Fair jubilee shotgun test: are affordable 12-bore over-and-unders worth buying?

Shooting isn’t a cheap hobby. We love it, but between cartridges, clothing, kit and accessories, the costs soon add up. For many shooters, investing thousands in a dream gun simply isn’t realistic — especially if it eats up the whole shooting budget. That’s why this FAIR Jubilee shotgun test focuses on a well-priced alternative many people may not have considered, but absolutely should.

Where are FAIR shotguns made?

FAIR shotguns are manufactured in Italy by Fabbrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini, a company founded in 1971. Known for its commitment to traditional Italian gunmaking blended with modern mechanical innovation, FAIR has earned a solid reputation among shooters who want quality without the price tag of the big-name brands.

First impressions: FAIR Jubilee

The Jubilee range immediately caught my attention because it’s available in .410, 28-, 20-, 16- and 12-bore — an unusually wide calibre selection. As someone fond of sub-gauges, especially the underrated 16-bore, this is a big win.

At first glance, the FAIR Jubilee looks remarkably similar to the old Beretta 687. The protruding action, attractive game scene and scroll engraving, and overall Italian styling give it a very traditional feel. The Prince of Wales grip is well suited to a game gun, comfortable when walked around the field or carried over the arm. The owl-beak forend is pleasing, and although the walnut is a basic grade (as expected at this price), finishing touches such as the pierced top lever and wooden butt plate give it charm.

For around £1,800, the Jubilee sits alongside entry-level Berettas and Brownings — but at first sight it offers a surprising amount of gun for the money.

Specification and build quality

The Jubilee is high-performance steel-shot proofed, features 3in chambers and comes with five multi-chokes from skeet to full. This gives shooters huge cartridge flexibility — particularly important for high-bird shooting now that lead is restricted.

After assembling the gun, my honest reaction was one of pleasant surprise. The FAIR Jubilee feels solid, well-engineered and nicely finished, especially at this price point.

Field test: in the hide on corvids

Because this gun is designed as a field gun, I took it on a hide day to clear corvids. At 7lb 9oz, it’s similar in weight to most field guns, though much lighter than my heavy Sporting gun. The 30in barrels make it very front-heavy, which I liked as someone used to long, substantial barrels.

I made two small changes: a rubber comb raiser due to low stock dimensions, and swapping the supplied chokes for ½ and ¾ to give a dense pattern.

The first crow sailed in; I missed with the first shot but folded it neatly with the second. The Jubilee had very little muzzle flip and the recoil, though more than my Sporting gun, was far from unpleasant. The gun mounted and swung effortlessly in the tight confines of the hide. For pest control or walked-up days, it would be a genuinely enjoyable tool.

Trigger pulls were crisp, and the narrow game rib helped maintain target focus. My only minor gripe was the Prince of Wales grip — with small hands, I struggled to reach the trigger comfortably. Many shooters will like it, though, especially anyone moving from a side-by-side with a straight-hand grip.

How reliable are FAIR shotguns?

Based on my experience with the FAIR Jubilee and the brand’s broader reputation, FAIR shotguns are very reliable. They have a robust mechanical design, consistent Italian engineering standards and strong build quality throughout. The Jubilee performed faultlessly during testing, with crisp trigger pulls, smooth handling and no operational issues. It feels like a gun built to last, even with regular field use.

Are Italian shotguns good value for money?

Italian shotguns — and FAIR in particular — offer excellent value for money, especially when compared with equivalently priced models from larger manufacturers. You get Italian craftsmanship, stylish finishing and solid engineering at a far more approachable price point than Beretta or Browning. For shooters looking for a dependable, modern-proofed over-and-under that feels refined without breaking the bank, Italian-made options like the Jubilee are a smart investment.

Do Italian shotguns hold their value?

Generally, yes. Italian shotguns tend to hold their value better than many entry-level alternatives thanks to strong manufacturing heritage and high demand in the used market. FAIR, while not as instantly recognisable as Beretta, still retains value well because shooters trust Italian engineering and often seek out affordable, well-made field guns. A FAIR Jubilee purchased today should continue to hold its place in the second-hand market like many equivalent guns.

Conclusion

The FAIR Jubilee was genuinely enjoyable to shoot. Its smooth handling, crisp trigger pulls and solid Italian build made for an impressive performance in the hide. The recoil was lower than expected, and its front-heavy balance made longer targets surprisingly easy.

For a shotgun brand many shooters have barely heard of, FAIR has more than earned a spot on my list of recommendations. It is ideal for anyone wanting a modern-proofed, well-built Italian over-and-under without straying into premium prices. Whether for game shooting or pest control, the Jubilee represents outstanding value — and proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a gun that performs beautifully.

Technical specification

Make: FAIR

Model: Jubilee

Calibre: 12-bore

Mechanism: Over & under

Orientation: Right handed

Barrel Length: 30in

Stock Length: 141/2in

Weight: 7lb 9oz

Chamber: 3in

Chokes: Multi

Steel Proofed: Yes

Warranty: 2 years

Price: From £1,800