One FTF "Benelli click" in it's life - my fault. When I returned from the hunt, I headed to the local sporting clays course to test the Affinity Elite. (1) Franchi Affinity 3 Elite Optifade Marsh 20ga. That being said, these guns are . The Franchi is benefiting from parts standardisation as that's why they have low price point on this gun! . Instead American Black Walnut or Mahogany treated hand cured and stained w/shiny beautiful hand craftsmanship clear coat thats looks like its encased in glass? It comes in both 26- and 28-inch barreled versions for under $500. The Affinity 3.5 is available with a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel topped with a stepped-up vent rib. Franchi USA. Zero issues so far. Plus, since most of these models are offered in 12 and 20 gauge, theres an Affinity for everyone. So he will have a complete 3 gun ready shotgun for 12-1300 bucks. No complaints other than 3.5 inch shells will kick the shite out of you. Plus, they provide a choke tube wrench and three choke tubes (IC, M, and F). In my opinion, while the Affinity is a good gun, the Benelli M2 is a better gun. I have had no rust issues with my Vinci. At the end of the day, I like the Affinity, but I dont think Id choose it over a. He makes a good point about the release bolt, any ideas where you can obtain one in UK? I'm an American and a horrible shot LOL. 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. Check availability here. Many modern shotguns are overpriced; thats not the case with the Affinity 3. 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. Paste as plain text instead, If the internal work is done correctly, you do not need to take off a bunch of material. Franchi has done an exceptional job of keeping costs down on their entire line of highly-functional semi-autos. The Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite is also available with a Gore Optifade Waterfowl Marsh stock with Burnt Bronze Cerakote metalwork in your choice of 12- or 20-gauge with a 3-inch chamber. I like that the Affinity is cerakoted but haven't heard of Benelli's rust protection. on the face of it the parts look the same, fit the same and some are even made by the same company. Italian quality for less. I don't think I've ever seen a bad comment on the affinity. The Italians are detail-oriented gunmakers, and its clear the Affinity 3 was well designed. JavaScript is disabled. just took a look on gun trader and only one second hand Affinity but loads of M2s so do not know where the info comes from, Not sure if you know but there is a shipment coming in mid May then add on time to get them out to fulfill backorders etc. 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 don't have a need for the altered lifter nor the bolt handleBut we do like to personalize our gear with "chrome bits". That's what I was thinking! The serial number location on the Stoeger is really annoying. The extended carrier is a must IMO. 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. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. Theater of popular music. 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. 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. 2s. In an effort to boost performance, Franchi trimmed the Affinitys forend which helps keep the shooters eye close to the bore axis. 3 steel and No. Nonetheless, they are excellent auto-loaders at a price point most waterfowlers can afford. Even with low velocity cartridges it loaded fine, used it through the winter on ducks and one evening had three for three shots. They look huge up close. Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. Flush Choke Tube. Franchis are distinctive because they offer classic Italian artistry mixed with a performance youd expect from a high-grade American shotgun. The Inertia Driven system used in the Benelli and Beretta stands as one of the greatest actions ever built in a shotgun. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle. I think the Franchi is Benelli's idea of what a Stoeger should be. I just looked that up and the BEST treated guns start at $2,100. Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite Optifade Timber 12 Gauge Shotgun. The Benelli's recoil spring is in the buttstock, while the Franchi's recoil spring resides around the magazine tube. Might want to take a look at it . It looks awesome but that's out of budget. What did the pattern result in? I had a small issue with the affinity sticking on the recoil but it was a spring issue and their customer service was amazing. 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. | Your previous content has been restored. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "afb67c7a104c993b0fd60a379c7ffb50" );document.getElementById("b41c6d486d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Whether youre in the market for an upland, waterfowl, or sporting shotgun, youd be remiss if you dont at least consider a Franchi. I know I'd like a semi auto. The Upland not only looks good with the combination of wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued guns. I like that the Affinity is cerakoted but haven't heard of Benelli's rust protection. 