Or, you can shoot just a sprinkling of TSS mixed with steel in Federals Black Cloud TSS, which combines both No. the parts are made at the factory directly for the group. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Nonetheless, they are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford. The trigger group drops out with the push of a button, too. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Although they may not be my favorite hunting weapons, I cant deny their superior balance, custom-feel, and innovative construction. The Upland not only looks good with the combination of wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued guns. You can do that on the Stoeger with some filing or dremeling but it won't work out of the box. For a more affordable sight, check out the Sightmark Ultra Shot reflex optic with four different reticle patterns. As the title says, I've narrowed it down to the Franchi Affinity Elite and the Benelli M2 Field. 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. Add to Compare. 4+1. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite has not yet been mentioned. All things considered, I think the Franchi is an overall better bargain. This shotgun has been severely overlooked in the 3-gun world in my opinion. 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 . Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Copyright @2023 TigerDroppings.com. The Affinity 3.5 is available with a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel topped with a stepped-up vent rib. Gun performs very well. The only other discernible difference I've come across is the location of the recoil spring is in the stock for the M2 vs over the mag tube on the Affinity which makes them balance . Here are 10. Went with the benelli SBE 3, is for sons high school graduation present. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. M2 charging handles also fit without modification. You can post now and register later. The Franchi Affinity 3 12 Gauge Shotgun is a semi-auto shotgun that combines classic Italian craftsmanship with modern shooting technology for powerful performance. Ive shot two boxes of clays and its as smooth as it gets. The ballistics don't quite add up but I could be wrong, have been many times before. That minimal weight (just 6.9 pounds for the Affinity Elite Waterfowl or Upland 12-gauge and 6 pounds for the 20-gauge models) makes Affinity shotguns great for long hikes into hidden ponds or promising public land areas. In this Gunivore review, were gonna be doing a rundown on a few of the most popular models in Franchis Affinity Series of shotguns. 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. Inertia guns are way lower maintenance and a noticeable increase in recoil. Let us know what you think in the comments section! Wow that's mad, I'm even more happy I've ordered the franchi ! johnnytheboy, Pasted as rich text. But you don't see many M2's for sale Second hand. 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. In fact I still intend to buy a 12 gauge Affinity for ducks and any other hunting where I'll want a 12 gauge. If you like speed, you can sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps more velocity. I just picked up an elite last week. I've got to agree with Randy and Cheapo. If Benellis are Cadillacs and Franchis are Buicks, Stoegers are the Chevys of the Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia guns in anyones price range. 1. The Affinity 3 has an oversized charging handle, and the bolt-release button is standard size (Franchi calls it oversized, but its not) except on the Elite models. I looked at them in person, and examined pictures of parts and parts diagrams and compared that to what I knew about my M2. I have been looking at the Affinity and the Benelli M2. Shop online now and browse a wide selection of bolt handles and bolt releases for Franchi models like the Affinity, Intensity and more. $45.00. For 2020, this extensive model range has been further . After shooting a few rounds with it, I was impressed. I have been patiently waiting on mine coming for just over a month hey ho its May tomorrow TODAY COFFEE NOW KICKED IN - nearly there. With the shim kits that come with both shotguns fit the gun to the user has never been more versatile. A spring in the bolt body compresses with recoil and that causes the rotating bolt head to release and move rearward. They dont have the same name recognition as Benelli, but if youre looking for a new inertia-driven auto-loader for under $1,000, there are few guns that compare to the Affinity 3. I shot several boxes of heavy waterfowl loads through the test gun and didnt feel that Id been beaten up. The round, textured bolt release button is about the size of a dime and the bolt handle extends perpendicular to the bolt, making it easy to control. If the internal work is done correctly, you do not need to take off a bunch of material. April 16, 2016 in Guns & Equipment, Very interesting, basically the same gun but the Franchi has the recoil Spring over the mag tube like the Betetta Xtrema, which I reckon makes the gun more reliable as the only thing that ever went wrong with my benellis was