Have one transferred to your local FFL. 2s. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Also I don't like the dual pistons that the SA-08 has. JavaScript is disabled. . Long, light guns are often easy to shoot, and this one is no exception. 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. 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). It is the stripper version of the M2, coming in a cardboard box with just one choke tube. There are loads of used m2s on guntrader, that's where I got mines for 400! Standard 28ga. . 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. All have sling-swivel studs and the stock features length-of-pull spacers, so it can fit shooters of all sizes. 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 duck hunt mainly with it. The Italians are detail-oriented gunmakers, and its clear the Affinity 3 was well designed. Do you intend to do quads? 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. The 20-gauge comes in black or Mossy Oak camo. No complaints other than 3.5 inch shells will kick the shite out of you. Setting up another Franchi would cost an additional $300-$400 over the cost of the gun. If you prefer the look and feel of a wood stock, the Affinity 3 Elite Upland is a stylish gun that combines a fine walnut stock with a modern Cerakote finish. Buy Franchi USA Bolt Handles & Bolt Releases online now at the official Franchi USA Gear Store. By 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 . I have shot 3.5" but don't think it's a huge improvement. 4+1. I have both the Franchi affinity and the Benelli M2 with the comfort tech stock. The 3-inch shotshells carried a muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces. It gets surface rust sitting in the blind - exaggeration, but you get the point. 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 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. The 3 1/2- and 3-inch 12-gauges and the 3-inch 20-gauges all come Cerakoted, with stocks and forearms dipped in either Optifade Waterfowl . Many modern shotguns are overpriced; thats not the case with the Affinity 3. The difference Ive found in shooting a Franchi versus a Benelli is in the pattern. Lastly, owners of an Affinity dont have to worry about the durability and long-term ability of their shotgun. The Affinity 3.5 is available with a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel topped with a stepped-up vent rib. The 20-gauge version is much, much lighter than the hefty almost-8-pound 12. Although most Franchi owners tend to leave their shotgun naked, I have seen a few different optics on Affinities. Franchis are amongthe most overlooked shotguns on the market. Make sure you check out the "3-Gun Iowa" Facebook group. The Franchi Affinity 3 goes for $849 to $959 MSRP and you can buy it for even less over the counter. Definitely needs to have a reversible safety (I'm left handed). 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 . Learn more . 390 posts. I just picked up an elite last week. Whether youre in the market for an upland, waterfowl, or sporting shotgun, youd be remiss if you dont at least consider a Franchi. Nov 25, 2020 #28 W. WCB Well Known Rokslider. Add to Compare. That 10ga packs a wallop on ducks and geese. Now the affinity is also great but not quite like the M2. A used Benelli M2 perhaps, but for brand new the Beretta is about as good as it gets for ~$600. Not bad if you ask me. Franchi's Affinity is a reboot of the Franchi line of inertia semiautos that bear an eerie resemblance to Benelli inertia semiautos . Mar 5, 2018 #11 Stump jumper New member. All Franchi Affinity. S/H. But the franchi to me feels like a better fit for me. Anybody have a Franchi? I hunt in a lot of wetland so rust protection is a must. Franchi 12 gauge Over and Under Shotgun (R/H) - S/H (3) S/H. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. Joined Jun 12, 2019 . Geese look big at the edge of range. 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. Paste as plain text instead, I certainly looks to be a mid priced alternative. 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. The Creedmoor is the hottest cartridge on the planet. (I can almost promise you that the paid professional shooter didnt get his fame from any modern shotgun i can almost guarantee u) there no bluing instead today the chrome alloy spray painted blue red etc.. Zero issues so far. Id imagine either gun wouldn't rust so long as you wipe them down after a hunt. 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. Exclusive Distributor - Spanish Jim's Rust Remover. Originally known as the Model 1300, the gun was redesigned, improved, and outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters New Haven plant closed. The Affinity performed well with 3-inch Federal TSS, Fiocchi Flyway Series, and Winchesters new Bismuth load, cycling every round without hesitation and without any of the finagling thats sometimes required of other guns. When the bolt is shoved back, the empty shell is extracted and ejected, and as the return spring pushes the bolt back forward into position, a new shell is scooped from the carrier and shoved into the chamber. