This is a lightweight shotgun that F.A.I.R. has designed for hunters who spend long hours on foot. Its action is made from Ergal 55 aluminum alloy, but steel reinforcements are fitted in the areas subjected to the greatest stress during firing. The result is a shotgun that is light to carry in the field while remaining mechanically strong and reliable.
Anyone who hunts snipe knows that the bird gives nothing away. Between tall grass, mud and sudden openings, the shot is almost always instinctive and extremely fast. To confirm the impressions I had formed in the field a few years earlier, I later moved to the sporting-clays range.
If hunting in wet ground tests a shotgun’s speed and responsiveness, the clay range quickly exposes any shortcomings in stability.
On fast crossing targets and doubles, the result was clear. Despite weighing just 2.6 kg (5.7 lb), the F.A.I.R. Xlight proved remarkably stable. Muzzle rise is well controlled, and that stability allows a fast, precise second shot without the gun being thrown off line on the follow-up target.
Its compact proportions also make the shotgun quick and easy to swing. The Xlight is available in 12 and 20 gauge and is fitted with interchangeable Technichoke internal choke tubes. The trigger system is a single trigger, while spent cases are automatically ejected.
The Ergal 55 action is built from a high-strength aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, keeping weight to an absolute minimum. The areas subjected to the greatest mechanical stress from firing and cartridge pressure are reinforced with specialized steel inserts, ensuring durability and long-term structural integrity.
Alongside its mechanical qualities, the Xlight EM also shows a level of aesthetic refinement that stands out in its category. The nickel-plated action provides the background for fine laser engraving with gold-colored details depicting game birds in flight, creating an elegant contrast with the deeply polished, blued barrels.
The stock and forend are made from selected European walnut with an oil finish that enhances the natural grain while also providing good protection against the elements.
The stock features a pistol grip with a fairly open profile, providing a firm and stable hold, while the forend has the classic Schnabel-style profile.
The F.A.I.R. Xlight EM in 20 gauge ultimately proved to be a well-balanced over-and-under: light enough to carry comfortably during long days on foot, yet steady when fired.
It is a reliable and relatively straightforward shotgun, well suited to younger hunters looking for a quality Made in Italy firearm that can be enjoyed without an excessive financial commitment. At the same time, it should also appeal to older hunters who appreciate the idea of a shotgun that makes long hours in the field a little less demanding.
In the United States, F.A.I.R. firearms are imported and distributed by Italian Firearms Group (IFG) of Amarillo, Texas. At the time of writing, however, availability of the Xlight EM has not been disclosed.
For more information, visit the F.A.I.R. website.