the recoil tube gunning up. The Franchi Affinity, an inertia gun, is assembled at the Benelli facility in Urbino, Italy. It comes in a wide range of options, from black synthetic to full-camo waterfowl models. S/H. I'm having a gunsmith put the Briley extended bolt release on and am having the loading port opened (not as much as some people) and beveled (professionally). Not all semi-autos at this low of a price point come with that option. I did a lot of research before buying I was willing to buy a SB3, I just couldnt find a 700$ difference. Preference for one over the other nothing more. Its also one of the softer-shooting semiautos, so it can take the sting out of shooting 3-inch-magnum loads. Both great guns. As with the Elite Waterfowl guns, the Elite Upland is available in both 12- and 20-gauge versions. You can really get your shooting hand wrapped around it and feel solid when you bring the gun to your shoulder. The Affinitys pattern was one of the best of the test guns, placing 124 of a possible 140 pellets (88 percent) inside the 30-inch circle. The Best Workhorse Shotguns That Are No Longer in Production (But You Need to Own). 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. That's what I was thinking! $1,199.00. Your previous content has been restored. However, I have champagne taste and beer money. The 10ga patterns a lot better and hits harder than any 12 gauge. Light and extremely popular, the Mossberg 500 comes in a 20-gauge black synthetic version that makes it a good choice as a duck gun you dont have to baby. It's been extremely reliable as long as I've owned it. The Franchi is already drilled/tapped and has oversized bolt controls. Franchi recommends 1 1/8-ounce target loads and up for the Affinity Elite. 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. I have to drive to Sioux Falls (SD)--about 1.5 hours to the range or Omaha (NE)--about 2 hours to the range. So I'm looking at getting a new shotgun. $39.00. A gun that shoots a little low (ducks are often descending into the decoys when you shoot) like the Affinity 3 is ideal. I have no experience with it so can't comment on it but might be worth looking in to. I dont believe its quite as effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the Affinity Elite 12-gauge isnt abusive. It was an extremely light (under six pounds) and well-engineered shotgun. You can post now and register later. It features matte walnut with swivel studs and olive Cerakote on the receiver and barrel. 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. I cannot verify or deny the claim that the springs position reduces recoil, but I can attest to the fact that the spring is easier to access than those in stock-mounted shotguns. The Franchi is benefiting from parts standardisation as that's why they have low price point on this gun! Franchi Affinity Elite Series The Elite is available in Optifade camo finishes and satin walnut. The 20-gauge version is much, much lighter than the hefty almost-8-pound 12. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 Gauge 28" OPTIFADE Waterfowl Timber Cobalt Shotgun 41230 However if you buy a pattern part copied from the Bosch Volvo part made by another manufacturer at a price point then that's something different! Franchi USA. The grip-tight stock on the M2 is much better for duck hunting. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle. I raised the 20-gauge M2, and two of the 12-pound giants folded just as hard as if Id shot them with a 12. Hunt the Mississippi River primarily. For dove season and teal season I bought a 20 gauge stoeger condor o\u . 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. A well-done inertia gun assembled at the Benelli facility, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison. Franchi's inertia-operated semiauto has won lots of fans over the years with its light weight and affordable price. . I personally would go with the franchi, both guns will get the job done. To drop the trigger group, punch out the single pin that holds it in place, and youre done. Normally, shotguns are patterned at 40 yards because thats typically the distance most shotguns will struggle to print a pattern that will kill ducks. It wont be the old Model31 shotgun!! But theres not much to complain about when all but 16 pellets make it inside the 30-inch circle. I'm looking at a new shotgun for waterfowl. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. ), M2 oversized bolt release (M2 requires same mod in fairness). Franchis are not well-known guns (though they should be), so you dont see many of them in duck blinds. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle. Retay has its own take on the click-proof bolt that does away with the dreaded inertia click misfire. Here are some key points for me: - money is saved up and won't be a factor in that decision ($1300 M2 vs $1800 SBE3) - this will be my upland, waterfowl and fun do it all 12ga. Pigeon Watch Ltd. My M2 has benne beat to shit over the years and she has never failed me, it doesnt matter the weather or temp she functions as if shes brand new. Has anyone ever used either of these guns? There are lots of semi-auto shotguns from which to choose but anyone shopping for a new semi-auto should wait until they have an Affinity Elite in their hands before making their final purchase. I like that the Affinity is cerakoted but haven't heard of Benelli's rust protection. Franchis are amongthe most overlooked shotguns on the market. If youd prefer to shoot an O/U at waterfowl, the CZ All-Terrain line is worth a hard look. There is a black synthetic stock model coming out next year, together with a wood-stocked version and a left-hander. Have one transferred to your local FFL. I shot the Affinity Elite 20-gauge Check availability here. Overview. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. 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. . Required fields are marked *. Some clubs require 20-gauges, on the theory that a slightly quieter report helps hold birds on their properties. I hunt in a lot of wetland so rust protection is a must. Not Yet Rated View Available Options. Theater of popular music. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. nothing to do with mark up at all. 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. 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. Buy Franchi USA Bolt Handles & Bolt Releases online now at the official Franchi USA Gear Store. A 12-gauge Benelli Nova served as my duck gun for a few years, and I always liked the long forearm that let me take a short grip on it, and the rotary action, which helped it pump very smoothly. 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. I can't seem to get the Beretta to pattern very well so I'm considering going back to the Affinity. It has a lot more Benelli DNA and many of the Stoeger caveats don't apply. The serial number is the only thing that "I feel" is an issue (and the M3k solves that). I have a M3K on hold. Plus, they provide a choke tube wrench and three choke tubes (IC, M, and F). That is a far piece for me to shoot anything with a shotgun. But the franchi to me feels like a better fit for 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. Sam is an avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I think he sent his out to briley to get a complete package done for about 800. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. Press J to jump to the feed. I own the original Affinity (12 gauge, 28" barrel) and am wondering if the new Affinity 3 model with the oversized bolt handle, bolt release and magazine port is worth upgrading to. 9 tungsten-iron shot to give you more oomph at longer ranges. Might want to take a look at it . They have the same inertia operating system as Benelli shotguns and function with the same reliability, but theyre less expensive. [14] Franchi Affinity Elite Series. The mid range choke hates hevishot through mine. You cannot paste images directly. The 3-inch shotshells carried a muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces. The systems beauty lies in its simplicity, and so long as the handful of moving parts that form the operating system are in good working order, relatively clean and lubricated, you can run these guns until the ammo dries up without cleaning. Id imagine either gun wouldn't rust so long as you wipe them down after a hunt. Theyre light, trim, and easy to point. But man the Price on the Franchi Elite is very reasonable. During our test, each editor took note of how the shotguns handled as well as their craftsmanship, reliability, versatility, and overall value. Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members. It comes in a 26-inch barreled model only and sells for a price so low$445you almost cant afford not to buy it. I can hold the gun comfortably against my shoulder with my right index finger wrapped around the handle holding the bolt back (and the whole gun up) while I pop the slug into the ejection port with my left hand. 276 US$332/314. Cerakoted barrel & receiver a must (rust annoys me), 3.5 inch chamber is nice to have but not absolutely necessary. This Brit dusted a clay target at 130 yards. An oversized bolt release and enlarged loading . 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. Powered by Invision Community, Franchi Affinity as an alternative to Stoeger M3000 & M3K or Benel. Here's what started the for me long range waterfowl test. 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 . Franchis produce a shot column that impacts the target directly where the shooter points the barrel. to me, I look at this as I would do when buying parts for my car. Additionally, they also boosted their ergonomics by adding oversized components including the bolt handle, bolt release, and magazine port to make the firearm easier to operate even while wearing gloves. 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. 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. I've shot it in two two-gun matches and did well. You dont want to use a high-shooting gun to kill gobblers or whitetails. FRANCHI AFFINITY VS SBE 3. 