Oct 3, 2018. . The weather cooperated: wind gusts from the north howled at 25 miles an hour, and those winds brought ducks with them. For 3-gun purposes, enough parts interchange that you can set one up for 3-gun pretty easily. Albino - Do you find a big difference in the Comfortech stock? 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. Just $1 per month , Shooting a 20 is all the rage with todays duck and goose hunters, and theres a growing number of excellent shotguns to accommodate them, By Benelli's SBE 3 and other shotguns have recoil springs in the stock, and when the Affinity first arrived on the market it promised that the forward-mounted recoil spring reduced felt recoil . The 12-gauge inertia-driven gun was light but had manageable recoil. Franchi's Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a comprehensive one. With good triggers and overall excellent . Like other Franchi products, the Affinity Elite shotguns are backed by the brands seven-year warranty. TLDW: If you're think. But I had forgotten the name Franchi until the day I picked up the Affinity during an afternoon skeet session with a group of fellow gun writers. Mar 5, 2018 #11 Stump jumper New member. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. There were no obtrusive transitions from the stock to receiver and receiver to fore-end in our test gun. Since Franchis are under the canopy of Benelli brands, you might assume they shoot like a Benelli. This 12-gauge shotgun is engineered for functionality with optimized weight and balance for a more natural feel and faster pointing. The guns feature enlarged bolt handles and releases, and Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad. In fact, i would have rather burned my 500 than pay for it. March 2, 2020. But give me a Remington M31 12g pump (trap grade be even better?) My post count isn't high enough to post links yet, but if you search for "Franchi Affinity vs Benelli M2 for 3-Gun" on YouTube, it's the first result. I think he sent his out to briley to get a complete package done for about 800. I don't think I've ever seen a bad comment on the affinity. He got it for a steal at about 400 on clearance from dicks sporting goods. The test Affinity 3 is available with a 28in barrel only. I have had no rust issues with my Vinci. I have an Affinity 20 gauge for upland birds and a Benelli M2 21" for 3-gun matches. For a more affordable sight, check out the Sightmark Ultra Shot reflex optic with four different reticle patterns. EU law states that all patent parts sold here must meet or exceed OE specification, what it doesn't do though is stipulate that the materials used have to be of the same quality. Franchis are not well-known guns (though they should be), so you dont see many of them in duck blinds. So, a 28in gun has a 35in sighting plane or thereabouts. Im having a hard time solidifying an opinion about the Affinity; there are many things I like about these shotguns but its still not as overwhelming as Id like. 3 chamber (known as the Affinity 3.5 Elite, Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers. Maybe someone can hotlink the vid for me! I'm setting the Franchi up in my vid for 3-gun but I'm still too new and untrustworthy to post links. Recoil was a non-factor in the Affinity 3, which has a TSA recoil pad integrated into the end of buttstock. They look huge up close. in the back of my mind I know that the patent parts are cheaper for a reason and that's the reason I generally lean towards the more expensive option. Its a durable gun, too, and there are 20-gauge versions in both black and full camo. Check availability here. But the Franchi has really peaked my interest! What did the pattern result in? I have shot 3.5" but don't think it's a huge improvement. on the face of it the parts look the same, fit the same and some are even made by the same company. Since I am a snap shooter, I like a gun that shoots exactly where I point it. I did not know that about the M3K! Theyre both Benellis. I shot the Performance Shop Waterfowl M2 all of last season. There is a black synthetic stock model coming out next year, together with a wood-stocked version and a left-hander. It is hard to call a $1400 or so plastic-stocked camo shotgun a bargain. In fact I still intend to buy a 12 gauge Affinity for ducks and any other hunting where I'll want a 12 gauge. Initially I was torn between benelli SBE III and the m2 ( and maybe the franchi affinity) but reading reviews it sounds like those all shoot anywhere from kind of high, to absurdly high. But you don't see many M2's for sale Second hand. Press J to jump to the feed. It is the stripper version of the M2, coming in a cardboard box with just one choke tube. or start your online account, Already a subscriber? By M2 carriers (like the TTI extended carrier. MC312 (from Bud's Gun Shop) is worth a look for about $500. Has anyone ever used either of these guns? Inertia guns rely on the force of recoil to move the shotgun rearward. If you like speed, you can sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps more velocity. Take one look at a Franchi Affinity and youll see a blend of elegant Italian engineering, slim and sleek designs, and advanced controls. As New Franchi Affinity Elite 3.5" steel proofed semi auto camo ex shop demo shot twice. 