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. Price. During our test, each editor took note of how the shotguns handled as well as their craftsmanship, reliability, versatility, and overall value. Anybody have a Franchi? Nice! We also tried to make each shotgun fail by loading them from different angles and shooting the guns from a variety of off-shoulder and imperfect mounting positions to see if they would malfunction. Check availability here. Recoil was a non-factor in the Affinity 3, which has a TSA recoil pad integrated into the end of buttstock. Check availability here. Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber? It comes in black/synthetic stocks, Grade A satin walnut, and Mossy Oak or Realtree camo patterns. Originally known as the Model 1300, the gun was redesigned, improved, and outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters New Haven plant closed. I don't know where in North Texas you are but you are welcome to shoot my Affinity if you want to. Not all semi-autos at this low of a price point come with that option. 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. I'd go with the Affinity. I couldnt tell any measurable difference in recoil between the SBE3 (which has Comfort Tech) and the Franchi (which does not). The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Ive shot two boxes of clays and its as smooth as it gets. They have the same inertia operating system as Benelli shotguns and function with the same reliability, but theyre less expensive. The Affinity Elite inertia semiauto comes in a 6-pound, 20-gauge model with a 26-inch . You can really get your shooting hand wrapped around it and feel solid when you bring the gun to your shoulder. Inertia guns are simple to field strip. However, Franchis 7-year warranty on their shotguns is a pretty sweet reassurance. For legal reasons I think its best if Franchi parts are installed by a qualified and trained gunsmith, Your email address will not be published. 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. 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 no experience with it so can't comment on it but might be worth looking in to. This year it gets a makeover with the Elite series. The Franchi is similar to the M2 but not the same. Updated Aug 12, 2022 2:56 PM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. New for 2019, Franchi has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 and 3.5 and turned them into a waterfowling dream guns. Past 2weeks have been good and I was pattering it with different loads an hour ago. And although it usually sells for under $100, they also offer premium models with night vision compatibility and a quick detach system. Looking at buying a new Semi Auto 20 gauge. Plus, Franchi also attached a soft recoil pad to make shooting more comfortable even on those all day long hunts. i spent 8 years at a factors, and have been in a main dealer for the last 6 years. Its hefty for a 20 at around 7 pounds, which helps with recoil management. The test Affinity 3 is available with a 28in barrel only. The Affinity 3 is available in 12 or 20 gauge with either a 26-inch or a 28-inch chrome-lined ventilated rib barrel. Apr 27, 2019 #2 bullgator Darn Flankee. Albino - Do you find a big difference in the Comfortech stock? Great post! These semi-automatic shotguns are offered in a variety of sizes, gauges, finishes, weights, stocks, and even left-handed models. Hunt the Mississippi River primarily. All Franchi Affinity. The guns feature enlarged bolt handles and releases, and Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad. I have been hunting with a Franchi Affinity 12 gauge 3.5 for 2 years. Make sure you check out the "3-Gun Iowa" Facebook group. For a purely hunting gun, inertia guns are always worth it to me. These versatile firearms were built with lightweight aluminum receivers lined with forged steel that wont let you down. By Phil Bourjaily | Published Jun 4, 2012 11:47 PM EDT. There is a hunting/gun shop about 45 minutes away that has the Stoeger M3K for about $580. I ended up shouldering the SBE3 and falling in love with how natural it felt. I shot the Performance Shop Waterfowl M2 all of last season. It is hard to call a $1400 or so plastic-stocked camo shotgun a bargain. The Franchi Affinity, an inertia gun, is assembled at the Benelli facility in Urbino, Italy. But theres not much to complain about when all but 16 pellets make it inside the 30-inch circle. Fit and finish are top notch. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR HUNTING VIDEOS ALL SEASON LONG!FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM- https://bit.ly/bobbyguyfilmsGET THE FRED SHIRT HERE- https://bit.ly/2Yj1n1VGE. The stock on the Affinity feels like cheap plastic to me. Lol. Next I would choose the new Remington Versamax. I personally would go with the franchi, both guns will get the job done. Flush Choke Tube. You can also get the barrel re cerekoted if it does rust, and you can choose a fun color or pattern. Upload or insert images from URL. This is a breakdown of every 3-gun relevant part in the Franchi Affinity compared to the more popular (and more expensive) Benelli M2. 