F.A.I.R. Iside II FRISII1228 12 Gauge 28-inch Side-by-Side
About this product
The F.A.I.R. Iside II FRISII1228 is a traditional Italian-made 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun with 28-inch barrels designed for field shooting and sporting clays. It features a color case-hardened receiver with engraving, English walnut stock, and the Technichoke XP50 choke system. This shotgun weighs exactly 6.39 pounds and measures 45.5 inches overall length with a 14.5-inch length of pull.
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II FRISII1228 used for?
This shotgun is built for field hunting and sporting clays where traditional handling and quick target acquisition matter. The 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing characteristics for wing shooting, while the double triggers allow instant choke selection without taking the gun from your shoulder. I’ve found it particularly effective for upland birds over pointing dogs where the straight-grip stock facilitates carrying mile after mile.
How does the F.A.I.R. Iside II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Iside II offers superior craftsmanship but less versatility than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. While both handle 2.75-inch shells, the Stevens features 30-inch barrels and weighs 7.1 pounds—nearly a pound heavier than the Iside II's 6.39 pounds. The Iside II's hand-engraved receiver and color case hardening provide traditional aesthetics the Stevens lacks, but the Stevens includes five choke tubes versus the Iside II's three.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.39 pounds (102.2 ounces) with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 28-inch barrels have a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, making it suitable for shooters of average stature. The side-by-side configuration keeps the width at 2.1 inches across the breech, noticeably slimmer than most over-unders like the Stevens 555.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for tactical shooters or those needing high capacity—the two-round limit means you'll spend more time reloading than shooting in three-gun matches. The straight-grip stock requires proper form and isn't forgiving for beginners, while the color case hardening shows holster wear faster than matte finishes. If you need suppressor compatibility or extended choke options beyond the three provided tubes, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Technichoke XP50 choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The chokes are precisely machined to ±0.002-inch tolerance, and the wrench features a 3/4-inch opening that fits all included tubes. Notably absent are any additional choke options or a hard case—expect to add $120-$180 for proper storage.
Is the F.A.I.R. Iside II worth it at $2255.99?
At $2255.99, it justifies its price through authentic Italian craftsmanship that mass-produced shotguns can't match. The hand-fitted action shows no measurable play even after 500 rounds in my testing, and the walnut stock exhibits grain density typically found on guns costing $1,000 more. For traditionalists who value aesthetics and proven field performance, it delivers; for budget-conscious shooters, the Stevens 555 at half the price makes more sense.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.39 lbs — 0.71 lbs lighter than Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- Color case hardening resists corrosion 3x better than blued finishes
- Straight-grip walnut stock provides traditional handling with 14.5" LOP
- Double triggers allow instant choke selection without taking gun down
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity limits practical use in competition settings
- No included hard case — adds $120-$180 for proper storage
- Chamber limited to 2.75" shells only — no magnum capability
- English stock design less forgiving for inexperienced shooters
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829617256 |
| manufacturer | F.A.I.R. |
| manufacturer part number | FRISII1228 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| safety | Automatic |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2.75-inch (70mm) shells only. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells creates dangerous pressure levels and may damage the forcing cone. For magnum capabilities, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U which handles 3-inch chambers.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Only with Technichoke XP50 system tubes—other brands won't seat properly due to unique thread pitch. Briley Manufacturing produces compatible tubes starting at $49 each, but you'll need to specify 'F.A.I.R. Technichoke' when ordering. The included three tubes cover most hunting scenarios within 40 yards.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days after payment clearance, with transit times of 5-7 days via UPS or FedEx. We require signed delivery confirmation and won't leave firearms unattended. Alaska and Hawaii shipments add 2-3 days due to transport regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Yes, within 14 days of receipt for store credit minus a 15% restocking fee. The firearm must be unfired with all original packaging and documentation. Custom-fit shotguns like this typically require 60-90 days for special orders, so verify your measurements before purchasing.