Capacity For the 10 year warranty and a stronger brand name, the Benelli M2 and Benelli Montefeltro are low-maintenance workhorses, albeit at a high price. I bought it in college because 1) I wanted a Benelli auto and 2) it was nice to look at. The A400, in 12 gauge, rates as a good gun today; the smaller gauges not so much. It is a 6-3/4 pound, walnut stocked gas gun with the best customer service in the industry. Montefeltro or Franchi Affinity Shotgun? I have the SBE 2 and 3.. both awesome guns. How did you guys who had no one to teach you get into hunting? As others have mentioned, the main differences are comfortech, action spring in the stock vs forearm, and generally a more polished gun. Inertia guns are high recoil compared to gas guns, but as there is no gas system to clean and they need scant little maintenance. Franchi 12 gauge: Except Sporting SL O/U, Highlander, I-12 Sporting and Affinity current production with trapezoidal threads: interchanges with Trulock's Beretta/Benelli style. I used the ethos all last season and it was great for all day carrying. JavaScript is disabled. I have an Affinity, and I am seeing rust appearing on parts of the barrel. Follow Us On Social I have a friend who does a lot of mountain grouse hunting in Montana. But I'm a cheap bastard and thus went for the Affinity over the M2 which I was also looking at. Despite its lustrous finish, the Element is priced much less than its closest competition, the Benelli Montefeltro, yet at $1,099 MSRP, it's closer to the Franchi Affinity it resembles. It's essentially a Benelli M2 without the comfortech stock. They're a lot of gun for the money. Then I heard about and finally handled one of their new 4LS auto-loading shotguns. In fact, they are one of the most well-known shotgun manufacturers in the world. This slim, trim Franchi model handles beautifully and points instinctively to bring down a variety of game birds. -Not great for home defense: While a Franchi shotgun can be used for home defense, it is not the best weapon for this purpose. Septem/ 0 The Beretta A400 Xplor Unico is a gas operated semi-automatic . There are better choices, but not for the same money. depends on gauge - I will assume 12 for now,,,,,. Franchi Affinity 3 Upland What Gauge to get? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Franchi's Affinity 3 uses an inertia-driven operating system that weighs less, has fewer moving parts and runs cleaner than gas-powered shotguns. These are all gas operated guns with three inch chambers. 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! The bolt release is downright massive, the cross-bolt safety is ample and the charging handle enlarged and tubular. The long recoil action was the only autoloading shotgun action that actually worked for many decades. It features over-sized controls that make it easy to manipulate even if you've got gloves on or damp hands from setting decoys out. Have you thought of going to a 20 ga? I'm sure you will be happy with either. I bought the Affinity. Well that is a bit concerning, is there any for sure evidence of that? Apr 28, 2019 #3 BriarPatch99 Senior Member Franchi is owned by Beretta (Holdings) .. Franchi is imported by Benelli USA .. Cant go wrong with monte for the money. If you want to change the rib height, it is easy to do. They are good guns in general, although the factory triggers in Browning autoloaders are poor. At last, a blue-collar price tag on an executive's shotgun. I have a Beretta A300 which fits into the midrange price-wise. With the recoil spring being under the forearm of the Franchi, it's a little wider but still very slim feeling. This can be an issue if you need to defend yourself against multiple attackers or if you simply want to go hunting with friends. The Franchi even says benelli on it. It feels so good in my hands. Posted on 12/4/13 at 12:40 pm 0 0 I am on the fence which one. I asked him what he wanted and he said 650$ I told him I was in my way with the money. A big part of my decision was how it looked and pointed for me. The Benelli brand has several solid inertia guns that are very well known. I like how the sight is a little raised on the Affinity while the montefeltro is lower. As far as my own preference, in a 12 gauge it would be the Fabarm USA L4S as an upland gun and the Remington V3 as a plain-Jane looking, but do everything type of autoloader. Look at the Benelli ethos in the blued version. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. It may not display this or other websites correctly. With its high price tag and potential reliability issues, it may not be the best choice for everyone. The standard Benelli Montefeltro and M2 models are classic fare and they rate as good guns. You are using an out of date browser. I don't need camo or any special recoil stuff just want a gun that will go boom a bunch of times without having to mess with anything. Benelli Montefeltro . Our sample gun was a 28"-barreled 12 gauge . That said, Franchi shotguns generally have a good reputation. It's easy! Benelli vs Franchi Benelli was founded in 1967 by Bruno Civolani. The Montefeltro has an attractive satin finished stock and graceful forend. The floating part of the bolt compresses a spring and that's how the gun works. I would keep an eye on cabelas gun library online. It makes for a pretty durable wood stock. "All men die, not all men really live". I am impressed with their Comfortech stock system, but less so with their Progressive Comfort attempt found on the Ethos. I have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty. I have the A300 in 20 gauge and the sporting version of the franchi in 12. The gas system is incredibly simple and innovative. Franchi was founded in 1868 by Pietro Franchi. Benelli has recoil spring in the stock, not under the forearm. Back then, no one much cared about wild shell variations, for it was the standard 12 gauge, 1-1/8 ounce, 1200 fps, low brass field load for most upland game and the 1-1/4 ounce, 1330 fps, high brass "duck and pheasant" shell for everything else, even geese. Also if you look at the montefeltro notice the vent rib is lower on that gun than the others mentioned,it might not fit as well as say a m2 benelli. However, if you are looking for something with more features or customization options, then there may be better choices out there for you. 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). If the factory pad is good enough for you, the Affinity is a good autoloader. Raised rib on Franchi, low rib on Benelli, nicer wood/bluing on Benelli vs matte finish on Franchi . mazzgolf 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. In fact, they are one of the most well-known shotgun manufacturers in the world. Im not certain..not claiming to be an expert. Supporter+. Benelli Ultralite in the semi auto category. Got him a Super Black Eagle and he loves it. Franchi shotguns are made in several different models, each designed for a different purpose. I have a Montefeltro. Last edited: May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018 #2 Arcola Well-known member Joined Look up the Benelli click I beleive the Franchi is effected by it but SBE 3 is not. If it fits, that's the gun for you. Have an 1100 and a bunch of pumps but want a semi that I can beat up and not feel bad about. I dont think its two layers of wood.. as far as I know its walnut with a sheet laid over top that just looks like nice wood. My experience thus far has been great and it should be on your "must see" list before you settle for something elseI'm glad I did. Benelli Recommends ETHOS Shotgun Starting at $2,199 View Features Select Options to Find Model Application Hunting Species Waterfowl Upland Turkey Action Semi-auto Gauge 12-Gauge 20-Gauge 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3", 3 1/2" Stock Finish Black Synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland Advanced Filters Price $499 $499 $3399 $3399 14 Results Reset Selections I have a mossberg 500, and a Stoeger 3000. Many people who own them report being happy with their purchase. It wasn't that tough, for a 2-3/4 inch chamber was all that was needed or wanted, lead was shot at everything and something like a Browning A-5 Light Twelve 12 gauge bored modified choke did it all. Hardly "Simply Perfect," as Benelli likes to brag, not even close. Affinity 3 Turkey Elite . They are also popular among competitive shooters and hunters. Jul 6, 2009 143 57 37 South Dakota. Being a lefty I'm not left with much options for a semi but everything keeps pointing back the the affinity. A member of this forum had a similar experience and I quote: It is a difficult question to answer, Ev. I have the affinity 3.5. No matter which one I go with, it will be a dedicated turkey gun. Light, high build-quality, innovative design (easy breakdown and cleaning) and, yes, beautiful wood. The 20-gauge Affinity 3 is available in the same finishes, with only a 26-inch barrel and is quite a bit lighter at 6 pounds. I have both, not enough difference to justify the cost of the Benelli IMO. Browning choke tubes are often not the best, but good aftermarket tubes are widely available. The only guns that have the bolt that stays in battery is the SBE 3 and the Ethos models. There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not a Franchi shotgun is good. I have an affinity and a montefeltro. Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. When it comes to shotguns, Benelli and Franchi are two of the most well-known brands. JavaScript is disabled. My grandson love the Affinity. 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. One such disadvantage is its price tag; Benelli shotguns are generally more expensive than other brands on the market. Only difference is the recoil spring is under the forearm. Affinity 3. . The Browning Double Automatic, Browning A500 / A500R and the Beretta UGB25 Xcel used short recoil actions. Unlock the Benefits of Knowing Your Winchester Serial Number, Complete Buyers Guide to the Sig Sauer P228. By now, most have heard of (or experienced) the "Benelli click" and the "Benelli thumb." Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite. If Im hunting wild chukar I use my beater semi auto and I have a SBE for waterfowl. I emailed the Franchi customer support about this - turns out, they do NOT use thisnew systemto prevent the "benelli click" on the Franchi Affinity - here's what I was told: Thanks very much for your interest but the only guns with the easy loading system are the SBE3 and the Ethos. Benelli Montefeltro vs Browning Silver Hunter, Browning Maxus Hunter vs Benelli Montefeltro, Benellis Montefeltro shotgun features a slim, graceful forend, which, combined with an anodized, lightweight receiver, keeps the weight minimal and the swing quick. For a value inertia gun, the Girsan MC312 (from Bud's Gun Shop) is worth a look for about $500. You must log in or register to reply here. If you buy the franchi you will have wished you had a benelli- buy once, cry once. 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. A friends Monte does the same thing. What are some other suggestions? Randy is that a picture of the dreaded Benelli thumb? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you want to have a brand new shotgun, I understand that, that's cool, there's lots out there. Ask a buddy which inertia-action semi-auto to buy and chances are they'll recommend a Benelli. 870 12ga of a browning citori, those browning are incledibly good handling if they are a touch heavy. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the guns reliability, particularly when it comes to firing shells that have been damaged or deformed in some way. If I can't kill it with 3 inch then it won't get killed. You can buy a high grade blued/wood gloss Weatherby Element 20 ga for $875ish, so that makes that one attractive if you don't have your heart set on a Benelli or Franchi. In spite of all its advantages, the Benelli shotgun also has some disadvantages that should be considered before making a purchase. My favorite is an AyA matador SxS in 28ga. The montefeltro has a flat rib, the Franchi has a raised rib more like the SBE2. I currently have a 12 ga. SX3 which works great just a tad heavy. Is there a difference significant enough to validate almost double the cost? Truly deserves a look and at about $750 it is half the price of many. You can't go wrong with the Benelli. The second-best selling autoloading shotgun in history (behind the Remington 1100), the Auto-5 is no longer made. It fits me okay and overall I have no real complaints, but I'm not as in love with it as I thought I would be. 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. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I have the Franchi with(I believe) the bottom land camo. We will discuss their history, their products, and their customer service departments. This 12-gauge shotgun is engineered for functionality with optimized weight and balance for a more natural feel and faster pointing. The Franchi is a smidge lighter and runs cleaner but the recoil impulse is a lil' sharper. How did you guys who had no one to teach you get into hunting? i'm just looking for a reliable tough gun that will last. 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 wasn't uncommon for your dove gun, pheasant gun, duck gun and recreational clays gun to be the same gun. I think Franchi are made in the Stoeger factory, Stoeger are made in the Benelli factory, Benelli are made in the Beretta factory, and Beretta are made in the Franchi factory :biggrin: I've owned two Affinity's, 12 and a 20. Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, & Chokes. Softest and most reliable gas auto I have ever owned, and I have owned them all. Benelli was founded in 1967 by Bruno Civolani. Reaction score. The stock design on the three inch (shell length) Vinci has smashed fingers with a safety some find difficult to reach. The Italian manufacturer has come to dominate mind-share for the gasless shotguns, with models that start at $1,349 - more than double of what CZ's first inertia semi-auto will cost you. Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite . I would go with the Montefeltro Silver. They kick like a mule. Designed by John M. 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That a picture of the Benelli shotgun also has some disadvantages that be... Battery is the SBE 3 and the `` Benelli click '' and the charging handle and... Which fits into the midrange price-wise from Bud 's gun Shop ) is worth look. Solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a bunch of pumps but want a that... My way with the best choice for everyone expensive than other brands on the three inch chambers under the.. Be a dedicated turkey gun 12 gauge, rates as a good reputation and finally handled one of bolt...