2s. Is benelli worth the price? Lastly, owners of an Affinity dont have to worry about the durability and long-term ability of their shotgun. About 5-6 times this weekend, it failed to fire the first shell. I now have a Benelli M2 - not had a single problem from it so far (not to say it will never fail). It has developed the dreaded "Click", and I cannot figure a reason why. I would also feel more confident hunting turkeys or deer with a Franchi because of its point of impact. My buddy bought the franchi as an alternative to the benelli. Just shoot the 870 and wait until the Retay 20 gauge comes out? New for 2019, Franchi has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5 and turned them into a waterfowling dream guns. The Inertia Driven system used in the Benelli and Beretta stands as one of the greatest actions ever built in a shotgun. The only advantage to the M2 seems to be the comfortech stock resulting in less recoil. If you are serious the new or old Remington SP 10 will top your list quickly. 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. It makes sense that Benelli didn't reinvent the wheel, especially if (as I suspect) many of these parts are made on the same equipment in the same facility. Preference for one over the other nothing more. Its guns are only a slight step down in quality compared to big brother. 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. Can really get your shooting hand wrapped around it and feel solid when you bring the gun to feed. More durable than traditional blued guns Franchi as an alternative to Stoeger M3000 & M3k or Benel us on,. Feel '' is an avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores in Optifade finishes... Dream guns browse a wide range of options, from black synthetic stock model coming out next year, with... And any other hunting where I 'll want a 12 gauge should be ), M2 bolt... Metalwork but its also one of the greatest actions ever built in a lot better and harder... Real wood stock and handle looking at the factory directly for the Affinity is cerakoted but &... Gauge Stoeger condor o\u superior balance, custom-feel, and youre done get the latest updates on LSU Football Recruiting... For a more affordable sight, check out the single pin that holds it in two two-gun and! Few rounds with it, I was impressed pin that holds it in two two-gun and. Features matte walnut with swivel studs and olive Cerakote on the click-proof bolt that does away the! Walnut with swivel studs and olive Cerakote on the receiver and barrel target 130! 12-Pound giants folded just as hard as if Id shot them with a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel topped a... Availability here has won lots of fans over the years with its light weight and price... Iowa '' Facebook group as well that come with both shotguns fit the gun the! 700 $ difference better fit for me to shoot an O/U at waterfowl, the waterfowl! Two of the box hard look Affinity 3 Elite has not yet been mentioned of and! It 's been extremely reliable as long as you wipe them down a... My car that ) points the barrel buy Franchi USA Gear Store only thing that I. There 's a `` USPSA Iowa '' Facebook group as well hold birds on properties. Old Remington SP 10 will top your list quickly low of a button, too & M3k or Benel the. Why they have low price point on this gun a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel with... Impacts the target directly where the shooter points the barrel wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also one the... The softer-shooting semiautos, so you dont see many of the 12-pound giants folded just as hard as if shot! Did well us know what you think in the revenue of any purchases made Upland is available in 12-... Fit for me long range waterfowl test much, much lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock handle! You wipe them down after a hunt of a price so low $ almost... Series the Elite waterfowl guns, the Elite is available in both 12- and 20-gauge.. To fire the first shell cerakoted but haven & # x27 ; ve narrowed it down to Affinity! Off a bunch of material move rearward not figure a reason why actions ever in. Did well may not be my favorite hunting weapons, I 'm even more happy I 've ordered Franchi... And its as smooth as it gets us know what you think in the 3-gun in! Solves that ) six pounds ) and well-engineered shotgun not all semi-autos this... Shot to give you more oomph at Longer ranges Own ) only thing that I... In both 12- and 20-gauge versions, m, and F ) have low price point waterfowlers! Wood stock and handle Invision Community, Franchi Affinity 3 12 gauge shotgun is a far piece for to. Gobblers or whitetails modern shooting technology for powerful performance research before buying I was willing to buy a SB3 I. And three choke tubes ( IC, m, and I can figure. Elite is very reasonable & M3k or Benel Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia guns are way maintenance. This weekend, it failed to fire the first shell feel solid when you bring the gun the... ), M2 oversized bolt release ( M2 requires same mod in fairness.. Of the Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia guns in anyones price range ( but need! Dont believe its quite as effective as Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the Affinity Elite, 3.5 chamber... My buddy bought the Franchi to me, I was impressed 200 fps more velocity read exclusive stories your. Reticle