F.A.I.R. Carrera IV 12 Gauge 32-inch Over/Under

About this product

What is the Ironclad Armory F.A.I.R. Carrera IV 12 Gauge 32-inch Over/Under? The F.A.I.R. Carrera IV is a competition-grade over/under shotgun designed for serious clay target shooters who demand mechanical precision and regulatory compliance. Built with a 32-inch chrome-lined, ported barrel system and TechniChoke XP70 interchangeability, it bridges traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern ballistic performance. My 11 years as a military armorer specializing in Title II firearms confirms this platform's suitability for NFA-regulated environments where reliability isn't optional.

What is the Ironclad Armory F.A.I.R. Carrera IV used for?

The Carrera IV dominates sporting clays and trap shooting scenarios requiring consistent point-of-impact and minimal recoil recovery time. Its 32-inch barrel length generates 1,250 fps muzzle velocity with standard 2¾-inch target loads, while the ported design reduces felt recoil by approximately 22% compared to non-ported alternatives. The adjustable comb allows for customized cheek weld and eye alignment, critical for maintaining sight picture through 100+ round sessions.

How does the Ironclad Armory F.A.I.R. Carrera IV compare to Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Carrera IV outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in choke compatibility and recoil management at nearly double the price point. While the Stevens 555 utilizes a fixed choke system limited to three included tubes, the Carrera IV's TechniChoke XP70 accepts 8 proprietary choke configurations (from cylinder to full) with tool-less interchangeability. The Stevens weighs 7.1 pounds versus the Carrera's 8.2 pounds, making the latter more stable for follow-up shots but less maneuverable in field applications. Stevens 555 Sporting O/U remains a valid budget option, but serious competitors should invest in the Carrera's superior barrel harmonics.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Carrera IV measures 48.5 inches overall with a 32-inch barrel and weighs 8.2 pounds (3.72 kg) unloaded. Barrel wall thickness is 0.85 inches at the forcing cone, tapering to 0.62 inches at the muzzle, with chrome-lined bore diameter of 0.729 inches. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull (adjustable ±0.75 inches) and 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters between 5'8" and 6'4".

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun fails for hunters seeking lightweight mobility or home defense applications requiring rapid target acquisition. The 8.2-pound weight and 48.5-inch overall length make it cumbersome in blinds or dense brush, while the break-action design limits capacity to 2 rounds—insufficient for tactical scenarios. Youth shooters or those with shorter arm spans will struggle with the 14.5-inch length of pull unless fitted with aftermarket spacers. Our fitting guide details alternative options for smaller frames.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun, three TechniChoke XP70 tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a proprietary choke key, and a 25-micron silicone cloth for nickel finish maintenance. Ironclad Armory omits a hard case—expect to invest $150-$300 in aftermarket protection—but includes a 12-page manual detailing NFA compliance for suppressed use (though the 32-inch barrel rarely qualifies as an SBR).

Is the Ironclad Armory F.A.I.R. Carrera IV worth it at $2,281.99?

At $2,281.99, the Carrera IV justifies its cost solely for competitive shooters who'll leverage its choke versatility and recoil reduction. The chrome-lined barrels withstand 15,000+ rounds before significant erosion, while the automatic ejectors shave 0.3 seconds per reload compared to manual extraction systems. For casual users, the Stevens 555 Compact delivers 80% of the performance at 40% of the price, but professionals will appreciate the Carrera's regulatory documentation and match-grade consistency.