This Fabarm premium tactical modular slide-action twelve gauge shotgun was introduced back in 2018 at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Based on the times in which we live, it could have been called the SHTF-12 or the STFU-12, rather than the STF 12. The example I have is the Flat Dark Earth Cerakote receiver model. As supplied, this 18 inch barrel pump has a 5 shot magazine. It comes with a fixed stock, but with the optional Fabarm buffer tube adapter you can use your favorite style of AR-15 buttstock if you wish.

While I am a very long ways from being Captain Tactical, it is hard not to appreciate the excellent machining and smooth action of the STF 12. If you want optics and flashlights on your HD pump, Fabarm gives you plenty of Picatinny real estate to attach whatever you'd like to. Unlike Fabarm hunting and target shotguns, the STF 12 does not have a Tri-Bore barrel, but a conventional bore of 18.4 mm which is about .7244 inch. This approach, along with its medium contour barrel, is done to give better accuracy out of a smooth bore barrel with slugs. Fabarm gives several examples of better than 2 inch groups at 54.7 yards. Contingent on ammo, 1-1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inches at 50 yards seems to be typical. Fabarm Italy makes numerous variations, with barrel lengths of 11 inches up to 22 inches, but USA customers are offered only 18 inch barrel models at present.

The STF 12 weighs a substantial 8-1/4 pounds with the extended Pic rail installed and is reasonably soft shooting as a result. The trigger breaks at a light and crisp 3 lbs., 11 ounces, but feels far heavier than that due to the angle of trigger pull when your hand is around the pistol grip. Only two chokes are supplied, both are 5/10 “Modified” chokes. One choke has the breacher / muzzle break extension installed, which gives the gun a more aggressive anesthetic.

With a MSRP of $1495 and a street price of $1250 or so, the STF is anything but cheap. It doesn't look cheap, it doesn't feel cheap, and guess what? It isn't. While it could be used for hunting hogs with Foster-type slugs, or turkey hunting with an aftermarket choke, it is probably best-suited for exactly what it appears to be: a very durable, premium, home defense machine that easily accepts all the goodies anyone could want to attach to it.