In the panorama of the Italian hunting double-barreled shotguns, the name Iside identifies one of the projects through which FAIR has reinterpreted the charm of the parallel-barrel shotgun using contemporary materials, workmanship and mechanical solutions. Among the most refined configurations are the FAIR Isis Prestige , FAIR Iside Prestige Gold Turtle, two weapons built on the same technical basis but characterised by a different aesthetic personality.
In both versions, FAIR It does not limit itself to decorating a side-by-side shotgun of current production. The Iside Prestige project was born around a rounded-shaped receiver, machined from solid and completed by long, tapered side folders, designed to integrate into the profile of the weapon and offer a large surface area for engraving.
The result is a side-by-side shotgun intended for the hunter who appreciates tradition, but at the same time desires reliable mechanics, automatic ejectors, interchangeable chokes and a choice of calibers wide enough to satisfy different forms of hunting.
FAIR Iside Prestige: the classic double-barrelled shotgun interpreted in a modern key
La FAIR Isis Prestige It represents a contemporary interpretation of the Italian side-by-side shotgun. The arrangement of the side-by-side barrels, the low profile of the receiver, and the seamless continuity between the stock, action, and forend immediately recall traditional firearms, but beneath this classic layout lies a design developed using modern manufacturing methods.
The body of the action is obtained from a forged monoblock by removing material. This choice allows for a compact, precise, and durable structure, avoiding the need for a light alloy action frame. FAIR He worked on the sections and geometries to contain dimensions and mass, maintaining steel as the structural material of the action.
One of the most recognizable features is the round body profile . The lower and lateral surfaces of the receiver are rounded and free of sharp edges, so as to naturally accompany the transition to the stock. This is not just an aesthetic choice: a softly shaped receiver makes the gun more pleasant to hold and contributes to the slender feel typical of the most refined side-by-sides.
The side folders of the FAIR Isis Prestige
The most obvious difference between a standard Iside and the Prestige configuration is the long, rounded side plates . These elements visually widen the receiver and create a surface on which engravings can develop more continuously.
Sidelocks should not be confused with a traditional sidelock. The main action remains concentrated inside the receiver, while the side surfaces have primarily an aesthetic and compositional function. However, they allow for the appearance of a superior side-by-side shotgun, without introducing the construction complexity and cost of a true sidelock system.
The Iside Prestige features a chrome-plated action, creating a sharp contrast with the engravings and the warm color of the wood. The chrome plating adds brightness to the metal surfaces and helps highlight the ornamental motifs on the side plates, the bottom of the action, the top lever, and the trigger guard.
The overall effect is elegant but not overly flashy. The Prestige maintains a hunting-friendly design, yet stands out clearly from more basic side-by-side shotguns.
FAIR Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold: tradition, color, and golden details
La FAIR Iside Prestige Gold Turtle uses the same mechanical architecture as the Prestige, but profoundly modifies its aesthetic presence. The chromed action leaves room for a tortoiseshell finish, characterised by irregular shades that recall the treatments traditionally applied to classic double-barrelled shotguns.
The term "tortoiseshell" refers to the chromatic effect achieved on the steel surface: alternating brown, bluish, and straw-yellow hues create a pattern that is never completely uniform. This finish makes each piece visually distinctive and accentuates the feeling of holding a weapon crafted according to the aesthetic codes of traditional harquebusiers.
The case hardening is complemented by gilded subjects inserted within the hunting scenes. The gold doesn't cover the receiver indiscriminately, but is used as a highlight to highlight animals and engraving details. The contrast between the gilded subjects and the case hardening background gives the sideplates a deeper look and gives the shotgun an instantly recognizable personality.
Another distinctive feature is the wooden butt plate . Compared to a rubber or synthetic material solution, the wooden butt plate maintains the aesthetic continuity of the stock and reinforces the classic look of the gun. It's a choice aimed primarily at hunters who consider the side-by-side shotgun not just a hunting tool, but also an object to be preserved and appreciated over time.
Prestige and Tartaruga Gold: two identities with the same technical base
The differences between the two models do not concern the intended use or the reliability of the mechanics, but the way in which the double-barreled shotgun interprets the concept of elegance.
The Iside Prestige presents a brighter, more contemporary look. The chrome-plated receiver makes the engravings immediately legible, pairs easily with different shades of walnut, and conveys a sense of precision and formal purity.
The Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold, on the other hand, favors a more traditional presence. The shading of the action, the gold details, and the wooden buttplate recall historic side-by-side shotguns and create a warmer contrast with the stock.
