little change from £4,000 — but if you take your clays seriously it might be just the gun for you, representing superb value for money for one in this class. Its unpretentious looks, streamlined appearance and outstanding performance all combine to make a truly above-average Sporter, and trying the balance alone may just cause you to reach for the credit card.
CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:
“Opening and closing it feels positive and silky smooth”