Description
Picture this: you’re walking a cut soybean field in late October, the sun just starting to warm the air. A covey of quail flushes from the edge. You mount, swing, and the shot feels perfect—balanced, smooth, and instinctive. That’s the experience the F.A.I.R. Premier EM 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3 TC (Xp50) Chokes, Ejectors/Single Selective Trigger is built to deliver. It’s a side-by-side shotgun designed for the upland hunter who demands classic aesthetics without the classic price tag of a bespoke London gun. Here’s the thing—it proves you don’t need to spend five figures to get a reliable, elegant field gun that performs season after season.
The F.A.I.R. Premier EM is a 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring a 28-inch barrel set, three interchangeable Xp50 choke tubes, automatic ejectors, and a single selective trigger. It’s built for the upland hunter seeking a traditional, balanced shotgun that offers modern reliability and versatility at a practical price point, making classic shotgun design accessible.
Key Features & Practical Value
Let’s break down where this gun saves you money without cutting critical corners. The heart of its value is the proven, boxlock action. It’s robust, simple, and time-tested—think of it as the small-block V8 of shotgun actions. This design keeps manufacturing costs down compared to more intricate sidelock actions, savings passed directly to you. The automatic ejectors are a huge quality-of-life upgrade over extractors, positively clearing both spent shells after firing. No more fumbling with hot brass in the field. The single selective trigger allows you to choose which barrel fires first with a simple switch, a feature often reserved for higher-priced models. At a weight around 6.5 pounds, it carries all day without fatigue, a crucial spec for miles walked in pursuit of grouse or woodcock.
The included set of three Xp50 choke tubes (likely Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full) is where versatility meets value. You can configure this single shotgun for close-flushing quail in thick cover or longer passing shots on pheasants. Swapping chokes requires no gunsmithing required—just a simple key. The 28-inch barrels provide a smooth, steady swing that helps with accuracy, while the overall length keeps the gun maneuverable in mixed terrain. The price of $1326.14 positions it as a serious alternative to both new production and used market side-by-sides, often demanding a premium for similar features.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Chokes | 3 Xp50 Tubes (IC, M, F) |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
| Action Type | Boxlock Side-by-Side |
| Chamber | 3″ |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: Exceptional value for a side-by-side with ejectors and a selective trigger. The 20-gauge chambered in 3″ offers a great balance of low recoil and adequate power for all upland game. The classic lines and pointability of a side-by-side are undeniable. It comes ready for the field with multiple chokes.
Cons: As a value-focused import, it won’t have the hand-fitted finish or exquisite wood of a high-end shotgun. The stock dimensions are fixed, so it may not fit every shooter perfectly without adjustment. Some purists may prefer a double trigger for simplicity.
This shotgun is for the hunter who appreciates tradition but operates on a budget. It’s ideal for Missouri quail, dove, and woodcock hunters who want a dedicated, lightweight upland tool. It’s also a fantastic first side-by-side for someone wanting to step into classic shotgun shooting without a massive financial leap. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states through your local FFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between ejectors and extractors?
A: Extractors simply lift the spent shell casings slightly out of the chamber, requiring you to pull them out by hand. Automatic ejectors use spring power to forcefully throw the spent casings clear of the gun after firing, a faster and more convenient system, especially for follow-up shots.
Q: Is the F.A.I.R. Premier EM compatible with common aftermarket choke tubes?
A: It uses F.A.I.R.’s proprietary Xp50 choke tube system. While high-quality, they are not directly interchangeable with more common brands like Briley or Carlson’s. You must use Xp50-specific tubes, but the three provided cover most hunting scenarios.
Q: Is this a good gun for a beginner?
A: It can be, particularly for a beginner dedicated to upland hunting. The 20-gauge has mild recoil, and the side-by-side design is simple to operate. However, its fixed dimensions mean a beginner should try to handle one first to check fit, as proper gun mount is critical to accuracy. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
If you’ve been looking for a side-by-side that delivers more bang-for-buck than nostalgia, the F.A.I.R. Premier EM 20-gauge deserves a close look. Its combination of practical features at a sensible price makes classic upland hunting accessible. See if it’s the right fit for your next season in the field.
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