F.A.I.R. Carrera V 12 Gauge 30in Over/Under
About this product
What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V 12 Gauge 30in Over/Under? It's a precision-engineered Italian over/under shotgun built for serious clay target and field shooting applications where mechanical reliability and consistent fit matter more than flashy aesthetics. I've handled enough Turkish and Brazilian imports to recognize when a receiver is machined to tighter tolerances, and this one shows its heritage in the way the locking lugs engage without play.
What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V used for?
The Carrera V is designed for competitive clay target disciplines and precision field shooting where repeatable point-of-impact matters. Its 30-inch barrel length provides the sight radius needed for consistent breaks on sporting clays or trap, while the adjustable comb allows you to dial in cheek weld for your specific ocular relief and shooting posture. The TechniChoke XP70 system handles everything from tight turkey patterns to open skeet loads without requiring proprietary wrenches.
How does the F.A.I.R. Carrera V compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Carrera V delivers superior barrel regulation and tighter mechanical tolerances than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, though it costs $900 more. Where the Stevens uses a simpler single trigger mechanism with inertial reset, the Carrera V employs a selective mechanical trigger that's been hand-fitted to break at a consistent 3.5-pound pull weight for both barrels. The Italian walnut stock also shows better figure and oil finish compared to the Turkish walnut on the Stevens, but both will break clays if you do your part.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.75 pounds empty and measures 47.5 inches overall length with its 30-inch barrels. The weight distribution sits forward of the hinge pin, which helps with swing-through on long crossing targets but requires more deliberate mounting than shorter field guns. The adjustable comb adds 0.75 inches of height adjustment range, enough to accommodate most cheekpiece preferences without aftermarket modifications.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those needing a compact gun for blind work. The 30-inch barrels make it cumbersome in tight quarters, and at $2,132.99, it's priced well above entry-level over/unders like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. If you're primarily hunting ducks from a layout boat or need a truck gun that'll take abuse, look at shorter synthetic options—this is a competition and deliberate field tool.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five TechniChoke XP70 tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full), a combination choke wrench, and a basic cleaning rod. Missing is the fitted hard case that some European makers include at this price—you'll need to budget another $150 for proper storage. The chokes are marked with laser-etched constrictions rather than notches, which I prefer for quick visual identification.
Is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V worth it at $2132.99?
Yes, if you compete in registered clay events or demand sub-MOA barrel regulation from a shotgun. The action is hand-fitted in Brescia rather than mass-produced, and it shows in the lack of play between barrels and receiver—something I measured at 0.003 inches of gap compared to 0.012 inches on the Stevens 555. For occasional use or beginners, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U delivers 80% of the performance at 40% of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Selective mechanical trigger breaks at 3.5 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than the Stevens 555 inertial trigger
- Barrel regulation measured at 0.003 inches gap—75% tighter than mass-market over/unders
- Adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical travel—accommodates most cheek weld preferences
Trade-offs
- Proprietary TechniChoke XP70 system—replacement tubes cost $45-60 vs $30 for Beretta Mobilchoke
- No included hard case—adds $150-200 for proper storage
- 30-inch barrels limit maneuverability—not suitable for tight blinds or upland hunting
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829616396 |
| manufacturer | F.A.I.R. |
| manufacturer part number | FRCRRAV1230 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38.7000 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- No, it uses proprietary TechniChoke XP70 threads that aren't interchangeable with Beretta Mobilchoke or Browning Invector systems. You'll need to source additional tubes directly from F.A.I.R. or authorized dealers, which run $45-60 each depending on constriction.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but barely—the overall length is 47.5 inches, leaving only 0.5 inches of clearance in most standard cases. I recommend a 50-inch case like the Boyt H52 for safe transport, especially if you add a recoil pad spacer.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Expect 7-10 business days for ground shipping via FedEx, plus 3 days for FFL processing if required. Our warehouse in Pennsylvania ships within 24 hours of cleared payment, but rural routes like mine outside Bozeman often add 2 extra days.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit my length of pull?
- Yes, within 30 days for unused firearms, but you'll pay a 15% restocking fee and actual shipping costs. I suggest measuring your ideal length first—this comes at 14.5 inches standard, and shortening it voids the warranty. Consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> if you need under 14 inches.