F.A.I.R. Iside II Side-by-Side 20 Gauge 28 inch

About this product

What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun? It’s a hand-fitted Italian field gun with a 28-inch barrel, color case-hardened receiver, and walnut stock, built for upland hunters who value quick-handling balance and mechanical simplicity. At 6.82 lb, it’s nearly 2 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, making it the choice for all-day carry in heavy cover or steep terrain, where low weight and instant barrel selection via double triggers matter more than high-volume shooting. This isn’t a clays gun or a waterfowl rig—it’s a purpose-built upland tool with a 3-inch chamber and 2-round capacity that enforces deliberate shooting.

What is the F.A.I.R. Iside II used for?

This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting over pointing dogs or walking-up in dense cover, where its 28-inch barrels and 6.82 lb weight provide quick mounting and carry comfort. The double triggers let you switch between Cylinder and Modified chokes instantly for flushing birds at 15 yards or crossing shots at 30, while the automatic safety re-engages when you break the action open. It handles 2-¾-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably, but with only two rounds on tap, you’re either making clean kills or watching the covey fly away—this gun rewards marksmanship, not spray-and-pray.

How does the F.A.I.R. Iside II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Iside II is 1.8 lb lighter and more compact than the 8.6 lb Stevens 555 Sporting, trading weight for faster handling and less fatigue over 5-mile walks. Where the Stevens uses a single selective trigger and over-under layout for predictable recoil on the trap range, the Iside II’s double triggers and side-by-side barrels give you immediate pattern selection without taking your eye off the bird. For roosters in CRP fields or grouse in alder thickets, the Italian gun’s balance is superior; for 100-target clays events, the Stevens’ weight and single sight plane are the clear winners.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Iside II weighs 6.82 lb (3.09 kg) and measures 45.5 inches overall with its 28-inch barrels, which have a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. At 6.82 lb, it’s light enough to carry one-handed for hours without shoulder fatigue, yet the 28-inch barrels and straight-grip stock keep it stable when you mount quickly on a rising quail. The barrels are cylinder-bored with interchangeable chokes, but the fixed dimensions mean you can’t adjust the stock—if the 14.5-inch LOP doesn’t fit you, you’ll need a gunsmith.

Who is this NOT for?

This gun is not for waterfowl hunters needing 3-inch steel shot capacity or trap shooters firing 100 rounds in a session—the 2-round limit and light weight make it punishing with heavy loads. If you primarily shoot sporting clays or need a versatile do-everything shotgun, the Stevens 555 Sporting offers better recoil management and higher visibility with its single sighting plane. And if you’re new to doubles, the double triggers and automatic safety have a learning curve that frustrates shooters accustomed to pump actions or semiautos.

What’s in the box?

You get the Iside II shotgun, a set of three Technichoke XP50 tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a choke key, and a basic owner’s manual—no case, no extra accessories. The chokes are the right spread for upland work, but the Cylinder and Improved Cylinder patterns start opening up past 25 yards, so if you hunt open fields, you’ll want to add a Modified or Full tube for another $35. The manual covers disassembly for cleaning, but it’s thin on troubleshooting—for detailed maintenance, you’ll need online resources or a gunsmith.

Is the F.A.I.R. Iside II worth it at $2,123.99?

At $2,124, the Iside II costs $900 more than the Stevens 555 Sporting but delivers hand-fitted lockup and finer wood than any Turkish or Russian double under $3,000. If you hunt birds 20 days a year and value classic craftsmanship, the Italian build quality and 28-inch barrel balance justify the price; if you’re a casual shooter or on a tight budget, the Stevens gives you 80% of the performance for 55% of the cost. This is a buy-once-cry-once gun for serious upland hunters, not an entry-level tool.