F.A.I.R. Iside Prestige in 12 gauge....what would you do?

[Keep'er Movin]

Hey everyone,

Earlier in the year I posted I was looking for a 20 or 16 gauge SxS shotgun. I've been looking around and I found a new in box Iside Prestige in 12 gauge for 2 grand. Single trigger, pretty good wood, 5 chokes...everything that I wanted...except the gauge. I'm not against 12 gauges at all and since I mostly pheasant hunt, a 12 gauge would be a useful tool in the field. However, the advertised weight is at 6.6 lbs. and I've noticed that many guns come in over advertised weight. Now, if the gun actually weighed 6.6 lbs, that would be adequate for a 12 gauge. But, if the actual weight is closer to 7lbs or over, I'm not sure I would be too interested. For those of you that own an Iside, have you weighed the gun and compared it to the advertised weight and if so, how close were they? Anything you don't like about the Iside? How do you like the concave rib? Is there a gun you can compare the sight plane to? For example, I find the Iside and the ______________ to have a similar fit. How do you feel about the 2 grand price point for the prestige with side plates? I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

 

[birddude]

That's a nice gun but you know what you want and you won't really be happy until you have it.

 

[Obi_Wan]

I’m with birddude. If the 16 is what you want, you’ll end up with it eventually anyway.

 

[Labradinger]

GB has a an Iside 16 gauge for 1800. Get the tun you want. It’s only May, you have time

 

[marsingbob]

I had a 28ga Iside. It weighed just over 5 lbs, a few ounces less than the advertised weight. Recoil, even in a 28, was pretty heavy. I think a 6.6 lb 12 ga Iside is going to have fierce recoil with typical 12ga loads.

 

[Obi_Wan]

I have a basic Iside in 16 gauge and its a pleasure to shoot. I wanted double triggers when I got it. I would have preferred to have ejectors but can’t get the basic one with ejectors.

 

[FCSpringer]

I have been shooting the hell out of FAIR guns for many years. All I shoot for field trials and hunting for a long time. They pattern well with a wide range of ammo. Great quality. I spent the cash on 5 new berretta 692 blacks, because the fit was there. But they suck. Only like Whimpey loads. Sold all of them, and bought 2 new carerra pro sporting's. I have my old one imported as "Cortona" as well, when kalispell case line imported them. Great that FAIR is the brand itself under FAIR USA now. KCL was a joke. Boils down to fit with any OU. If it fits, they are very nice guns for the price. You will love it.

 

[FCSpringer]

The price if decent because the wood is bla. But you can do an upgrade like I did. And the rest is the same as any Rizini or Caesar G. Same families and made on the same street pretty much.