F.A.I.R. Iside II FRISII1628 16 Gauge 28″ Side-By-Side
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The F.A.I.R. Iside II FRISII1628 is a break-open 16 gauge side-by-side shotgun with 28-inch barrels designed for traditional field shooting, combining Italian engineering with classic English styling for upland hunting and sporting clays. This configuration features a color case-hardened receiver, walnut stock, and straight grip that prioritizes balance and handling over rapid follow-up shots. At 6.39 pounds with a 28-inch barrel length, it occupies a specific niche between lighter field guns and heavier target models.
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and traditional clay shooting where smooth handling and quick mounting matter more than capacity. The 28-inch barrels provide a 47-inch overall length that swings naturally on flushing birds or crossing targets, while the 6.39-pound weight remains manageable during long walks in the field. The included cylinder, improved cylinder, and modified chokes cover typical grouse, pheasant, and sporting clay scenarios from 20 to 35 yards.
How does the Iside II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Iside II offers superior fit and finish but requires more maintenance than the Stevens 555 Sporting over/under. Where the Stevens uses durable but plain matte finishes and synthetic-stocked variants for all-weather reliability, the Iside II's color case-hardened receiver and oil-finished walnut demand careful cleaning after each use. The side-by-side configuration also patterns differently than over/unders, with a wider sight plane that some shooters prefer for instinctive wing shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.39 pounds (102.2 ounces) with a 28-inch barrel length and 47-inch overall length. The straight-grip walnut stock measures 14.5 inches length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters without modification. Barrel wall thickness measures 0.85mm at the muzzle, providing stiffness for consistent patterns while keeping weight balanced between hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for tactical shooters or those needing high-capacity waterfowl setups—the 2-round capacity and delicate finishes won't survive duck blind abuse. The double triggers require practice for smooth operation compared to single-selector designs, and the 16 gauge ammunition costs approximately 30% more than 12 gauge target loads. If you need a suppressor host or plan to customize extensively, consider the Stevens 334 rifle platform instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Technichoke XP50 tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified), and a basic cleaning rod—no hard case or additional accessories. The chokes install with 15 ft-lbs of torque using the included key, and the automatic safety engages each time the action opens. Expect to budget $75-150 for a quality soft case and another $40 for choke tube lubricant if this is your first side-by-side.
Is the F.A.I.R. Iside II worth it at $2,255.99?
At this price, you're paying for hand-fitted Italian craftsmanship rather than features—comparable Turkish guns cost $800 less but lack the same attention to wood-to-metal fit. The action opens smoothly with 0.005-inch clearance between barrel and receiver, and the engraving adds approximately 12 hours of skilled labor versus stamped patterns. For shooters who appreciate traditional aesthetics and can maintain fine finishes, it justifies the cost; for pure utility, spend half as much.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.39 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than most 12 gauge over/unders
- 28-inch barrels provide 47-inch overall length for natural swing dynamics
- Color case-hardening adds 300% more corrosion resistance than blued finishes
- Three included choke tubes cover 90% of upland hunting scenarios
Trade-offs
- 16 gauge ammunition costs $14-18 per box versus $10-12 for 12 gauge
- No recoil pad included—hard plastic buttplate transmits full shock
- Automatic safety cannot be disabled for competitive shooting
- Walnut stock requires oil treatment every 60 days in dry climates
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829617263 |
| manufacturer | F.A.I.R. |
| manufacturer part number | FRISII1628 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| safety | Automatic |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 2.75-inch 16 gauge shells?
- Yes, it chambers standard 2.75-inch 16 gauge shells—maximum chamber pressure is 11,500 PSI. The 28-inch barrels produce approximately 1,250 fps muzzle velocity with standard 1-ounce target loads. Do not use 3-inch magnum shells or steel shot harder than standard lead equivalents.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Only F.A.I.R. Technichoke XP50 tubes fit properly—Browning Invector or Beretta Mobil chokes will not seat correctly. The threads measure 0.810 x 24 TPI with a conical seat requiring specific gasket design. Genuine tubes cost $45-65 each from Ironclad Armory and ship within 3 business days.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments require 5-7 business days processing plus transit time—expect 10-12 days total to your licensed dealer. Signature confirmation and adult ID verification add 24-48 hours to delivery. International orders to Canada require an additional 14-day export permit process.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Returns require un-fired condition and original packaging within 30 days, but FFL transfer fees ($25-50) are non-refundable. Stock dimensions can be customized for $200-400 through our gunsmithing service—consult measurements before ordering. All returns ship at customer expense via insured carrier.