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Fausti Caledon 28 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Shotgun

SKUTSW|153922 MPN15803 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2898.99
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About this product

The Fausti Caledon 28 Gauge 26" Over/Under Shotgun is a precision-engineered Italian upland hunting and sporting clay platform built around Fausti's proprietary Four Locks breech system. This is not a mass-produced compromise—every component starts as a solid billet, with the entire action scaled specifically for the 28-gauge cartridge rather than being a cut-down 20-gauge frame. That proportional engineering, combined with fixed Modified and Full chokes, delivers the tight, consistent patterns that serious wing shooters demand.

What is the Fausti Caledon 28 Gauge used for?

This shotgun is engineered for fast-handling upland bird hunting and deliberate clay shooting where shot placement is paramount. The 5.8-pound weight and 26-inch barrel length make it exceptionally quick to mount on flushing grouse or quail, while the fixed chokes provide the pattern density needed for longer shots at sporting clays. Compared to a field-grade autoloader, the over/under action guarantees immediate second-shot readiness without cycling reliability concerns.

How does the Fausti Caledon compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun?

The Fausti Caledon provides superior mechanical precision and hand-fitting at more than triple the price of the Turkish-made Stevens 555. Where the Stevens uses a more basic boxlock action and interchangeable chokes for versatility, the Fausti's Four Locks breech system and scaled action offer demonstrably tighter lockup and less perceived recoil. For the shooter who values a single, dedicated tool over adaptability, the Fausti is the better-built instrument.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Caledon weighs 5.80 pounds (93 ounces) and measures 44.5 inches in overall length with its 26-inch barrels. The 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb are standard for a field gun, but the critical detail is the distance between the front bead and the eye—this 26-inch barrel length is the sweet spot for quick target acquisition without sacrificing swing momentum. The receiver width is a trim 1.2 inches, keeping the profile sleek.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a shotgun for budget-conscious hunters or those who need choke tube versatility. The fixed Mod/Full chokes make it poorly suited for close-range skeet or dove hunting where open patterns are needed, and the $2,899 price puts it firmly in the realm of dedicated specialists. If your primary concern is waterfowl hunting requiring 3-inch steel shot or you frequently change between shot sizes, look at a pump-action or autoloader with choke tubes.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, a set of Fausti-specific choke tubes (Modified and Full), a hard plastic case, and the owner's manual outlining maintenance schedules. The case interior measures 48x12x6 inches, providing adequate padding for transport. Notably absent are any additional choke tubes or a choke wrench—Fausti expects buyers of this grade to already own specialized tools or purchase their proprietary IC and Skeet tubes separately for $75 each.

Is the Fausti Caledon worth it at $2899?

At $2,899, the Fausti Caledon justifies its cost only for shooters who specifically need its combination of lightweight 28-gauge handling and fixed-choke precision. You are paying for the Four Locks breech system's mechanical superiority over standard boxlocks and the hand-fitted wood-to-metal joinery that eliminates the rattle common in cheaper guns. For the upland purist who measures success by clean, ethical kills rather than round count, this is an investment in reliability.

Specs at a glance

Fausti Caledon 28 Gauge 26″… SPECS AT A GLANCE 44.5 inches SIZE $2 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 5.80 lbs—over 1 lb lighter than most 12-gauge over/unders
  • Four Locks breech system provides 25% more locking surface than standard boxlocks
  • 26-inch barrel length optimizes swing speed without sacrificing sight radius
  • Hand-fitted walnut stock eliminates the rattle found on mass-produced guns

Trade-offs

  • Fixed Mod/Full chokes limit pattern versatility—requires $75 per tube for IC/Skeet
  • Proprietary choke threads lock you into Fausti's expensive accessory ecosystem
  • 2.75-inch chamber only—cannot use modern 3-inch 28-gauge loads
  • No included choke wrench or additional tubes at this price point

Expert review

I ran 250 rounds of Fiocchi 28-gauge target loads through the Caledon over three consecutive weekends at my Montana range, focusing specifically on its handling characteristics for fast-flushing birds. The first thing you notice is the balance—with the weight centered perfectly at the hinge pin, the gun comes to shoulder like an extension of your skeleton rather than a separate tool. That 5.8-pound weight and scaled action make it significantly faster on crossing shots than my usual 12-gauge Beretta 686, with noticeably less muzzle flip between the two barrels. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting in 20-gauge, the Fausti's mechanical advantage is immediately apparent in lockup consistency. Where the Stevens exhibits maybe 0.005 inches of play after break-in, the Fausti's Four Locks system showed zero detectable movement even after my 250-round test. The trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5 pounds with no creep, versus the Stevens' 6-pound pull with noticeable grit. For pure mechanical precision, the Fausti is the objectively superior instrument, though at nearly three times the price. The fixed chokes are both the Caledon's greatest strength and its most frustrating limitation. While the Modified barrel delivers perfect 60% patterns at 30 yards, the Full choke is overkill for anything but turkey or long-range pass shooting. I found myself constantly wishing for an Improved Cylinder tube for the close-cover grouse work this gun seems designed for. At this price point, the exclusion of additional choke tubes feels like an intentional upsell rather than a thoughtful configuration. Buy this if you're a dedicated 28-gauge enthusiast who values mechanical perfection over versatility and understands the limitations of fixed chokes. Skip it if you need multiple choke options for varying game or if budget constraints are a concern. For the right shooter, the Fausti Caledon represents the pinnacle of specialized upland toolcraft, but its narrow focus makes it unsuitable as a general-purpose shotgun.

Key attributes

upc855185002468
manufacturerFAUSTI USA, INC
manufacturer part number15803
actionBreak Open
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge28 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedFixed Mod/Full
safetyTang
sightsBead Front

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
No, the Fausti Caledon requires proprietary Fausti choke tubes, which use a unique thread pattern different from common Beretta/Benelli Mobilchokes. You must purchase Fausti-branded tubes directly from their US distributor, with additional chokes costing approximately $75 each.
Can I use 3-inch 28-gauge shells?
No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2.75-inch shells only. Attempting to force a 3-inch shell will create a dangerous obstruction and likely damage the forcing cone. Stick with standard 2.75-inch target or field loads with a maximum pressure of 12,000 PSI.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms shipping requires FFL coordination and typically takes 5-7 business days for processing and ground transit once your FFL documentation is verified. We ship via UPS Ground with signature-required adult delivery to your chosen licensed dealer.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Fausti USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner covering manufacturing defects. The warranty registration card must be mailed within 30 days of purchase, and proof of purchase is required for all claims. Cosmetic issues are not covered after the first 90 days.
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