Franchi Shotguns

[RobertM]

Does anyone have any experience with Franchi semi-auto shotguns? They are imported by Benelli and seem to be reasonably priced. How do they hold up? Do they have jamming problems or does anyone know? thanks

[Junior P]

My dad has a 20 gauge AL48 that he quail hunts with. It is light as hell and kicks like a mule. He likes it alot and it has held up well. He has had it for about 15-20 years now. That is my only experiece with the Franchi gun. I have held the Veloce (O&U) at gun stores and it feels great.

[Super-X]

Don't have personal experience, but one of
my hunting buddies got a new Franchi 3.5
a few weeks ago & seems to like it. Haven't
had enough ducks or cold weather to give you
a real critique though. Hope to have a good
weekend & maybe can let you know more.

[russell]

Franchi makes a spin off of the old Browning A-5 spring powered that kicks like hell. They also make a gas operated auto that is very reliable. I don't think it is any better than the Rem 11-87 though. I say save up and buy a Benelli M1 Super 90. It isn't a 3.5, but you don't need the punishment and it doesn't cost as much as the SBE. The benefits of 3.5 aren't worth the black and blue shoulder.

[sondance]

I've a Franchi 20g auto. I love it. It loads a little different as it doesn't auto cycle the first shell. It is a spring auto as well. I've never noticed it kicking that hard. I quail hunt a lot and have probablly shot over 500 -600 shells through it and never a glitch. Don't know about the 12 g

[GulfCoast]

I have a friend who has shot the same AL48 (recoil operated) Franchi for almost 27 years down here in the salt marsh, and it works like a charm, every time. I don't know anything about the newer gas guns, although I think JP got one last year.