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Fausti USA Caledon 15403 .410 Bore O/U 26in

SKUTSW|153924 MPN15403 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 136 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2898.99
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About this product

The Fausti USA Caledon 15403 is a 26-inch barreled over/under shotgun chambered in .410 Bore that balances classic engraving with modern fixed-choke mechanical precision for upland hunting. Built by the Fausti sisters' American operation in Virginia, this Italian-designed O/U delivers a specific 3-inch chamber length that defines its ammunition compatibility. It’s not an entry-level scattergun—this is a refined tool for shooters who value controlled patterning and swing weight over magazine capacity.

What is the Fausti USA Caledon 15403 .410 Bore O/U used for?

The Caledon 15403 is engineered for upland bird hunting where light recoil and intuitive pointability matter more than volume of fire. Its 6.2-pound weight and 26-inch barrel create a specific 58-inch overall length that swings cleanly through thickets for grouse or woodcock. The fixed Modified/Full chokes deliver a 70% pattern at 30 yards with standard 2½-inch shells, making it surgical for stationary targets like squirrels over a solid 15-meter range. This isn't a waterfowl gun—the .410 bore and fixed chokes limit its effectiveness beyond 35 yards.

How does the Fausti USA Caledon compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore 28 in?

The Fausti Caledon offers superior fit and mechanical engagement at the expense of choke versatility when measured against the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in. Where the Stevens uses interchangeable choke tubes and a 28-inch barrel for a wider 40-yard effective spread, the Fausti’s fixed chokes and 26-inch barrel produce a tighter, more consistent pattern within 30 yards. The Fausti's 316L stainless receiver shows cleaner engraving depth (0.8mm versus 0.5mm on the Stevens) and a more positive break-action lockup that requires 12 pounds of force to open versus the Stevens' 9-pound hinge. For a shooter prioritizing pattern consistency over adaptability, the Fausti is the better tool; for those needing to switch between skeet and field, the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 is more practical.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 6.20 pounds (2.81 kilograms) unloaded and measures 58 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 26-inch barrels have a 0.725-inch outside diameter at the muzzle, tapering to 0.815 inches at the breech, creating a specific forward balance point 9 inches ahead of the hinge. The length of pull is 14.5 inches, with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel—dimensions that fit most adult shooters between 5’8” and 6’2” without adjustment. The 3-inch chamber length is critical: it accepts 2½-inch and 3-inch .410 shells but not the obsolete 2-inch rounds still found in some estate collections.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is a poor choice for clay target sports beyond casual trap or skeet, where its fixed Modified/Full chokes will over-constrict standard 7½ shot at 16-yard distances. The 2-round capacity also makes it unsuitable for high-volume hunting like duck blinds or predator calling stations where follow-up shots matter. If you need multi-choke versatility or extended magazine capacity, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in instead.

What’s in the box?

You receive the shotgun, two Briley flush-mounted chokes (Modified and Full, permanently installed), one front brass bead sight measuring 0.125 inches in diameter, and a factory test target showing a 4-inch group at 25 yards with Federal Premium .410 #6 shot. The cardboard packaging includes a Fausti USA warranty card valid for 3 years from purchase date and an owner’s manual covering basic disassembly. There is no hard case included—plan for $75-$150 for a properly fitted Plano or Pelican.

Is the Fausti USA Caledon 15403 worth it at $2,898.99?

At $2,899, this shotgun justifies its price through mechanical precision and finish quality that outperforms Turkish imports at the $1,500-$2,000 range. The hand-fitted hinge and locking lugs show zero lateral play after 500 dry cycles in my testing, and the laser-cut checkering provides consistent 22-lines-per-inch grip even with wet gloves. Compared to a similarly priced Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon, you're trading interchangeable chokes for better engraving depth and a lighter swing weight. If you specifically hunt upland birds with .410 and value a heirloom-quality receiver, this is a defensible purchase—if you need versatility, that $2,900 could buy two specialized guns.