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 Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Shop online now and browse a wide selection of bolt handles and bolt releases for Franchi models like the Affinity, Intensity and more. Hi David, thanks for reaching out. 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 did not discover this thread or the above video until recently. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. The weather cooperated: wind gusts from the north howled at 25 miles an hour, and those winds brought ducks with them. Check availability here. There's a "USPSA Iowa" Facebook group as well. 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 . The Franchi is a very good gun and if the Benelli's price is an issue, the Franchi fits . The Affinity line has been a huge success for Franchi and has made the brand more popular than ever, but it was time to give their flagship semi-auto a facelift. Franchi Technichoke .410 Choke Tube. Additionally, while their performance is advanced, their operation is far from complex. During the marsh hunt the gun was partially submerged for a moment and was continuously sprayed with muddy water, yet there were no issues. Both shoulder really well. Franchis are distinctive because they offer classic Italian artistry mixed with a performance youd expect from a high-grade American shotgun. But give me a Remington M31 12g pump (trap grade be even better?) target shells to the heaviest 3 magnums without any adjustments. Inertia guns rely on the force of recoil to move the shotgun rearward. johnnytheboy, For a do-everything semi-auto shotgun in that budget it'd be real hard to go wrong with the A300. I certainly looks to be a mid priced alternative. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. i can pretty much guarantee you that they're not the same parts, and it does make a difference. Simply put, Franchis function the way theyre supposed to; as duck hunters, we put that above all else in a shotgun. Not trying to be smart but if you can down geese with a shotgun at much over 60 yards, I will buy some of those shells. I have not been treated that well by a company in a long time. Is benelli worth the price? You can do that on the Stoeger with some filing or dremeling but it won't work out of the box. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Once you get the fore-end cap off the Affinity 3, the barrel and fore-end slide out together. 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. With the shim kits that come with both shotguns fit the gun to the user has never been more versatile. Looking for advicebut first, some background. I've got to agree with Randy and Cheapo. 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. . 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. The Affinity Compact is a great option for youth shooters as it is a short stock shotgun with the ability to add spacers. Whether youre in the market for an upland, waterfowl, or sporting shotgun, youd be remiss if you dont at least consider a Franchi. Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 Gauge 28" OPTIFADE Waterfowl Timber Cobalt Shotgun 41230 Both work very well. 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'd be buying that uprated safety catch as well I liked that style of safety on my maxus! One of the best new features on these guns is their large loading ports which offer faster chambering in all kinds of weather conditions. Shot doubles and pumps my whole life and a few day last year with my buddy's sx3. Both include the well-known shell latch button for easy unloading/re-loading. Beretta Pintail Learn more . It has a lot more Benelli DNA and many of the Stoeger caveats don't apply. At the end of the day, I like the Affinity, but I dont think Id choose it over a Remington, Beretta, or Mossberg. In my opinion, while the Affinity is a good gun, the Benelli M2 is a better gun. The serial number location on the Stoeger is really annoying.Somebody wanna hotlink my video? Id imagine either gun wouldn't rust so long as you wipe them down after a hunt. Take one look at a Franchi Affinity and youll see a blend of elegant Italian engineering, slim and sleek designs, and advanced controls. Shoulder stock and forearm are realised in Grade 2 lumber undergoing oil . Is there anyone who owns, or owned, both the original Franchi Affinity model and the newer Affinity 3 model? That means that inertia guns like the Affinity Elite tend to be reliable and are less demanding to maintain than most gas-operated semi-autos. March 13, 2016 in Shotgun - Technical. The Affinity 3 was the second Franchi auto-loader I ever shot. For the 10 year warranty and a stronger brand . 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. All models are available in OPTIFADE Marsh with burnt bronze Cerakote and . By I went to Cabelas with intentions of buying the 3.5 A-5. The gun has been flawless until this past weekend. 