FAIR Iside reviews?

I've had a FAIR o/u for a number of years now and it's been a really good gun but I can't comment on the Iside. The retailer on the other hand does have mixed reviews by a lot of past customers. Personally I would never order from him again but I'd buy something off the shelf if no on else had one and I needed it bad!
 
Oxaye said:
How does the build quality/ fit and finish compare to something more common? Like beretta sp1 or a citori? Or are they more in line with a cz/ huglu?
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Build quality of the o/u I have is at least as good as Beretta or Browning and probably better for the most part keeping in mind the gun is about 15 years old now and I haven't looked at new ones for a few years so presumably the quality is still there. The metal finish is definately superior with very nice blueing and tastefull engraveing. On the guns I've looked at the wood varies from figurative to straight grain and is seldom very plain, checkering is sharp and the wood is finished well. The checkering on the Iside is not really to my taste but thats about the only thing I don't like, overall I think the FAIR is a good product but I've only handled the Iside and not shot one.
 
Falconflyer said:
I've had a FAIR o/u for a number of years now and it's been a really good gun but I can't comment on the Iside. The retailer on the other hand does have mixed reviews by a lot of past customers. Personally I would never order from him again but I'd buy something off the shelf if no on else had one and I needed it bad!
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Curious if you were fitted for your shotgun by the vendor? PM if youd like.
 
I was indeed "fitted" by the vendor. That consisted of him having me hold my right arm up and measuring from somewhere on my shoulder joint to my wrist or trigger finger, (I don't remember). Who knew fitting a gun was so easy? Fortunately for me I'm of a build that most gun makers build guns for and I can shoot most but not all guns I pick up. That particular gun does fit me and I shoot it as well as any gun I own but I give little credit for that to the so called "fitter".
 
I've been tempted by these shotguns for many years... at the annual gun show, I'd always stop by Will's tables and shoulder the various 28 gauge guns... then wipe the drool off and reluctantly put them back. One year, I actually went back in with the intent to buy, but realised I'd mistakenly been looking at the price tag of a different shotgun. The one I REALLY wanted was another $400 more and I just couldn't swing it. Now I'm pretty much out of the market, and there hasn't been a local gun show since pre-covid. And I've got a few 28 gauge shotguns that I always wanted but they sit in the safe and I usually grab the 'beater' CZ partridge when heading out the door. Can only shoot one at a time and the 'less than beautiful' CZ shoots really well for me!
 
I bought a used Iside EM in 28 ga last year, and managed to get it out hunting once last year; took about 1/2 dozen ruffies with it.
Very pretty shotgun, very light and quick handling.
I am not very experienced with shotguns overall, but am really liking the 28 gauge! (Grew up hunting snowshoe hares and grouse with a Winchester 37A in .410, and now own one in 28 gauge.) Found I did better on the clays range with semis, than I did with O/U's but believe that this was due to their cast and fit for me.
Wife took over the Remington 1100 Sporting 28, and as it was taking a while to get my Benelli Ethos in 28 ga, I bought the EM when I came across one that seemed to have a pretty neutral cast, as I am a left handed shooter. Really need to find some time to get out to the range on Wednesday evenings and get some coaching on shooting this pretty, fun shotgun. Looking forward to spending more time with it!
Sorry, I cannot give you a better, more informative review, other than I am very happy with mine!
 
I saw an image of an Iside prestige that had the word Alberta and I think a serial number on the side of the barrels. It was quite the eyesore to me and would think it would be better hidden under the fore end. Do the guns Bilozir sells have these numbers stamped on the barrels where they are so plainly visible?
 
Falconflyer said:
I've had a FAIR o/u for a number of years now and it's been a really good gun but I can't comment on the Iside. The retailer on the other hand does have mixed reviews by a lot of past customers. Personally I would never order from him again but I'd buy something off the shelf if no on else had one and I needed it bad!
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Myself and a good friend purchased Fair shotguns from the retailer, and neither of us will ever deal with him again.
 
stubblejumper said:
Myself and a good friend purchased Fair shotguns from the retailer, and neither of us will ever deal with him again.
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I only inquired about a gun with him, but that was my gut feeling based on how I was treated. It’s disappointing he’s the gatekeeper for both the FAIR and RFM guns in Canada. I’d like to end up with one, but won’t order blind from this dealer.
 
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Why are guys so opposed to dealing with him? I met him and he seemed a bit odd but nothing to write home about?

He did say one price in email later on in person say prices would not rise that much.

There’s a couple pricey guns I would like to order from him but I’m always hearing negative but not specific reviews…
 
conor_90 said:
Why are guys so opposed to dealing with him? I met him and he seemed a bit odd but nothing to write home about?

He did say one price in email later on in person say prices would not rise that much.

There’s a couple pricey guns I would like to order from him but I’m always hearing negative but not specific reviews…
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When you order a pair of shotguns, and pay extra for for custom measurements, you expect the guns to arrive matching those measurements. When the guns arrive and the measurements don't match the order forms, differences of 3cm in length, and 6mm in drop at comb, you expect the dealer to resolve the issue, rather than giving you the option of taking the guns as is, and paying full price, or walking away, and forfeiting your 50% deposit.
 
stubblejumper said:
When you order a pair of shotguns, and pay extra for for custom measurements, you expect the guns to arrive matching those measurements. When the guns arrive and the measurements don't match the order forms, differences of 3cm in length, and 6mm in drop at comb, you expect the dealer to resolve the issue, rather than giving you the option of taking the guns as is, and paying full price, or walking away, and forfeiting your 50% deposit.
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Bingo!
I ordered a two barrel set that came with both barrels sets the wrong length and I know one other fellow that had the same thing happen with 2 guns he ordered. With your 50% deposit sitting in his bank account he's not about to make it right for you!
 
Falconflyer said:
Bingo!
I ordered a two barrel set that came with both barrels sets the wrong length and I know one other fellow that had the same thing happen with 2 guns he ordered. With your 50% deposit sitting in his bank account he's not about to make it right for you!
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I find it odd that there are so many incidences of firearms not matching what was ordered. I don't know whether the issue is the dealer, or the manufacturer, but either way, the dealer should be delivering what the customer ordered, and paid for.
 
Westward1 said:
Was there not a build sheet for your custom gun ? You should each have had a copy so there would be no debate on the finished gun specs upon receipt.
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We were provided with order sheets for our shotguns., when we ordered them, as well as the build sheets that came with the finished shotguns, so there was no debate as to whether we received what we ordered. Even the dealer acknowledged the differences. We asked for the correct shotguns to be delivered, or have our deposits refunded, but the dealer refused to consider either option. The only options that he would consider, was that we pay the remaining 50%, and take the shotguns, or walk away, and he keeps the 50% deposit.
 
stubblejumper said:
We were provided with order sheets for our shotguns., when we ordered them, as well as the build sheets that came with the finished shotguns, so there was no debate as to whether we received what we ordered. Even the dealer acknowledged the differences. We asked for the correct shotguns to be delivered, or have our deposits refunded, but the dealer refused to consider either option. The only options that he would consider, was that we pay the remaining 50%, and take the shotguns, or walk away, and he keeps the 50% deposit.
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If that is the case, you have every reason to feel the way you do.
 
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