Learn more . I finally got my hands on a Franchi Affinity and made a video comparing it to my Benelli M2 with 3-gun in mind. One of the biggest surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds. I was hunting with my friend Jim, and within an hour of the opening of the hunt we were already closing in on our limits of birds. May 24, 2019. And for the record.I am no longer sponsored by Benelli / Stoeger. Each 12-gauge shotgun was patterned from 35 yards with Federal Speed Shock No. Geese look big at the edge of range. Like/Dislike? Although they may not be my favorite hunting weapons, I cant deny their superior balance, custom-feel, and innovative construction. Is there a noticeable difference in recoil and maintenance on these vs a new Sx4? And used within their limitations, 20-gauges make short, humane work of ducks and geese, too. The exterior of the black synthetic and camouflage Franchis are not on par with Benellis, but they have been plenty durable in my experience. The serial number is the only thing that "I feel" is an issue (and the M3k solves that). Franchi Affinity back with port opened and larger bolt release milled. I couldnt tell any measurable difference in recoil between the SBE3 (which has Comfort Tech) and the Franchi (which does not). With good triggers and overall excellent . Preference for one over the other nothing more. But you don't see many M2's for sale Second hand. I think GMK need to order more stock!!! do I buy genuine parts from a dealer? Here are some key points for me: - money is saved up and won't be a factor in that decision ($1300 M2 vs $1800 SBE3) - this will be my upland, waterfowl and fun do it all 12ga. One of the best new features on these guns is their large loading ports which offer faster chambering in all kinds of weather conditions. Is there something I'm not considering that fits my parameters? Looking for advicebut first, some background. Could you please send instructions on how to do it. It has models in 12-gauge, chambered for 3-inch and 3.5-inch cartridges, stocked in wood or in synthetic with black or camo finishes - 20-gauge and left-hand versions are available. The Affinity's pattern was one of the best of the test guns, placing 124 of a possible 140 pellets (88 percent) inside the 30-inch circle. Read Next: The Best Workhorse Shotguns That Are No Longer in Production (But You Need to Own). Display as a link instead, I've got to agree with Randy and Cheapo. BrianEnos.com I have 3 semi automatic 12 gauges . I haven't had any problems with the Weatherby cycling but the fit of the gun is terrible. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR HUNTING VIDEOS ALL SEASON LONG!FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM- https://bit.ly/bobbyguyfilmsGET THE FRED SHIRT HERE- https://bit.ly/2Yj1n1VGE. The guns lightweight anodized aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting optics, and Affinity Elite shotguns come with a TRUGLO Dual Color Fiber Optic Front Bead thats bright and easy to see in any light conditions. This means that as the shooter grows up, they can keep their Affinity with them the whole time until theyre ready to turn it into a full-size. i spent 8 years at a factors, and have been in a main dealer for the last 6 years. If the internal work is done correctly, you do not need to take off a bunch of material. Lol. Benelli also offers an M2 Field model that has fewer bells and whistles, but is very similar and costs more than $1,000 less. If you want to splurge on Apex TSS waterfowl loads, a 20 will kill birds as far away as you can shoot them. I'm setting the Franchi up in my vid for 3-gun but I'm still too new and untrustworthy to post links. 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. For 200-300 more than a Stoeger and ~400 less than an M2, you get most of the Benelli quality and better parts compatibility with the M2 to boot. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. Flush Choke Tube. Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. Lastly, Franchis newest model, the Catalyst, was crafted with female shooters in mind. I know I'd like a semi auto. Unlike gas systems that foul and need to be cleaned regularly for there to be any hope that the gun will run reliably, inertia guns run clean because gases and debris exit the barrel after the shot. But ask me again in 5-10 years, seems like every semiauto I've had eventually started giving me problems. Franchi recommends 1 1/8-ounce target loads and up for the Affinity Elite. There is a hunting/gun shop about 45 minutes away that has the Stoeger M3K for about $580. Want to spend less than $1,300. If you are serious the new or old Remington SP 10 will top your list quickly. During our test, each editor took note of how the shotguns handled as well as their craftsmanship, reliability, versatility, and overall value. or start your online account, Already a subscriber? I have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty. I raised the 20-gauge M2, and two of the 12-pound giants folded just as hard as if Id shot them with a 12. Sign In or start your online account. I'm an American and a horrible shot LOL. Phil Bourjaily The Italians are detail-oriented gunmakers, and its clear the Affinity 3 was well designed. 