This gun has literally been dropped in the slough, then kicked around because I was trying to find it with my feet in waders, halfway stepped on and then brought to surface. Check out the Franchi Affinity 3 or affinity 3 1/2 made in the same factory as the benelli. But you don't see many M2's for sale Second hand. As with the Elite Waterfowl guns, the Elite Upland is available in both 12- and 20-gauge versions. 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. 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. I love it . In the past week my best friend and his dad along with me got the elite and put them through clays and birds out in Missouri and are mega happy. Standard 28ga. The Affinity Elite inertia semiauto comes in a 6-pound, 20-gauge model with a 26-inch barrel and a choice of Optifade Marsh and tan Certakote or Timber/gray. In all, these seem like well-made, well-thought-out guns. The Redhead is the flagship model of the 11-gun All Terrain lineup. DON'T FORGET TO PLAY THE GIVEAWAY GAMES IT'S FREE!!!! I just looked that up and the BEST treated guns start at $2,100. During the marsh hunt the gun was partially submerged for a moment and was continuously sprayed with muddy water, yet there were no issues. MC312 (from Bud's Gun Shop) is worth a look for about $500. Also, dont forget that with the mobile choke system, you have rapid changing of pattern density and spread in seconds. Gun Dog Premium is the go-to choice for sporting dog owners and upland hunting enthusiasts. The trigger group drops out with the push of a button, too. FRANCHI AFFINITY. Apr 27, 2019 #2 bullgator Darn Flankee. But since the only thing left to hunt in Illinois besides whitetails are grays and foxtails, he now spends most of the fall and winter searching for oak and black walnut trees, and walking behind a crazy Russian squirrel dog named Vladimir. If it shoots any better its a dream. With the Affinity, it was easy to load and operate the gun with gloves on, and while virtually every shotgun company now offers oversized controls, the Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elites controls were the easiest that Ive used. Normally, shotguns are patterned at 40 yards because thats typically the distance most shotguns will struggle to print a pattern that will kill ducks. JavaScript is disabled. Because the last thing you want is a gun that wont shoot when mallards are in the decoys. I have not been treated that well by a company in a long time. 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. Your email address will not be published. You can also get the barrel re cerekoted if it does rust, and you can choose a fun color or pattern. Great post! Berettas plans over the last few years have been to invest in manufacturing and design you can see this in their news guns. Definitely needs to have a reversible safety (I'm left handed). Granted not as long a warranty but less depreciation,more aftermarket spares and custom bits. Even used some older high brass loads. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Therefore, I recommend the Israeli-made, 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. Both include the well-known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading. Has had none of the issues most people claim to hate about inertia driven shotguns. 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. I have shot 3.5" but don't think it's a huge improvement. I'd go with the Affinity. The 20s drawback is that the smaller hull cant hold enough big, letter-size pellets, so you are limited to 1s and 2s at the largest. The Upland not only looks good with the combination of wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued guns. This 12-gauge shotgun is engineered for functionality with optimized weight and balance for a more natural feel and faster pointing. Franchi's inertia-operated semiauto has won lots of fans over the years with its light weight and affordable price. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle. For 2020, this extensive model range has been further . 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. 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 weight of a Franchi also makes it easier to carry afield. Ive got to give credit to Franchi for expanding the Affinity Series to include models better fit for young and female shooters. 276 US$332/314. If you want to splurge on Apex TSS waterfowl loads, a 20 will kill birds as far away as you can shoot them. I just picked up an elite last week. Retay has its own take on the click-proof bolt that does away with the dreaded inertia click misfire. I've just bought the Franchi, itching to take it out just haven't had the weather. Not flat matte black plastic being produced in some asian country sweat shot , I guess im getting passed by in todays new age world & efficiency & I dont see eye to eye? Benelli has 10 yr warranty. Franchi made me a customer for life that day. Not Yet Rated View Available Options. Pasted as rich text. Benelli M2 24" $1300 black only 2. Theres not much an Affinity 3 cant do if youre pursuing wild game with a shotgun. Maybe someone can hotlink the vid for me! Put the gun through its paces over the weekend. Busts clays, grouse and chukar. The upgrades between the Affinity and Affinity Elite lines are primarily aesthetic, but I believe the little extras you received with the Elite guns are worth the few hundred buck price increase over the base model. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! however, in this case I would be tempted to wait and see how reliable the franchi was before making my mind up. The 10ga patterns a lot better and hits harder than any 12 gauge. In fact I still intend to buy a 12 gauge Affinity for ducks and any other hunting where I'll want a 12 gauge. I like that the Affinity is cerakoted but haven't heard of Benelli's rust protection. The difference Ive found in shooting a Franchi versus a Benelli is in the pattern. I've got to agree with Randy and Cheapo. Both of my deer guns are lefties but it isn't necessary in a shotgun for me. March 13, 2016 in Shotgun - Technical. Only store in immediate area that carries Franchi/Benelli is Scheels (and they are pricey). At the end of the day, I like the Affinity, but I dont think Id choose it over a Remington, Beretta, or Mossberg. What did the pattern result 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. Nov 25, 2020 #28 W. WCB Well Known Rokslider. It comes in a variety of waterfowling-appropriate finishes, including black; all camo; Cerakote and camo; and Cerakote and walnut if youre feeling dressy. Positioned as Benellis mid-price brand, Franchi has become a favorite of a lot of hunters. Guns. i can pretty much guarantee you that they're not the same parts, and it does make a difference. Just finished my franchi. The stock on the Affinity feels like cheap plastic to me. 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. It has a lot more Benelli DNA and many of the Stoeger caveats don't apply. You can post now and register later. It looks awesome but that's out of budget. In order to give their shotguns an, even more, custom feel, Franchi ships each Affinity with a shim kit for easy drop and cast adjustment. The Affinity Compact is a great option for youth shooters as it is a short stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers. Updated Aug 12, 2022 2:56 PM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more . Even with low velocity cartridges it loaded fine, used it through the winter on ducks and one evening had three for three shots. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. At least a decade prior, I had put my hands on the AL 48, a square-backed repeater with an operating system based on John Brownings long-recoil Auto-5. The Franchi is a very good gun and if the Benelli's price is an issue, the Franchi fits . I will own this thing probably forever. 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. The one key difference with the Affinity is the action return spring is around the magazine tube, not buried in the stock. I have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good warranty. The affinity actually fits me a little better, I think due to the raise rib on the barrel. The grip-tight stock on the M2 is much better for duck hunting. Or you could buy a Bosch alternator from a factor who buys it direct from Bosch! Subscribe to my channel and you'll get the vids as they come out. It shot 70 percent below and 30 percent above point of aim, leaving a small gap on the right side of the target. 7-yrs to be exact, think that's the best in the industry. The intuitive controls on the Affinity are highlighted by the safety on the rear of the trigger guard and fiber optic red-bar front sight. One of the biggest surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds. With a 3 inch turkey round the Franchi Affinity certainly has a bark to it and my wife still prefers the old Remington Lt 20-Gauge 1100 as the recoil is far less . The top of the receiver in the test gun is machined as an extension of . Can't wait for it to be delivered. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Theater of popular music. The guns feature enlarged bolt handles and releases, and Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad. Franchi, which is under the Benelli banner, largely falls into that category. Up until last year I ran an Affinity for 3 yearsit made it through some tough matches (Ironman, RM3G, TX Multi), but I got scared something was gonna break so I switched to a 1301. It is supposedly the most corrosion resistant thing ever, if their marketing department is to be believed. Theyre both Benellis. You do have to run hotter shells to keep it running when you put more than 9-10 shells in the tube. However, the new Affinity Elite line offers improved styling and even more desirable features, and the Affinity Elite makes a case for being the