Syren L4S Review: The Best Semi-Auto Shotgun for Women in Sporting Clays?
Meet the Syren L4S
For the discerning lady shooter who needs a shortened length of pull, a little more cast, and a Monte Carlo stock all in a stylish semi-auto sporting gun, look no further than the Syren L4S. Designed by women and made in the same factories as Fabarm and Caesar Guerini, the Syren L4S shares all the same benefits of its brother company Fabarm. This includes their quality manufacturing and industry leading customer service based in Cambridge, Maryland. Priced at $2425 up to $3120, this firearm is the top end of quality for semi automatic sporting guns!
Models
For models the Syren L4S comes in two varieties with different configurations. The Syren L4S Sporting, and the Syren L4S Elevate. Both the L4S Sporting and the L4S Elevate come exclusively in 12 gauge with no other chamber options. The barrels for the L4S Sporting come in either 28 inches or 30 inches. The L4S Elevate only comes in 28 inches. This doesn’t mean that the L4S line is a one trick pony. The Elevate comes with an adjustable comb and a quick detach rib! No need for adjustment on the rib as there are two options: 50/50 and 65/35. Held in with a pin and locked on the nose, the rib attaches in a sturdy manner and has the benefit of simplicity. This makes it a great option for shooters of multiple disciplines, sporting clays and trap alike!
Barrel
Speaking of the barrels, all Fabarm shotguns are proof tested higher than any other barrel set in the industry. A standard 12 gauge shotshell produces 11,500 PSI or ~790 bar. “Bar” being a unit of pressure measurement. A Fabarm barrel is rated to 1630 Bar or ~23,000 PSI. This means that Fabarm barrels can withstand nearly double the pressure of most other barrel sets in the industry. While the practicalities of such an improvement are still out for discussion, this is a testament to the build quality of the Syren L4S and all Fabarm shotguns, for the matter. Capping off these stellar barrels sit the Fabarm chokes called Exis HP of which the Syren comes with five (skeet, improved cylinder, light modified, modified and full)!
Receiver
Coming down from the barrels, we find the receiver decorated with a modern black anodized finish. Anodization hardens the metal making it more resistant to scratches, tarnish, and general outer wear. The trigger drops out easily by removing two pins allowing for easy cleaning in and around the chamber. An oversized bolt release and charging handle smooth use reducing the amount of force needed to operate the gun. One standout feature that’s earned praise from lady shooters is the thoughtfully positioned bolt release—placed opposite the ejection port for easy access and a touch of added safety. This smart design keeps fingers (and fingernails!) comfortably clear of the moving bolt, so there’s no risk of breaking a nail or snagging a glove mid-round. It’s just one more way the Syren L4S delivers both function and finesse for the female shooter.
Gas System
With a 2 3/4 inch chamber, the gas system in the L4S series is specifically tuned to use target loads. This means that even the lightest low recoil loads will still cycle through the L4S without problem. This level of reliability gives the shooter confidence in their machinery and greater focus on busting clays as a result of the low recoil. Not to mention, the ease of secondary target acquisition. Especially true for early shooters, the quicker you recover from recoil, the more time you have for a true pair or report target.
Stock
With the receiver, gas system, and barrels covered, it’s time to visit the stock of the Syren L4S. The stock of the L4S Sporting and Elevate both come with Fabarm proprietary Tri-Wood. Hewn from “semi-premium” Turkish Walnut, the wood stock is dipped in dye which brings out the natural grain of the wood, and adds a faux grain which soaks in below the surface. Finally, a protective finish is applied to seal the wood and protect against moisture.
Dimensionally, the Syren L4S sports a shortened stock and a greater degree of cast to increase comfort for the lady shooter. It also has a smaller grip to fit more comfortably in the hands of most women. Which is a great point to remember, while Syren’s are made for women they are not going to fit all women. Just as with taller men, taller women will likely need a different style stock or a more exaggerated length of pull which fortunately can be obtained quite easily using Syren’s prefit recoil pads. They are available in 3 thicknesses.
Accessories
Accessory wise, the Syren L4S Sporting and Syren L4S Elevate both come with a Negrini hard case, cotton break down sleeves, choke case and wrench. Surprisingly both come with five EXIS HP Competition Choke Tubes, a nice touch. Syren offers a curated collection of accessories designed with the female shooter in mind—from shooting vests and shell pouches to stylish apparel. Each piece is crafted to complement the look and feel of the Syren line, making them a perfect match for the woman who wants her gear to perform as well as it looks. For those looking to embrace the Syren sisterhood, these thoughtful additions complete the package—both on the field and off.
Aesthetics
The Syren L4S possesses a modern style, clean lines, and a unique and eye-catching purple accent. Anodized barrel and receiver catch light and keep it as well to reduce sun glare. This makes the firearm subtle and without distraction, allowing the shooter to not worry about the firearm in their hands, and focus more acutely on their sport.
Conclusion
The Syren L4S series makes for a great firearm for those either looking to get into the sport or to heighten their game. At a desirable price point, you get a set of features which typically cost a hefty premium on an already expensive over-under. The clean design makes for a beautiful firearm without the extra frills of engraving and balances nicely with the somewhat captivating Tri-Wood stock. Mechanically, these firearms are reliable. If its metal interior fails or comes out of peak performance, a simple two week trip to Fabarm will set the gun straight without any more cost than an average smith. Finally, and perhaps most important given the Syren name, the firearm is designed around most women. From the slender forearm and grip, to the increase in cast, shortened length of pull, and all around lightweight design, the Syren L4S fits perfect and runs true.