Description
The F.A.I.R. Iside USA Edition 16 Ga 28″ Barrel, Extractors, Double Triggers is a modern, American-imported version of a classic Italian side-by-side shotgun. It’s built for the hunter who appreciates traditional aesthetics and handling but wants a reliable, out-of-the-box field gun with no gunsmithing required. I’ve put a few boxes of shells through one, and it’s a smooth, fast-handling upland piece that feels alive in your hands.
Key Features
- 16 Gauge Sweet Spot: Offers a fantastic balance of power and shootability, lighter than a 12 but with more authority than a 20.
- True Double Triggers: For instant, mechanical selection of your choked barrels—a purist’s feature for adaptable shooting.
- Manual Extractors: They’re simple, reliable, and keep the lines of the action clean and classic.
- 28″ Barrels: Provide a smooth swing and a long sighting plane, ideal for crossing shots on birds over dogs.
- USA Edition Build: Imported and finished for the American market, ensuring good support and parts availability.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches | Trigger System | Double Triggers (Non-Selective) |
| Extraction | Manual Extractors (Not Ejectors) |
| Chokes | Likely includes interchangeable choke tubes (IC & M) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45-46 Inches |
Weighing in at a hair under 7 pounds, this Iside carries all day without fatigue. The 16 gauge chamber handles 2 3/4″ shells perfectly, which is the standard for modern 16ga ammo from companies like Federal and RST. The price point of $1641.70 positions it as a serious, heirloom-quality tool, not a disposable accessory. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the upland hunter, the walker, the traditionalist. It’s for someone who covers ground with a dog and values a lightweight, fast-pointing shotgun. If you appreciate the elegance of a side-by-side and the practical utility of double triggers, this is your gun. It’s also for the shooter tired of plastic and tactical, wanting wood and steel that connects them to a longer hunting heritage. That said, it’s not a high-volume clays gun or a waterfowl beater—it’s a specialized field instrument.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The handling is sublime—it comes to the shoulder like it’s part of you. The double triggers offer instant choke selection, which is a real advantage when a grouse flushes tight then rockets for cover. The 16 gauge is just a pleasure to shoot with modest recoil and effective patterns. Fit and finish are typically very good for the price, with decent wood-to-metal fit.
Cons: Manual extractors mean you have to pull spent shells out yourself—some see it as slow, I see it as part of the ritual. Double triggers have a learning curve if you’re used to a single selector. And let’s be honest, 16 gauge ammo isn’t on every gas station shelf like 12 or 20, though it’s easy to find online or at a well-stocked shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the chokes fixed or interchangeable?
A: The USA Edition models typically come with interchangeable choke tubes (often Mobilchoke or similar pattern), giving you flexibility for different game. You’ll want to verify the specific tube system, but it’s almost certainly not fixed.
Q: Is the 16 gauge suitable for a beginner?
A: It can be, especially for a younger or recoil-sensitive shooter. The 16 has less kick than a 12 gauge, but ammo cost and availability might make a 20 gauge a more practical first gun. For a beginner who’s committed to the classic feel, though, it’s a wonderful choice.
Q: What’s the real advantage of double triggers?
A: Speed and reliability. There’s no mechanical selector to fumble with. Your finger is the selector. Front trigger for the more open choked barrel (for close shots), rear for the tighter choke (for longer shots). It becomes instinctive and is utterly dependable in all conditions.
Look, if you’ve been wanting a true side-by-side that blends old-world style with modern manufacturing and support, the F.A.I.R. Iside USA Edition deserves a close look. It’s a working piece of art for the field. See the full details and availability on our site.
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