Fausti USA Caledon 16 Gauge 28-inch Over/Under, 2.75 inch Chamber
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.80 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, reducing fatigue on long walks.
- 28-inch barrel with 45.25" overall length — provides a smooth, stable swing plane ideal for crossing clays and birds.
- Precision-machined action with a 3.5 lb trigger pull on the bottom barrel — offers a crisp, consistent break for improved shot timing.
- Hand-engraved stainless-steel receiver — resists corrosion better than a blued finish and adds significant aesthetic value over laser etching.
Trade-offs
- Fixed Modified and Full chokes — severely limits versatility for different ranges and target types; no option for improved cylinder or skeet patterns.
- 2.75-inch chamber only — cannot fire modern 3-inch 16 gauge steel shot loads, eliminating it for most waterfowl hunting applications.
- Tang safety only — lacks an automatic safety reset when the action is opened, a feature found on many competing over/unders in this price range.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Fausti USA Caledon 16 Gauge 28-inch Over/Under? It's an Italian-manufactured, Core-line over-and-under shotgun built for field and sporting clay use, chambered exclusively for 2.75-inch 16 gauge shells. This model balances a proportioned action and machined components against the specific, often-misunderstood performance envelope of the 16 gauge. You're looking at a 28-inch barrel paired with a laser-grain walnut stock and an engraved stainless receiver, delivering a classic aesthetic built on modern manufacturing tolerances.
What is the Fausti USA Caledon 16 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used for upland bird hunting and sporting clays where the 16 gauge's payload and lower perceived recoil offer a distinct advantage. Its fixed Modified and Full chokes pattern #7.5 target loads effectively at 35-40 yards for sporting stations, while the 2.75-inch chamber supports all standard 16 gauge field loads for game like pheasant and grouse. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth, stable swing plane that intermediate shooters will appreciate for crossing targets, but fast, close-quarters shooting is not its primary function.
How does the Fausti USA Caledon 16 Gauge compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Fausti Caledon is a better-finished, more precisely machined shotgun built on a proportionally smaller action than the Turkish-made Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. It's 0.8 pounds lighter at 5.8 lbs versus the Stevens' 6.6 lbs, and features a hand-engraved stainless receiver versus the 555's laser-etched alloy. The Stevens, however, accepts 3-inch shells and interchangeable chokes, offering more ammunition versatility for a fraction of the price, making the Fausti a purist's choice for the dedicated 16 gauge shooter.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 5.80 lbs (92.8 oz or 2.63 kg), with an overall length of 45.25 inches and a barrel length of 28 inches. The trigger measures with a 3.5 lb pull weight on the bottom barrel and a 4 lb pull on the top, a 0.5 lb variance that's acceptable for a field gun. The drop at the comb is 1.5 inches and at the heel is 2.25 inches, making it suitable for most adult shooters without requiring significant stock adjustment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a new shooter seeking a versatile, all-purpose first gun, nor is it for a hunter who requires 3-inch magnum shells for waterfowl or turkey. The fixed Mod/Full chokes and lack of a 3-inch chamber severely limit its application for modern steel shot waterfowl loads, which typically require more open patterns and longer chambers. If your primary use involves our Stevens 555 in .410 for pest control or the 555 Sporting in 20 gauge for a mix of roles, the specialized Caledon will feel like an expensive limitation.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun (with fixed chokes installed), a single hard plastic case measuring 48 x 12 x 6 inches, two Factory Fausti choke wrenches (a 0.750-inch flats key and a standard pin wrench), and a 12-page owner's manual covering basic disassembly and warranty registration. Notably absent are any spare parts kits, snap caps for dry-fire practice (which is safe for this model's inertia-driven ejectors), or a detailed gauge-specific ballistics guide, which is a minor oversight for a niche-caliber firearm.
Is the Fausti USA Caledon 16 Gauge worth it at $2898.99?
At $2,899, it's worth it for the shooter committed to the 16 gauge platform who demands Italian fit, finish, and mechanical precision over utilitarian versatility. You are paying primarily for the scaled, machined action, the hand-engraved receiver, and the 16 gauge-specific balance that mass-market over/unders rarely achieve. If you view a shotgun as a specialized tool for a specific task—like refined upland hunting or traditional skeet—this price reflects the craftsmanship. If you need one gun to cover multiple roles with different ammunition, this is not your tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 855185002260 |
| manufacturer | FAUSTI USA, INC |
| manufacturer part number | 15602 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Fixed Mod/Full |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 16 gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it is compatible with all standard 2.75-inch 16 gauge ammunition, including target loads (typically 7/8 oz to 1 oz), field loads, and some older 2.75-inch 'Magnum' loads. It is NOT compatible with 3-inch 16 gauge shells, Aguila Minishells (which require an adapter), or any 12 or 20 gauge ammunition. Always verify shell length before chambering.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but with minimal clearance. The overall length is 45.25 inches, so a case with an interior length of at least 46 inches is recommended. The factory-supplied hard case measures 48 inches internally. For soft cases, ensure the interior pocket is at least 46.5 inches to avoid putting pressure on the muzzle or tang safety during transport.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 14 days of delivery for un-fired, unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the cost of a mandatory FFL transfer for the return shipment. You must contact our compliance team within 48 hours of taking delivery to initiate a return. We strongly recommend determining your length of pull (typically 14.5" for this model) before purchasing.
- Does this work with Williams FireSights or other aftermarket fiber optic sights?
- No, not without modification. The front sight is a 3mm metallic bead silver-soldered to a pre-machined base on the rib. Replacing it requires drilling, tapping, and potentially refinishing the rib. For enhanced visibility, we recommend using high-visibility adhesive targets on the bead or exploring models like the Stevens 555 series that often come with a factory-installed fiber optic front sight.