The choice between the two versions therefore depends primarily on personal taste. Those seeking an elegant yet understated side-by-side shotgun may find the Prestige to be the perfect balance. Those seeking a more classic and decorative gun may prefer the Tartaruga Gold.
A mechanic designed for hunting use
Beneath their different finishes, the two side-by-side shotguns share a mechanism developed to ensure reliability and ease of use. The locking system must keep the barrels perfectly coupled to the action, absorbing the stresses produced by firing without altering the quality of the adjustment over time.
The compact profile of the action helps keep the barrel support low and promotes a natural continuity between the line of sight and the stock. When the side-by-side is slung to the shoulder, the upper surface of the side-by-side barrels creates a broad and immediate reference, particularly appreciated for instinctive shots.
The locks are designed to provide fast strike times and smooth operation. The safety is located on the upper tang, easily accessible by the thumb when carrying.
Long-stroke automatic ejectors
Both the Iside Prestige and the Iside Prestige Tartaruga Gold feature long-stroke selective automatic ejectors . After firing, opening the shotgun ejects only the spent cartridge, while any unused cartridge is simply lifted from the chamber.
The system facilitates rapid reloading and makes the shotgun more functional in situations where a second encounter with game may be necessary in a matter of seconds. The generous ejector travel promotes clean extraction even with spent cases that, due to residue or pressure, tend to stick more tightly to the chamber.
Although it is a modern and practical solution, automatic ejection does not change the traditional action of a double-barreled shotgun: the gun is opened, the fired cartridges are ejected and new ammunition can be inserted directly into the chambers.
Selective single trigger and double trigger option
The standard configuration features a single selective trigger . Using the selector, the hunter can determine which barrel to use first, choosing the choke best suited to the intended distance.
This solution makes operation immediate even for those accustomed to modern over-and-unders. A single trigger controls both barrels, and switching to the second shot occurs without changing the position of the hand.
For those who wish to maintain the more traditional side-by-side setup, the models can also be requested with a double trigger . In this case, each trigger directly controls one barrel, allowing you to instantly select the choke without having to use a selector.
The double trigger retains a particular charm and is still appreciated by many experienced hunters, especially in forms of hunting in which the shooting distance can change suddenly.
Side-by-side barrels and TECHNICHOKE XP50 chokes
The barrels are available in lengths of 68, 71, and 76 centimeters . This option allows the side-by-side shotgun to be configured according to the caliber, type of game, and the hunter's preferences.
The 68-centimeter barrels emphasize maneuverability and speed, making them suitable for walked-up hunts and environments characterized by vegetation. Those who love hunting "queen" game will certainly appreciate them. The 71-centimeter length represents a balanced and versatile solution, while the 76-centimeter barrels offer a more progressive movement and a more extended line of sight.
The models use five interchangeable TECHNICHOKE Hunting XP50 chokes . The hunter can therefore change the choke without replacing the barrels, adapting the shot pattern to different hunting conditions.
The option of choosing between open and narrower chokes increases the side-by-side's versatility. This classic-style gun can be configured for hunting with pointing dogs, migratory birds, or for shooting at more challenging distances.
A wide choice of calibers
One of the strengths of the FAIR Isis Prestige is the availability in calibers 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410The choice not only responds to different ballistic needs, but also modifies the proportions, weight and dynamic behaviour of the double-barreled shotgun.
The 12-gauge represents the most versatile solution in terms of ammunition availability and the wide range of usable loads. It is suitable for the hunter who wants a side-by-side shotgun capable of tackling a variety of hunting situations.
The 16 gauge maintains a particularly interesting balance between effectiveness and the slimness of the weapon. It is a caliber linked to European tradition (for lovers of the caliber, we invite you to visit our website "www.calibro16.com" which our friend Luca Rizzini, “great patron” of FAIR among the first to give us support, advice and impetus for the relaunch of this noble caliber to which we extend our thanks), appreciated by those who want a side-by-side shotgun thinner than the 12 without descending to the small calibers.
The 20-gauge is probably one of the most harmonious configurations for the Iside Prestige. The well-proportioned receiver, light weight, and availability of modern loads create a nimble, pleasant-to-carry, and sufficiently versatile side-by-side shotgun.
The .28 and .410 calibers further enhance the compactness of the design. They are intended for hunters who prefer lighter weapons and more technically selective shooting, where proper cartridge selection and precision take on even greater importance.
Available cartridge chambers and configurations
The 12 and 20 gauges have a 76mm chamber , while the 16 and 28 gauges have a 70mm chamber . The .410 gauge uses a 76mm chamber.
