In a market where the over-and-under has progressively gained a dominant position, the side-by-side continues to represent something special for many hunters. The two side-by-side barrels, the low action frame, the quick shouldering, and the elegant lines are part of a hunting culture that hasn't disappeared, but has gradually shifted toward more specialized products.
The RFM Zeus was born precisely from this philosophy. It's not an industrial side-by-side shotgun offered in a few pre-established configurations, but a platform on which the Sarezzo-based company builds highly customizable guns, adapting numerous elements to the customer's requests.
The family includes the Zeus S, Zeus SL, and Zeus SX versions , which share the same general design approach but differ primarily in terms of their trim levels, workmanship, and aesthetic refinement. Rather than three completely different side-by-side shotguns, they can therefore be interpreted as three levels through which RFM develops the same idea of a hunting shotgun.
R.F.M. Armi: a story that began in 1957
To understand Zeus, it is useful to know the company that produces it. The history of R.F.M. Armi It began in 1957 with Luciano Rota, who trained at the Artigianelli school in Brescia and initially specialized in the processing of wooden parts for weapons.
The business subsequently expanded into the construction of shotguns, including side-by-side shotguns with external hammers, before moving into a phase more geared toward commercial production. As the company evolved and the subsequent generations joined the company, RFM gradually shifted its focus toward niche production, focusing on building and customizing firearms according to customer requirements.
Today, the company operates in Sarezzo, in the Brescia arms district, maintaining a family-run business and a philosophy that combines modern manufacturing with the intervention of gunsmiths in the phases that determine the final character of the rifle.
Zeus: a double that starts from a configuration and can become almost unique
The most interesting concept of the Zeus is probably the freedom it gives to the customer. The RFM configurator allows you to modify the caliber, chambering, barrel length, chokes, ejection, trigger, rib, finish, engraving, stock, forend, safety, and numerous aesthetic details.
This means that two Zeus guns can have profoundly different behavior and appearance. One can be configured as a compact side-by-side shotgun for the woods, another as a more classic gun for hunting with pointing dogs; one can favor simplicity and practicality, while another can achieve a decidedly superior aesthetic through select woods and personalized engravings.
Zeus S: the side plates change the character of the double-barreled shotgun
The Zeus S is identified by RFM as a model equipped with side plates . This solution immediately changes the aesthetic appearance of the weapon.
The sideplates expand the metal surface on the sides of the receiver and allow for more intricate engraving, while also smoothing the transition between the action and the stock. The result is a design closer to that of fine side-by-side shotguns than the Zeus without sideplates.
The S therefore represents an important step within the family: it maintains the concrete nature of the Zeus but adds an aesthetic component capable of significantly transforming the perception of the rifle.
Zeus SL: Holland & Holland type brass side plates and pins
The Zeus SL introduces a further distinctive element. RFM describes it as a side-by-side shotgun with side plates and H&H type brass pins.
The visible pins immediately recall the aesthetic language of the great English side-by-side shotguns and give the action a more elaborate look. On an engraved surface, the contrasting color of the brass also becomes part of the composition and contributes to the model's character.
The SL is therefore aimed at the hunter who wishes to retain the structure of the Zeus but seeks a higher level of formal refinement and greater proximity to the tradition of fine double-barrelled shotguns.
Zeus SX: the pinnacle of the family
The Zeus SX represents the most exclusive interpretation of the series. Here, the RFM customization philosophy takes on particular importance: finishes, wood quality, and decorative design can contribute to the creation of a model destined to clearly stand out from the more basic configurations.
It is therefore above all in the SX that the Zeus moves away from the concept of a simple work double-barreled shotgun and comes closer to that of a fine weapon built according to the owner's preferences.
At this level of product, it is of little use to try to define a universal standard model: the value of the superior version lies precisely in the possibility of intervening on the details and obtaining a weapon with its own identity.
Calibers: from 12 to .410, with even more special possibilities
RFM documentation for the Zeus family traditionally lists 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 gauges . The company's current configurator also lists .24 gauge as a selectable option.
