On the range with F.A.I.R. classics: Classic Deluxe .410 bore over-and-under and Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold 20-ga shotguns

As we await the start of the hunting season, our summer appointment at the shooting range with Rebecca and Luca Rizzini to have fun and field test the new models – or the most popular ones – among the over-and-under and side-by-side shotguns manufactured by the F.A.I.R. company, is now a must.

2024 was a year full of new products dedicated above all to fans of traditional fixed stand hunting and small caliber hunting with the presentation of the new model of over-and-under combination gun, the Classic Deluxe Combi, a reminder of tradition that allows hunters to use different calibers with the same firearm, appropriate for different situations and shooting distances.

On the occasion of our meeting at the shooting range, however, Rebecca and Luca Rizzini decided to show me, in different calibers from those I had already tried out on the range or when hunting, two shotgun models that are part of the classic F.A.I.R. production range and for this reason very much in demand and appreciated both by Italian hunters and, more generally, by the international market: the Classic Deluxe over-and-under and the Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold side-by-side.

F.A.I.R. Classic Deluxe .410 bore over-and-under

Summarising the main aspects that characterise the Classic Deluxe over-and-under we could define it as a gun for everyone, given its pleasing aesthetics, the lightness that allows it to be easily transported and swung, and last but not least a quality/price ratio that allows different types of hunters to approach this firearm, from the young neophyte to the enthusiast who aspires to have an extra reliable gun in his or her dream cabinet. Available in all the main calibres from the larger 12-gauge to the smaller .410 bore, which was the subject of our test, the Classic Deluxe over-and-under is made with an Ergal receiver that allows the shotgun to weigh no more than 2.6 kg in 12-gauge, and in our case, 2.3 kg in .410. A firearm that is therefore practical for stalking and fun, as confirmed by Luca Rizzini, a passionate hunter and fan of this caliber, which he uses above all for fixed stand hunting. The lightness should not, however, give rise to any doubts as to the accuracy and reliability of this gun, which during testing allowed us to see excellent results on the sporting course clay pigeons up to ranges of 35 metres, with evident clay target breakages, not always easy to intercept due to the generous advance to be calculated with the small caliber, but fully satisfactory.

In the case of our test, we wanted to exasperate the shotgun  testing on clay pigeons. Obviously, when hunting, the choice of .410 bore does not require us to go beyond safe shooting, but is intended to emphasise the quality of close encounters with wild animals and therefore of shots without the need for a numerical quantity of meat. The actions of the Classic Deluxe over-and-under all feature scaled-to-caliber receivers, except in the case of our .410, which uses the .28 gauge receiver but allows the hunter to use the shotgun with both caliber barrels on the same action. The nickel-plated surfaces highlight the laser-engraved gold-inlaid engravings depicting hunting scenes and ducks in flight on the sides. The barrels with 76-mm magnum chamber are available in lengths of 68, 71 and 76 cm for use both when hunting with dogs and in the longer shots of still hunts. The hunter is supplied with the Technichoke internal and interchangeable choke set. The wide pistol grip stock as well as the trigger guard facilitate gripping and swinging with hands of different sizes and, especially in this small-caliber version, also make it easier for those who use gloves while hunting in winter. The fore-end is slim and in the classic gooseneck configuration. The trigger is single selective with a selector at the rear of the receiver, and the cartridge case ejection is automatic. An elegant detail is the perforated and blued openwork key. All in all, the Classic Deluxe, an over-and-under available in this version for the Italian public and in similar versions for the international market,  in .410 bore has confirmed itself as a very appreciable and enjoyable shotgun for its performance and affordable in price, which as specified by Luca Rizzini is 1,555 euro in Italy.

F.A.I.R. Classic Deluxe over-and-under .410 bore technical specifications

F.A.I.R. Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold 20-gauge shotgun

Although F.A.I.R. is recognised as one of the leading manufacturers in the field of over-and-under shotguns, for years the success of these shotguns has been shared with the Iside side-by-side series. Even Rebecca Rizzini admits to having a predilection for the classic lines of the side-by-side, and her inclination was confirmed during the test fire on the range. Although break-action guns are rigid on firing, we can see how the shotgun is fully manageable when aiming and when firing follow-up shots. The steel receiver with a color case hardened finish and machined directly from a solid billet features deep laser gold depictions of partridges in flight on the false sideplates and a woodcock on the receiver bottom. Once again, we are talking about actions scaled up to the caliber and rounded lines that enhance the overall aesthetics of the gun. The weight of the Iside shotgun remains low and does not exceed 2.8 kg with 71-cm barrels in the case of our test with the 20-gauge shotgun. Available in all calibers from 12-gauge to .410 bore, this gun is suitable for both stalking and more traditional still hunts.

The trigger is single selective with a gold-plated trigger, also available in a double trigger version at the hunter's request. The anti-flare blued barrels are also available for general hunting use in 68 cm lengths with fixed chokes or equipped with internal and interchangeable chokes. The stock and fore-end of the Iside Prestige shotgun are made from select European walnut and oil-finished. On request, pistol grip or Prince of Wales stocks are available, and for those who want a more ergonomic grip  the fore-end is also available in a beavertail version. Using standard cartridges on the firing station the shotgun did not show any particular rigidity during firing and consequently the effects of recoil were not too pronounced. The concave rib considerably aids rapid and instinctive aiming, favouring a clear view of the target in flight, an aspect not to be overlooked especially when considering shooting in stalking hunts.

Depending on the technical features, which vary and can also be chosen and consulted by the hunter on the www.fair.it website, the price of the F.A.I.R. Iside Prestige shotgun also varies, which in the model we tested is around 3,200 euro.

F.A.I.R. Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold 20-gauge technical specifications

For more information please visit the F.A.I.R. website.

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