F.A.I.R rifles feedback

[kukusya]

Hello,
I’m hoping to find some answers here about quality FAIR rifles. Not much information available on forums. Price is reasonable for blue collar worker, but I don’t want waste money if isn’t worth it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[analog_peninsula]

I have a Safari Prestige in 9.3x74r. What do you need to know?

 

[kukusya]

I have a Safari Prestige in 9.3x74r. What do you need to know?

Exactly model I’m looking at.
Is it reliable ejectors?
Single trigger mechanism inertia or mechanical?
Real life accuracy?

Thanks

 

[analog_peninsula]

Ejectors have worked flawlessly, must be inertia triggers as only a single shot can be fired when dry firing. Factory target is 1” at 50m, but I cannot get Geco 50LF 16.5g (255 grains) ammo. I have at least three decent hand loads, two lead free 250 grains, one 286 lead, all of which will do no worse than 2.5” at 50 yards for four shot tests. Individual barrel accuracy seems very good. I’m not wild about the rear sight, but that’s my only real complaint. The mechanical is virtually identical to a Fausti 30/06 that I also own. Lots more to unpack, and I’ll gladly go into detail over the phone if you are serious about taking the plunge.

 

[mark-hunter]

What is MSRP for a FAIR double?

 

[kukusya]

What is MSRP for a FAIR double?

Starts 3300$ at Italian firearms group

 

[kukusya]

Ejectors have worked flawlessly, must be inertia triggers as only a single shot can be fired when dry firing. Factory target is 1” at 50m, but I cannot get Geco 50LF 16.5g (255 grains) ammo. I have at least three decent hand loads, two lead free 250 grains, one 286 lead, all of which will do no worse than 2.5” at 50 yards for four shot tests. Individual barrel accuracy seems very good. I’m not wild about the rear sight, but that’s my only real complaint. The mechanical is virtually identical to a Fausti 30/06 that I also own. Lots more to unpack, and I’ll gladly go into detail over the phone if you are serious about taking the plunge.

Thanks for the detailed feedback.
I don’t like inertia trigger, but I can tolerate it. Don’t really care about rear sight because with my eyes optic preferred.
I really need to think over before taking plunge.

Thanks

 

[analog_peninsula]

fwiw, I generally like the rifle and it’s been relatively easy to make it shoot well. I’ve found a vendor in Italy that carries both bases and mounts, so scoping hasn’t been an issue. My only real dislike is the rear sight and I can’t imagine it would be difficult for a decent gunsmith to replace it. Again, there can be a lot to discuss about this type of rifle, but I’m happy with the purchase.

 

[analog_peninsula]

I thought it only fair to show the sights in question since I complained about them. The narrow one is FAIR and the wider one is Fausti. Both are mediocre, especially compared to the terrific sights on my Steyr Mannlicher .375.

The two side by side. The mechanical is identical, but there’s a big difference in finish. The Fausti has an additional 20 gauge barrel.

 

[kukusya]

Thanks for sharing pictures. That’s what though when you said narrow sights. I believe it called something like “running boar”. I don’t think it cause any problem as back up since I’ll use optic anyway. But it’s not as refined Merkel or Blaser.

 

[AZDAVE]

Since the sights are in a dovetail it would be very easy to fit say a NECG rear sight on either rifle.

 

[ActionBob]

Starts 3300$ at Italian firearms group

I wouldn't waste any money on another one. Thankfully got rid of the one i had. I had the single trigger model. It doubled on me twice. And didn't regulate at all well. Especially for a medium bore gun and what you may want to shoot. It looked great so would be wonderful hanging over a small fireplace, as long as you cannot easily reach it.

And those jokers in Amarillo I bought it from were no help. So a bad product with dealer support that wasn't worth spit.

 

[kukusya]

I did research on foreign countries. Thanks for AI translation I found not so good news. People do complain a lot about quality and CS of FAIR and Sabbati. It’s big turn out for me.
Thank you everyone for participating in my research.

 

[kukusya]

I’ll look into Chapuis and Merkel offerings now

 

[analog_peninsula]

I’m not sure it’s fair (pardon the pun) to compare these rifles with Blaser, Markel, or Chapuis, all of which are significantly more expensive. I have two Fausti made shotguns, purchased new, that were delivered with significant problems. One was returned to the distributor who very promptly resolved the issue. The other was Barrett branded, so it went to a local gunsmith. My point is that I’m not blind to QC issues with Fausti/FAIR/IFG, but both of my rifles have been mechanically solid. The finish on the Fausti could definitely be improved, and I’ve never liked the styling of the FAIR shotguns, but the Safari Prestige is actually something of a pleasant surprise. Anyway, just a data point.

I would argue these rifles work well enough to hunt with, but aren’t so expensive as to cause angst when the inevitable bumps and bruises occur.

 

[kukusya]

I’m not sure it’s fair (pardon the pun) to compare these rifles with Blaser, Markel, or Chapuis, all of which are significantly more expensive. I have two Fausti made shotguns, purchased new, that were delivered with significant problems. One was returned to the distributor who very promptly resolved the issue. The other was Barrett branded, so it went to a local gunsmith. My point is that I’m not blind to QC issues with Fausti/FAIR/IFG, but both of my rifles have been mechanically solid. The finish on the Fausti could definitely be improved, and I’ve never liked the styling of the FAIR shotguns, but the Safari Prestige is actually something of a pleasant surprise. Anyway, just a data point.

I would argue these rifles work well enough to hunt with, but aren’t so expensive as to cause angst when the inevitable bumps and bruises occur.

Yes, I understand it’s more expensive. But it’s what it’s, I can’t afford to have a really expensive rifle that I’m not going to be happy with.