The Syren Julia
As someone who has shot more than 200,000 clay targets over the years, I’ve handled a wide variety of shotguns. Though I’m not a dedicated hunter, I have shot quail, and I know exactly what I want in a field shotgun. So, when I received the call to test the Syren Julia, my answer was simple: absolutely yes. I love trying new shotguns, and my only prior experience with Syren had been shooting the Syren Tempio 12-gauge during a demo workshop.
Specifications
Model: Syren Julia Field
Gauge: 20 Gauge (28 gauge available)
Barrels: 28”
LOP: 13.9”
DAC: 1.5” | DAMC: 1.75” | DAH: 2.5”
CAH: .25” | CAT: .5”
Pitch: 7°
Grip Length: 4”
Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.
Chokes: 5 nickel-plated flush-fitting chokes
Warranty: Lifetime limited
Suggested Retail: $6,250
First Thoughts
The first thing that struck me was the Julia’s receiver—it’s simply beautiful. A woman’s face, engraved with a floral motif, pays homage to Caesar’s daughter Julia, celebrated for her beauty and grace. Honestly, I was almost hesitant to take it out of the case.
Speaking of the case: it’s sturdy, secure, and thoughtfully designed to protect the shotgun. Assembly took me a moment to figure out, but once locked together, the Julia felt solid and well-balanced. At just under 6 lbs. 10 oz., it’s a shotgun you can comfortably carry all day during an upland hunt without fatigue.
The Wood
The Turkish walnut stock is appropriately figured and perfectly highlights the Julia’s engraved side-plates. The semi-gloss finish enhances the floral engraving, and the Monte Carlo comb—a must in a true women’s shotgun—provides the proper sightline height many female shooters need.
A rose detail etched into the stock adds an elegant feminine touch. The length of pull was an excellent fit for me (I’m 5 feet tall), but it would be easy to add a spacer for taller women. The rounded grip is sized just right for smaller hands, making trigger reach comfortable.
The butt end features a 15 mm wood plate instead of a recoil pad, preserving a traditional hunting appearance. The Schnabel forend is slim and easy to cradle. Its release button is large, easy to use, and functional—something I truly appreciated.
The Metal
The receiver is the Julia’s crown jewel. The 24K gold floral motif shaped into a woman’s face is stunning—a true work of art fitting for an Italian-made shotgun.
Additional floral engraving decorates the receiver and oversized trigger guard, which is generously sized for gloved hands. The Julia is equipped with a manual single selective trigger and tang-mounted safety with barrel selector, though an automatic safety option is available.
The lever and safety were easy to operate, and the trigger itself was light, crisp, and perfectly positioned for shorter fingers. The 28” barrels are lightweight at 2 lbs. 11 oz., contributing to the Julia’s quick mount and lively handling. The solid mid-rib provides a clear sightline, and with five flush chokes included, you’re ready for any upland scenario.
Field Performance
I tested the Julia at the American Shooting Center in Katy, Texas, using RC T3 ⅞ oz. 1200 fps #7.5 loads. I shot a mix of incoming, teal, and outgoing targets to simulate upland hunting scenarios across varied distances, speeds, and backgrounds.
I also walked the grounds to assess the Julia’s carry comfort. The weight distribution was excellent, and I didn’t feel fatigued even after walking a mile with the gun and gear.
Recoil was a pleasant surprise. Given the Julia’s light weight and lack of a rubber recoil pad, I expected more kick—but it was tolerable, with no slap to the face. The slim stock made mounting easy, and the Julia delivered reliable, point-of-aim performance.
The trigger was a standout: quick, precise, and requiring no adjustment. Even after several hours, I had no bruises or soreness—proof that the Julia fits female shooters well, even without a professional fitting.
Final Takeaway
The Syren Julia is light, elegant, and designed with women in mind. It shoulders easily, carries effortlessly, and delivers tolerable recoil for its class. Its aesthetic beauty—from the gold floral engravings to the etched rose—makes it a true standout in the field.
And most importantly? She shoots where you look. If it was flying, it was falling. For women seeking a lightweight field gun that blends performance with artistry, the Julia is your girl.
