Franchi al 48 or Remington 1100 for youth

V

Vick Brown

Member
I have the option to get either a Franchi al 48 or a Remington 1100 both 2 3/4" 20 GA as a shotgun for my grandchildren to use when we go hunting . Which do you all think is the better choice? I don't know if it too much matters but I have three granddaughters and one grandson and the oldest is nine now and just passed her hunters safety last summer.
Thanks,
Vick
 
Vick,
I had a 12 ga 1100 as a kid, and still have it. I don't hunt with it much now, but it was an excellent choice. They are very reliable guns. It was dunked a few times, has been muddy, frozen, and I can only remember one time that it didn't cycle shells properly (heavy freezing rain). The gas operation really helps reduce recoil. When I'm introducing a new friend to shooting, that's always the gun I let them try first. The 12 was a bit heavy when we were out walking in the woods for extended periods of time, though that helps keep the recoil down as well. I would recommend one to anyone looking for a youth gun. It was way better than the single shot 20 I used the first year I hunted. I think I still have bruises from that gun!

Scott
 
Vick

I recently purchased a youth shotgun for Thomas (9 now 8 then). We tried both the guns you're considering and neither fit him. Semi-auto's are long guns even with the cut down youth stocks. The length of pull was about 12" but Thomas had problems reaching the forend without his arm being too straight. Not good. I ended up buying him a youth Stoeger O/U and what a great gun it has turned out to be. Not having the action of a semi-auto it is more that 3" shorter to the forend. That makes a huge difference. He swings it like a little pro. Another really nice feature is the gun automatically safes itself whenever you break it open to reload. That helps ensure the gun stae on safe.

You really ought to give the Stoeger a look. I'm totally sold on it as a kids first gun.
 
My Dad has the AL 48 in 28ga., full size gun. It is a terrific gun. I have every intention of getting my son (4 now) their 20ga. youth gun. I've not held a youth 1100 but the full size gun is a bit heavy for my taste for a youth gun.

Gene
 
Vick

I recently purchased a youth shotgun for Thomas (9 now 8 then). We tried both the guns you're considering and neither fit him. Semi-auto's are long guns even with the cut down youth stocks. The length of pull was about 12" but Thomas had problems reaching the forend without his arm being too straight. Not good. I ended up buying him a youth Stoeger O/U and what a great gun it has turned out to be. Not having the action of a semi-auto it is more that 3" shorter to the forend. That makes a huge difference. He swings it like a little pro. Another really nice feature is the gun automatically safes itself whenever you break it open to reload. That helps ensure the gun stae on safe.

You really ought to give the Stoeger a look. I'm totally sold on it as a kids first gun.
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Is that sxs a 20 ga? I, I mean Sam, will be needing a gun in a few years. I was thinking a 28 ga., but it would really be too light for ducks. I wouldn't want to spend $2+ a shell for something other than steel. How does he take the recoil?
 
You know how much I love that lettle Al-48 Franchi 20 ga. of mine. At 5.2 pounds you can carry it all day long without effort. It has become one of Judy's favorites for our Montana hunts.

Mine seems to run all my reloads without fail and the modified fixed choke works well on anything within range. I have shot lots of ducks with it as well as honkers when I had the little creek blind on Evans Creek. I have to admit, it has become one of my all time favorite shotguns.

Say hello to Mona for me,

Dave
 
Leslie is correct, it's a 20 gauge O/U. Also, it is considerably less money ($150 off the top of my head) than the previously mentioned guns.

Dave I would still pick up a 20 ga Franchi AL48 if I found one in good condition for a fair price. It's the last long recoil shotgun in production and I love the way is comes up to your shoulder. Sweet pointing gun.
 
I'm not familiar with the Franchi. The 1100 is a great gun though and I don't know anyone who owns one that does not love it! One consideration on the 1100 though is that it does not take 3" shells. It is only chambered for 2 3/4'' shells. If you might be hunting geese and/or turkey you might want a gun that takes 3" magnums.
Good Luck,
Patrick
 
I have to agree with Kevin.
The 1100 kicks much less and you don't want a kid developing a flinch from a gun that hurts his cheek and shoulder when he pulls the trigger. I gave my boy the 1100 youth model when he was 9. He shot a lot of game including a spike buck and a Tundra Swan with that gun.

JMO,
Harry
 
They got it. While I'm not a fan of Remington's quality control since the early 90's, I have had stocks break from recoil on Franchi 48s in 20ga.
 
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