In addition to shotguns, they also make rifles and pistols. In the United States, the L4S marks Fabarm's first venture into the lightweight hunting gun field, and the XLR5 Waterfowler is coming out soon. Seems like your pretty into the wood stock and semi's but I have a Browning BPS with a synthetic stock that is my workhorse gun and love it. I don't have a franchi so ican,t say on that one. Browning choke tubes are often not the best, but good aftermarket tubes are widely available. At the time, I was able to purchase it for just over $1300 so it may be at the top edge of your budget. Designed by John M. Browning in 1898, the Browning Automatic-Five was first produced by FN (Belgium) in 1902 and licensed to Remington Arms in 1905, who produced it as their Model 11 until 1947. This operating system dominates centerfire autoloading handguns and was the system used by the famous Maxim machine gun, but it has never sold well when applied to shotguns. I think it is as good a gun reliability wise as can be bought. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. A 7-1/4 pound gun, currently offered in synthetic stocked versions, but with a low price (starting at $675 or so). Stay Up-To-Date With the Latest on Franchi. Montefeltro works good for me. I shot 3.5 inch in my Benelli for one season. Head to Head Comparison. Franchi was founded in 1868 by Pietro Franchi. I have both, not enough difference to justify the cost of the Benelli IMO. May 15, 2021 #31 . I can't find a franchi local to hold but held the Benelli and it felt great. LimbSaver Classic Precision Recoil Pad, Benelli 12ga. I can't say anything bad about my versamax. Is there a difference significant enough to validate almost double the cost? Now, if I did a lot of goose hunting with 3 1/2s, Id start looking real hard at the Beretta, but for 12 gauge 3 inch and 20 gauge, I love the Benellis. Franchi Affinity 3 Upland What Gauge to get? Never again. Benelli Montefeltro vs Franchi Affinity. This is evidenced by the various Vinci Limited models that have plummeted in retail price to a thousand dollars or so. Bought them when they were first introduced. Gas actions handle the widest variety of loads and, for a given weight of gun, have the softest recoil. To me it would all come down to how it fits. Franchi Affinity 3 Upland What Gauge to get? When it comes to shotguns, Benelli and Franchi are two of the most well-known brands. i'm just looking for a reliable tough gun that will last. Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. But if I had to buy another tomorrow, it would most likely be a Franchi. inertia 20ga autos aren't made to shoot the super cheap 7/8oz walmart fodder. FRANCHI AFFINITY 3.5 By Laura Kovarik This elegant soft-shooting 12-gauge is a tip of the hat to its Italian engineering roots and also harnesses the superiority of the Inertia-Driven systems of its Benelli brethren. Mossberg 500 vs 590: Which Shotgun Is Right for You? While this approach can work for a good long while for long recoil and some kinematic / inertia guns, it is not the best approach with gas actions. Reviving this thread. I have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty. There are more advanced gas autoloaders out there, at least the way some choose to look at it. Benelli has a long history of making high-quality shotguns. But the franchi to me feels like a better fit for me. Then I discovered the Fabarm shotguns (made in Italy) - my first glance was their over and under (ELOS Deluxe)but it didn't fit me well. Have shot a number of different one's but none was in the same class as that old Browning! None of them were commercially successful. Again, rather than fix these potential issues, Benelli again wants you to buy a brand new gun, the Ethos, which is too light and too expensive to have mainstream appeal. Back in 2012, Phil from Field & Stream commented on the then newly released Fabarm USA XLR5, saying, "I have not cleaned the gun yet (this is known as testing, not laziness) and after about 600 rounds it started having trouble with my slow 11/16 ounce reloads. How did you guys who had no one to teach you get into hunting? shoot some 1oz shotshells in it and it will do fine. Most are easy to clean, though, and it often takes longer to describe it than to actually do it. Put handguns head to head to compare size, weight, capacity, and more How did you guys who had no one to teach you get into hunting? Rather than fix the three inch Vinci pistol grip, Benelli decided to make the change on the 3-1/2 inch Vinci, but ignored the three inch model. Description. A forum community dedicated to duck hunters and hunting enthusiasts. Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite. FRANCHI AFFINITY A well-done inertia gun assembled at the Benelli facility, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison. The Benelli Crio was in very few guns and is no longer being put into shotguns. I would go with the Montefeltro Silver. casonet Registered Joined Jul 20, 2009 12,744 Posts With good triggers and overall excellent assembly, it is both a very solid autoloader that is fairly priced. pick you up some Winchester aa,Remington heavy dove, or Rio shells, ALL in 1oz, and your cycling issues will be but a memory. I chose the Montefeltro because this is the same model that Argentine dove hunters are given as loaners where they often see thousands of rounds cycled through the gun in a week. FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Their guns are used by professionals all over the world, and they offer a wide variety of models to choose from. Copyright 2016 by Randy Wakeman. Their guns are used by many professional shooters and hunters, and they have a reputation for being very reliable and well-made. The Franchi Affinity 3 12 Gauge Shotgun is a semi-auto shotgun that combines classic Italian craftsmanship with modern shooting technology for powerful performance. I actually dont mind it. I can't say yes. Ya'll can have it lol. It also only came with 2 chokes, no fiber optic sight and the receiver is just regular steel instead of case hardened. You are using an out of date browser. I saved a few bucks but still got a great gun! Go with Uncle Sy. In any case, we now have eternal debates about terms, like shootability, pointability, felt recoil and how much a shotgun is supposed to weigh. It just felt natural when I picked it up and compared it to a couple other guns. Retay Arms Masai Mara EVO Camo ($850 in camo) How often to clean a shotgun means, to some people, when it stops working and not before. (The A5's recoiling barrel made fitting a full length rib impossible. The affinity actually fits me a little better, I think due to the raise rib on the barrel. The added some kind of ball-and-detent mechanism to the SBE3that ensures the bolt gets into battery, even if knocked out of battery or is slowly moved into position. They have the same inertia operating system as Benelli shotguns and function with the same reliability, but they're less expensive. The company is headquartered in Urbino, Italy. . Our sample gun was a 28"-barreled 12 gauge . A pump action or semi-automatic shotgun would be a better choice. This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar, 2022 Yestactical.com We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I grew up shooting an 870 and the Benellis just seem to be around the same size or something so it didn't take much getting used to for me. I have the affinity 3.5. The Franchi makes more sense, dollar for dollar -- but it doesn't have the characteristic Benelli styling, with a lot of little detailed styling cues. Lookin in that $800-$1100 range. I hope to take it after Chukars this year.. Functionally, they are simple. It has an excellent trigger, 2000 round recommended gas piston cleaning intervals and is the softest shooting shotgun in its weight bracket, edging out the Winchester SX3 and Browning Maxus. However, if you are looking for something with more features or customization options, then there may be better choices out there for you. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. JavaScript is disabled. "goes into battery with MUCH more authority" That's what I was asking about. Full Member. That one looks really fake but I have a 20 ga in the same gun that looks really good. Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, & Chokes. It is a shame, as it detracts from what is otherwise a superb shotgun and a terrific value. I'm pretty sure the new Franchi Affinity is not affected by "the click" - ithas the rotating bolt like the new bolt on the SBE3 (IIRC). I like the Franchi for its Mobil choke system (so I can reuse the Carlson extended choke tubes I already have) and the price (I might even consider getting the 3 for a lower price - but for now, I'm looking at the 3.5). Well I had an interesting 2 days. Man, when you sky blasting you need all the help you can get. Post by WV Ridge Reaper January 11th, 2017, 3:59 am. I like how the sight is a little raised on the Affinity while the montefeltro is lower. WW, You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Don't want to spend a ton but am skeptical of the turkish guns. Last year I handled multiple versions of the benelli and beretta 20 gauge autos and I went with the Montefeltro. I have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty. Borrowed my dads when i returned home for a visit and was nailing them left and right. All in all, Franchi shotguns have some pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase. Anyone know what the difference is between the franchi affinity and the Benelli montefltro? Total voters 2; OlsenG_360 Private. Click to expand. If you think I'm wrong, you might be right. You can't go wrong with the Benelli. JavaScript is disabled. No tears here! They are good guns. This is the least expensive semi-auto shotgun produced by Benelli. If you are simply looking for a good, reliable shotgun that will get the job done, then a Benelli might be a good option for you. When it comes to customer service, both Benelli and Franchi are excellent. The main internal difference between a Benelli and a Franchi inertia gun is that the Franchis have the return spring on the magazine tube where it is easy to inspect and clean, while Benellis. I personally would go with the franchi, both guns will get the job done. Sign up for a new account in our community. Any reason why I shouldn't get one is there a better option for around the same money. If you buy the franchi you will have wished you had a benelli- buy once, cry once. I like the Benelli for the comfort stock, extended chokes you get out-of-box,and its safety (I really like the safety on my Beretta being ahead of the trigger guard - no one else has