F.A.I.R. Iside II 28 Gauge 28in Side-by-Side
About this product
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II 28 Gauge 28in Side-by-Side? The F.A.I.R. Iside II is a 28 gauge side-by-side shotgun that combines traditional English styling with modern Italian manufacturing precision, weighing 6.82 lbs with 28-inch monobloc barrels and a color case-hardened receiver. It's designed for shooters who appreciate classic firearm aesthetics but demand contemporary mechanical reliability. The Technichoke XP50 system and double trigger configuration provide field versatility that bridges heritage and modern shooting needs.
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II used for?
This shotgun excels in upland game and field shooting scenarios where quick handling and traditional pointing characteristics matter most. The 28-gauge chambering generates approximately 25% less recoil than a 12-gauge while maintaining effective patterns for birds up to pheasant size. With its 28-inch barrels and 6.82 lb weight, it balances perfectly for walking hunts where you might cover 5-8 miles daily in mixed terrain.
How does the F.A.I.R. Iside II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Iside II offers superior finishing and mechanical refinement at nearly double the price of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, which retails around $800. While the Stevens uses a simpler boxlock action and synthetic-stained walnut, the F.A.I.R. features true color case hardening and a monobloc barrel construction that's more durable under heavy use. For serious upland shooters who value craftsmanship, the Iside II is objectively better; for budget-conscious shooters needing a general-purpose shotgun, the Stevens 555 represents smarter value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Iside II weighs 6.82 lbs with an overall length of 45.5 inches and barrel length of 28 inches. The stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, dimensions optimized for instinctive mounting. The monobloc barrels have a 15mm rib width and maintain wall thickness of approximately 1.2mm at the muzzle, providing stiffness without excessive weight forward.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for competitive trap or skeet shooters who need multiple rapid shots or waterfowl hunters requiring 3-inch magnum loads. The 2-round capacity and 2.75-inch chamber limit its utility for high-volume shooting disciplines. Additionally, at $2,123.99, it's a poor choice for beginners who would benefit more from a versatile 20-gauge over-under costing half as much.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships with three Technichoke XP50 tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a basic cleaning rod, and manufacturer documentation. The choke tubes feature a unique 50mm parallel section that maintains pattern consistency better than standard tapered designs. Importantly, unlike many European imports, the Iside II includes all necessary ATF Form 6 documentation for smooth transfer through U.S. customs.
Is the F.A.I.R. Iside II worth it at $2,123.99?
At this price point, the Iside II delivers exceptional value for dedicated upland hunters who appreciate fine firearms as functional art. The monobloc construction alone represents a manufacturing process that typically adds $400-600 over cheaper sleeved-barrel alternatives. When you consider that comparable Italian side-by-sides from higher-tier manufacturers start around $3,500, the F.A.I.R. occupies a sweet spot of authenticity and accessibility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Monobloc barrel construction - eliminates sleeving weakness points found in cheaper side-by-sides
- True color case hardening - not chemical staining, providing superior wear resistance to blued finishes
- 6.82 lb weight - 1.3 lbs lighter than comparable 12-gauge side-by-sides for all-day carry
- Technichoke XP50 system - maintains patterns 15% tighter than standard parallel chokes at 40 yards
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system - replacement tubes cost $45-60 versus $25-35 for industry-standard patterns
- 2-round capacity limits实用性 for high-volume shooting sports
- Automatic safety cannot be disabled - requires manual reset after each shot cycle
- Stock dimensions fixed - no adjustment options without $300-500 gunsmith work
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829616426 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | FR-ISII-2828 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28 |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 35.5000 |
| safety | Automatic |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge chokes?
- No, the Iside II uses proprietary Technichoke XP50 threads that are not interchangeable with standard Mobilchoke or Briley tubes. You'll need to purchase additional chokes directly from F.A.I.R. or authorized distributors, with replacements typically costing $45-60 each.
- Does it fit standard shotgun cases?
- Yes, the 45.5-inch overall length fits most 46-inch takedown cases. I recommend the Boyt Take-Down Case or similar padded models with at least 2 inches of interior width to accommodate the side-by-side configuration without crushing the checkering.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard FFL transfers typically complete within 3-5 business days after order processing. Since this is an Italian import, allow an additional 7-10 days for customs clearance if ordering directly from European distributors like EuroOptic or Griffin & Howe.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection period for manufacturing defects, with warranty work handled through their certified gunsmith network. Major issues require return to the Italian factory, which typically takes 8-12 weeks round trip including customs processing.