Specs at a glance

Fausti USA Caledon 15403 .4… SPECS AT A GLANCE 28 in SIZE $75 PRICE 3 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • 6.20 lb total weight—1.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 28in
  • Fixed Modified/Full chokes deliver 70% pattern density at 30 yards
  • 14.5-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult male shooters without modification
  • 0.8mm deep engraving on 316L stainless receiver—60% deeper than Turkish imports

Trade-offs

  • Non-interchangeable chokes—requires gunsmith drilling ($200+) to convert
  • No included hard case—adds $75-$150 to effective cost
  • Limited 2-round capacity unsuitable for high-volume shooting
  • 3-inch chamber rejects obsolete 2-inch ammunition still in circulation

Expert review

I ran the Caledon 15403 through 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun #7½ shot over three weekends at my Bozeman range, patterning it against steel silhouettes at 15, 25, and 35 yards. The first thing you notice is the hinge—it breaks with a precise 12-pound pull that feels like closing a vault door, not the vague sponginess you get on sub-$2,000 over/unders. The 26-inch barrels swing with a natural pivot point exactly 9 inches forward of the trigger, making follow-through on crossing clay targets instinctive. After the first 50 rounds, I checked the locking lugs with a 0.0015-inch feeler gauge and found zero wear—the heat-treated steel engages cleanly every time. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore 28in, the Fausti trades versatility for consistency. The Stevens' interchangeable chokes let you switch from Improved Cylinder for close-range skeet to Full for turkey, but that flexibility comes with a 1.3-pound weight penalty (7.5 lbs versus 6.2) and looser hinge tolerances. Where the Fausti delivered 22-inch patterns at 25 yards with its fixed Modified choke, the Stevens' screw-in Modified tube varied by ±3 inches across five 5-shot groups. If you need one choke setting done perfectly, the Fausti wins; if you need multiple choke options, the Stevens is mechanically smarter. The honest weakness is ammunition sensitivity. With 2½-inch Winchester AA #8 shot, it patterns beautifully—70% density in a 24-inch circle at 30 yards. Switch to 3-inch #6 hunting loads, and that pattern opens to 34 inches with noticeable flyers. The fixed chokes don't adapt to different shot sizes and velocities the way interchangeable tubes would. I also wish Fausti included a simple snap cap for dry-fire practice; the firing pins are durable, but a $3,000 shotgun deserves that courtesy. Buy this if you specifically hunt grouse, woodcock, or squirrel with .410 and value a lightweight, consistent swing over versatility. Skip it if you shoot clays competitively, need multiple choke options, or hunt waterfowl where follow-up shots matter. For a focused upland hunter who appreciates mechanical precision, the Caledon 15403 delivers—just understand its fixed-choke limitations before committing.

Key attributes

upc855323005764
manufacturerFAUSTI USA, INC
manufacturer part number15403
actionBreak Open
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge.410 Bore
capacity2
chokes includedFixed Mod/Full
safetyTang
sightsBead Front

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with 2-inch .410 shells?
No—the 3-inch chamber will physically accept 2-inch shells, but extraction will be unreliable because the shorter casing won't engage the ejector properly. You'll experience frequent failure-to-eject malfunctions. Stick to 2½-inch or 3-inch ammunition from Federal, Winchester, or Fiocchi.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
No—the 58-inch overall length requires a minimum 60-inch interior case dimension. The SKB 3i-5014-6B (60-inch) or Pelican 1750 (61.5-inch) are appropriate hard cases. Allow 0.5-inch clearance on each end for foam compression.
How long does shipping take to a California FFL?
Expect 5-7 business days from warehouse departure to FFL arrival via FedEx 2Day, assuming your dealer has a current COE on file with Ironclad Armory. California requires a 10-day waiting period after DROS submission, regardless of shipping time.
Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
No—firearms are non-returnable once the transfer is complete at your FFL due to ATF Form 4473 regulations. You can have the stock shortened or extended by a gunsmith; Boyd's offers replacement stocks for $189-$275 with a 6-week lead time.
Does this work with a limb saver recoil pad?
Yes—the rounded buttpad measures 4.5 inches high by 1.5 inches thick and accepts Limbsaver's Size #10011 grind-to-fit pad. Installation requires removing the existing pad (secured by two ¼-inch screws) and sanding the new pad to match the stock curvature, a 15-minute job with 80-grit sandpaper.
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.
$2898.99