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Blaser FBX Sporting Shotgun: Precision Engineering for Hunters and Competitive Shooters. Review, Price.
The Blaser FBX is the latest evolution in high-performance shotguns, designed for both sporting clays and game hunting. Introduced in 2025, the FBX builds upon the legacy of Blaser’s F3 and F16 models, offering a refined shooting experience through advanced engineering, modularity, and recoil management. This article provides a comprehensive review of the FBX, covering its design, systems, calibers, performance, and real-world feedback from shooters.
🔧 Overview and Design Philosophy
The Blaser FBX is a 12-gauge over-and-under shotgun, purpose-built for competition shooting and field use. It features a Fat Body monocoque receiver, which lowers the center of gravity and enhances balance between the shooter’s hands. The FBX is engineered for minimal recoil, intuitive handling, and custom fit, making it ideal for long shooting sessions and high-pressure environments.
Key design elements include:
• Inline hammer system for fast lock time
• Detachable trigger unit for easy maintenance
• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for corrosion resistance
• Balancer system in both fore-end and buttstock
• Ventilated side rails for barrel cooling and weight reduction
⚙️ Modifications and Configurations
The FBX is available in several configurations to suit different shooting disciplines and ergonomic preferences:
• Barrel lengths: 76 cm, 81 cm, and 86 cm
• Choke options: Fixed ½ & ½ or extended Briley thin-wall multi-chokes (set of 5)
• Stock types:• Standard sporting stock
• Adjustable comb (4D stock)
• Left-handed versions
• Custom wood grades from HQ5 to HQ11
• Trigger: Mechanical, with Anti-Double System (IBS®) and Ejection Ball System (EBS®)
These modular options allow shooters to tailor the FBX to their body dimensions, shooting style, and target types.
📐 Technical Specifications
• Gauge: 12/76 (3” chamber)
• Weight: Approx. 3.85 kg (8.5 lbs)
• Drop/Cast/Pitch: Drop 37/49 mm, Cast 3/8/20 mm, Pitch 85°
• Recoil pad: Kick-Eez® with large contact surface
• Front bead: Red LPA or grain-of-barley style
• Finish: DLC-coated steel components
• Trigger pull: Light and crisp, optimized for fast follow-up shots
🎯 Performance and Shooting Experience
The FBX excels in both clay shooting and game hunting due to its:
• Linear recoil management: Reduces muzzle flip and shoulder fatigue
• Optimized barrel geometry: Improves shot velocity and pattern consistency
• Perfect balance: Enhances swing characteristics and target acquisition
Shooters report exceptional control on fast crossers and long-range targets. The FBX’s recoil mitigation makes it suitable for heavier loads (up to 36g) without discomfort, which is especially beneficial for pheasant, duck, and partridge hunting.
🦌 Hunting Applications
While the FBX is marketed primarily as a sporting shotgun, its versatility makes it a strong candidate for upland and waterfowl hunting. Common game includes:
• Pheasant
• Partridge
• Duck
• Woodcock
• Rabbit (with buckshot or slug)
Its precision and balance also make it viable for driven hunts and walk-up shooting, especially with fiber wad cartridges.
💰 Price and Availability
The MSRP for the Blaser FBX Sporting starts at $13,995 USD, depending on configuration and wood grade. Custom stocks and engraving options can push the price higher. Availability is currently limited, with initial deliveries beginning in mid-2025 through authorized dealers in the U.S., U.K., and EU.
🗣️ Shooter Feedback: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
• Exceptional balance and recoil control
• Modular fit and customization
• Premium materials and finish
• Smooth trigger and fast cycling
• Ideal for both competition and hunting
❌ Cons
• High price point
• Removable trigger may be unnecessary for some
• No barrel weight adjustment (uses internal balancer system)
• Limited availability and long lead times
🏆 Why Shooters Choose the FBX
The FBX is chosen by shooters who value:
• German engineering precision
• Consistency in performance
• Customization without gunsmithing
• Durability and low maintenance
• Aesthetic appeal with modern styling
It competes directly with Beretta DT11, Perazzi High Tech, and Krieghoff K-80, offering a more modular and tech-forward alternative.
