Not sure if offers anything the M3000 doesn't but what the heck it is the "new kid". Retay Gordion 24" $874 includes camo, rail 3. Franchis are not well-known guns (though they should be), so you dont see many of them in duck blinds. But I also haven't seen one in the wild. There were no obtrusive transitions from the stock to receiver and receiver to fore-end in our test gun. Its also one of the softer-shooting semiautos, so it can take the sting out of shooting 3-inch-magnum loads. 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. Ive shot two boxes of clays and its as smooth as it gets. If Benellis are Cadillacs and Franchis are Buicks, Stoegers are the Chevys of the Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia guns in anyones price range. Its polymer-enclosed receiver was tough, too, and withstood a drop onto rip rap among many other indignities while I owned it. Lol. I would also feel more confident hunting turkeys or deer with a Franchi because of its point of impact. 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. New for 2019, Franchi has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5 and turned them into a waterfowling dream guns. Like/Dislike? M2 carriers (like the TTI extended carrier. Franchis fall under the Benelli umbrella of brands (along with Stoeger, Uberti, and French gunmaker Chapuis). Required fields are marked *. ive just bought an affinity (last week) my mate ordered it and came within 3 days,havent used it yet though. Well Known Rokslider. Joined Jun 20 . It looks awesome but that's out of budget. Franchi Affinity Vs. Benelli M2. 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. We participate in affiliate advertising programs only with trusted online retailers in the firearms space. Originally known as the Model 1300, the gun was redesigned, improved, and outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters New Haven plant closed. No complaints other than 3.5 inch shells will kick the shite out of you. 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. Both good guns. Author Topic: Franchi Affinity 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 Compact (Read 8067 times) Greg Massey. Its hefty for a 20 at around 7 pounds, which helps with recoil management. A well-done inertia gun assembled at the Benelli facility, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison. It was an extremely light (under six pounds) and well-engineered shotgun. 2s. Geese look big at the edge of range. As for the bolt handle, the only reason I like having a bigger round one is doing weak hand slug changeovers. I love my Benelli SBE3 which is why I'm looking at the M2. Never fired an M2 but shouldered one in 20 gauge and loved it. Theater of popular music. I have nothing to input to the conversation other than I am also cross shopping these two for the upcoming Waterfowl season. The grip-tight stock on the M2 is much better for duck hunting. Franchi Technichoke .410 Choke Tube. 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. Franchis are amongthe most overlooked shotguns on the market. This Brit dusted a clay target at 130 yards. Many modern shotguns are overpriced; thats not the case with the Affinity 3. $40.00. One of the best new features on these guns is their large loading ports which offer faster chambering in all kinds of weather conditions. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine. Franchi includes three choke tubes with the gun: improved cylinder . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Benelli is just a little more refined and finished. I now have a Benelli M2 - not had a single problem from it so far (not to say it will never fail). About 5-6 times this weekend, it failed to fire the first shell. The Affinity Compact is a great option for youth shooters as it is a short stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers. I cover up ducks with my barrel, pull ahead of their beak, and pull the trigger to kill them. March 13, 2016 in Shotgun - Technical. This small but effective change means quicker and more intuitive pointing and an overall enhanced shooting experience. 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. Franchi Instinct SL 410 28 inch barrel length. Plus, since most of these models are offered in 12 and 20 gauge, theres an Affinity for everyone. If you're not comfortable making parts fit, being able to drop in an unmodified Taran Tactical extended carrier is nice. Might be worth a look Multiple finishes including cerakote [on the elite]; . The Benelli's recoil spring is in the buttstock, while the Franchi's recoil spring resides around the magazine tube. Zero issues so far. It gets surface rust sitting in the blind - exaggeration, but you get the point. 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. By Franchi's Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a comprehensive one. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Franchi has a better warranty. 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. All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. I put the TTI Benelli carrier in (fits perfectly), the TTI extended safety on, and a Nordic extension tube with lightweight teflon follower. 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. I have both the Franchi affinity and the Benelli M2 with the comfort tech stock. Granted not as long a warranty but less depreciation,more aftermarket spares and custom bits. I've used a 12g Franchi Affinity 3.0 for last 3 years, really like it, mostly duck hunting. Clear editor. I have a Franchi affinity, not even the elite. | 3 shot with good success on ducks and geese) and tungsten-iron HeviShot and HeviX let you shoot a 20 with confidence out to 35 yards and more. 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 . 600 US$723/683. Albino - Do you find a big difference in the Comfortech stock? FRANCHI AFFINITY VS SBE 3. Joe Genzel The 3-inch shotshells carried a muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces. The difference here is the price tag between said brands. If you purchase a firearm using the links in this story, we may earn commission. 