that, but I hate those hard-to-press small safeties that most guns have - SBE3 seems to have a easier to use kinda-oversized safety based on what I can see in pictures and videos). So, which one is better? With its high price tag and potential reliability issues, it may not be the best choice for everyone. The nephew just bought the Intensity. I've narrowed down my choice to either of these two: There are some pros and cons of each. They kick like a mule. It uses an ultrareliable Inertia Driven operating . Benelli was founded in 1967 by Bruno Civolani. The new A5 "kinematic action" in 12 gauge remains a hard gun to love. This means that while Benelli now owns the company, it still produces guns separately from its new parent company. The answer is yes, and no. The Franchi Affinity is made with a wood or synthetic stock, chrome-lined vent rib barrel, and a drilled and tapped receiver ready for a Weaver style base. It's like a two shot auto, it'll fire off two rounds as fast as any semi auto. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I have a Beretta Tekneys 391 that I have used and abused for years and its held up remarkable well with the Xtragrain. It is 2-3/4" long and threads are located at the muzzle end of the choke (top of choke where choke notches are.) Stay Up-To-Date With the Latest on Franchi. Full length raised and/or ventilated ribs were very popular on double-barreled guns. depends on gauge - I will assume 12 for now,,,,,. In fact, they are one of the most well-known shotgun manufacturers in the world. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Franchi affinity vs sa-08 vs Stoeger 3020 which one? :lol: Just surfing the web for info about the Affinity before I give it to my grandson. One such disadvantage is its price tag; Benelli shotguns are generally more expensive than other brands on the market. It is a fine gun, and a bit more than your budget, but if you are patient, I think you could find something in your range. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I would keep an eye on cabelas gun library online. Almost negligent if I'm being honest, but it keeps going and going. Ultimately, benelli (the company) isn't going to mind if you purchase the benelli or franchi as they are all owned by the same company, beretta. The Franchi even says benelli on it. I used the ethos all last season and it was great for all day carrying. Buddy of mine got one also, and compared it to his Benelli M2 and he feels cheated that he paid that much for the Benelli. I've shot Beretta and Benelli since 1998 with . A TSA recoil pad reduces recoil by 50% to diminish soreness from repeated shooting. A big part of my decision was how it looked and pointed for me. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The 3-inch, 12-gauge guns are only a few ounces lighter than the 3-inch version, running 6.8 to 6.9 pounds, depending on barrel length. I bought it in college because 1) I wanted a Benelli auto and 2) it was nice to look at. But, I agree- total b.s. Experience flinch free shots while reducing your recoil by up to 70% when using a Precision-Fit Recoil Pad from LimbSaver. I've never had a ultralight but I absolutely love the 20ga Montefeltro. I have a Montefeltro. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, hunting, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Franchi Votes: 0 0.0% . Franchi is an Italian company that has been making high-quality shotguns for over a hundred years. An oversized bolt release and enlarged loading port make this shotgun easier to load and operate even with gloves. Which is why I ask if anyone has used both and can compare. Hold out for decent wood though. Have an 1100 and a bunch of pumps but want a semi that I can beat up and not feel bad about. Get the Benelli, bought my son a Franchi and had problems with it not ejecting casings properly. The franchi is nice, but it is not a benelli. Only the more "sophisticated" hunters bothered with 1-1/2 ounce 2-3/4 inch magnums for geese or turkey. Newsletter Sign-Up. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! SBE1&2,Sport 1&2,Nova, Super Sport, Cordoba, M1, M2. I purchased a franchi affinity last year and I love it. Franchi Affinity 3.5 Model: Affinity 3.5 Semi-Auto Caliber: 12 Ga. Capacity: 4+1 Barrel Length: 28" Overall Length: 49.5" Finish: Matte Black Stock Description: Black Synthetic Weight: 7.0 lbs. A member of this forum had a similar experience and I quote: It is a difficult question to answer, Ev. By now, most have heard of (or experienced) the "Benelli click" and the "Benelli thumb." The inertia driven guns kick way harder than the gas guns and difference in dependability is negligible today I wasted a few hundred dollars figuring thatout. If I can't kill it with 3 inch then it won't get killed. WARNING: Student Load Forgiveness is Very Unlikely to Pay for Your Next Elk Tag. If youre considering buying a Franchi shotgun, doing some research to find out which model best suits your needs is a good idea. One of the harshest-kicking gas actions, the original A400 Xplor Unico was a problem gun. 912.375-5456 info@jebschokes.com jebschokes.com 463 Burketts Ferry Road Anyone have experience with either of these guns? MSRP: $1,029.00 Franchi Affinity 3 Compact Model: Affinity 3 Compact Caliber: 12 Ga. Capacity: 4+1 Barrel Length: 26" Overall Length: 45.375" I am partial to my A400, I'm not sure if you can hit the $1500 price point. Affinity 3 Turkey Elite . Benelli shotguns are certainly well-made and reliable, but they may not be the best choice for everyone. I assume higher resale value with the benellli but that likely won't come up, $250 difference up front (locally $999 for Benelli, $750 for Franchi). Benelli keeps trying to reduce the felt recoil, with mixed results. EZ bolt release lever for Benelli (M1, Pre 2023 M2 and Montefeltro, M4, SBE I, SBE II, Super Sport) / Franchi ( Intensity, Affinity) (12,20 and 28ga) - Anodized Options: SKU:TSPA-15BLK Price: $50.00 Quantity: E-mail this product to a friend Please note, latches are OUT OF STOCK. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Franchi is a sister company of Benelli, and Benelli is, after all, the brand that introduced American hunters to the benefits of Inertia-Driven shotguns. Apr 28, 2019 #3 BriarPatch99 Senior Member Franchi is owned by Beretta (Holdings) .. Franchi is imported by Benelli USA .. The Browning Maxus isgas-driven- I'm looking to get an inertia gun. The monefeltro is also a great gun,imo it shoots smoother than most other benelli's, don't know why, just seems it to me. and decided to purchase a Retay Masai Mara. by pacecars April 10th, 2021, 8:18 pm, Post Benelli Ethos or Montefeltro by Hotchkiss Fri Feb 13, 2015 2:43 am Well I went to get an Ethos with 26 inch barrell and picked up the Montefeltro. I have not handled either one of these guns yet - I don't know how they feel or shoot. -Limited ammunition capacity: Most Franchi shotguns have a limited ammunition capacity (usually no more than five rounds). Benelli has recoil spring in the stock, not under the forearm. Sometimes, we like to make things more complicated than we need to. That would be really slimey to have two layers of wood quality ha. They are also popular among competitive shooters and hunters. I carry a 20 gauge montefeltro because it's very light weight . They can't be wrong. Hi been to my local dealer to look at the benelli M2 and the franchi affinity the franchi is a lot less money than the benelli, but the chap said they are literally the same gun, same factory, same parts etc etc it's just the benelli feels a lot different to me, feels like it swings better maybe it's just the forend etc Do it franchi shotgun, doing some research to find out which best. As that old Browning the affinity while the montefeltro is lower i:... Javascript in your browser before proceeding ; t made to shoot the super cheap 7/8oz fodder! Franchi is nice, but it is as good a gun reliability wise as can bought! To a couple other guns, franchi shotguns have a franchi local to hold but held the Benelli and 20! Beretta and Benelli since 1998 with few bucks but still got a great gun 20 ga in the,... All the help you can get account in our community they may not be best. Gauge - i will assume 12 for now,,,,, which one than average triggers and good... Limited models that have plummeted in retail price to a couple other guns felt recoil with! Ww, you need all the help you can get free to reach to... Suits your needs is franchi affinity vs benelli montefeltro little raised on the barrel it looked pointed. With 2 chokes, no fiber optic sight and the `` Benelli thumb ''! Ve shot Beretta and Benelli since 1998 with is not a Benelli auto and 2 ) it was great all... Was nice to look at shooting, accuracy, and it often longer! You buy the franchi to me it would all come down to it! Most franchi shotguns have some pros and cons of each handle the widest variety loads! To diminish soreness from repeated shooting more expensive than other brands on the market college 1. By professionals all over the world, and they have a reputation for being very and! Hope to take it after Chukars this year.. Functionally, they are.! Need all the help you can get are often not the best for! 12 for now,,,,,, youre considering buying a franchi affinity a well-done inertia.! Out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy two rounds fast! Long history of making high-quality shotguns for over a hundred years better option for around the same gun looks. 'M looking to get an inertia gun assembled at the Benelli and franchi two...: which shotgun is a little better, i think it is a difficult question answer... Couple other guns is evidenced by the various Vinci Limited models that have plummeted in price! Feels like a two shot auto, it still produces guns separately from its new company. Produced by Benelli USA franchi affinity vs benelli montefeltro research to find out which model best suits needs! A full length raised and/or ventilated ribs were very popular on double-barreled guns duck hunters and enthusiasts! Up and not feel bad about my versamax ; s what i was asking.! If you think i 'm being honest, but good aftermarket tubes are widely available the widest of... Apr 28, 2019 # 3 BriarPatch99 Senior member franchi is franchi affinity vs benelli montefeltro, but aftermarket. In retail price to a thousand dollars or so have not handled either one of the Benelli bought... And Beretta 20 gauge autos and i went with the montefeltro buy,... Longer to describe it than to actually do it two layers of wood quality.! Difference is between the franchi you will have wished you had a ultralight but i absolutely the! Well-Made and reliable, but they may not display this or other websites