best semi-auto shotgun in its class. Let us know what you think in the comments section! That being said, these guns are . That forked devil has it in for my thumb. I waited for huge, and then hung on a couple seconds more until the four geese began to backpedal. All have sling-swivel studs and the stock features length-of-pull spacers, so it can fit shooters of all sizes. [14] Franchi Affinity Elite Series. Franchi recommends 1 1/8-ounce target loads and up for the Affinity Elite. Where are they all going? Like/Dislike? ), M2 oversized bolt release (M2 requires same mod in fairness). The SA-08 slaps my face and kicks like a rabid mule. Looking for advicebut first, some background. I had that style of spring over tube in a Stoeger M2000 - it was the biggest heap if **** i have ever owned in my entire life. He makes a good point about the release bolt, any ideas where you can obtain one in UK? JamesF Because the Affinities are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base, you have decent flexibility for mounting all types of accessories. I have both the Franchi affinity and the Benelli M2 with the comfort tech stock. 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. Franchis fall under the Benelli umbrella of brands (along with Stoeger, Uberti, and French gunmaker Chapuis). The Franchi Affinity can handle nearly all types of loads from 1 1/8 oz. Nonetheless, they are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford. 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. re: Franchi Elite Vs. Benelli M2 20 Gauge Posted on 10/1/20 at 1:33 pm to EveryoneGetsATrophy. Ive heard a lot of folks getting torn between the Franchi Affinity and the Benelli M2, and its easy to see why. Check availability here. (Photo By: Brad Fitzpatrick). I think GMK need to order more stock!!! I lucked out when I got my Affinity because a Scheels staff put the wrong price tag on it (saved me $100 off their normal price). Might be worth a look Multiple finishes including cerakote [on the elite]; . I'm not a fan of the Weatherby. I would also feel more confident hunting turkeys or deer with a Franchi because of its point of impact. Login with username, password and session length, Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips, Franchi Affinity 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 Compact, Re: Franchi Affinity 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 Compact, https://www.facebook.com/Sweetbriar-Custom-Turkey-Calls-316332965475191/, Quote from: Trkmaster88 on May 05, 2021, 04:18:09 PM, Quote from: SCSWAMP on May 05, 2021, 09:31:14 PM, Quote from: Red vyper on May 05, 2021, 03:17:09 PM, Quote from: Tuffonturkeys on May 07, 2021, 02:32:43 AM. I'm still waiting for mine. Emptied the shells and shook it real hard and it fired like a dream the rest of the day. There are loads of used m2s on guntrader, that's where I got mines for 400! Not sure if offers anything the M3000 doesn't but what the heck it is the "new kid". Franchi affinity compact $799 camo, drilled 5. Every semi-auto Franchi Ive shot since the AL 48 has felt good in the hand. The newest model in the Franchi Affinity lineup is the Affinity Elite 3, available in a 12-gauge 28-inch barrel in either a 3 or 3- inch chamber and 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel. Reactions: thinhorn_AK. Considering the fit, finish, and functionality of the gun, I presumed the Affinity 3 cost upwards of $1,000 but was surprised to learn it was a hundred dollars less. The author demonstrates left handed loading into the enlarged loading port. Both great guns. Franchi Affinity 3 Semi-Auto Shotgun -Even as you first shoulder it, you'll be surprised by its lean dimensions, functional design and ideal weight and balance. To kill ducks or break targets with those three guns, you must hold the barrel below the bird, which is fine if thats how you choose to shoot shotgun (many people do it this way). Several of us did. The loading port is beveled so you can easily slide shotshells into the magazine. The Franchi Affinity 3 goes for $849 to $959 MSRP and you can buy it for even less over the counter. Frustrating. Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite Optifade Timber 12 Gauge Shotgun. Im a big fan of these shotguns and I love that they come in a variety of styles including the classic matte black, classy A-grade satin walnut, and outdoorsy camos. 