📌 Final Verdict
The Blaser FBX is a top-tier shotgun that blends engineering excellence with shooter-centric design. Whether you’re breaking clays or flushing birds, the FBX delivers a smooth, balanced, and fatigue-free experience. It’s not just a firearm — it’s a precision instrument built for those who demand the best.
If you’re serious about your shooting and ready to invest in a platform that adapts to you, the FBX deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro Scope Review
When it comes to precision shooting and hunting, the right scope can make all the difference. The Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro thermal scope is a game changer. With its advanced technology and impeccable design, it has quickly become one of the favorites among enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this review, we will explore the key features, benefits, and overall performance of the Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro.
Design and Build Quality PULSAR
The Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Constructed with a durable chassis, the scope is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling without sacrificing performance. Its lightweight build ensures that it can be comfortably mounted on various firearms without adding significant weight.
Advanced Technology PULSAR
One of the standout features of the Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro is its high-resolution sensor. With a 640x480 pixel thermal sensor and a sensitivity rating of <25 mK, this scope provides crystal-clear images even in challenging environments. The ability to detect heat signatures at distances up to 2,500 meters makes it an invaluable tool for both hunting and tactical applications.
Enhanced Magnification and Field of View
The scope offers variable magnification, with a range from 2.5x to 20x. This versatility allows users to zoom in on distant targets while maintaining a wide field of view. The image quality at both low and high magnifications is impressive, enabling accurate targeting at various distances.
User-Friendly Interface
Setting up the Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive user interface. The onboard menu is easy to navigate, and it allows users to customize various settings quickly. Additionally, the scope comes with multiple reticle options, enabling shooters to select the one that best fits their preferences.
Long Battery Life
The Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro features a rechargeable battery that offers up to 16 hours of continuous use. This extended battery life is essential for long hunting trips or extended surveillance operations, eliminating the need for frequent recharging.
Additional Features PULSAR THERMION
The scope is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and provides seamless connectivity with mobile devices through the Stream Vision app. This feature allows users to stream video, share images, and update firmware directly from their smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, the scope supports a picture-in-picture mode, allowing for precise targeting without losing sight of the bigger picture.
In summary, the Thermion 2 XP 50 Pro thermal scope is a top-tier option for anyone serious about hunting or tactical shooting. Its robust design, advanced thermal imaging capabilities, and user-friendly features set it apart from competitors in the market. Whether you’re a novice shooter or a seasoned professional, this scope is sure to enhance your shooting experience.
Beretta 490 Serpentina: The Ultimate Collector’s Side-by-Side Shotgun, Modifications, Caliber, Price.
Article Overview Beretta 490 Serpentina
• Introduction & Origins
• Design & Modifications
• Technical Specifications
• Caliber & Shooting Range
• Hunting Applications
• Accessories & Chokes
• Price & Availability
• Pros & Cons
• Interesting Facts
• Final Verdict
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🎯 Introduction: A Tribute to 490 Years of Excellence
The Beretta 490 Serpentina is not just a shotgun — it’s a celebration of Beretta’s legacy. Released in 2016 to mark the company’s 490th anniversary, this one-of-a-kind side-by-side shotgun blends tradition, innovation, and artistry. Built on the 486 Parallelo platform and reimagined by designer Marc Newson, the Serpentina is a collector’s dream and a functional masterpiece.
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🛠️ Design & Modifications Beretta 490 Serpentina
The Serpentina is available in two known editions:
• Original Blue Edition: Features a deep blue receiver, white gold inlays, and a polished walnut stock.
• Black Edition (“Black Snake”): A sleek, all-black version with ebony wood and black anodized receiver.
Both versions share:
• A serpentine-shaped side lever for opening the action.
• Minimalist design: no engraving or checkering, emphasizing clean lines and craftsmanship.
• A custom Churchill-style case with accessories made of ebony, horn, and sterling silver.