The presence of a Magnum chamber in compatible calibers expands the choice of ammunition, but does not imply the need to always use heavy loads. The cartridge must be selected based on the game, the choke, and the actual shooting distance.
In an elegant and well-balanced side-by-side shotgun, well-proportioned ammunition helps maintain pleasant shooting behavior, limiting excessive recoil and muzzle climb.
Stock and proportions of the double-barreled shotgun
The indicative length of pull is 368 millimetres . The stock can be made in an English or pistol configuration, depending on the hunter's setup and requests.
The English stock represents the most traditional combination with a side-by-side shotgun. The straight line of the grip allows the hand to flow naturally between the triggers in the double trigger configuration and accentuates the overall elegance of the gun.
The pistol grip offers a more defined grip and may be preferred with a selective single trigger. The hand maintains a stable position, promoting control during the first and second shots.
The forend also contributes to the side-by-side's identity. Its profile should offer a secure grip without visually weighing down the barrels, preserving the overall sleekness.
Weight and dynamic behavior
The indicative weight is approximately 3 kilograms in the 12 and 16 gauges , approximately 2,8 kilograms in the 20 gauge and approximately 2,6 kilograms in the 28 and .410 gauges.
These values can vary depending on the length of the barrels, the density of the wood, and the chosen configuration. The weight of a side-by-side shotgun must, however, be evaluated alongside its balance: a well-balanced gun can be more agile and less tiring than a nominally lighter but unbalanced model.
The parallel arrangement of the barrels gives the Iside Prestige a feeling of immediacy when shouldering. The field of vision remains open, and the hunter perceives the upper surface of the barrels as a single reference, without having to concentrate rigidly on the rib.
This feature makes the double-barrelled shotgun particularly natural when shooting at moving game, where the target must remain the centre of attention and the gun must be guided instinctively.
Technical table FAIR Iside Prestige and Prestige Tartaruga Gold
| Feature | Isis Prestige | Iside Prestige Gold Turtle |
|---|---|---|
| Typology | Side-by-side hunting shotgun | Side-by-side hunting shotgun |
| Calibers available | 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 | 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 |
| 12 and 20 gauge chamber | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| 16 and 28 gauge chamber | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| .410 caliber chamber | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Rod lengths | 68, 71 and 76 cm | 68, 71 and 76 cm |
| Chokes | 5 interchangeable TECHNICHOKE Hunting XP50 | 5 interchangeable TECHNICHOKE Hunting XP50 |
| Shooting system | Selective single trigger; double trigger on request | Selective single trigger; double trigger on request |
| expulsion | Long-stroke selective automatic ejectors | Long-stroke selective automatic ejectors |
| Weighing machine | Made of steel, obtained from a forged monoblock | Made of steel, obtained from a forged monoblock |
| Profile of the bascule | Round body with long side panels | Round body with long side panels |
| Finishing the frame | Chrome with engravings | Tortoiseshell with engravings and golden subjects |
| Recoil pad | According to configuration | Wood |
| Length of shot | 368 mm | 368 mm |
| Approximate weight 12 gauge | About 3 kg | About 3 kg |
| Approximate weight 16 gauge | About 3 kg | About 3 kg |
| Approximate weight 20 gauge | About 2,8 kg | About 2,8 kg |
| Approximate weight for 28 gauge and .410 | About 2,6 kg | About 2,6 kg |
| Carrying case | V400SP | V400SP |
Features, stocks, engravings and some trim details may vary depending on the caliber, the required configuration and commercial availability.
Final considerations on the FAIR Isis Prestige
La FAIR Isis Prestige , Iside Prestige Gold Turtle They demonstrate how the side-by-side shotgun can retain its appeal without being tied to the technical solutions of the past. The round body lines, side-by-side barrels, and the option of a double trigger maintain a strong connection to tradition, while automatic ejectors, a selective single trigger, and interchangeable chokes meet the needs of the modern hunter.
The machining of the action from a forged block, the tapered side plates and the wide choice of calibres allow for the configuration of a side-by-side capable of adapting to different types of hunting, from stalking with pointing dogs to small migratory birds.
The Prestige interprets this design with sobriety and brilliance; the Tartaruga Gold enriches it with finishes reminiscent of classic arquebusiers. Two different expressions of the same idea: to offer an elegant, functional, and truly usable Italian side-by-side shotgun , in which aesthetics do not replace the mechanical substance, but complement it.
FAIR It is a brand distributed in Italy by TFC