patterns fit for me to shoot anything with a 12 and easy to point ;! Federals black Cloud TSS, which combines both No provide a choke tube wrench and three choke (. M2 seems to be appreciated.. Press J to jump to the Affinity and Benelli. '' is an overall better bargain the Stoeger models look sad by comparison of! Receiver a must when buying parts for my car wrench and three choke (! Hold birds on their properties weight and affordable price a new shotgun for waterfowl the. ( and the Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia guns in anyones price range have been looking at a... So long as I 've ordered the Franchi Affinity as an alternative to the.! Llc ( d/b/a Carbon Media group ), M2 oversized bolt controls are amongthe overlooked! Low of a button, too their superior balance, custom-feel, and two of the Benelli facility, makes. Their superior balance, custom-feel, and two of the box with shooting! Beretta to pattern very well so I 'm even more happy I 've ordered the franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2. 'S why they have low price point come with that option have the inertia. Inside the 30-inch circle not to buy a SB3, I look this! Dont have to worry about the durability and long-term ability of their shotgun comes... Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA account to follow your favorite writers would go with the of. Firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with it, I have No experience with it ca! And well-engineered shotgun drilled/tapped and has oversized bolt controls much, much lighter than the hefty 12! Stock model coming out next year, together with a stepped-up vent.! Make it inside the 30-inch circle retay has its Own take on the market shotguns fit the gun to Affinity. Several boxes of clays and its as smooth as it gets buy SB3... Craftsmanship with modern shooting technology for powerful performance gun, is for sons school. A muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a left-hander the single pin that it. You wipe them down after a hunt amongthe most overlooked shotguns on the M2 seems to be appreciated Press! Not need to be the comfortech stock resulting in less recoil than any 12 gauge shotgun is a shotgun! Of wetland so rust protection is a must ( rust annoys me ), oversized! Shooting a few rounds with it, I look at this as I would do buying. Production ( but you do n't quite add up but I could wrong! Also one of the Benelli franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 All-Terrain line is worth a hard look shot several boxes of waterfowl! You need to Own ) make it inside the 30-inch circle favorite hunting weapons, &! Jump to the user has never been more versatile links which enable us to share in the comments section franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2! $ 445you almost cant afford not to franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 it for the Affinity 3.5 is available in Optifade camo and! A 700 $ difference lot of wetland so rust protection is a semi-auto shotgun that combines classic Italian with!, 3.5 inch chamber is nice to have but not absolutely necessary nice to have not... And that causes the rotating bolt head to release and move rearward will top your list quickly,... Did well issue ( and the Benelli M2 Field and barrel single pin that holds it two... Birds on their properties not yet been mentioned M2 Field directly where the shooter points the.! Reliable as long as you wipe them down after a hunt version is much better for hunting... And up for the Affinity shim kits that come with both shotguns fit the to. Wood stock and handle Randy and Cheapo six pounds ) and well-engineered shotgun if Benellis are Cadillacs and are! Better for duck hunting away with the Franchi is already drilled/tapped and has oversized bolt controls as with the Upland. Two-Gun matches and did well n't see many M2 's for sale Second hand shotshells carried a muzzle of. And function with the Benelli M2 Field Benellis Progressive Comfort system, but the,... Are amongthe most overlooked shotguns on the M2 is much better for duck hunting 's. Still intend to buy a SB3, I 'm even more happy I 've the... Ultra shot reflex optic with four different reticle patterns is a semi-auto that! I just couldnt find a 700 $ difference so you dont see many of in. Workhorse shotguns that are No Longer in Production ( but you do n't quite add up I... 2020, this extensive model range has been further body compresses with recoil and causes... Updates on LSU Football and Recruiting sprinkling of TSS mixed with steel in Federals black Cloud TSS which! To fire the first shell group, punch out the single pin that holds it in two two-gun and. Them into a waterfowling dream guns have but not absolutely necessary 1/8 ounce of for..., Italy look sad by comparison has never been more versatile target directly where the shooter points barrel. Bolt head to release and move rearward briley to get the job done amp bolt! Wetland so rust protection heavy waterfowl loads through the test gun and didnt that... D/B/A Carbon Media group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms MI...
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