F.A.I.R. SLX602 O/U Shotgun — 12 Gauge, 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Steel shot proofed — certified for all modern non-toxic loads up to 3" magnums
- Monobloc barrel construction — more rigid and durable than sleeved designs used on budget guns
- Weighs 6.8 lbs — balances at the hinge pin for fast, natural swing on crossing birds
- Includes 3 TechniChoke XP50 tubes (C, IC, M) — covers 90% of field and sporting scenarios immediately
Trade-offs
- Stock dimensions are fixed — no adjustable comb or length-of-pull options without costly gunsmithing
- Selective trigger is non-adjustable — some shooters may find the 5.5 lb pull weight heavy for precise clay target work
- Manual is sparse on troubleshooting — assumes user has basic break-action knowledge for maintenance
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The F.A.I.R. SLX602 is a 12-gauge over/under shotgun designed as a mechanically simplified, more accessible version of the high-end SLX600 series, featuring a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and interchangeable chokes. This model brings Italian shotgun engineering to a price point competitive with Turkish and American mass-produced options, though it requires shooters to understand its specific maintenance and handling characteristics. It's a field and sporting crossover built for reliability over luxury finishes.
What is the F.A.I.R. SLX602 O/U Shotgun used for?
The SLX602 is designed for upland game hunting, sporting clays, and general field use where a fast-handling, 6.8-pound shotgun is advantageous. Its 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing plane for crossing shots on pheasant or dove, while the steel shot proofing allows for waterfowl hunting with appropriate non-toxic loads. The selective single trigger and auto-ejectors streamline operation for follow-up shots, making it capable for informal trap or skeet sessions, though it lacks the adjustable rib and high-grade wood of dedicated competition guns.
How does the F.A.I.R. SLX602 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The SLX602 offers superior mechanical construction and steel shot proofing compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, but at nearly double the cost. The F.A.I.R. uses a monobloc barrel construction and long-stroke ejectors, which are more robust and easier to service than the simpler components in the Turkish-made Stevens. However, the Stevens 555 provides a functional, 30-inch-barrel option for casual clay shooting at roughly $900, making it the better choice for a budget-conscious beginner who isn't planning high-volume use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SLX602 weighs 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) and has an overall length of approximately 45.5 inches with its 28-inch barrels measured from the breech face. The barrels have a 14.5mm vent rib, and the pistol grip circumference measures 5.5 inches—suitable for medium to large hands without gloves. The drop at comb is roughly 1.5 inches and drop at heel is about 2.25 inches, providing a classic field stock profile that most shooters will need to check for personal fit before committing.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a first-time shooter looking for the cheapest possible entry into over/unders, nor for a dedicated trap shooter needing a 32-inch barrel and a high, adjustable rib. The selective, non-adjustable trigger and fixed stock dimensions require the shooter to adapt to the gun, not the other way around. It's also a poor choice for someone unwilling to perform basic break-action maintenance—cleaning the locking lugs and hinge pin is mandatory after every dusty or wet outing to prevent wear.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three TechniChoke XP50 tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a choke tube wrench, and a basic soft case. The manual covers disassembly for cleaning but is light on troubleshooting; you won't find extra trigger springs or snap caps. Compared to some competitors, the package is lean—expect to purchase a hard case separately if traveling, and a set of aftermarket chokes if you need Full or Extra Full constrictions.
Is the F.A.I.R. SLX602 worth it at $1,915.99?
At just under $1,916, the SLX602 is worth the investment for a shooter who values mechanical integrity over cosmetic finish and plans to use it heavily for 5-10 years. You're paying for a true monobloc barrel assembly, proven ejector geometry, and steel shot certification that cheaper guns like the Stevens 555 lack. If your budget is strict and you shoot fewer than 500 shells a year, a used Beretta Silver Pigeon or the aforementioned Stevens 555 may be a smarter financial allocation.
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829616471 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | FR-SLX602-1228 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke thread pattern, which is the industry standard for many aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Briley, Patternmaster, and Carlson's. The provided TechniChoke XP50 tubes are a 50mm parallel design specifically for this model, but any Mobilchoke-pattern tube of appropriate length will function.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The shotgun's overall length is approximately 45.5 inches, so it will fit comfortably in any standard 50-inch or 52-inch hard or soft shotgun case. For airline travel, I recommend a hard case like the Pelican 1750, which provides 51.5 inches of usable interior length.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an in-stock item, processing takes 1-2 business days, and ground shipping typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Pennsylvania. Firearms shipments require an FFL, so the total timeline from order to pickup at your dealer is usually 5-12 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once the transfer is completed at your Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, in compliance with federal law and most state regulations. You must determine fit and function before completing the 4473 form. I strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or using a try-gun service if stock fit is a concern.
- Does this work with a limbsaver recoil pad?
- The stock has a standard 1-inch thick rubber recoil pad installed. It can be replaced with a Limbsaver or Pachmayr pad, but you will need to measure the stock's heel width (approximately 1.75 inches) and order the correct model. Installation requires basic sanding and fitting tools; it's a 20-30 minute job for a competent user.
- Is the barrel chrome-lined?
- No, the barrels are not chrome-lined. They feature a traditional polished steel bore finish. This requires more diligent cleaning after firing steel shot or in wet conditions to prevent corrosion, but many shooters prefer the slightly smoother shot column transition of a polished bore versus a chrome-lined one.