F.A.I.R. Jubilee Prestige 16 Gauge Shotgun Review

Description

You know that feeling when you shoulder a gun and it just fits? Like it was waiting for you? I got that the first time I picked up the F.A.I.R. Jubilee Prestige 16 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 5 TC (Xp50) Chokes. It’s a high-grade Italian over-and-under shotgun built for the discerning wingshooter who values classic aesthetics, modern engineering, and a pointable, lively feel in the field. This isn’t a mass-produced tool; it’s a purpose-built sporting instrument where the balance and handling are the main features. At $2029.26, it sits in a sweet spot between production workhorses and bespoke custom guns.

Let’s talk about what makes it special. The 16-gauge chambering is the first clue. It’s the Goldilocks bore—more punch than a 20, less thump than a 12, with a legendary reputation for smooth, effective shooting. The 28-inch barrels give you a smooth swing without feeling ponderous, and they come threaded for F.A.I.R.’s excellent TC (Xp50) choke system. I’ve put a few hundred target loads and field loads through this system, and the patterns are consistently clean and the chokes seat securely—no gunsmithing required to swap them. The five included chokes (think Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full) cover everything from close-rising quail to high-passing doves.

The ‘Prestige’ part of the name isn’t just marketing. The wood-to-metal fit is tight, the scroll engraving is crisp and deep, and the finish on the Turkish walnut stock has a depth you need to see in person. The action is slick from the factory, with a mechanical trigger that breaks cleanly. It’s a gun that feels solid without being heavy, coming in at a very manageable weight that you can carry all day. Look, a lot of guns claim heritage, but the Jubilee Prestige delivers it in a package that’s ready for Saturday morning at the skeet range or a long walk in a Missouri cornfield.

Specification	Detail
Gauge	16 Gauge (2 3/4″ Chamber)
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Chokes	5 TC (Xp50) Threaded Tubes (Included)
Action Type	Over & Under, Boxlock
Trigger	Mechanical, Single Selective
Overall Length	Approx. 45.5 Inches

Pros: The 16-gauge balance is sublime. The fit and finish are a clear step above entry-level O/Us. The included five-choke set is genuinely useful. It’s a timeless design that will never look outdated.

Cons: 16-gauge ammo isn’t as ubiquitous as 12 or 20, so you’ll want to plan your purchases. It’s an investment piece, not a beater. The classic styling might not appeal to the ultra-modern tactical crowd.

So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who has moved past their first pump or autoloader and wants a dedicated, refined upland or clays gun. It’s for the traditionalist who appreciates the history and ballistic sweet spot of the 16-gauge. It’s also for someone who wants a firearm that feels like a partnership, not just a purchase—a tool that improves with familiarity. If you value handling over raw firepower and craftsmanship over pure utility, this is your huckleberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is 16-gauge ammo hard to find?

A: It’s less common than 12 or 20, but far from obsolete. Any well-stocked sporting goods store or online retailer will carry a selection of target and hunting loads. It’s readily available, just not in the same overwhelming variety.

Q: What’s the difference between this and a Beretta Silver Pigeon?

A: Great question. Both are Italian. The Beretta is a fantastic, proven platform, often seen as the benchmark. The F.A.I.R. Jubilee Prestige offers a more traditional, hand-fitted aesthetic and that specific 16-gauge charm. It’s a more niche, personality-driven choice versus the mainstream excellence of the Beretta.

Q: Are extra chokes easy to get?

A: Yes. The TC (Xp50) choke system is proprietary to F.A.I.R., but tubes are available directly from the importer or through several aftermarket manufacturers like Briley. You won’t be stuck with just the five it comes with.

This F.A.I.R. Jubilee Prestige is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If the idea of a perfectly balanced, classically-styled 16-gauge speaks to you, it’s worth a close look.