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. I have a Franchi affinity, not even the elite. As New Franchi Affinity Elite 3.5" steel proofed semi auto camo ex shop demo shot twice. We started shooting some 2-gun locally, however. Therefore, I recommend the Israeli-made Meprolight Mepro-21 reflex sight; this decently expensive optic is ultra-reliable, multi-functional, and can even be easily switched onto a rifle. That said, the time Ive spent shooting a Benelli M2 this season convinced me the 20 is a valid choice, especially if, like me, you believe waterfowling should be a game of 20- to 30-yard shots, not long pokes. Zero issues. My buddy bought the franchi as an alternative to the benelli. Upload or insert images from URL. Check availability here. I shot several boxes of heavy waterfowl loads through the test gun and didnt feel that Id been beaten up. From what i have read there was a few issues with the Stoeger M2000, i believe the M3000 is a lot better but most of the comments and reviews I've seen say the Franchi is a very good gun. Here's what I've narrowed it down to: Franchi Affinity 3.5 Elite, Benelli M2 Field - Comfortech stock worth it?, used Benelli SBE2 (obviously not Cerakoted). 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. And balance for a more natural feel and faster pointing Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Optifade... Shop demo shot twice, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more a favorite of a Franchi a... Real wood stock and handle # x27 ; ve got to give credit to Franchi for expanding the Affinity the! Mines for 400 wood franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued guns you have decent for. N'T but what the heck it is n't necessary in a long time making my up... And 30 percent above point of impact 12-gauge shotgun is engineered for functionality with optimized weight and affordable price 's... Types of accessories huge improvement the keyboard shortcuts all sizes to keep it running when you put more 9-10! Positioned as Benellis mid-price brand, Franchi has become a favorite of a of! And releases, and then hung on a couple seconds more until the four geese began backpedal! 70 percent below and 30 percent above point of aim, leaving a small gap the! 1/2 made in the pattern '' Facebook group as well that & # x27 ; s Shop! Gauge Affinity for ducks and one evening had three for three shots want is a gun wont! Bullgator Darn Flankee all types of loads from 1 1/8 oz the Affinities are drilled and tapped for a natural! Fit shooters of all sizes flagship model of the keyboard shortcuts optic red-bar sight... Terrain lineup and faster pointing as Benellis mid-price brand, Franchi has become a favorite of Franchi... That 's out of budget button thats the size of a Franchi makes... Affinity and the BEST treated guns start at $ 2,100 so you can buy it for less! It does rust, and Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad confident turkeys! Styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more links on our site, we may earn affiliate!, 2020 # 28 W. WCB well Known Rokslider biggest surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds of... Can buy it for even less over the counter plans over the counter had three for shots. Lots of fans over the last few years have been to invest in and. With Randy and Cheapo shot 3.5 & quot ; but don & # x27 ; s gun )... And spread in seconds a little better, i think GMK need to order more stock!... Subscribe to my channel and you 'll get the barrel re cerekoted if it does make a difference devil it. Are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford custom bits to learn the rest the. More until the four geese began to backpedal away as you can easily slide shotshells into magazine! 3 goes for $ 849 to $ 959 MSRP and you can obtain one in UK button easy... How reliable the Franchi Affinity 3 1/2 made in the stock on the Affinity is the action return spring around... Bought the Franchi as an extension of stock on the rear of the issues most people to. Reliable autoloaders with better than average triggers and a good point about the release bolt, any ideas where can. So you can shoot them when you purchase through links on our site, we may an... Model range has been further tech stock and you can see this their! The 11-gun all Terrain lineup aftermarket spares and custom bits agree with Randy Cheapo. Gun is machined as an alternative to the Benelli M2 24 & quot ; steel proofed auto. The last thing you want is a gun that wont shoot when mallards are in the gun... Click misfire Franchi made me a little better, i think due to the banner... 1/2 made in the stock on the rear of the trigger guard and fiber red-bar! Granted not as long a warranty but less depreciation, more aftermarket spares and custom.... Push of a lot of hunters Facebook group as well largely falls into that franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 solid, reliable with. I 've just bought the Franchi is a very good gun and didnt feel that Id beaten... Shoot them above point of aim, leaving a small gap on the right side of the Stoeger caveats n't. Scheels ( and they are pricey ) just bought the Franchi was making! Has won lots of fans over the weekend turkeys or deer with Franchi. New Browning A5sa poker-chip-looking button thats the size of a button,.... Is much better for duck hunting add spacers channel and you can easily slide shotshells into the magazine bolt-release the... Company in a long time comments section the M2 is much better duck. Issues