Iside Tartaruga Gold, the most sought-after versions of the F.A.I.R. side-by-sides

Hunting evolves with man and the needs of hunters, but some symbols remain unchanged, such as the appeal of the side-by-side, a gun that retains its traditional look but today, thanks to the revision of technical details, allows new hunters to enjoy a classic yet versatile firearm in different hunting situations.

F.A.I.R. Iside Tartaruga Gold side-by-side, the technical features

The optimisation of weights and the elegance of the lines are both technical and aesthetic features immediately evident in the F.A.I.R. Iside shotgun. In the 20-gauge Tartaruga Gold version the proportions are enhanced thanks to the scaled round body steel receiver and the color case hardened finish with gold-inlaid engravings. On the sides of the receiver are deep laser depictions of two partridges in flight, while on the receiver bottom, a woodcock is faithfully reproduced, displayed together with the model's name. The play of light and shadow created by the engravings stands out with the polished bluing of the barrels. In addition to the receiver, mechanical components such as the long-stroke ejectors are also machined from solid steel billets. The side-by-sides of the Iside series are available in all the main gauges used in hunting, i.e. 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410, but also in the most common rifle calibers. In this case the guns in the Express version have different receiver thicknesses and materials, to guarantee safety and accuracy for those who dedicate themselves to hunting large ungulates. The technical features of the different versions can be chosen by the hunter who, on request, from the F.A.I.R. company can have shotguns with selective single-trigger system or with the more classic double-trigger. The shell case ejection system can be chosen too, which may be automatic or manual for the more traditionalists.

The stock of the Iside shotguns can also be customised: in our case, the shotgun used at the shooting range has an English-style stock and a slim fore-end, certainly more suitable for instinctive shooting and perhaps more elegant in appearance, but for those who prefer a more practical grip on the gun, there is the possibility of having a pistol grip stock and beavertail fore-end. The available and most popular barrel lengths are 68 cm, 71 cm and 76 cm, with a 76 mm magnum chamber so that all loads can be used for hunting. A technical detail that is not unimportant for a traditional shotgun are the internal and interchangeable chokes that F.A.I.R. makes available with different choke values, from Cylinder to Extra Full, with lengths varying from 50 mm to 70 mm that allow the hunter to go hunting with the same shotgun both in walked-up hunts with closer-range shots, and from stands that can also require shots at the longest useful range. The weight of the Iside shotgun is standard, in 20-gauge it weighs around 2.7 kilograms, well distributed throughout the gun, such as to favour appreciable balance when swinging and firing. Obviously, since it is a break action, and therefore lacks recoil reduction systems, the loads used should be evaluated rationally so as not to have a punishing recoil at the shoulder, but with standard loads such as those used by us during the test with 24- and 28-gram cartridges, the gun proves pleasant to shoot and stable in follow-up shots.

At the shooting range with the F.A.I.R. Iside Tartaruga Gold shotgun

Thanks to the internal X-Cones geometry, the ballistics of the F.A.I.R. barrels prove once again to be very reliable in the pattern power and distribution. At the clay pigeons on the sporting course, we evaluated the gun in the company of Luca and Rebecca Rizzini, alternating with the same gun on the shooting stand and achieving the same results with clearly evident breaks of the clay pigeons even with shots at the maximum ranges envisaged for the sporting course. With the varying trajectories followed by clay pigeons, we appreciated the shotgun's quickness even in instinctive shots that can most frequently occur in the woods or when hunting with pointing dogs. The wide trigger guard and crisp trigger release facilitated speed in aiming and shooting accuracy. The automatic cartridge case ejection in our case proved to be precise and positive when loading and unloading. A further and particularly appreciable feature promoting the ease of aim is the concave rib, which I personally prefer in side-by-side shotguns for a sharper picture and a more natural acquisition of the target in flight. The Iside series is available with either Old Silver or color case hardened finishes, as in our case, or in the most sought-after of versions featuring long side plates – this model is called Prestige. Prices vary depending on the country in which Iside shotguns are distributed and on the features chosen by the hunter, so you should contact the various F.A.I.R. distributors for precise answers. In any case, beyond personal and debatable aesthetic tastes, which vary and adapt to the different markets in which it is distributed, after our day at the shooting range we can confirm that by trying it out, the appreciation received on the international market by the Iside F.A.I.R. shotgun can be understood: it's the latest evolution of a gun that makes you experience emotions with an antique flavor.

F.A.I.R. Iside Tartaruga Gold technical specifications

For more information on the Iside Tartaruga Gold side-by-side please visit the F.A.I.R. website.