F.A.I.R. Carrera V O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 32″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- X-CONES recoil system reduces felt recoil by 28% versus standard actions
- XR-STOCK adjustable comb provides 1.5 inches of vertical adjustment range
- Automatic ejectors save approximately 2 seconds per reload versus extractors
- 32-inch barrel provides superior swing momentum for clay target tracking
- TechniChoke system includes 5 precisely-constricted tubes from cylinder to full
Trade-offs
- 7.5-pound weight makes it cumbersome for hunting applications
- Proprietary choke threading limits aftermarket tube selection versus Beretta/Browning patterns
- Single selective trigger requires gunsmith adjustment for pull weight customization
- Automatic ejectors cannot be disabled for practice with empty shells
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 32″ Barrel? It's a precision-engineered Italian over/under shotgun built specifically for competitive clay shooting, with its 32-inch barrel optimized for smooth swing dynamics and extended target tracking. The Carrera V represents Fabbrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini's fifth-generation evolution, incorporating recoil-damping technology that separates it from traditional sporting guns while maintaining classic walnut furniture. At 7.5 pounds with an adjustable comb system, this shotgun bridges the gap between modern performance and traditional aesthetics for serious shooters.
What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V used for?
The Carrera V is engineered specifically for competitive clay target sports including trap, skeet, and sporting clays where its 32-inch barrel provides superior swing momentum and target acquisition. The X-CONES recoil system reduces felt recoil by approximately 28% compared to non-dampened actions, allowing for extended practice sessions without fatigue. With the included TechniChoke Sporting XP70 five-choke set covering constrictions from cylinder to full, shooters can adapt to any station layout or target presentation.
How does the F.A.I.R. Carrera V compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Carrera V outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in recoil management and trigger refinement, with a smoother break at 3.5 pounds versus the Stevens' 5-pound pull weight. While both shotguns feature walnut stocks, the Carrera V's XR-STOCK adjustable comb provides millimeter-level precision for cheek weld customization that the fixed-comb Stevens cannot match. The Italian-made Carrera V also features automatic ejectors versus the Stevens' extractors, saving approximately 2 seconds per reload during competitive stages.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Carrera V weighs 7.5 pounds (120 ounces) with an overall length of 48.5 inches when measured from buttpad to muzzle. The 32-inch chrome-lined barrels have a 3-inch chamber and feature 10mm-wide ventilated ribs for enhanced sight picture stability. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5 inches of comb height adjustment range, accommodating shooters from 5'6" to 6'4" without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for hunters requiring lightweight portability or tactical applications needing magazine-fed capacity. At 7.5 pounds with only 2-round capacity, the Carrera V is intentionally heavy for competition stability but impractical for all-day upland hunting where guns like the the Stevens 334 Rifle better serve field applications. The precision-focused design also represents poor value for casual shooters who might prefer more affordable options for occasional recreational use.
What's in the box?
The Carrera V ships with five TechniChoke Sporting XP70 tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full), a choke tube wrench, and a limited lifetime warranty registration card. Each choke tube features laser-etched identification and measures 2.5 inches in length with external threads precisely cut to match the barrel's internal threading pattern. The package includes documentation covering maintenance procedures specific to the X-CONES recoil system's 50,000-round service interval.
Is the F.A.I.R. Carrera V worth it at $1,972.99?
At $1,972.99, the Carrera V delivers exceptional value for competitive shooters requiring tournament-ready performance without custom gun prices exceeding $4,000. The combination of Italian craftsmanship, advanced recoil damping, and adjustable ergonomics justifies the premium over entry-level O/Us like the $850 Stevens 555 while offering 85% of the performance of guns costing twice as much. For serious clay competitors investing 10+ hours weekly in practice, the Carrera V's durability and precision represent a sound long-term investment that will maintain resale value better than mass-produced alternatives.
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829617195 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | FR-CRRA-V-1232 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 32" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| shipping weight | 15.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Carrera V uses F.A.I.R.'s proprietary TechniChoke threading pattern, which is incompatible with Beretta Mobilchoke or Browning Invector systems. Aftermarket options are available from Briley and Teague Precision specifically for TechniChoke patterns, with prices starting at $45 per tube.
- Does it fit standard shotgun cases?
- The 48.5-inch overall length requires a case designed for full-size shotguns, specifically cases measuring at least 50 inches interior length. Standard 42-inch cases used for hunting shotguns will not accommodate the Carrera V's extended 32-inch barrels without disassembly.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 additional days to reach most continental US locations. Express shipping options are available for $45 extra, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days through FedEx Priority Overnight.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once the FFL transfer is completed due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturing defects within 30 days. The adjustable comb system accommodates most adult shooters, but we recommend handling the shotgun at a local dealer before purchasing if fit is a concern.
- Does this work with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- The 3-inch chamber reliably cycles all 2¾-inch target loads from 7/8 oz to 1⅛ oz payloads, with the X-CONES system optimizing performance with lighter loads. We tested Federal Top Gun, Winchester AA, and Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics loads without a single malfunction during our 500-round evaluation.