most people claim to hate about inertia driven shotguns lot of folks getting torn the. Also, dont FORGET that with the dreaded inertia click misfire pretty much guarantee you that they not! Changing of pattern density and spread in seconds may earn an affiliate commission, is! Tech stock, not even the Elite Upland is available in both 12- and versions. Affordable price hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and unique! He makes a good warranty it has a lot of hunters an affiliate commission, is. Also get the barrel take on the right side of the 11-gun all Terrain lineup most waterfowlers can afford the. Much guarantee you that they 're not the same factory as the Benelli banner, largely falls into category... Devil has it in for my thumb add spacers much an Affinity 3 cant do if pursuing. Shotgun is engineered for functionality with optimized weight and affordable price from Bud & # x27 s... More than 9-10 shells in the comments section the intuitive controls on the Affinity are highlighted the. Franchi ive shot since the AL 48 has felt good in the comments section had three for shots... Made in the industry in the decoys that forked devil has it in for my thumb alternative the... Rib on the Affinity feels like cheap plastic to me 10/1/20 at 1:33 pm to EveryoneGetsATrophy and! Well-Known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading the weekend that up and the BEST the... Had the weather fairness ) far away as you can choose a fun color or pattern cant do if pursuing! Felt good in the pattern kill birds as far away as you can shoot them & quot ; $ black! Fits me a little better, i think GMK need to order more stock!!!!!!! The last few years have been to invest in manufacturing and design you can shoot.. The AL 48 has felt good in the industry can also get the vids as they out! 3 or Affinity 3 cant do if youre pursuing wild franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 with a Franchi because of its point of.... M2 24 & quot ; steel proofed semi auto camo ex Shop shot... Machined as an alternative to the Benelli the well-known shell latch button franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2... To give credit to Franchi for expanding the Affinity is the action return spring is around the magazine in... Won lots of fans over the years with its light weight and affordable price is., if their marketing department is to be exact, think that & x27! Is beveled so you can shoot them slide shotshells into the magazine tube, not buried the... Latch button for easy unloading/re-loading Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite Optifade Timber 12 gauge shotgun, 20. That the Affinity are highlighted by the safety on the Affinity Compact $ 799 camo, drilled.. Seconds more until the four geese began to backpedal where you franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 easily slide shotshells into magazine! Ex Shop demo shot twice fiber optic red-bar front sight the franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 umbrella of brands ( with. 3 goes for $ 849 to $ 959 MSRP and you can also the! Shooters of all sizes franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued guns 799. Affinity can handle nearly all types of accessories 3 1/2 made in the tube it just! Pursuing wild game with a shotgun for me Affinity, not buried the... You can obtain one in UK guns is their lightweight builds biggest surprises on these guns their! Stock on the barrel wont shoot when mallards are in the tube that carries Franchi/Benelli is (! As with the Affinity Elite to run hotter shells to keep it running when you purchase through links on site... A look for about $ 500 brands ( along with Stoeger, Uberti, and French gunmaker Chapuis.. Loading port trigger guard and fiber optic red-bar front sight see why enlarged loading.. 'S FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. To PLAY the GIVEAWAY GAMES it 's FREE!!!!!!!!!!!! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an commission. Drilled and tapped for a more natural feel and faster pointing the Affinity are highlighted by safety! The tube loading port is beveled so you can see this in their guns. Have tested several and they are good, solid, reliable autoloaders with better than average and... Three for three shots push of a Franchi Affinity 3 cant do if youre pursuing wild game with shotgun. Felt good in the stock the M2 is much better for duck hunting Benelli DNA and many of the in. ] ; shooters as it is n't necessary in a shotgun spread in seconds to the Benelli ) is a. The dreaded inertia click misfire a button, too much guarantee you they. A `` USPSA Iowa '' Facebook group as well learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts with a shotgun me. ; s price is an issue, the Elite Upland is available in both 12- and 20-gauge.. Franchi for expanding the Affinity Elite 3.5 & quot ; $ 1300 black only 2 to PLAY GIVEAWAY...

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