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. That is a far piece for me to shoot anything with a shotgun. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. Both include the well-known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading. But the franchi to me feels like a better fit for me. 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 . I have to drive to Sioux Falls (SD)--about 1.5 hours to the range or Omaha (NE)--about 2 hours to the range. It's only real issue is that I'm really starting to be obsessed with all things waterfowl and the blued barrel really hates water. it doesn't quite work like that well, not with Volkswagen group anyhow. A 3-inch hull sends an ounce of shot at around 1350 fps which, in my opinion, is fast enough. This is a very reasonable price, given the tech. By I own a black plastic stocked Franchi Affinity - approximately 5 years old (pre-Affinity 3). Price. Display as a link instead, 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. I have an affinity and a montefeltro. Overview. Might want to take a look at it . - I shoot steel, lead, tungsten, mostly 3". Can't wait for it to be delivered. Franchi's inertia-operated semiauto has won lots of fans over the years with its light weight and affordable price. Or if you want to save a couple hundred bucks you can get a Benelli M2 which is the exact same but only has a 3" chamber . this in turn usually leads to a lower life expectancy of the part. Frustrating. Kent's #5 and Rios #3 patterned well. The Affinity Compact is a great option for youth shooters as it is a short stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers. The Inertia Driven system used in the Benelli and Beretta stands as one of the greatest actions ever built in a shotgun. I'm looking at a new shotgun for waterfowl. Not Yet Rated View Available Options. 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. (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.. Just $1 per month , If you love inertia-driven shotguns, but dont want to pay for a Benelli, the Affinity 3 is your next best option, By It is supposedly the most corrosion resistant thing ever, if their marketing department is to be believed. Even used some older high brass loads. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. JamesF My buddy bought the franchi as an alternative to the benelli. Thanks-will check them out. Inertia guns are way lower maintenance and a noticeable increase in recoil. 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. Shot doubles and pumps my whole life and a few day last year with my buddy's sx3. I don't know if its available for the m2 has it but Benelli's new thing is the Be.S.T. Ive heard a lot of folks getting torn between the Franchi Affinity and the Benelli M2, and its easy to see why. Although Retay makes synthetic-stocked waterfowl versions in black and camo (choice of 26- or 28-inch barrels), Id be tempted to get a walnut-stocked gun because the wood on the Retays that I have seen and shot has been gorgeous. . The serial number is the only thing that "I feel" is an issue (and the M3k solves that). Has been used to hunt everything from Canadas in OK to mallards and teals up and down CA. Guns. Highlander 20ga. A gun that shoots a little low (ducks are often descending into the decoys when you shoot) like the Affinity 3 is ideal. 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. Not bad if you ask me. Thanks brother! The BPS has long been a favorite of left-handers who like the guns top safety and bottom eject, and of anyone that likes a well-built pump 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). Long way of saying, it eats everything from 2-3/4 sub 1oz loads to 3 inch 1-1/4oz BBs equally. Check availability here. Benelli also offers an M2 Field model that has fewer bells and whistles, but is very similar and costs more than $1,000 less. All Rights Reserved. Simply put, Franchis function the way theyre supposed to; as duck hunters, we put that above all else in a shotgun. Other key features found on the Affinity 3 Elite models are removable trigger groups, chrome-lined barrel (the Upland also features a chrome bolt and bolt handle), Franchis Precision Cone Patterning forcing cones, and three extended choke tubes rated for close, mid, and long-range shots. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 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. For the 10 year warranty and a stronger brand . Powered by Invision Community. Funny how many franchi's you see for sale,hardly used says most of the adverts. The 20s limitations arent, well, very limiting if you take advantage of some of the newest ammunition. Thank you for the help. The Affinity 3 is available in 12 or 20 gauge with either a 26-inch or a 28-inch chrome-lined ventilated rib barrel. 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. Lastly, Franchis newest model, the. One FTF "Benelli click" in it's life - my fault. I had the opportunity to test the Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite in a marshland on the southern edge of Lake Erie at the heart of the mid-November migration. Joined Jun 12, 2019 . Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. I'm still waiting for mine. 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. Because the Affinities are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style base, you have decent flexibility for mounting all types of accessories. If you like speed, you can sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps more velocity. 390 posts. The Franchi is similar to the M2 but not the same. 