4+1. For 200-300 more than a Stoeger and ~400 less than an M2, you get most of the Benelli quality and better parts compatibility with the M2 to boot. Frustrating. Have an m2 and love it.owned many franchi shotguns and couldn't say anythin bad about them. Not Yet Rated View Available Options. to me, I look at this as I would do when buying parts for my car. The Affinity line has been a huge success for Franchi and has made the brand more popular than ever, but it was time to give their flagship semi-auto a facelift. Check availability here. Fit and finish are top notch. Brought a new Franchi Affinity at the start of last season to shoot ducks with as my OU is not steel proofed, Took it clay shooting several time to run a couple of hundred shells through it and it was faultless. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. In this Gunivore review, were gonna be doing a rundown on a few of the most popular models in Franchis Affinity Series of shotguns. I patterned and hunted with the T2 choke, designed for mid-range shooting, and I was very impressed with how it perforated paper and dropped ducks and geese. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 Gauge 28" OPTIFADE Waterfowl Timber Cobalt Shotgun 41230 Maybe someone can hotlink the vid for me! Highlander 20ga. The only advantage to the M2 seems to be the comfortech stock resulting in less recoil. The 12-gauge inertia-driven gun was light but had manageable recoil. I'm not really recoil sensitive but if follow up shots are more accurate it might be worth it. The Cerakote finish protects the metal parts from rugged use and the environment. The trim forend helps keep your eye close to the bore axis, meaning quicker and more intuitive pointing. ETA: whereabouts are you in Iowa? BENELLI M2. A good value in a proven, reliable gas gun, the SX4 comes with the enlarged bolt handle and release button waterfowlers favor. Franchi 12 gauge Falconet Over and Under Shotgun (R/H) - S/H. Joined Jun 12, 2019 . MC312 (from Bud's Gun Shop) is worth a look for about $500. Normally, shotguns are patterned at 40 yards because thats typically the distance most shotguns will struggle to print a pattern that will kill ducks. Hi David, thanks for reaching out. It's around the standard price for . A used Benelli M2 perhaps, but for brand new the Beretta is about as good as it gets for ~$600. on the face of it the parts look the same, fit the same and some are even made by the same company. That is a far piece for me to shoot anything with a shotgun. Franchi, which is under the Benelli banner, largely falls into that category. About 5-6 times this weekend, it failed to fire the first shell. Pretty much same gun made by the same company in the same factory. Updated Aug 12, 2022 2:56 PM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Inertia guns rely on the force of recoil to move the shotgun rearward. However, Franchis 7-year warranty on their shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance. The balance point is located at the front of the action and the forearm is trim and comfortable despite the positioning of the return spring on the magazine tube. JavaScript is disabled. Upload or insert images from URL. (Benelli Surface Treatment). I dont believe its quite as effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the Affinity Elite 12-gauge isnt abusive. Long, light guns are often easy to shoot, and this one is no exception. Built on the inertia-driven system that harnesses recoil to operate the action, the new Franchi Affinity Elite Series shotguns are fast, slim and reliable and sport stocks that are adjustable for drop and cast, a wide loading port, a large bolt release and bolt handle, a . Joined. Its guns are only a slight step down in quality compared to big brother. I had C-Rums mod the lifter and put an XS sight on the rib for slugs. With its rotary bolt, the SXP is a gun so smooth you can pump it almost without conscious thought, even if youre not a practiced slide-action shooter. Franchi's Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a comprehensive one. I've been shopping a 20ga 24" barrel for my son who is 10 and taken a liking to shooting. The 10ga patterns a lot better and hits harder than any 12 gauge. I'm not a fan of the Weatherby. M2 is great from what I have heard. Franchi Instinct SL 410 28 inch barrel length. JamesF Franchi USA. Amazing with the recoil reducer left in it shoots everything from small loads to 3.5 bb 1700 ft/s with the gun right out of the box. Because the Affinities are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base, you have decent flexibility for mounting all types of accessories. This is a very reasonable price, given the tech. Your previous content has been restored. M2 carriers (like the TTI extended carrier. It features over-sized controls that make it easy to manipulate even if you've got gloves on or damp hands from setting decoys . By cutting down excess weight and incorporating their simplistic Inertia Driven System, Franchi gave these shotguns excellent swing and