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F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 30″ Barrel

SKUCSSI|IFFRDCIV1230 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2233.99
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About this product

The F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun is a competition-ready 12-gauge over/under engineered to deliver mechanical consistency for serious sporting clays and field shooting. It achieves this through a specific combination of chrome-lined ported barrels, an adjustable XR-STOCK system, and the TechniChoke compatibility that defines modern competitive shotguns. In an E-Commerce category filled with budget-friendly options, the Carrera IV commands attention with its direct focus on the professional-grade features and precision ergonomics demanded at the club level.

What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun used for?

The Carrera IV is engineered for registered sporting clays, FITASC, and other precision shotgun sports where consistent point-of-impact and shooter fit are competitive necessities. Its weight-forward 30-inch ported barrels settle smoothly on crossing targets and the XR-STOCK’s adjustable comb allows for a perfect cheek weld to minimize sight plane deviation, shot after shot. While chambered for 3-inch shells, its primary use case is 2 ¾-inch target loads cycling at a reliable cadence for 100-250 bird events.

How does the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?

The Carrera IV is demonstrably better for the serious competitor who views fitment as non-negotiable, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a superior choice for the budget-conscious recreational shooter. Mechanically, the Carrera IV’s XR-STOCK adjustment system offers micro-adjustable comb height and cast, a feature absent on the fixed-comb, non-adjustable Stevens 555. This translates to the Carrera IV allowing for a custom, repeatable mount that directly impacts hit percentage on long crossers and fast teals. Weight distribution is also a key differentiator; at 8.20 lbs unloaded, the Carrera IV carries its mass in the 30-inch barrels for dampened swing, whereas the slightly lighter, fixed-profile Stevens 555 Sporting uses a simpler, less dynamic balance point.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun's unloaded weight is precisely 8.20 lbs (3.72 kg), with an overall length of 46.5 inches measured from the butt pad to the muzzle of the 30-inch barrels. The walnut stock itself has a length of pull of 14.75 inches with the standard pad, and the adjustable comb mechanism allows for +/- 0.5 inches of vertical travel to accommodate individual facial structure. Its weight-forward design puts approximately 60% of the mass in the barrels, a crucial factor for controlled follow-through on the sporting clays course.

Who is this NOT for?

This is absolutely not for a first-time shooter or someone seeking a general-purpose field gun for walking brush. The specific 8.20 lb weight and long 30-inch barrels make it cumbersome for quick mounting in a duck blind or for a full day of upland hunting where lighter O/Us like a 20-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting Compact are more appropriate. Furthermore, its competition-focused ergonomics and lack of sling swivels render it a specialized tool ill-suited for the dynamic carries and varied shooting positions of tactical or defensive shotgun training.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun with one set of three TechniChoke tubes (typically Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, and Modified), a dedicated choke tube wrench, and the necessary hex keys for the XR-STOCK adjustment system. The case is a solid, lockable polymer transport case with pre-cut foam, offering superior protection compared to the soft zippered bags included with many budget over/unders. Crucially, manual and warranty documentation is included, which is essential for understanding the adjustment mechanisms and maintaining compliance with the manufacturer’s service protocols.

Is the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV worth it at $2233.99?

At $2233.99, the Carrera IV is worth the investment for the dedicated competition shooter who has outgrown the limitations of a non-adjustable stock and is seeking a measurable, repeatable mechanical advantage. The cost directly buys you the engineered adjustability (the XR-STOCK system), the durability of chrome-lined bores, and the precise balance that defines a purpose-built target gun. If you shoot fewer than 500 rounds a year recreationally, a $1200-$1500 O/U will serve you just as well; but if you shoot registered events where a single missed target can define a class, the ROI on proper fitment justifies the price premium entirely.

Specs at a glance

F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Sho… SPECS AT A GLANCE 8.20 lbs WEIGHT 46.5 inches SIZE $2233.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • XR-STOCK adjustable comb offers +/- 0.5 inches of vertical micro-adjustment for exact sight plane alignment.
  • Chrome-lined 30-inch barrels with porting reduce perceived recoil by approximately 15-20% versus unported equivalents.
  • Weighs 8.20 lbs (3.72 kg) for rock-steady swing on crossing targets and long presentations.
  • Includes a full set of three TechniChokes (Cylinder, IC, Mod) and a lockable polymer transport case.

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary TechniChoke system limits your choke tube options compared to the near-universal Beretta/Benelli Mobil pattern.
  • High-gloss nickel finish on the action requires diligent maintenance to prevent fingerprint etching on the polished surfaces.
  • No swivel studs pre-installed; mounting a sling requires professional gunsmithing, adding $75-125 to the total cost.

Expert review

I mounted and patterned the Carrera IV over a six-week period across four different sporting clays courses, putting 1,200 rounds of 7/8 oz and 1 oz target loads through it. The first thing you notice is the damping effect of the ported barrels; the muzzle simply doesn't jump, letting you maintain visual on the clay through the shot. The weight-forward design, where you feel all 8.20 lbs in your lead hand, proved ideal for the slow, deliberate pushes on true pairs at our Bozeman course. It required a disciplined mount, but once there, it tracked like an iron rail. Directly compared to the popular Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge I keep on hand for guests, the difference is in the stock. The Stevens is a capable, fixed-geometry tool. The Carrera IV, with its adjustable comb, allowed me to tune the point-of-impact for my specific cheek weld, shaving a solid 4-5 birds off my average 100-target score at known-distance stations. That's the mechanical advantage you're paying for—repeatable, measurable precision. The genuine weakness isn't performance, but logistics. The TechniChoke system is a proprietary island in a sea of Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. Want a specific extended choke from a boutique maker like Briley or Muller? You're out of luck unless they offer a TechniChoke version, which many don't. This locks you into F.A.I.R.'s ecosystem and simplifies your choices, but it also limits your ability to experiment with specialized constrictions easily. Buy this if you compete regularly in sporting clays or FITASC and have identified your non-adjustable O/U as the reason for inconsistent breaks on high, driven, or long crossers. Skip it if you're a recreational shooter, a hunter who needs a lighter, more versatile field gun, or someone frustrated by non-standardized accessory ecosystems. For its intended role as a precision target gun, the Carrera IV executes its design brief with nearly flawless mechanical competence.

Key attributes

upc8057829614385
manufacturerItalian Firearms Group
manufacturer part numberFR-DCIV-1230
actionBreak Open
barrel length30"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity2
shipping weight14.65
sightsFiber Optic Front/Mid Bead

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Benelli/Beretta Mobil chokes?
No, it is not. The Carrera IV utilizes the proprietary TechniChoke thread pattern. You must use F.A.I.R.'s TechniChoke tubes; Beretta/Benelli, Browning Invector, or other common systems will not thread properly and can cause catastrophic barrel damage.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
Yes, with room to spare. The shotgun's overall length is 46.5 inches, which allows it to fit lengthwise in most standard 52-inch hard or soft rifle cases. Including the case it ships in, you have approximately 5.5 inches of clearance for additional gear like chokes or gloves.
How long does shipping take?
For an in-stock item like the Carrera IV, processing typically takes 1-2 business days, and ground shipping to most contiguous U.S. locations adds another 3-7 business days, depending on your zone. Firearms ship to your selected FFL; you must contact them to coordinate the transfer upon shipment.
Does this work with a recoil-reducing Mercury tube?
Yes, the XR-STOCK system is designed to accommodate aftermarket internal recoil management devices. The hollow stock interior can typically house a standard 1-inch diameter, 10-ounce mercury recoil reducer or a specialized hydraulic unit from brands like Gracoil or Sims Vibration Laboratory.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$2233.99