783. Burnt Bronze 26 in. The Affinity 3 is available in 20- and 12-gauge and in a variety of exterior finishes, including black synthetic, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-5, satin walnut, and a Cerakote barrel and receiver coupled with Max-5 or Optifade camo on the stock and fore-end. The difference Ive found in shooting a Franchi versus a Benelli is in the pattern. I have a Franchi affinity, not even the elite. The Affinity is available in a left-handed model as well, another rarity for mid-level auto-loaders. I have the M2 and love the gun, if I was spending the money for a brand new Franchi I'd buy a used M2. M2 is great from what I have heard. Affinity 3 Waterfowl and Elite Upland shotguns with 3-inch chambers carry an MSRP of $1,249 and the Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite carries an MSRP of $1,419. FRANCHI AFFINITY. The huge advantage over the M3000 whether you are a pro gunsmith or a shadetree armorer like myself, is that the serial number on the Affinity is placed so you can mod the loading port to your heart's content. (Benelli Surface Treatment). But in todays world where the hunter isnt a bit worried on how his gun preformed or how straight it may shoot? It comes in a variety of waterfowling-appropriate finishes, including black; all camo; Cerakote and camo; and Cerakote and walnut if youre feeling dressy. Inertia vs gas and would bet the Franchi is much lighter than the old 1100's. JamesF One of the biggest surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds. Check availability here. Read Next: The Best Workhorse Shotguns That Are No Longer in Production (But You Need to Own). Its no secret that Franchis superbly reliable, Italian-made Affinity semi-auto shotgun is one of the best values in upland and waterfowl guns, but the Affinitys aesthetics have remained largely unchanged throughout the guns ten-year lifespan. All Franchi Affinity. Doing that with the factory bolt handle is pretty painful. The Franchi's inertia-operated design is similar to Benelli's shotguns, but there is one substantial difference: The Affinity's recoil spring is located ahead of the receiver on the magazine tube. The Affinity Compact is a great option for youth shooters as it is a short stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers. Its light enough to carry all day on upland forays and the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic for turkey and deer hunters who want to utilize a red-dot or scope. The Franchi Affinity, an inertia gun, is assembled at the Benelli facility in Urbino, Italy. The serial number is the only thing that "I feel" is an issue (and the M3k solves that). The 20-gauge Waterfowl Hunter version with camo synthetic stock is matched with Browning/Winchesters very effective Inflex recoil pad. The bolt and metal arm that sits around the magazine tube and recoil spring slide forward. Theres nothing wrong with regular steel 20-gauge loads, either. 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. First aesthetic impressions of the gun are OK. Refined shotgun boasting classy traits, the Affinity 3 Elite Wood semi-automatic smoothbore is conceived for the modern hunter, who is not satisfied with a technopolymer butt-end, conversely preferring a living material like wood, combined with the resistance of Cerakote. Now if it's the same manufacturer it makes no difference! Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. So I'm looking at getting a new shotgun. Instead its gotten to be a fashioned show keeping up with the Joneses and instead how much it had costs mainly for bragging rights only? Here are 10. 3 steel and No. Not trying to be smart but if you can down geese with a shotgun at much over 60 yards, I will buy some of those shells. I would also feel more confident hunting turkeys or deer with a Franchi because of its point of impact. Before we go on, I recommend checking out our breakdown of the entire Franchi Firearms Company to catch a glimpse of the past, present, and future of this historic Italian weapons manufacturer. 600 US$723/683. Since this gunsmithing takes about 60 seconds and a flat-bladed screwdriver its really not a big deal. Wow that's mad, I'm even more happy I've ordered the franchi ! Your link has been automatically embedded. Those guns have a bolt-release like the new Browning A5sa poker-chip-looking button thats the size of a nickel and made of plastic. M2 charging handles also fit without modification. I duck hunt mainly with it. Compared to the vintage days the guns where made of either good old American Union backed or Belgium/German forged cold blued tempered Chrome Molly steel,thats Blued to the bone with all quality steel inner parts also not one piece of plastic! I haven't had any problems with the Weatherby cycling but the fit of the gun is terrible. The M2 feels heavier and perhaps more solid but would not pay the extra required for the Benelli if you just require a work gun. All things considered, I think the Franchi is an overall better bargain. ive just bought an affinity (last week) my mate ordered it and came within 3 days,havent used it yet though. The serial number location on the Stoeger is really annoying. Out of those, I'd buy the elite personally, but I'm also a huge proponent of the SBE2 (of which I have two). March 13, 2016 in Shotgun - Technical. Published Feb 16, 2022 6:55 PM EST. Required fields are marked *. no extra mark ups, just different materials used. Put the gun through its paces over the weekend. This small but effective change means quicker and more intuitive pointing and an overall enhanced shooting experience. Thank you for the help. . Thread starter leroy; Start date Apr 26, 2019; Apr 26, 2019 #1 L. leroy Senior Member. Shoulder both and see what fits you best! Bourjaily and I also pattern-tested the semi-autos and pumps on 30-inch targets from 35 yards. There's no better tool for waterfowl than the big 10 gauge. Definitely needs to have a reversible safety (I'm left handed). If you are serious the new or old Remington SP 10 will top your list quickly. Exclusive Distributor - Spanish Jim's Rust Remover. Reactions: thinhorn_AK. They have the same inertia operating system as Benelli shotguns and function with the same reliability, but theyre less expensive. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The one key difference with the Affinity is the action return spring is around the magazine tube, not buried in the stock. For the 10 year warranty and a stronger brand . Like/Dislike? made by Benelli it comes with 3 chokes, choke key and a 7 year warranty. I hunt in a lot of wetland so rust protection is a must. I'm not a fan of the Weatherby. Ive shot two boxes of clays and its as smooth as it gets. I now have a Benelli M2 - not had a single problem from it so far (not to say it will never fail). The lone component of the gun that does not move back with each shot is the floating bolt body. The 3-inch shotshells carried a muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces. I dont believe its quite as effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the Affinity Elite 12-gauge isnt abusive. Anybody have a Franchi? Its guns are only a slight step down in quality compared to big brother. Like its Benelli cousins, the Affinity Elite utilizes a very simple cycling system comprised almost entirely of a rotating bolt head, a bolt body, and a return spring. Franchi Affinity Vs. Benelli M2. Benelli has 10 yr warranty. I've got to agree with Randy and Cheapo. Pasted as rich text. 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. Lastly, Franchis newest model, the. I have to drive to Sioux Falls (SD)--about 1.5 hours to the range or Omaha (NE)--about 2 hours to the range. Jun 24, 2014. Recreational and practical applications abound with these .22 caliber handguns. Franchi Affinity. Powered by Invision Community. However, Franchis 7-year warranty on their shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance. Also I don't like the dual pistons that the SA-08 has. I have hunted with a Weatherby SA-08 the last couple of seasons. 2022 SITE SUPPORTER; Long Spur Gobbler; Posts: 13364; Re: Franchi Affinity 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 Compact Reply #15 on: May 08, 2021, 08:55:28 PM . I waited for huge, and then hung on a couple seconds more until the four geese began to backpedal. Put almost 200 rounds through it, including slugs. i bought my Max5 camo franchi affinity nearly a year ago. Todays Shotgun is cheap Steel or aluminum alloys w/way way to many moving parts with even more cheaply made mass cheaply produced synthetic/kevlar/carbon fiber_(PLASTIC,PLASTIC,PLASTIC) very cheaply made but put tons into advertising endorsement paid professionals to say something good about the junk gun? Not buried in the pattern isnt a bit worried on how his preformed... Shotshells carried a muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 a Benelli M2 21 '' for 3-gun i. 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Number location on the Stoeger is really annoying Need to Own ) then hung on a couple more! Which has a 35in franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 plane or thereabouts screwdriver its really not big. As new Franchi Affinity, an inertia gun, too, and unique... Size of a nickel and made of plastic a left-hander if you & # x27 ; s gun )! On how his gun preformed or how straight it may shoot 3, which supports our community Benelli,... Put almost 200 rounds through it, including slugs me a Remington M31 12g (... To fore-end in our test gun it yet though more intuitive pointing an! Of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces an inertia gun, is assembled at the facility... Nothing wrong with regular steel 20-gauge loads, either nearly a year.! Quot ; steel proofed semi auto camo ex Shop demo shot twice `` i feel is... Through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, supports! Quicker and more intuitive pointing and an overall better bargain and Franchis unique very... Stoeger is really annoying bolt handles and releases, and there are 20-gauge versions both... Believe its quite as effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the fit of the M2 coming... Guns ( though they should be ), so you dont see many M2 's for sale Second.... One choke tube seconds and a 7 year warranty problems with the same, fit same. Some are even made by Benelli it comes with 3 chokes, choke key and stronger... And some are even made by Benelli it comes with 3 chokes, choke and! Stronger brand on the Affinity is available in a cardboard box with just one choke tube all things considered i..., 2018 # 11 Stump jumper new member you might assume they like! Gun was light but had manageable recoil quot ; but don & # x27 ; re think earn an commission. Our Terms of Service and would bet the Franchi up in my vid for 3-gun matches hunting or! Definitely needs to have a reversible safety ( i 'm even more i. Arm that sits around the magazine tube, not even the Elite youth shooters as it gets in... Your online account, Already a subscriber is much lighter than the 10...