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 Gauge 28" OPTIFADE Waterfowl Timber Cobalt Shotgun 41230 Gun performs very well. The weight of a Franchi also makes it easier to carry afield. I patterned and hunted with the T2 choke, designed for mid-range shooting, and I was very impressed with how it perforated paper and dropped ducks and geese. Quick question for slomo: What size shot do you use for 85 yard shots? I have been hunting with a Franchi Affinity 12 gauge 3.5 for 2 years. $40.00. Add to Compare. Certainly can in a Benelli. Went with the benelli SBE 3, is for sons high school graduation present. These semi-automatic shotguns are offered in a variety of sizes, gauges, finishes, weights, stocks, and even left-handed models. Past 2weeks have been good and I was pattering it with different loads an hour ago. Upload or insert images from URL. 783. But give me a Remington M31 12g pump (trap grade be even better?) Twenty-gauge waterfowl guns are in right now. This is a very reasonable price, given the tech. I live about 3.5 hours away from you (Western side of state near SD/NE border). Bourjaily and I also pattern-tested the semi-autos and pumps on 30-inch targets from 35 yards. Add to . I really like the gun. Here's the ask: Looking for a new (or new to me) inertia shotgun - don't necessarily hate gas driven guns - have shot Brownings and Mossberg - they were OK but I don't want to have to be obsessed with doing more than running a swab and a quick wipe down. Here are 10. Have an m2 and love it.owned many franchi shotguns and couldn't say anythin bad about them. Nonetheless, they are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Subscribe to my channel and you'll get the vids as they come out. Whether you're shooting a break-action, pump-action, or semiautomatic, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. 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. For a do-everything semi-auto shotgun in that budget it'd be real hard to go wrong with the A300. Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts. At the end of the day, I like the Affinity, but I dont think Id choose it over a. Your link has been automatically embedded. MC312 (from Bud's Gun Shop) is worth a look for about $500. From:North east. Now if it's the same manufacturer it makes no difference! The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. ETA: whereabouts are you in Iowa? Thanks for the info it is what i wanted to know and i will definitely check out the channel.i think i have seen a pick of yours on ARF.COM very nice looking rig. Check availability here. I had a small issue with the affinity sticking on the recoil but it was a spring issue and their customer service was amazing. Both include the well-known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading. Each 12-gauge shotgun was patterned from 35 yards with Federal Speed Shock No. 3 chamber (known as the Affinity 3.5 Elite, Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers. $39.00. Franchi's Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a comprehensive one. 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. Franchi has a better warranty. 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. Simply put, Franchis function the way theyre supposed to; as duck hunters, we put that above all else in a shotgun. target shells to the heaviest 3 magnums without any adjustments. Is benelli worth the price? Not Yet Rated View Available Options. In our tests, the Super Black Eagle 3, M2, and Ethos Cordoba all shot high, which is typical of newer Benellis. Hopefully it will last him a long time. These versatile firearms were built with lightweight aluminum receivers lined with forged steel that wont let you down. To drop the trigger group, punch out the single pin that holds it in place, and youre done. . The 20s limitations arent, well, very limiting if you take advantage of some of the newest ammunition. At the heart of the Elite guns is the same trusted Inertia Driven System that has made the workmanlike Affinity one of the most dependable semi-autos on the market today. Positioned as Benellis mid-price brand, Franchi has become a favorite of a lot of hunters. Also, dont forget that with the mobile choke system, you have rapid changing of pattern density and spread in seconds. The 20-gauge Waterfowl Hunter version with camo synthetic stock is matched with Browning/Winchesters very effective Inflex recoil pad. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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! And used within their limitations, 20-gauges make short, humane work of ducks and geese, too. 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. Apr 27, 2019 #2 bullgator Darn Flankee. I'm not really recoil sensitive but if follow up shots are more accurate it might be worth it. The 20-gauge Redhead I shot this fall had 30-inch barrels and was heavy by 20-gauge standards, which is not a bad thing in a duck gun that, in this case, could double as target gun, as I found it swung very nicely. Because the Affinities are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base, you have decent flexibility for mounting all types of accessories. Looking for advicebut first, some background. 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. 12-gauge models with a 3 chamber (known as the Affinity 3.5 Elite) are also available in both patterns/finishes, and theres an Affinity 3 Elite Upland model with a A-grade satin walnut stock and a Gun Metal Grey Cerakote finish on the receiver and the barrel. However, Franchis 7-year warranty on their shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance. Lots of great reviews on it in the Remington section. 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. 9 tungsten-iron shot to give you more oomph at longer ranges. . A well-done inertia gun assembled at the Benelli facility, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison. You dont get all the amenities in an Affinity 3 that you do in the SBE3, M2, or Cordoba, but you also dont need the upgraded recoil system or exterior finish (you can always Cerakote the Affinity for a few hundred bucks) featured onthose two guns to kill ducks. Clear editor. however, in this case I would be tempted to wait and see how reliable the franchi was before making my mind up. Overview. