NDR--Upland Gun

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Supporter
Anybody have any experience, good or bad, with Franchi shotguns? I'm old enough to want a lighter gun to replace the 1100 I use for woodcock and grouse. A friend has the Benelli Ultralight in 20 ga. but it's a little too modern looking and expensive for me. But he let me carry it for a couple of miles last season, and I was amazed at how much difference taking two pounds off the weight of the gun makes when banging through alders and blown down spruce.

I'm considering either the semi-auto AL 48, or the OU Instinct. Both are advertised on the low end of 5 pounds, and in reality probably around 6. I like the tradition and simplicity of an OU, but the AL 48 is considerably less expensive and has been around long enough to be traditional in its own right. I sure don't need the third shot, so that's not a factor.

I fondled and shouldered both recently, and they both seem to fit.

Thoughts? Random advice?
Other guns I ought to consider?
 
Jeff,

Don't know much about those guns but I think you are on the right track. From what I have heard Franchi is a good manufacturer and offers quality guns.

One of my "dirty tricks" on the way back to the truck after spending hours humping after pheasants is to hand my 28 ga Rizzini O/U that weighs way less than their 12's to a buddy so I can "retie" my boots. They're reaction makes my day. :) Oh, in case anyone doubts the viability of the 28 for pheasants - mine has taken at least 150 roosters.
 
That 28 would make a nice rail gun. If you're in Maine on a spring tide in September, give me a call . . . . .
 
Jeff,
I have 3 Franchi shotguns. All automatics 12 gauge that I use mostly for waterfowl. I have cared 1 in the field a few times but I don't do much upland.
I have not had any issues with any of the Franchi guns. Cost was the initial reason I purchased mine but now I always grab one of them regardless.
Bruce
 
My hunting buddy bought one for waterfowl hunting for most of the reasons you have mentioned. He had issues with jamming and not loading shells from the magazine. He also was moving from an older 1100 Remington, and liked the lighter Weight. He does take very good care of his Guns, so it wasn't from rough handling or neglect. Sent it in a couple of times, and gave up. He traded it for a used Beretta and has been very happy with that gun.

Miller
 
I have the Franchi 620. Its a joy to carry afield. Shoots 3" shells. Screw in choke tubes. A little unique in loading/unloading but easily mastered.

If I recall correctly, the 48AL does not shoot 3" shells; however, I plan on getting a 48AL in 28 gauge shortly, since the 28 gauge does not come in 3" anyway.

Franchi makes a fine gun. Be sure to check Gunbroker for the best prices. Some offer free shipping. Even with shipping charges, you'll most likely save money on Gunbroker.

Good Luck !

Fred
 
The Instinct L 20ga is really calling my name also. I'd say the ones I have fondled like you have probably weight right around 6lbs. They feel great and I have heard some good reports about them as long as they fit. They don't have a lot of drop so they don't fit everyone well. The 7 year warranty from franchi sounds good too.
My brother has a Franchi semi-auto that seems to function fine. I'm not sure what model it is.

Yep a pound or two makes a big difference in an upland gun. I used a 20ga most of last year because I had a little tendonitis in my elbows. It was so much nicer then my 8lb 12ga and that gun still weights 6lb 10oz. I can't imagine what a true 6lb gun would be like.

I don't know if I will end up with an Instinct but by fall whatever I get it will likely be an O/U and it will be less then 6 1/2lbs.

If you want something a little unusual you could look for an old Browning Double Auto. They made some light versions and the cool factor is pretty high.

Tim
 
Jeff,

I'm heavily biased against semi-autos for upland hunting. I don't believe they should be carried in a New England grouse cover. A grouse gun should have a top-tang safety and a break action. It MUST be easy to "make safe" when you encounter stone walls, barbed wire, and nasty blow downs.

I've only seen a couple of Franchi shotguns and they seemed nice. But, for the money, I'd also look at the Beretta Silver Pigeon I and the B. Rizzini Omnium. For a little more $, look at a Caesar Guerini Woodlander.

My upland gun is a 20 gauge Omnium. I won it at an RGS dinner and will never part with it. I may supplement it with a scaled-frame 28 gauge Rizzini in the near future.

I do not have a Guerini field gun, but do use a Guerini Summit for sporting clays. I handled a dozen different guns before purchasing. There was nothing comparable at that price point. And, Guerini has a widely regarded warranty and customer support program.

Handle as many guns as possible and pick the one that fits.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
Jeff,

I'm heavily biased against semi-autos for upland hunting. I don't believe they should be carried in a New England grouse cover.
Click to expand...

Understood. That's what I meant by preferring "simplicity". It's a terrible pain to unload a semi while my partner just breaks his gun and waits for me so we can cross a wall or a brook.

I like some of the guns you suggested, but they are definitely not in the same price range as the Franchis, and heavier to boot. I'm a wimp, not to mention a tightwad.
 
Jeff, I usually shoot Remingtons for waterfowl, dove, and pheasant. When I did a lot of grouse hunting my favorite guns were Browning Citoris with 24-26" barrels and straight stocks. The 24" barrel 20 ga was light and very quick. I seem to be able to jump between Remington and Browning shotguns with no problem. I have shot Remington straight stock upland guns but prefer the way Citoris handle. In the past I have seen good used Citoris at decent prices.
 
Jeff, the Franchi 48al is a fine gun, and one of the more reliable semi-autos you will find. It would be a fine choice. Something that has been rattling around in my brain has been the CZ Ultralight. I have a couple of their SXS and think they are a good value. If you have a chance take a look at them. czusa.com
 
Jeff: I have been looking at the Instinct, too. Only in a 12 for my son. Selling two of my late brother Craig's guns to do this. After training guns, my son learned to like an o/u I inherited which does/or should not shoot steel. Of the o/u(s) in that price range, they are the most appealing. To me, even in a 12, nice balance, good wood, and Franchi's have a good reputation. I had a friend many years ago who had 20 automatic which he loved. I am very interested in the responses to your e-mail. Thanks for seeking info.
 
I own the Instinct L in 12 ga. I have shot a few ducks (around 24) with it and broken a few sporting clays (125). I might have 200 rounds through it. No more for sure. I have always felt that one barrel shoots better than the other and I am convinced it is the chokes. I am in the process of ordering Briley chokes to see if I can remedy the issue. On the other hand... it might just be me.

I like the fit and feel of the gun. No issues so far. It is a backup to my backup. :)
 
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