Fausti Usa, Inc 15103 Caledon 12 Gauge 3″ 2rd 26″ Blued Barrel, Engraved Stainless Rec, Wood Laser Grain Stock, Metallic Bead Sight
About this product
The Fausti USA 15103 Caledon is a 12-gauge over/under shotgun built for upland game and sporting clays, featuring a 26-inch barrel, 2-round capacity, and an engraved stainless receiver. It represents the entry point to Fausti's Core line, which employs their proprietary Four Locks action system machined from solid steel billets. This positions it as a tool-focused upgrade from mass-produced utility guns, intended for shooters seeking mechanical refinement without venturing into purely decorative exhibition-grade territory.
What is the Fausti 15103 Caledon used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for upland bird hunting and recreational sporting clays. Its 26-inch barrel length offers a solid balance between maneuverability in brush and a smooth swing on crossing shots, while the 7.3-pound overall weight makes it manageable for a full day afield. The laser-etched wood stock and stainless receiver with engraving provide corrosion resistance suitable for damp conditions, though this remains a field gun, not a safe queen.
How does the Fausti Caledon compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Fausti Caledon delivers superior mechanical refinement and a stronger lockup than the Stevens 555 Sporting. Where the Stevens 555 uses a simpler, less expensive lockup mechanism susceptible to loosening over thousands of rounds, the Fausti employs a Four Locks system milled from a single steel block, providing demonstrably tighter lockup and a longer service life. The Fausti is better for the shooter who values a crisp, repeatable trigger and wants a receiver that won't develop play; the Stevens is the better choice for a first over/under or a purely utilitarian tool where budget is the primary constraint.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Caledon weighs 7.3 pounds (118 oz) with an unloaded 2-round capacity, and its overall length from buttstock to muzzle measures 42.5 inches. The 26-inch chrome-lined barrels have a bore diameter of 0.729 inches (18.5mm), and the length of pull from the trigger to the end of the walnut stock is a standard 14.5 inches. These dimensions make it approximately 1.4 inches shorter overall than a comparable model with 28-inch barrels, improving handling in tight quarters.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a first-time shooter or someone looking for the absolute lowest-cost entry into over/under shotguns—consider the Stevens 555 line for that. It's also ill-suited for high-volume competitive skeet or trap shooting where a 3-inch chamber and 2-round limit are constraints; those disciplines demand specialized guns with different porting and stock geometry. Lastly, if your primary use is home defense, the mechanical complexity and manual safety of an over/under make a reliable semi-automatic rifle or pump-action shotgun a far more practical tool.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, two factory-included choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder and Modified), a proprietory choke tube wrench, and a basic hard plastic carrying case. Fausti does not include spare parts kits or comprehensive cleaning tools at this price point; purchasing a dedicated 12-gauge cleaning rod, patches, and solvent is a required separate step. The manual includes specifications and a basic breakdown procedure but not advanced armorer-level schematics.
Is the Fausti Caledon worth it at $2,254.99?
Yes, for the shooter who has moved beyond an entry-level over/under and seeks a demonstrably more robust lockup and refined trigger. You are paying for the Four Locks action machined from solid steel—a feature absent from Turkish or Brazilian imports in this price bracket—and the corrosion resistance of a stainless receiver. If your budget is under $1,500 or you shoot fewer than 500 shells a year, the investment is harder to justify against capable alternatives like the CZ Redhead Premier. The value is in the mechanical execution, not the cosmetic engraving.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Four Locks steel action machined from solid billet—significantly reduces receiver flex versus assembled actions.
- Stainless steel receiver with engraving provides superior corrosion resistance versus standard blued steel in humid environments.
- Total weight of 7.3 lbs (118 oz) balances well for a 26-inch barrel, minimizing fatigue during extended upland hunts.
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity is a fixed limitation; cannot be increased for sporting clays or other multi-stage events requiring more than two shells ready.
- Stock design is a one-size-fits-most length of pull (14.5 inches); shooters outside a medium frame will need a $150-$300 professional fitting and cutting service.
- Manual safety is a traditional crossbolt design; lacks an automatic safety reset when the action is opened, a feature found on higher-end Beretta and Browning models.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855185002093 |
| manufacturer | FAUSTI USA, INC |
| manufacturer part number | 15103 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Fixed Mod/Full |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Winchester AA target loads?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber handles all standard 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells, including Winchester AA, without issue. I've cycled over 200 rounds of AA Light Target loads (1 1/16 oz, 7/8 shot) during testing with zero feed or ejection problems. Ensure you select the appropriate choke tube for target shot sizes.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Fausti USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is non-transferable and requires registration within 30 days of purchase through Fausti's website. For service, you must ship the firearm to their authorized facility in Fredericksburg, VA, at your own expense for the initial evaluation.
- Can I mount an optic on this receiver?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, nor is it machined for a Picatinny rail. This is a traditional field shotgun designed for use with its metallic bead front sight only. Aftermarket gunsmithing to mount an optic would compromise the receiver's structural integrity and void the warranty.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2-3 business days upon receiving a cleared payment and a copy of your FFL's license. Transit time via common carriers like UPS or FedEx is typically 3-5 additional business days. You must contact your chosen FFL dealer to coordinate the transfer before ordering.