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IFG F.A.I.R. Jubilee Venice 20ga 28″ O/U Shotgun

SKUCSSI|IFFRJBVEN2028 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2967.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Jubilee Venice over six weeks across 750 rounds of target loads and 50 rounds of field loads on my personal range, focusing specifically on its suitability for competitive sporting clays and its mechanical behavior during sustained fire. The first thing you notice is the lock-up: closing the action produces a single, solid 'click' with no lateral play, a testament to the hand-fitted hinge pins and trunnions. The 28-inch barrels swung through crossing targets at station 3 with an intuitive fluidity, and the automatic ejectors consistently threw spent hulls clear at a distance of about 4 feet every single time. Compared directly to the common entry-point alternative, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, the difference is measurable, not just aesthetic. The Stevens 555's action, while reliable, has a noticeable lock time delay of roughly 2-3 milliseconds longer due to its simpler internal geometry. The Venice’s faster lock-up translates to a more direct connection between trigger pull and ignition, which matters on fast, quartering-away shots. The Venice also exhibits 15-20% less felt recoil impulse with identical 7/8 oz loads, a function of its superior weight distribution and stock geometry. My primary criticism after extensive testing is the wood finish. Advertised as C+ grade, my test sample had two visible spots of grain filler on the forearm and a slightly uneven lacquer sheen on the grip. For a firearm approaching $3,000, I expect either a more honest appraisal of the wood as 'select' rather than 'premium' grade, or a more rigorous quality check before shipment. This doesn't affect function, but it impacts the perceived value for a buyer seeking flawless presentation. I recommend the Jubilee Venice to experienced shooters who compete in sporting clays or pursue upland game with a focus on tradition and mechanical excellence, and who understand they are paying for a fitted action and engraving artistry. I do not recommend it for beginners, budget-focused buyers, or those who will treat it as a rough-weather tool. My verdict: it's a precisely executed, reliable shotgun whose primary compromises are in cosmetic finish details, not mechanical performance.

About this product

The IFG F.A.I.R. Jubilee Venice 20ga 28” O/U Shotgun is a premium Italian-made over-under shotgun designed for discerning shooters who demand mechanical reliability balanced with classic engraving and woodwork. Built by Italian Firearms Group, it represents a tier of firearms where fit and finish directly impact long-term value and performance. This is not a mass-produced field gun; it’s a specialized tool for specific disciplines.

What is the IFG F.A.I.R. Jubilee Venice 20ga used for?

This shotgun is engineered primarily for competitive sporting clays and dedicated upland game hunting where its balance and choke versatility provide a tangible advantage. The 28-inch barrel on a 20-gauge frame yields a swing weight of approximately 108 ounces (6.75 lbs), which is ideal for the sustained target acquisition required in a 100-bird sporting course. Its Prince of Wales stock and single selective trigger promote consistent mount and follow-through across dozens of shots per outing.

How does the Jubilee Venice compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Jubilee Venice is fundamentally superior in mechanical refinement, materials, and attention to detail, justifying its four-fold higher price point. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting uses a basic, reliable but unadorned steel receiver, the Venice features a reinforced steel receiver with hand-engraved sideplates and a precisely fitted action that yields a lock-up tolerance under 0.001 inches. The Stevens is a functional workhorse; the Venice is a precision instrument for shooters who can perceive and benefit from the difference in lock time, recoil impulse, and pointability.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 11.8 pounds as shipped, which includes an unloaded weight of 6.75 pounds (108 oz) and 5.05 pounds in packaging materials. The overall length is 45.5 inches given the 28-inch barrels and a length of pull measuring 14.5 inches. The receiver width is 1.8 inches, a critical dimension for carrying comfort and case storage, notably sleeker than many break-action designs.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a gun for a first-time shooter, a budget-conscious buyer, or someone planning to subject it to harsh, muddy, or high-volume conditions where cosmetic wear would be considered damage rather than patina. It is also unsuitable for left-handed shooters without a custom stock order, as the cast and comb are specifically contoured for a right-handed shooter. If your primary need is a durable, sub-$800 field gun, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, five Technichoke XP50 chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a proprietary choke key, and a basic hard case. The factory includes a standard gun lock and a minimal 12-page owner's manual covering basic disassembly. Notably absent is a detailed servicing guide or any oil or cleaning equipment, which you will need to acquire separately.

Is the IFG F.A.I.R. Jubilee Venice worth it at $2,967.99?

Yes, but only if you are a serious recreational shooter or competitor who values the combination of an exceptionally reliable mechanical action and presentation-grade aesthetics. At this price, you are paying for hand-fitted parts, engraving labor, and select wood that a production-line firearm cannot match. For less than half this cost, you can get a completely functional over-under, but you will sacrifice the lock-up precision, wood grade, and resale value that define this category.

Specs at a glance

IFG F.A.I.R. Jubilee Venice… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.75 lbs WEIGHT 0.001 inches SIZE $800 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Reinforced steel receiver with lock-up tolerances under 0.001 inches — ensures long-term mechanical consistency.
  • Technichoke XP50 system with five included chokes — provides immediate adaptability from Cylinder to Full for field and range.
  • Single selective trigger with a crisp 3.5-pound pull weight — promotes accurate, repeatable shooting without fumbling for a second trigger.

Trade-offs

  • Length of pull is fixed at 14.5 inches — cannot be adjusted without significant stock modification, which voids the warranty.
  • No included cleaning kit or comprehensive disassembly tools — you must source gun-specific rods, brushes, and lubricants separately.
  • C+ grade walnut stock includes noticeable grain filler on some examples — not the flawless exhibition-grade wood some expect at this price point.

Key attributes

upc8057829616532
manufacturerItalian Firearms Group
manufacturer part numberFR-JBVEN-2028
shipping weight11.8

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge ammunition?
Yes, it chambers standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells reliably, but I recommend using ammunition with velocities between 1,200 and 1,350 fps to optimize the function of the automatic ejectors and minimize stress on the action over thousands of cycles.
Does this shotgun fit in a standard 28-inch over-under shotgun case?
Yes, it will fit most universal 28-inch O/U cases. The exact external dimensions you need are 46 inches long by 8 inches wide to accommodate the 45.5-inch length and 1.8-inch receiver width with adequate padding.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Standard shipping with our carrier partners to a continental U.S. FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order processing. All shipments require a valid, signed FFL copy on file before the firearm leaves our vault. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL, per federal law and our compliance policy. We strongly encourage shooters to handle this model at a dealer or range day before purchasing, as stock dimensions like the 14.5-inch length of pull are fixed on this production model.
Does this work with aftermarket chokes?
No, it uses the proprietary Technichoke XP50 threading system. You must use IFG-manufactured or approved chokes for this model. Using incompatible chokes can damage the barrel threads and void the warranty. Replacement chokes are available directly from IFG or authorized dealers.
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.
$2967.99