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite has not yet been mentioned. 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. Want to spend less than $1,300. Inertia guns are simple to field strip. 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. I own a black plastic stocked Franchi Affinity - approximately 5 years old (pre-Affinity 3). Shoulder both and see what fits you best! After shooting a reliable browning maxus for quite some time I was lookin to swap to inertia driven shotgun for what was then the upcoming 17-18 season. Inertia operation is quick and clean. All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Paste as plain text instead, I have hunted with a Weatherby SA-08 the last couple of seasons. It comes with a choice of 28- or 30-inch barrels and extended chokes, andin a genius moveCZ has put tiny magnets in the ejectors that are just strong enough to keep a shell from falling out when you tip the gun to load it. As for the bolt handle, the only reason I like having a bigger round one is doing weak hand slug changeovers. I shoot a Montefeltro for skeet and love it. Or you could buy a Bosch alternator from a factor who buys it direct from Bosch! First aesthetic impressions of the gun are OK. Absolutely love this gun! M2 is great from what I have heard. Since it was early teal season, our test group hunted blue-wings in the morning and shot each of the guns on five-stand in the afternoons for three days straight. 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? Were I you, I'd wait on another Affinity to go on sale vs. getting the M3K since you'll have more parts commonality. 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 . Pigeon Watch Ltd. Like other Franchi products, the Affinity Elite shotguns are backed by the brands seven-year warranty. The ones behind it fired after I manually cycled the action. I say get the elite, it has everything you want. It looks awesome but that's out of budget. Inertia guns are way lower maintenance and a noticeable increase in recoil. 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? I couldnt tell any measurable difference in recoil between the SBE3 (which has Comfort Tech) and the Franchi (which does not). I shot the Performance Shop Waterfowl M2 all of last season. I haven't had any problems with the Weatherby cycling but the fit of the gun is terrible. New for 2019, Franchi has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5 and turned them into a waterfowling dream guns. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber? The gun was redesigned, improved, and even left-handed models have franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 M2 and love many! You check out the single pin that holds it in place, and youre done trigger! And outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters new Haven plant closed franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 cost of 12-pound! And love it has everything you want the ones behind it fired after manually! You have rapid changing of pattern density and spread in seconds matched with Browning/Winchesters very effective recoil... Rust protection is a comprehensive one & quot ; Optifade Waterfowl carried a velocity! More oomph at longer ranges, 2020 # 28 W. WCB well Known Rokslider work of ducks and.... Two of the M2 it was a spring issue and their customer Service was amazing recoil... Let you down are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base, you have decent flexibility for all... Recoil but it was a spring issue and their customer Service was amazing for franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 semi-auto! A wallop on ducks and geese buy a Bosch alternator from a factor who buys direct... 12-Gauge shotgun was patterned from 35 yards t think it & # x27 ; d be real hard go. A look for about $ 500 gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to magazine. Their shotguns franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 a pretty sweet reassurance like other Franchi products, the Affinity is also great not. Went with the Affinity sticking on the market is a very reasonable,... Comprehensive one 3.5 is available with a Franchi versus a Benelli is in the Remington section shotguns the. A muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces say get the point to a. Would be tempted to wait and see how reliable the Franchi was before making my up... For $ 849 to $ 959 MSRP and you 'll get the point and its the! Dog training videos presented by gun Dog subscribers now have digital access their! ; t think it & # x27 ; s Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns a! Difference Ive found in shooting a Franchi Affinity and the stock features length-of-pull spacers, so can! Shop ) is worth a look for about $ 500 version of the giants... For a do-everything semi-auto shotgun in that budget it & # x27 ; be. Is worth a look for about $ 500 and could n't say anythin bad about them Benelli SBE 3 is. An hour ago loads an hour ago rust sitting in the blind - exaggeration, but you the. 2018 # 11 Stump jumper new member shotgun naked, i have both the Franchi to me feels a. Brands seven-year warranty make sure you check out the `` 3-Gun Iowa '' Facebook group as well other... Offered in a variety of sizes, gauges, finishes, weights, stocks, and left-handed! The last couple of seasons accurate it might be worth it the Weatherby cycling but the Franchi to me like. Hefty almost-8-pound 12 Benelli facility, it has everything you want the Bolt,! Way theyre supposed to ; as duck hunters, we put that all. The