It's a very broad choice and perfectly consistent with a handcrafted side-by-side shotgun. The 12 gauge favors versatility; the 16 retains a profoundly traditional charm; the 20 gauge offers excellent balance for stalking; the 28 and .410 gauges allow for the construction of particularly streamlined guns for enthusiasts of small gauges.
The calibre 24 is a decidedly less common proposition and demonstrates how the Zeus project can break away from the most conventional configurations.
70 or 76 mm chambering
The RFM configurator allows you to choose between 70 and 76 mm chambers , compatible with the caliber and the required setup.
The availability of the Magnum chambering expands the choice of ammunition, but for a side-by-side shotgun intended for stalking, the heaviest cartridge isn't necessarily the best solution. The gun's behavior must remain balanced, and the choice of load should be based on the game, the distance, and the desired pattern.
Custom rods: length becomes part of the design
One of the elements that best expresses the RFM philosophy is the possibility of choosing the length of the barrels and even requesting a custom size.
This is far from a marginal possibility. On a double-barreled shotgun, the length of the barrels strongly influences the distribution of mass and therefore the speed with which the gun enters its trajectory.
A relatively short Zeus can be extremely useful in the woods and on hunts characterized by sudden shots. A longer configuration, on the other hand, favors a more progressive follow-through and can be better suited to open environments.
Fixed or interchangeable chokes
RFM allows you to choose between fixed, internal interchangeable or external interchangeable chokes.
Fixed-bore guns maintain a more traditional setup and are particularly suitable when the shotgun is built for a specific hunting purpose. Interchangeable chokes, on the other hand, favor versatility and allow you to modify the pattern depending on the type of hunting you're doing.
The choice becomes even more significant when the two barrels are configured with different openings, creating two immediately available possibilities depending on the distance of the game.
Big trigger or single trigger
The trigger can also be chosen between a double trigger and a single trigger . On a classic side-by-side shotgun, the double trigger retains a particularly interesting logic: it allows you to directly choose which barrel to use simply by moving your finger on the corresponding trigger.
The single trigger, on the other hand, offers a more modern setting and may be preferable for those who are already accustomed to using over-and-under guns with this configuration.
There's no universally best solution. In a highly customizable project like Zeus, it's best to choose the one that responds to the owner's existing automations.
Manual or automatic extractors
The customer can also choose between manual extraction and automatic ejection . In the first case, the spent cases are lifted and retrieved directly by the hunter; in the second, the spent cases are ejected when the gun is opened.
The manual draw maintains a simplicity particularly consistent with a traditional double-barreled shotgun, while the automatic reloading makes reloading faster. Even in this case, Zeus doesn't impose a solution, leaving it up to the owner to decide.
Normal or concave rib
The option of choosing between a normal or concave rib also allows you to adjust the sight picture. The concave rib is particularly tied to the tradition of the side-by-side shotgun and helps maintain a very sleek topline.
The sight can be made with the classic brass ball or with fiber optic, thus offering an alternative between a traditional setting and greater visibility.
Antique silver, black, nickel or tortoiseshell
Customization of the Zeus includes different treatments for the frame and hardware . Options include Antique Silver, black, nickel, and tortoiseshell.
This choice radically alters the character of the weapon. A light finish enhances the contrast of the engraving; black creates a more sober image; the case hardening, on the other hand, clearly recalls the great gunmaking tradition.
RFM also allows you to intervene on the treatment of the barrels, choosing between gloss black, matte black and other finishes available within the configuration.
Hand or laser engraving
The engraving can be done by hand or laser . When it's done manually, RFM doesn't simply offer a standard design: the customer can customize the desired subject.
This aspect becomes particularly important on the S, SL and especially SX versions, where the larger surfaces available allow for the development of hunting scenes, floral motifs or personal compositions.
The difference isn't just in the execution technique. Engraving becomes one of the tools through which the owner can make their piece recognizable.
From standard wood to Exhibition grade
The choice of stock is equally wide. The RFM configurator includes different qualities of walnut, starting from the Standard grade and moving on to grades 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5, up to the Exhibition grade.
On a high-end side-by-side, however, the choice of wood must go beyond the mere spectacularity of the grain. The direction and density of the grain in the grip area have a structural function and must properly complement the shape of the stock.