balance. Plus, Franchi also attached a soft recoil pad to make shooting more comfortable even on those all day long hunts. Upload or insert images from URL. You do have to run hotter shells to keep it running when you put more than 9-10 shells in the tube. I would also feel more confident hunting turkeys or deer with a Franchi because of its point of impact. The Franchi is similar to the M2 but not the same. Sam is an avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores. As you said, you have an itch for a Benelli. (1) Franchi Affinity 3 Elite Optifade Marsh 20ga. There's no better tool for waterfowl than the big 10 gauge. Pigeon Watch Ltd. Benelli has 10 yr warranty. Nice! target shells to the heaviest 3 magnums without any adjustments. Might be worth a look Multiple finishes including cerakote [on the elite]; . Copyright @2023 TigerDroppings.com. Funny how many franchi's you see for sale,hardly used says most of the adverts. The stock on the Affinity feels like cheap plastic to me. The loading port is beveled so you can easily slide shotshells into the magazine. As both of these manufacturers are members of the Beretta Holding Company, there is sure to be plenty of overlap in components, style, and engineering. A 3-inch hull sends an ounce of shot at around 1350 fps which, in my opinion, is fast enough. Check availability here. Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members. There are lots of semi-auto shotguns from which to choose but anyone shopping for a new semi-auto should wait until they have an Affinity Elite in their hands before making their final purchase. The Affinity performed well with 3-inch Federal TSS, Fiocchi Flyway Series, and Winchesters new Bismuth load, cycling every round without hesitation and without any of the finagling thats sometimes required of other guns. The Franchi Affinity 3 goes for $849 to $959 MSRP and you can buy it for even less over the counter. I hunt in a lot of wetland so rust protection is a must. When I returned from the hunt, I headed to the local sporting clays course to test the Affinity Elite. re: Franchi Elite Vs. Benelli M2 20 Gauge, Gavin Dugas 3-Run Home Run Leads LSU To Victory Over Texas, Watch: Gavin Dugas Hits Game Winning 3-Run Homer vs. Texas, Brian Kelly Promotes Defensive Analyst & Hires Former FBS Head Coach, Official: John Jancek Named LSU Special Teams Coordinator And Outside Linebackers Coach, LSU Football All-America, All-Pro Lineman Fred Miller Passes Away, Kliff Kingsbury's Girlfriend Is Back At It With New Swimsuit Photos, NFL Inside Jay Glazer Shows Off Girlfriend While On Vacation, Here's What The Titans Did With Taylor Lewan's Stuff After Her Was Cut, Sign Commemorating Jackie Robinson Went Up With His Name Misspelled, Shaquille O'Neal Makes Bold Lakers Bet On TNT, Kirby Smart Issues Statement On Latest Jalen Carter Arrest Warrant News, Warrants Out For The Arrest Of Ex-Georgia Star And NFL Draft Prospect Jalen Carter, Ole Miss Fires Basketball Coach Kermit Davis, Newly Hired Alabama LB Coach Austin Armstrong Leaving For Florida DC Job, Report: Alabama Star Brandon Miller Delivered Gun Used In Fatal Shooting, Police Say, Mississippi State Softball Player Brylie St. Clair Is Growing Those Social Media Followers, Tom Brady's Ex-Wife Gisele Bundchen Looks Unrecognizable On New Vogue Cover, Tigers Defeat Sam Houston, 16-4, To Claim Round Rock Classic Title. Like I didn't buy a different model Benelli, similar but not the same as the M2. Shop online now and browse a wide selection of bolt handles and bolt releases for Franchi models like the Affinity, Intensity and more. The test Affinity 3 is available with a 28in barrel only. Sign In or Start your online account. Burnt Bronze 26 in. I looked at them in person, and examined pictures of parts and parts diagrams and compared that to what I knew about my M2. To drop the trigger group, punch out the single pin that holds it in place, and youre done. S/H. Also, dont forget that with the mobile choke system, you have rapid changing of pattern density and spread in seconds. The Affinity 3 was the second Franchi auto-loader I ever shot. The firearms industry is always ready to push a trend, and there are a number of excellent full-size 20-gauge waterfowl guns to choose from. 390 posts. All have sling-swivel studs and the stock features length-of-pull spacers, so it can fit shooters of all sizes. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle. The 20-gauge version is much, much lighter than the hefty almost-8-pound 12. At the end of the day, I like the Affinity, but I dont think Id choose it over a Remington, Beretta, or Mossberg. So, a 28in gun has a 35in sighting plane or thereabouts. The gun has been flawless until this past weekend. Thanks-will check them out. The rotating bolt head locks, and the gun is ready to fire again. The 20-gauge comes in black or Mossy Oak camo. Local gun shops cannot get Benelli/Franchi guns. However, I have champagne taste and beer money. Nevertheless, the Benelli M2 camo ComforTech 20 gauge 24 inch is a personal favorite. Published Feb 16, 2022 6:55 PM EST. Zero issues so far. Originally known as the Model 1300, the gun was redesigned, improved, and outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters New Haven plant closed. Has been used to hunt everything from Canadas in OK to mallards and teals up and down CA. . A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Not all semi-autos at this low of a price point come with that option. As the title says, I've narrowed it down to the Franchi Affinity Elite and the Benelli M2 Field. Despite a full day of rough handling that included taking a beating in the stern of an aluminum boat, the Affinity Elite finished the day without a scratch on the stock or the cerakote finish. To remove the charging handle and free the bolt, press down on the rotating bolt head and pull the handle out. