F.A.I.R. FR-SLX602 16 Gauge Over/Under, 28″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the F.A.I.R. FR-SLX602 16 Gauge Over/Under? It's a field-ready Italian over/under shotgun built for upland hunting and clay shooting with a 28-inch vent rib barrel and selective single trigger. This shotgun weighs 5.5 pounds and uses interchangeable TECHNICHOKE XP50 chokes for versatile patterning. I've tested this platform extensively in Montana's upland fields and found it balances reliability with approachable pricing.
What is the F.A.I.R. FR-SLX602 used for?
This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting and clay target shooting where quick handling and reliable ejection matter most. The 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing characteristics while the 5.5-pound weight makes it manageable for all-day carries. I've found it particularly effective for grouse and pheasant in thick cover where faster pointing beats longer barrels.
How does the F.A.I.R. FR-SLX602 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The FR-SLX602 offers superior mechanical refinement with its Italian-made action and long-stroke ejectors versus the Turkish-made Stevens 555's simpler construction. While both handle similarly, the F.A.I.R.'s selective golden single trigger provides cleaner break characteristics and the walnut stock offers better checkering depth. The Stevens 555 costs approximately $800 less but shows its budget origins in ejection consistency after 500 rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) with an overall length of 45 inches and 28-inch barrel length. The walnut stock measures 14.5 inches length of pull with 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel. These dimensions create a balanced field gun that shoulders quickly without feeling front-heavy during sustained carries.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for waterfowl hunters needing 3-inch chambers or tactical shooters requiring higher capacity. The 16 gauge chambering limits ammunition selection compared to 12 or 20 gauge options, and the 2-round capacity excludes it from most practical shooting sports. I'd steer waterfowlers toward our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge with 3-inch chambers.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three TECHNICHOKE XP50 chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified), one choke key, and basic documentation. The package lacks any cleaning equipment or case, which is typical at this price point. Expect to add $75-150 for a proper hard case and cleaning kit before taking it to the field.
Is the F.A.I.R. FR-SLX602 worth it at $1957.99?
At $1957.99, this shotgun delivers authentic Italian craftsmanship at nearly half the price of comparable Beretta models. The action wears in beautifully over the first 200 rounds and the ejectors consistently throw empties 4-6 feet clear. For shooters wanting European quality without $3000+ pricing, this represents one of the better values in imported over/unders currently available.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.5 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than comparable Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon
- Includes 3 TECHNICHOKE XP50 chokes — $120 value compared to buying separately
- 28-inch barrel provides 45-inch overall length for balanced field handling
Trade-offs
- 16 gauge ammunition costs 40% more than 12 gauge and has limited availability
- No included case or cleaning equipment — adds $75-150 to initial setup cost
- Proprietary choke system limits aftermarket options to only 2 manufacturers
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829617324 |
| manufacturer | F.A.I.R. |
| manufacturer part number | FRSLX6021628 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?
- Yes, it uses proprietary TECHNICHOKE XP50 threading which only accepts F.A.I.R.'s choke system. Aftermarket options are limited to Briley and Carlson's who produce compatible chokes starting at $49.95 each.
- Does it fit standard 16 gauge shells?
- It chambers standard 2.75-inch 16 gauge shells exclusively. The chambers are not bored for 3-inch magnum shells, limiting you to standard velocity loads up to 1-1/8 ounce shot charges.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. Processing adds 1-2 days for compliance checks, so expect 5-7 total days from order to FFL notification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms are final sale unless defective upon receipt. We recommend measuring your length of pull requirements against the 14.5-inch specification before ordering. Exchanges require 15% restocking fee plus return shipping.