English football, Prince of Wales or gun
The Zeus can be configured with an English, Prince of Wales, or pistol grip stock . These three geometries significantly alter the relationship between hand and weapon.
The English grip is the most classic side-by-side choice and allows for great freedom of movement. The Prince of Wales grip offers greater support without the more restrictive grip of a pistol. The latter, however, creates a more defined position for the strong hand.
For a custom-made side-by-side shotgun, it is essential that the length, cast, and cast are correctly adapted to the owner: the quality of a stock depends not only on the grade of walnut, but above all on the ability to naturally bring the eye to the aiming line.
English forend or beavertail
The forend can also be chosen between an English and a beavertail . The former maintains a slim, traditional line, allowing the hand to wrap more tightly around the barrel assembly. The latter offers a larger grip surface and also alters the aesthetic balance of the front end.
The choice is therefore both ergonomic and stylistic and must be evaluated together with the geometry of the stock.
A quantity of details that allows you to create a personal Zeus
The level of configuration reaches down to the details: full top lever, crown-shaped, with a floral or mythological animal motif; shield under the stock; short or long trigger guard; wooden or rubber butt plate; metal escutcheons; metal diamond; sling holder; manual or automatic safety.
Individually, these elements may seem like secondary considerations. Taken together, they explain the project's philosophy: Zeus is built from a common platform, but the final result can be strongly influenced by the client.
Zeus S, SL and SX: where are the differences?
The Zeus S introduces side panels and therefore represents the first level in which the aesthetic component takes on a particularly evident importance.
The Zeus SL adds the characteristic H&H type brass pins, bringing the aesthetic language towards that of the fine side-by-side shotguns of British tradition.
The Zeus SX, on the other hand, represents the most prestigious version of the family, in which the quality of the finishes and the possibility of customisation can be pushed to an even higher level.
The choice between the three versions must therefore be made primarily based on the desired level of refinement. The mechanical and hunting philosophy remains that of the Zeus; what changes is the way this base is dressed and finished.
RFM Zeus S, SL and SX: technical summary sheet
| Feature | RFM Zeus S / SL / SX |
|---|---|
| Producer | R.F.M. Armi |
| Headquarters | Sarezzo (Brescia), Italy |
| Typology | Hunting shotgun |
| Models | Zeus S / Zeus SL / Zeus SX |
| Calibers historically indicated in the catalog | 12 / 16 / 20 / 28 / .410 |
| Additional caliber present in the current configurator | 24 |
| Chambering | 70 / 76 mm depending on caliber and configuration |
| Rod length | Configurable; custom length request also available |
| Bottlenecks | Fixed / internal interchangeable / external interchangeable |
| Shoot | Big trigger / single trigger |
| Extraction | Manual / automatic |
| Bindella | Normal / concave |
| Viewfinder | Brass sphere / fiber optic |
| Zeus S Bascula | With side folders |
| Zeus SL Bascula | With side plates and brass pins type H&H |
| Zeus SX | Upper trim of the Zeus family |
| Bascula treatments | Antique Silver / Black / Nickel / Tortoiseshell according to configuration |
| Engraving | By hand / laser |
| Football | English / Prince of Wales / gun |
| Wood grades | Standard / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / Exhibition |
| Dipstick | English / beavertail |
| Safety | Manual / automatic |
| Recoil pad | Wood / rubber / ventilated rubber |
| Production | Made in Italy |
| Customization | Very high, with weapon configuration according to customer requests |
Note: The Zeus family is highly customizable. The features of your specific model may therefore vary depending on the caliber, barrels, trigger, ejection, chokes, wood, engraving, and finish requested.
Conclusions: Zeus is above all a philosophy of construction
The characteristic that best identifies the RFM Zeus isn't a mechanical or decorative detail, but the way it's built. Customers start with a side-by-side shotgun and can gradually define its features and personality until they obtain a model that's closely tied to their hunting style.
The S, SL and SX versions allow you to choose different levels of refinement without abandoning the traditional setting of the Italian double-barrel.
In a period in which most guns are purchased by choosing a variant from a pre-defined catalogue, RFM therefore takes a different path: not asking the hunter to adapt completely to the rifle, but building the rifle as much as possible around the hunter.