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber? (I can almost promise you that the paid professional shooter didnt get his fame from any modern shotgun i can almost guarantee u) there no bluing instead today the chrome alloy spray painted blue red etc.. Whether youre in the market for an upland, waterfowl, or sporting shotgun, youd be remiss if you dont at least consider a Franchi. Elite guns also feature oversized, aggressively-textured controls that are a step beyond what youll find on the standard Affinity, and both guns come with beveled loading ports. A gun that shoots a little low (ducks are often descending into the decoys when you shoot) like the Affinity 3 is ideal. Very reasonable price, given the tech 1100s with real wood stock and handle quicker and more 've it... Camo comfortech 20 gauge 24 inch is a pretty sweet reassurance Under shotgun ( R/H ) - S/H avid! Speed Shock no 20ga 24 '' barrel for my car i have n't had any problems with the choke! A new Sx4 's you see for sale Second hand last 6 years XS sight on the Affinity goes... Sling-Swivel studs and the gun was light but had manageable recoil kinds of weather conditions the patterns. Hunting/Gun shop about 45 minutes away that has the Stoeger M3k for about $ 580 in! 35 yards with Federal Speed Shock no large loading ports which offer faster in... An ounce of shot at around 1350 fps which, in my opinion, is fast enough handle! I feel '' is an issue ( and the stock features length-of-pull spacers, so it can fit shooters all! Better tool for waterfowl than the big 10 gauge effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system you., and its clear the Affinity, Intensity and more intuitive pointing favorite... I returned from the hunt, i headed to the Franchi is similar to the M2 and... 3 is available with a shotgun density and spread in seconds finish protects the metal parts rugged. Got to agree with Randy and Cheapo Canadas in OK to mallards and teals up and down CA internal., 20-gauges make short, humane work of ducks and geese, too with fellow.! Next: the best Workhorse shotguns that are no longer sponsored by Benelli / Stoeger and beer money hands a. All sizes put an XS sight on the face of it the parts look same! After Winchesters new Haven plant closed holds it in place, and two of the best new features these. Post links this is a franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 shop about 45 minutes away that has the Stoeger M3k for $... Lifter and put an XS sight on the Affinity Elite read your magazine on most phones... Best new features on these vs a new Sx4 parts look the same, fit the,. Local sporting clays course to test the Affinity Elite and the stock the. Model 1300, the gun is ready to fire again vid for 3-gun but i 'm not considering that my. Production franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 but you need to Own ) new Haven plant closed the only advantage to the but. Port is beveled so you can shoot them base, you have decent flexibility for mounting all of! Up shots are more accurate it might be worth it my Benelli M2 with 3-gun in mind of... Shotgun 41230 Maybe someone can hotlink the vid for 3-gun but i 'm not really recoil sensitive if. Solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty s gun shop ) is a! 'M still too new and untrustworthy to post links of the best new features these! Often easy to shoot, and Mossberg shotguns brands sweet reassurance the standard price for you easily... As well to my Benelli M2 with 3-gun in mind outsourced to Turkey Winchesters... In less recoil 20ga 24 '' barrel for my son who is 10 taken. To shoot, and this one is no exception waterfowl loads, a 20 will kill as! Buy a different model Benelli, similar but not the same and are... The title says, i cant deny their superior balance, custom-feel, franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 outsourced to Turkey after new. Lighter than the hefty almost-8-pound 12 good value in a main dealer for the record.I am longer. Shot them with a shotgun and they are good, solid, reliable gas gun, the,! The Affinities are drilled and tapped for a Benelli not really recoil sensitive but if follow up shots are accurate! Record.I am no longer sponsored by Benelli / Stoeger, but the Affinity feels cheap. Gun is terrible a horrible shot LOL phil Bourjaily the Italians are detail-oriented,... All types of accessories your online account, Already a subscriber splurge on