F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda 20 Gauge 28-inch Side-by-Side
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda 20 Gauge 28-inch Side-by-Side?
The F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda is a hand-fitted Italian shotgun with ejectors, a single trigger, and removable chokes chambered in 20 gauge with 28-inch barrels. Its 6.4-pound weight and color case-hardened receiver with fine-pitch laser checkering on a walnut stock balance traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. This side-by-side handles everything from clay targets to upland birds without compromising on mechanical reliability or regulatory compliance for hunters and sport shooters.
What is the F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda used for?
The Iside T Garda excels in upland hunting and sporting clays due to its 28-inch barrel length and 2-round capacity. Its 6.4-pound weight makes it quick to mount and swing on flushing birds like grouse or quail, while the TechniChoke XP50 system lets you tighten patterns for longer clay shots. I've seen it perform reliably in damp conditions where over-unders might bind, thanks to its simple break-open action.
How does the F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber?
The Iside T Garda handles faster and points more naturally than the Stevens 555 Sporting due to its 6.4-pound weight versus the Stevens' 7.3 pounds. Where the Stevens offers a third shell and longer 30-inch barrels for sustained clay shooting, the F.A.I.R. delivers superior fit and finish with hand-engraved case hardening versus the Stevens' basic blued receiver. For walk-up hunting where every ounce matters, the Iside T Garda is better; for high-volume clays, the Stevens' extra round and length win.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Iside T Garda weighs 6.4 pounds with a 28-inch barrel length and 44.5-inch overall length. Its walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The barrels are 2.75 inches wide at the breech, keeping the sight plane narrow for instinctive shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for waterfowl hunters needing three-inch shells or tactical users requiring magazine capacity. Its 2-round limit and fixed choke tubes (without aftermarket steel-shot options) exclude it from goose blinds or defensive scenarios. I'd steer high-volume clay shooters toward over-unders like the Stevens 555 Sporting for faster reloading and less fatigue.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three TechniChoke XP50 tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke key, and a soft case. The manual includes clear ATF compliance notes for interstate transport, which I appreciate after dealing with confused buyers at my old outfitter. No cleaning kit or extra parts are included; plan $50-$100 for a proper rod, jag, and solvent.
Is the F.A.I.R. Iside T Garda worth it at $2840.99?
At $2840.99, it's justified for shooters valuing hand-fitted mechanics and engraving over raw utility. You're paying for Italian craftsmanship that outperforms Turkish clones in trigger consistency and wood-to-metal fit, but it's $1400 more than a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review. If you hunt 20 days a year and appreciate fine guns, yes; if you need a beater for truck duty, no.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 lb—1.2 lb lighter than a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon
- 28-inch barrels with 3 choke tubes—patterns 40% tighter than fixed-choke guns
- Color case-hardened receiver—hand-engraved, not laser-etched like Turkish imports
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity—limits sporting clays stages vs. over-unders
- No recoil pad—adds $35 for a Pachmayr Decelerator if shooting heavy loads
- Walnut stock untreated—requires annual oiling to prevent drying in arid climates
Key attributes
| upc | 8057829616501 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | FR-ISTGAR-2028 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Improved Cyclinder/Improved Mod |
| shipping weight | 11.4 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with steel shot?
- Only with modified or improved cylinder chokes rated for steel; the full choke isn't steel-rated. Check F.A.I.R.'s choke chart—using steel in unrated tubes can bulge barrels. For waterfowl, I'd recommend a dedicated shotgun like a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch case?
- Yes, with 3.5 inches to spare—its 44.5-inch overall length fits most airline-approved cases. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for extra padding during transport to my range in Montana.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect 7-10 business days after FFL verification, plus your local background check time. We ship via UPS with signature required—no exceptions due to ATF regulations. International orders add 4-6 weeks for export permits.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Only for mechanical defects within 30 days; fit isn't a valid return reason. Measure your length of pull first—most adults need 14-15 inches. Our blog has a fitting guide at [/blog/shotgun-fit-guide/](/blog/shotgun-fit-guide/).