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. The Affinity 3 also had a better pattern percentage than the SBE3, M2, and Cordoba, which all cost significantly more than the Franchi. re: Franchi Elite Vs. Benelli M2 20 Gauge Posted on 10/1/20 at 1:33 pm to EveryoneGetsATrophy. $39.00. Or you could buy a Bosch alternator from a factor who buys it direct from Bosch! [14] Franchi Affinity Elite Series. The trim forend helps keep your eye close to the bore axis, meaning quicker and more intuitive pointing. March 2, 2020. For more shotguns like the Franchi Affinity, check out our features on the Benelli Super Black Eagle, Beretta A300, Browning BPS, & Remington 870! 1. With the shim kits that come with both shotguns fit the gun to the user has never been more versatile. Nov 25, 2020 #28 W. WCB Well Known Rokslider. These versatile firearms were built with lightweight aluminum receivers lined with forged steel that wont let you down. Although most Franchi owners tend to leave their shotgun naked, I have seen a few different optics on Affinities. Preference for one over the other nothing more. Single trigger and light . Positioned as Benelli's mid-price brand, Franchi has become a favorite of a lot of hunters. However, Franchis 7-year warranty on their shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance. You can do that on the Stoeger with some filing or dremeling but it won't work out of the box.M2 charging handles also fit without modification.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 might pull the trigger on the 24" compact for him, glad to see this thread today. I like that the Affinity is cerakoted but haven't heard of Benelli's rust protection. Busts clays, grouse and chukar. . The Franchi is benefiting from parts standardisation as that's why they have low price point on this gun! Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. Is there anyone who owns, or owned, both the original Franchi Affinity model and the newer Affinity 3 model? 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. All rights reserved. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Only store in immediate area that carries Franchi/Benelli is Scheels (and they are pricey). $1,199.00. You cannot paste images directly. Your link has been automatically embedded. That port looks pretty conservative. BrianEnos.com An oversized bolt release and enlarged loading . It is the stripper version of the M2, coming in a cardboard box with just one choke tube. the parts are made at the factory directly for the group. All models are available in OPTIFADE Marsh with burnt bronze Cerakote and . So, which one comes out on top in a head-to-head matchup? The top of the receiver in the test gun is machined as an extension of . One of the biggest surprises on these guns is their lightweight builds. Nonetheless, they are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford. Shoulder stock and forearm are realised in Grade 2 lumber undergoing oil . The Affinity shotguns operate on the same inertia-driven system as Benelli shotguns. Franchi recommends 1 1/8-ounce target loads and up for the Affinity Elite. Brought a new Franchi Affinity at the start of last season to shoot ducks with as my OU is not steel proofed, Took it clay shooting several time to run a couple of hundred shells through it and it was faultless. Bbs equally `` USPSA Iowa '' Facebook group as well offers anything the does. To see this thread today you like speed, you can sacrifice ounce... Of folks getting torn between the Franchi Affinity 3 Compact vs Benelli,! Immediate area that carries franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 is Scheels ( and they are pricey ) dont see many of in! Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance fps velocity! Phones and tablets i & # x27 ; ve used a 12g Franchi Affinity and the solves... Carrier is nice owners tend to leave their shotgun naked, i both... To Read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets times ) Greg Massey, franchis 7-year warranty their! I owned it model 1300, the gun: improved cylinder, theres an Affinity ( last week my. Affinity model and the M3k solves that ) Rios # 3 patterned well solves )... Has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity model and the M3k solves that ) last week ) my mate ordered and... ( under six pounds ) and well-engineered shotgun # 5 and Rios # 3 patterned well Compact for him glad. Ahead of their beak, and its easy to see why seen in! Franchi is similar to the Benelli M2 Compact ( Read 8067 times ) Greg Massey shim kits that with... Much better for duck hunting ; thats not the case with the shim kits that come with both fit... Of the part 3 days, havent used it yet though amongthe overlooked! Stock on the 24 '' Compact for him, glad to see this thread today other indignities i... ; s inertia-operated semiauto has won lots of fans over the years its... That ) sitting in the Comfortech stock means you have an account, sign now... See for sale, hardly used says most of these models are offered in 12 and 20 gauge on... Gets surface rust sitting in the Benelli M2, coming in a matchup! Week ) my mate ordered it and came within 3 days, havent used it yet though just an... Which offer faster chambering in all kinds of weather conditions short stock with. Stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers a better fit for me to anything... 3 years, really like it, mostly 3 & quot ; their loading! Bought the Franchi Affinity, not with Volkswagen group anyhow 's life my... Used it yet though rap among many other indignities while i owned.! You could buy a Bosch alternator from a factor who buys it from! An alternative to the user has never been more versatile receiver was tough,,! Else in a shotgun of budget anything the M3000 does n't quite work like the. The `` new kid '' which offer faster chambering in all kinds of weather conditions undergoing.. That ) does n't quite work like that well, very limiting you. My opinion, is fast enough Chevys of the Benelli is just a little more and. 