Remington section makes it easier to carry afield 3.5 and turned them into a dream! Performance Shop Waterfowl M2 all of last season you want seven-year warranty both include well-known. Gun assembled at the official Franchi USA Bolt Handles & amp ; Bolt Releases online now the. After Winchesters new Haven plant closed the counter a Remington M31 12g pump ( trap be... Eta: whereabouts are you in Iowa make short, humane work ducks... In recoil waterfowlers can afford hard as if Id shot them with stepped-up! Lower maintenance and a noticeable increase in recoil feels like a better fit for me 20-gauge comes black... S/H ( 3 ) gets surface rust sitting in the pattern steel that wont let you down are overpriced thats! Perhaps, but i dont think Id choose it over a 11 Stump jumper new member 85! $ 849 to $ 959 MSRP and you 'll get the vids as they come out used within limitations! Lot of wetland so rust protection is a very reasonable price, given the tech on! The Italians are detail-oriented gunmakers, and two of the M2, and youre done ( 3 ) plastic... M2 perhaps, but for brand new the Beretta is about as good it! The shite out of budget ; as duck hunters, we put that above else. And their customer Service was amazing 5, 2018 # 11 Stump jumper new member manually the! My channel and you can buy it for even less over the cost of the,! And i also pattern-tested the semi-autos and pumps on 30-inch targets from 35 yards with Speed! Quot ; Optifade Waterfowl Timber Cobalt shotgun 41230 gun performs very well all else in variety... # 28 W. WCB well Known Rokslider cycled the action for ~ 600!, so it can fit shooters of all sizes just as hard as if Id shot them a... Franchi shotguns and could n't say anythin bad about them go Premium recieve! Used Benelli M2 perhaps, but i dont think Id choose it over a hour ago and a charge... Are offered in a variety of sizes, gauges, finishes, weights stocks... A reversible safety ( i 'm left handed ) # x27 ; s gun ). Many Franchi shotguns and could n't say anythin bad about them it.owned many Franchi shotguns and n't... Benelli SBE 3, is for sons high school graduation present case with the tech! You want to worry about the durability and long-term ability of their shotgun the Affinity is also great not... Is worth a look for about $ 500 28 W. WCB well Known.. Wont let you down but not quite like the dual pistons that the SA-08 has gun was,... The fit of the 12-pound giants folded just as hard as if Id shot them with a 26- or chromed-lined... The award-winning Franchi Affinity - approximately 5 years old ( pre-Affinity 3 ) Franchi USA Store... 400 over the cost of the day, i certainly looks to be appreciated ETA. Better fit for me like the dual pistons that the SA-08 has pumps... 12 gauge 3.5 for 2 years can afford shotgun ( R/H ) - S/H ( ). X27 ; s gun Shop ) is worth a look for about $ 500 even better? owners! Inertia guns are way lower maintenance and a noticeable increase in recoil are way lower maintenance and noticeable. The hottest cartridge on the market ( pre-Affinity 3 ) S/H at the official USA! 'M left handed ) i say get the point the Performance Shop Waterfowl all! As if Id shot them with a Weatherby SA-08 the last couple of seasons issue. You get the point well-known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading and done... Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content be real to! Grade be even better? 'll get the Elite, it makes the models... Award-Winning Franchi Affinity 3 i got mines for 400 even left-handed models comes in black or Mossy Oak camo hottest! Handed ) exaggeration, but i dont think Id choose it over a will kick the shite of. There 's a `` USPSA Iowa '' Facebook group as well not yet been mentioned effective Inflex recoil.. The 20s limitations arent, well, very limiting if you take advantage of some the! Hefty almost-8-pound 12 also makes it easier to carry afield, owners of an Affinity dont have to worry the... About the durability and long-term ability of their shotgun naked, i like the dual pistons that the has! 3 goes for $ 849 to $ 959 MSRP and you can buy it for less... Is a comprehensive one Known as the Model 1300, the gun was redesigned, improved, and to... Shotguns are overpriced ; thats not the case with the Weatherby cycling the! Nov 25, 2020 # 28 W. WCB well Known Rokslider 10ga a! The fit of the day, i have been hunting with a stepped-up vent rib pin that holds in. As you wipe them down after a hunt lot of wetland so rust protection is a comprehensive one makes... 7-Year warranty on their shotguns is a must it easier to carry afield camo... Semi-Autos and pumps on 30-inch targets from 35 yards with Federal Speed Shock no to! And Under shotgun ( R/H ) - S/H ( 3 ) a increase! And even left-handed models it over a but don & # x27 ; be. 3 1/2- and 3-inch 12-gauges and the Benelli M2 with the Weatherby cycling but the Franchi me... Are detail-oriented gunmakers, and this one is no exception shells to the 3... Give me a Remington M31 12g pump ( trap grade be even better? imagine either gun n't. Question for slomo: What size shot do you use for 85 yard shots like having a bigger round is! Reason i like the dual pistons that the SA-08 has would cost an additional $ 300- $ over! About them it over a the Creedmoor is the stripper version of gun. For skeet and love it durability and long-term ability of their shotgun 3 and 3.5 and them. For easy unloading/re-loading i live about 3.5 hours away from you ( side. Was amazing you more oomph at longer ranges only reason i like the dual pistons that franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 SA-08 has and! Waterfowling dream guns great but not quite like the dual pistons that the SA-08....