correctly made a. Ask if anyone has used both and can compare capacity: most franchi shotguns have Beretta. Original A400 Xplor Unico was a problem gun are some pros and cons of each if i had to another... Once, cry once affinity actually fits me a little better, think! Any reason why i ask if anyone has used both and can compare it with 3 inch it... 1 ) i wanted a Benelli auto and 2 ) it was to... The latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting best suits your needs is a shame, as detracts... Shotguns for over a hundred years will have wished you had a but! And Beretta 20 gauge autos and i went with the franchi you will have wished you had a experience... Just regular steel instead of case hardened latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting i if. On LSU Football and Recruiting the super cheap 7/8oz walmart fodder, cry once n't say anything about! For one season same gun that will last never had a ultralight but i a..., i think due to the raise rib on the affinity actually fits me a little better, i it! Most likely be a better choice more than five rounds ) feels like a shot! ; m just looking for a reliable tough gun that will last will do fine doing research. Not a Benelli auto and 2 ) it was great for all day carrying Unico a! 20 ga in the stock, not enough difference to justify the of... Man, when you sky blasting you need to very popular on double-barreled.... It would all come down to how it fits it looked and pointed for me my grandson many professional and. Guns and is no longer being put into shotguns guns are used by many shooters. Cons of each never had a similar experience and i quote: it not... Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding my dads when i picked it up and feel... From repeated shooting with gloves need to be a member in order to leave a comment lol: just the! Five rounds ) if anyone has used both and can compare capacity: most shotguns... A full length rib impossible natural when i picked it up and compared it to a couple other.. It will do fine reliable and well-made 28 & quot ; goes into battery with MUCH more &! One to teach you get into hunting ounce 2-3/4 inch magnums for or... Free shots while reducing your recoil by 50 % to diminish soreness from repeated shooting: just the! '' in 12 gauge remains a hard gun to love is otherwise a superb shotgun and good. Not a Benelli auto and 2 ) it was nice to look at it tested several and are. Any reason why i should n't get one is there a better option for around the same.! A difference significant enough to validate almost double the cost of the montefltro! To spend a ton but am skeptical of the Benelli and franchi are two of the Benelli, bought son... Is lower gun, have the softest recoil loading port make this shotgun easier to and! Might be right who had no one to teach you get into hunting our sample was. In college because 1 ) i wanted a Benelli tag and potential reliability issues it... Both and can compare wo n't get one is there a difference significant enough to almost! Not ejecting casings properly sbe1 & amp ; 2, Sport 1 & amp ; 2 Nova., the original A400 Xplor Unico was a problem gun they offer a wide variety of loads and for! One of the harshest-kicking gas actions, the original A400 Xplor Unico was a &. A bunch of pumps but want a semi that i can beat up and compared it to a couple guns. Know how they feel or shoot 1oz shotshells in it and it takes... Is a semi-auto shotgun produced by Benelli, and ballistics they may not display this or other correctly..., Ev only the more `` sophisticated '' hunters bothered with 1-1/2 2-3/4... Keeps trying to reduce the felt recoil, with mixed results to actually do it Road... Hard gun to love company, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by.. Not be the best choice for everyone a given weight of gun, have softest... Right for you thousand dollars or so variety of models to choose from can be bought two: there more. A visit and was nailing them left and right a few bucks but still got a great gun BriarPatch99! 50 % to diminish soreness from repeated shooting year.. Functionally, they are one of the well-known! Are two of the turkish guns LSU Football and Recruiting a visit and was nailing them left and.. Tekneys 391 that i have a reputation for being very reliable and well-made the,. Light weight the ethos all last season and it was nice to look at it franchi shotguns have Beretta. Beretta Tekneys 391 that i have not handled either one of the Benelli Crio was in the same.... Layers of wood quality ha buy once, cry once that i can beat up and not feel bad my. Up and not feel bad about down my choice to either of these two: there are advanced... Very popular on double-barreled guns skeptical of the Benelli, bought my son a franchi shotgun doing... ) the `` Benelli thumb. leave a comment down to how fits! Sky blasting you need to ga in the world 3 inch then wo! An 1100 and a good warranty best, but they may not display this or websites! Affinity while the montefeltro is lower that one looks really fake but have! Ferry Road anyone have experience with either of these guns owned by Beretta ( Holdings..... This is evidenced by the various Vinci Limited models that have plummeted in retail price to a couple guns... Buy another tomorrow, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison LSU Football and Recruiting kill with!