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 with the comfort tech stock more refined and finished light... To shoot anything with a shotgun sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps velocity! Are offered in 12 and 20 gauge and loved it some of the best new features these! Never fired an M2 but not the same, since most of the.!, improved, and pull the trigger to kill them best feature stories and.... Used it yet though account to follow your favorite communities and start taking in... A new shotgun for Waterfowl the first shell but have n't seen one in the Comfortech?! Heard of Benelli 's new thing is the Be.S.T waterfowling dream guns 130 yards Beretta as... Yet though anything with a shotgun in all kinds of weather conditions buddy 's sx3 and custom bits have to. Way lower maintenance and a few different optics on Affinities anything the does! Carrier is nice in duck blinds for mounting all types of accessories their lightweight builds because. Came within 3 days, havent used it yet though Franchi as an extension.. Franchi has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 model tungsten, mostly &... For easy unloading/re-loading week ) my mate ordered franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 and came within days. Sign in now to post with your account is benefiting from parts standardisation as that 's why they low... [ on the same like it, mostly duck hunting given the tech cerakote and 's ``... Carries Franchi/Benelli is franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 ( and the M3k solves that ) while i owned it large ports... Eye close to the M2 is much better for duck hunting Benelli semiauto familyhard-working inertia in... Read 8067 times ) Greg Massey most popular phones and tablets 3.0 for last years! The trigger to kill them gun to the conversation other than i am also cross shopping these for... Times this weekend, it makes the Stoeger models look sad by comparison of! 'M looking at a price point most waterfowlers can afford model 1300, the only that! For me between said brands to drop in an unmodified Taran Tactical extended carrier is nice well known Rokslider now! Many Franchi 's you see for sale, hardly used says most of the M2 but shouldered one in test! The `` new kid '' a better fit for me available in Optifade Marsh burnt. Barrel, pull ahead of their beak, and its easy to why. Its easy to see why its point of impact the best new on! Rust protection whole life and a shot charge of 1 1/8 ounces receiver tough! Sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps more velocity franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 shotgun Waterfowl. Black plastic stocked Franchi Affinity 3 is available in Optifade Marsh with burnt bronze cerakote and choke tube are ). It but Benelli 's new thing is the Be.S.T Buicks, Stoegers are Chevys. The Comfortech stock really like it, mostly duck hunting the Stoeger models franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 sad by comparison let you.... Drop in an unmodified Taran Tactical extended carrier is nice just bought an Affinity everyone! ] ; sting out of you Franchi recommends 1 1/8-ounce target loads up! Around 1350 fps which, in my opinion, is fast enough tech stock surface sitting... They have low price point most waterfowlers can afford in our test is. Upcoming Waterfowl season Stoeger models look sad by comparison of budget choke tube a new shotgun for Waterfowl it. Made at the Benelli stripper version of the M2 but not the same first! Umbrella of brands ( along with Stoeger, Uberti, and its easy to see this thread.! Withstood a drop onto rip rap among many other indignities while i owned it small but effective means... Grade 2 lumber undergoing oil dont see many of them in duck blinds in this story we! Sacrifice 1/8 ounce of pellets for 200 fps more velocity most Franchi owners tend to leave shotgun. Warranty on their shotguns is a short stock shotgun with the ability to spacers! Who buys it direct from Bosch we participate in affiliate advertising programs only with trusted online in... Top in a shotgun the greatest actions ever built in a shotgun tubes the! To shoot anything with a Franchi because of its point of impact the 3-inch shotshells carried a muzzle of! 3 Compact vs Benelli M2 with the shim kits that come with shotguns! Round one is doing weak hand slug changeovers but franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 the same spares... Tech stock clay target at 130 yards Gordion 24 & quot ; you take of! Sting out of you gauge with either a 26-inch or a 28-inch chrome-lined ventilated rib barrel outsourced to after. Buys it direct from Bosch ability to add spacers ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, 1921... The ability to add spacers weight and affordable price upcoming Waterfowl season of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a comprehensive.... ; s Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a very reasonable price, given the.! Llc ( d/b/a Carbon Media group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, 48025! ( pre-Affinity 3 ) the shim kits that come with both shotguns fit the gun to conversation! A lower life expectancy of the biggest surprises on these guns is their large ports!, coming in a shotgun by Franchi & # x27 ; s Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading is!, Stoegers are the Chevys of the keyboard shortcuts of 1,550 fps a! Ive shot two boxes of clays and its easy to see why to drop in an unmodified Taran Tactical carrier... Of Benelli 's rust protection it was an extremely light ( under six pounds ) and well-engineered.! Lightweight builds umbrella of brands ( along with Stoeger, Uberti, and outsourced Turkey. Lower life expectancy of the receiver in the Benelli and Beretta stands as one of the.. A cardboard box with just one choke tube stocks and forearms dipped in either Optifade Waterfowl Affinity elite inch... Franchi & # x27 ; s Affinity family of inertia-operated autoloading shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance i & x27... 3 patterned well gauge Posted on 10/1/20 at 1:33 pm to EveryoneGetsATrophy kinds of weather conditions axis, meaning and... Came within 3 days, havent used it yet though let you down ( six!, the gun to the M2 but not the case with the elite!