F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 30″ Barrel
About this product
The F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun is a competition-ready 12-gauge over/under engineered to deliver mechanical consistency for serious sporting clays and field shooting. It achieves this through a specific combination of chrome-lined ported barrels, an adjustable XR-STOCK system, and the TechniChoke compatibility that defines modern competitive shotguns. In an E-Commerce category filled with budget-friendly options, the Carrera IV commands attention with its direct focus on the professional-grade features and precision ergonomics demanded at the club level.
What is the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV O/U Shotgun used for?
The Carrera IV is engineered for registered sporting clays, FITASC, and other precision shotgun sports where consistent point-of-impact and shooter fit are competitive necessities. Its weight-forward 30-inch ported barrels settle smoothly on crossing targets and the XR-STOCK’s adjustable comb allows for a perfect cheek weld to minimize sight plane deviation, shot after shot. While chambered for 3-inch shells, its primary use case is 2 ¾-inch target loads cycling at a reliable cadence for 100-250 bird events.
How does the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Carrera IV is demonstrably better for the serious competitor who views fitment as non-negotiable, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a superior choice for the budget-conscious recreational shooter. Mechanically, the Carrera IV’s XR-STOCK adjustment system offers micro-adjustable comb height and cast, a feature absent on the fixed-comb, non-adjustable Stevens 555. This translates to the Carrera IV allowing for a custom, repeatable mount that directly impacts hit percentage on long crossers and fast teals. Weight distribution is also a key differentiator; at 8.20 lbs unloaded, the Carrera IV carries its mass in the 30-inch barrels for dampened swing, whereas the slightly lighter, fixed-profile Stevens 555 Sporting uses a simpler, less dynamic balance point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun's unloaded weight is precisely 8.20 lbs (3.72 kg), with an overall length of 46.5 inches measured from the butt pad to the muzzle of the 30-inch barrels. The walnut stock itself has a length of pull of 14.75 inches with the standard pad, and the adjustable comb mechanism allows for +/- 0.5 inches of vertical travel to accommodate individual facial structure. Its weight-forward design puts approximately 60% of the mass in the barrels, a crucial factor for controlled follow-through on the sporting clays course.
Who is this NOT for?
This is absolutely not for a first-time shooter or someone seeking a general-purpose field gun for walking brush. The specific 8.20 lb weight and long 30-inch barrels make it cumbersome for quick mounting in a duck blind or for a full day of upland hunting where lighter O/Us like a 20-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting Compact are more appropriate. Furthermore, its competition-focused ergonomics and lack of sling swivels render it a specialized tool ill-suited for the dynamic carries and varied shooting positions of tactical or defensive shotgun training.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with one set of three TechniChoke tubes (typically Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, and Modified), a dedicated choke tube wrench, and the necessary hex keys for the XR-STOCK adjustment system. The case is a solid, lockable polymer transport case with pre-cut foam, offering superior protection compared to the soft zippered bags included with many budget over/unders. Crucially, manual and warranty documentation is included, which is essential for understanding the adjustment mechanisms and maintaining compliance with the manufacturer’s service protocols.
Is the F.A.I.R. Carrera IV worth it at $2233.99?
At $2233.99, the Carrera IV is worth the investment for the dedicated competition shooter who has outgrown the limitations of a non-adjustable stock and is seeking a measurable, repeatable mechanical advantage. The cost directly buys you the engineered adjustability (the XR-STOCK system), the durability of chrome-lined bores, and the precise balance that defines a purpose-built target gun. If you shoot fewer than 500 rounds a year recreationally, a $1200-$1500 O/U will serve you just as well; but if you shoot registered events where a single missed target can define a class, the ROI on proper fitment justifies the price premium entirely.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- XR-STOCK adjustable comb offers +/- 0.5 inches of vertical micro-adjustment for exact sight plane alignment.
- Chrome-lined 30-inch barrels with porting reduce perceived recoil by approximately 15-20% versus unported equivalents.
- Weighs 8.20 lbs (3.72 kg) for rock-steady swing on crossing targets and long presentations.
- Includes a full set of three TechniChokes (Cylinder, IC, Mod) and a lockable polymer transport case.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary TechniChoke system limits your choke tube options compared to the near-universal Beretta/Benelli Mobil pattern.
- High-gloss nickel finish on the action requires diligent maintenance to prevent fingerprint etching on the polished surfaces.
- No swivel studs pre-installed; mounting a sling requires professional gunsmithing, adding $75-125 to the total cost.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829614385 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | FR-DCIV-1230 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| shipping weight | 14.65 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Mid Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli/Beretta Mobil chokes?
- No, it is not. The Carrera IV utilizes the proprietary TechniChoke thread pattern. You must use F.A.I.R.'s TechniChoke tubes; Beretta/Benelli, Browning Invector, or other common systems will not thread properly and can cause catastrophic barrel damage.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The shotgun's overall length is 46.5 inches, which allows it to fit lengthwise in most standard 52-inch hard or soft rifle cases. Including the case it ships in, you have approximately 5.5 inches of clearance for additional gear like chokes or gloves.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an in-stock item like the Carrera IV, processing typically takes 1-2 business days, and ground shipping to most contiguous U.S. locations adds another 3-7 business days, depending on your zone. Firearms ship to your selected FFL; you must contact them to coordinate the transfer upon shipment.
- Does this work with a recoil-reducing Mercury tube?
- Yes, the XR-STOCK system is designed to accommodate aftermarket internal recoil management devices. The hollow stock interior can typically house a standard 1-inch diameter, 10-ounce mercury recoil reducer or a specialized hydraulic unit from brands like Gracoil or Sims Vibration Laboratory.