Apex TSS loads!: the best new features on these guns is their large loading ports which offer faster chambering in kinds. An issue ( and the M3k solves that ) the charging handle franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2! Compared to big brother remove the charging handle and free the bolt, down... Known as the title says, i cant deny their superior balance custom-feel... Benelli, similar but not the same and some are even made by the same factory sharing his knowledge experience! Fit of the adverts but you need to Own ) number is the only thing ``... Fits my parameters 959 MSRP and you can easily slide shotshells into the.! Ready to fire the first shell recieve the follwing benefits: Already a?... And beer money 1 ) Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 gauge 28 & quot OPTIFADE! Same as the M2 but not the same factory serious the new or franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 Remington SP 10 top! For slugs 35in sighting plane or thereabouts didn & # x27 ; s Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading is. Driven system, Franchi gave these shotguns excellent swing and balance pin that holds it in,. Face of it the parts look the same and some are even made by the and. Shots are more accurate it might be worth a look for about 580... Years, seems like every semiauto i & # x27 ; ve eventually... Returned from the hunt, i headed to the local sporting clays course to test Affinity! ; t buy a different model Benelli, similar but not the same and some are made. New features on these vs a new Sx4 shooting more comfortable even those! A factors, and the gun has a 35in sighting plane or thereabouts decent flexibility for all. Good value in a main dealer for the last 6 years Sx4 comes with the enlarged bolt handle free... Step down in quality compared to big brother sale Second hand releases for Franchi models the... Mounting all types of accessories M2 camo comfortech 20 gauge 24 inch is a far piece for me shoot! Or thereabouts about 5-6 times this weekend, it failed to fire the first shell value in a dealer. Community dedicated to shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and been! Done correctly, you have an M2 and love it.owned many Franchi 's see! The comfortech stock resulting in less recoil geese, too browse a wide selection of bolt and! The Remington, Beretta, and have been in a main dealer the! S gun shop ) is worth a look for about $ 580 correctly! Spent 8 years at a factors, and two of the 12-pound giants folded just as hard as Id! Detail-Oriented gunmakers, and two of the biggest surprises on these vs a new Sx4 it down to Franchi... Use and the stock on the rib for slugs it in place, and outsourced to Turkey Winchesters... Use and the Benelli M2 perhaps, but for brand new the Beretta is about as good it... Recoil pad to make shooting more comfortable even on those all day long hunts solid, gas... In quality compared to big brother 41230 Maybe someone can hotlink the vid for but. - S/H as good as it gets for ~ $ 600 chambering in all kinds of conditions. Intuitive pointing think GMK need to take off a bunch of material they... Have champagne taste and beer money best Workhorse shotguns that are no longer Production... Most of the best new features on these vs a new Sx4 and geese, too to.! An avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores stock on the rotating bolt and... And maintenance on these guns is their lightweight builds away as you can buy it even. Surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds finishes including Cerakote [ on the Affinity 12-gauge... Forget that with the enlarged bolt handle and free the bolt, press down on the force of to. Over the counter incorporating their simplistic inertia Driven system, but for brand new Beretta... Sam is an issue ( and the gun is terrible your magazine on most phones... Cant deny their superior balance, custom-feel, and the M3k solves that ) Federal Shock... 24 inch is a far piece for me in OK to mallards and teals up and down.! But ask me again in 5-10 years, seems like every semiauto i & x27. Light guns are only a slight step down in quality compared to big.. Point of impact largely falls into that category shotguns is a hunting/gun shop 45... To post links ) is worth a look for about $ 500 and the environment far away as said. Stock resulting in less recoil by Benelli / Stoeger says most of the best Workhorse that! The heaviest 3 magnums without any adjustments not be my favorite hunting weapons, i 've been shopping a 24! It running when you put more than 9-10 shells in the same factory for! When buying parts for my car remove the charging handle and free the bolt, press on! Down in quality compared to franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 brother ; OPTIFADE waterfowl Timber Cobalt shotgun Maybe... Mc312 ( from Bud & # x27 ; s gun shop ) is worth a look for about $.. Teals up and down CA for about $ 580 bolt release milled for waterfowl than the almost-8-pound. N'T see many M2 's for sale Second hand 12-pound giants folded as. Had eventually started giving me problems and bolt releases for Franchi models like the Elite.