I believe that these are the renamed Verona guns. (Made by the same Rizzini that made the Veronas) I also believe, from what I've read, that they are a little fancier than the Veronas and also a bit more pricey.

Also, if you go to the I Love My Rizzini board, there is a sticky showing the relationship of the Rizzini's & Guerinis etc.

 

The company name is F.A.I.R

 

F.A.I.R. is Fab. Arms I. Rizzini. Cortona SG's are nearly the same as some of the Verona LX500 series, LX690 series and LX700 series guns. Depends upon which model. Differences appear to be very little, IMHO, from Verona guns. F.A.I.R. is also supplying the Savage Milano SG's.

Verona also imported O/U shotguns from Zoli (LX980 series) and they were a step up in price from the F.A.I.R. guns. Presently sold as "Z guns" and not being sold as any Cortona model.

I own a Verona LX702 trap model that is look-alike to Cortona Prestige model. A beautiful case-colored sideplate box-lock gun with gold birds. Cortona doesn't seem to offer the trap option (32" barrel with center vented rib) at this time and I believe the Prestige is more like Verona LX702 field version. Cortona forestock differs a bit from mine.

Wood varies in any gun production and shopping for best wood can pay off. I'd put the wood on my gun up against any gun model in the same price range. Seems to be a Grade 3+. Much nicer than the Prestige wood as shown on Cortona website. But again wood varies.

Photo of my LX702 is on this website in photo section. Do note it is (at present) last photo in Mossberg folder along with my Mossberg S.R. - posted for Mossberg Silver Reserve comparision.

F.A.I.R. guns are all decent SG's and so you need not worry about metal-to-metal fit and general build quality. They are well made Italian shotguns. After market chokes exist thanks to Verona being there first? So not a problem to get extended chokes and/or other choke restrictions from Trulock/Briley.

So if you see something in the Cortona line that floats your boat go for it.

You can also search Verona forum for more details.

 

The Cortonas being imported are all from the FAIR's "Jubilee" line. For example, the Cortona Legend is really a Jubilee Prestige. The Prestige in their line is really a Jubilee Prestige Tartaruga.

IMHO, the principle difference between them and the Verona LX962/702's is the scroll engraving pattern, a wooden buttplate and generally speaking, more highly figured wood. I have a Jubilee Prestige and the wood on it is superior to the Veronas.

If I were going to spend the money on a Cortona, I would buy this FAIR model 700 first that listed on Cabelas - in addition, they have a 28ga bulino (bank note) engraved FAIR for $2500.00:

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I just bought a Cortona Grande Sport 12ga o/u with ported barrels and extended chokes (5) and adjustable comb. Fit and finish are comparable to more expensive guns in my gun rack. Price was at $2100 which seems fair enough. Of course only time and use will be the deciding factors about overall quality. Rizzini seems to be right as to origin of this gun. Brescia, Italy factory and F.A.I.R. designation are also correct. Will keep you posted after trap session next two weeks( Sept. 8-10).
Side note: Oil barrel release before too many openings. Mine was bone dry and really difficult to operate until three drops of gun oil was used.
Good shooting...Q

 

Mechanically, all the guns mentioned above are virtually identical and the same mechanism is used for at least 10 brand names one of which is Browning who have a UK specific version called the Medallist. (No-one here considers it a proper Browning). I once owned a version badged as a Rottweil. They come in various different grades, finishes and options but the actions are the same.

The guns originate from FAIR/Rizzini/Sabatti etc etc etc and all are more or less amalgamated into a single organisation called I believe FIAS, which umbrellas multiple Italian gun & gun part makers and produces mostly OEM guns. In my experience these guns handle and shoot pretty well and are decent enough in value terms. My only reservation is the durability because the construction does not allow for tightening up after high volume use. My impression is that the design was originally meant for hunting rather than clays.

I would recommend extra care with lubing the contact areas such as trunnions, locking bolt and ejectors to minimise wear.

 

The gun is reviewed in the latest issue of ClayshootingUSA

 

Slainte hit it right on the nose, IMO, and he and I have both owned our share of F.A.I.R. guns. I have two at the moment.

Two of my favorite O/Us are a Verona 501 and F.A.I.R. Model 900, both in 16 gauge. The Cortona should please, and don't let anyone tell you it's some "lesser" form of shotgun. Pure horse hockey. If it's shooting where you look and making you smile, it's doing its job.

F.A.I.R. can build to any price point it chooses, and they build some pretty sweet looking guns. But even the most plain-Jane of the close-out Veronas are good, reliable performers that shoot straight. Nothing by F.A.I.R. is a POS or bargain bin gun. They will go round-for-round with any O/U of similar grade and purpose, including the two Big Bs.

 

I bought a Cortona Sport last year in 12 gauge. Dealt with Owner Al Hague and he was a gem. The gun is, too. I've owned Beretta's and Browning Citori's and the Cortona is much nicer and seems better built. Al told me about how he and his partner designed a shotgun that met the estblished preferences of his customers (he also owns Kalispell Gun Case company). 30" vented rib, optical sites, ported barrels, screw in chokes, hi-grade walnut, strengthened mono-block construction, glare-proof barrel coating, strong ejectors.

I am now in the market for a .20 gauge and I am going back to him for that, too. Nothing better than a satisfied customer for good relations. Interestingly, I had trouble with a warranty repair on my Beretta and my best buddy had similar BS from Browning. Nothing has gone wrong with my Cortona, so I've had no need to call Al, but given his sunny disposition and easy availability (he gave me his cell phone number) I have no doubt he would take care of any issues with the same aplomb.

I was so impressed with the Cortona that I tried to get my local club to carry them, but they are a Beretta dealer and don't want to halve their loyalty ... a mistake, I believe, based upon the quality for the dollar of Cortona.

 

I bought a Cortona Sport last year in 12 gauge. Dealt with Owner Al Hague and he was a gem. The gun is, too. I've owned Beretta's and Browning Citori's and the Cortona is much nicer and seems better built. Al told me about how he and his partner designed a shotgun that met the estblished preferences of his customers (he also owns Kalispell Gun Case company). 30" vented rib, optical sites, ported barrels, screw in chokes, hi-grade walnut, strengthened mono-block construction, glare-proof barrel coating, strong ejectors. I am now in the market for a .20 gauge and I am going back to him for that, too. Nothing better than a satisfied customer for good relations. Interestingly, I had trouble with a warranty repair on my Beretta and my best buddy had similar BS from Browning. Nothing has gone wrong with my Cortona, so I've had no need to call Al, but given his sunny disposition and easy availability (he gave me his cell phone number) I have no doubt he would take care of any issues with the same aplomb. I was so impressed with the Cortona that I tried to get my local club to carry them, but they are a Beretta dealer and don't want to halve their loyalty ... a mistake, I believe, based upon the quality for the dollar of Cortona.

UPDATE: Here I am over 13 years later and I still love my Cortona Sport. I have pumped thousands - possibly tens of thousands of rounds through it as a by-product of my love of sporting clays. In the time I've had this wonderful shotgun, all I've had to do is replace a firing pin. The detail, scroll work and beautiful walnut make me smile every time I get it out.

 

I own several FAIR guns and they are awsome. My latest a Carerra sporting isss ported and adj comb. from factory.
Very strong action and lock up known as Brescia used by several builders in the area.
They are under rated,and underpriced as FAIR, alittle overpriced as Cortona's.
Can not go wrong either way.
Look at southwest shooters supply for Verona leftovers at great prices.
Art