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📐 Technical Specifications Beretta 490 Serpentina
• Type: Side-by-side shotgun
• Gauge: 20 gauge
• Barrel Length: 71 cm
• Chamber Length: 76 mm (3”)
• Weight: Approx. 2.85 kg
• Barrel Material: Steelium® technology, mirror-polished
• Receiver: Edgeless, anodized (blue or black)
• Trigger: Single selective
• Safety: Automatic with selector
• Sight Rib: Tapered 8×5 mm
• Chokes: Interchangeable, Beretta OCHP system B
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⛓️💥 Caliber & Shooting Range Beretta 490 Serpentina
The 20-gauge configuration offers:
• Moderate recoil, ideal for refined shooting.
• Effective range of 30–40 meters, depending on choke and load.
• Suitable for upland game birds, pheasants, and clay shooting.
While not designed for waterfowl or heavy game, its precision and balance make it a top-tier choice for sporting clays and driven hunts.
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🦆 Hunting Applications
Though primarily a collector’s item, the Serpentina is fully functional and excels in:
• Pheasant and partridge hunting
• Woodcock and grouse
• Sporting clays and skeet shooting
Its lightweight build and smooth swing make it ideal for fast-moving targets in dense cover or open fields.
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🧩 Accessories & Chokes
Included accessories:
• Custom leather case with cleaning tools (ebony, horn, silver)
• Steelium barrels compatible with Beretta OCHP chokes, allowing:• Cylinder for close-range
• Modified for mid-range
• Full for longer shots
Additional accessories are limited due to its bespoke nature, but compatible Beretta chokes and cleaning kits are available through premium dealers.
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💰 Price & Availability
The Beretta 490 Serpentina is not commercially available in standard retail channels. It was produced as a custom, one-off firearm, with some editions gifted to organizations like the Countryside Alliance in the UK C.
Estimated value:
• $50,000–$100,000+, depending on edition and provenance.
• Occasionally appears in private auctions or Beretta’s Premium Atelier.
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👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros:
• Unmatched craftsmanship and aesthetics
• Lightweight and balanced for field use
• Collector-grade exclusivity
• Functional and precise for upland hunting
❌ Cons:
• Extremely limited availability
• Not suitable for waterfowl or heavy game
• Price point restricts access to elite collectors
• No engraving or checkering may deter traditionalists
🧠 Interesting Facts About the Beretta 490 Serpentina
🔹 A Tribute to the Oldest Firearms Manufacturer
The Serpentina was created to commemorate Beretta’s 490th anniversary, making it a symbolic tribute to the world’s oldest active firearms company, founded in 1526. The shotgun’s name and design reflect this deep historical lineage.
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🔹 Inspired by a 16th-Century Receipt
One of the most unique design elements is the white gold inlay on the left side of the receiver, which depicts the original sales receipt from October 3, 1526, when Beretta sold 185 harquebus barrels to the Arsenal of Venice A. This document is considered the earliest known reference to Beretta’s existence.
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🔹 Designed by Marc Newson
The Serpentina was reimagined by Marc Newson, a world-renowned industrial designer known for his work with Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Qantas. His minimalist approach gave the shotgun its edgeless receiver, serpentine lever, and clean, unengraved surfaces, setting it apart from traditional luxury firearms.
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🔹 No Engraving, No Checkering — Just Pure Form
Unlike most premium shotguns, the Serpentina features no engraving or checkering. Instead, it relies on mirror-polished steel, grade 5 walnut, and anodized finishes to express elegance through simplicity.
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🔹 The “Black Snake” Edition
The Black Edition, nicknamed “Black Snake”, uses ebony wood, a black anodized receiver, and a custom black leather case. The opening lever mimics the curve of a snake, reinforcing the “Serpentina” theme (from serpente, Italian for snake).
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🔹 A Collector’s Case Like No Other
Each Serpentina comes in a Churchill-style case handcrafted by Beretta’s PB Custom Atelier. The cleaning tools are made from ebony, horn, and sterling silver, and the case includes a polished insert replicating the 1526 receipt — a nod to Beretta’s legacy.
🧠 Final Verdict
The Beretta 490 Serpentina is a rare fusion of art and engineering, designed not just to shoot — but to inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a collector of fine firearms, the Serpentina stands as a testament to Beretta’s 490-year legacy.
If you ever get the chance to hold one, you’re not just holding a shotgun — you’re holding history.