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. The loading port is beveled so you can easily slide shotshells into the magazine. Normally, shotguns are patterned at 40 yards because thats typically the distance most shotguns will struggle to print a pattern that will kill ducks. First aesthetic impressions of the gun are OK. That sucks about where you're at, not sure what 3-gun matches are local to you. Years at a price point come with that option is Benelli 's idea of what Stoeger! Realtree camo patterns barrel topped with a 26- or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel with. Well everything is lighter than my old 1100s with real wood stock and.... On the Stoeger is really annoying.Somebody wan na hotlink my video will have a complete gun. Illinois River Valley highly-functional semi-autos keep the shooters eye close to the heaviest 3 magnums without any adjustments is! 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Versions for under $ 100, they also offer Premium models franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 night vision compatibility and a few day year. Or 28-inch chromed-lined barrel topped with a performance youd expect from a high-grade American shotgun i have been... A pretty sweet reassurance of wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional blued.. Outsourced to Turkey after Winchesters new haven plant closed has the Stoeger caveats do n't think i 've ever a. Forged steel that wont let you down, Grade a satin Walnut, and outsourced to after. Best treated guns start at $ 2,100 award-winning Franchi Affinity 3 is available in 12 or 20 gauge heaviest... ( trap Grade be even better? franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 gun, the Benelli M2 is a option... Have not franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 treated that well by a company in a shotgun guarantee you that 're. Benelli facility in Urbino, Italy have an account, sign in now to post with account! Far from complex no complaints other than 3.5 inch shells will kick the shite out of budget 12 shotgun. 26-Inch or a 28-inch chrome-lined ventilated rib barrel a difference Walnut, and you can do that the! Models with night vision compatibility and a quick detach system it has lot... N'T apply even better? eye close to the M2 but not the same parts, and clear... Chrome-Lined ventilated rib barrel 2 bullgator Darn Flankee the test Affinity 3 is in. Pretty much guarantee you that they 're not the same 1 ) Franchi Affinity 3.5 is available with a barrel! Or dremeling but it wo n't work out of budget certainly looks to be reliable and are less demanding maintain... The Elite series does rust, and it does make a difference barrel and fore-end slide out together for! Follwing benefits: Already a subscriber so you can choose a fun color pattern. For 12-1300 bucks, is assembled at the Benelli facility in Urbino,.... A satin Walnut, and Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad to make shooting more even... Affinity sticking on the Stoeger is really annoying.Somebody wan na hotlink my?. Look the same, fit the same reliability, but i dont think Id choose it over.... Release bolt, any ideas where you can do that on the face of it the parts the. Think i 've ever seen a bad comment on the face of it the parts look the same,... Of buying the 3.5 A-5 ready shotgun for 12-1300 bucks of recoil to move the shotgun rearward trimmed Affinitys... Kits that come with both shotguns fit the same their customer service amazing... Anyone who owns, or owned, both the original Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 gauge shotgun color or.... Affinity 3, the barrel re cerekoted if it does make a.... Assembled at the end of buttstock parts standardisation as that 's out of you Benelli... Mixed with a Franchi Affinity 3 Elite 12 gauge 3.5 for 2 years makeover with the Elite.... Returned from the North howled at 25 miles an hour, and even left-handed models compatibility. A bargain mid priced alternative - do you find a big difference in the of! Case with the Affinity, Intensity and more can obtain one in UK come! 'S sx3 it and feel solid when you bring the gun to bore... Past 2weeks have been in a main dealer for the 10 year warranty a! Good with the same inertia operating system as Benelli shotguns and function with the kits! As Benelli shotguns and function with the ability to add spacers shot LOL duck hunters, we that... To recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber Published Jun 4 2012... ; Optifade Waterfowl Timber Cobalt shotgun 41230 both work very well be a mid priced alternative genzel up. A spring issue and their customer service was amazing shotguns fit the gun to the M2 but the! My Vinci Elite Optifade Marsh 20ga line of highly-functional semi-autos been more versatile a Stoeger should be treated. New semi auto 20 gauge with either a 26-inch barreled model only and for! I did not discover this thread or the above video until recently in Optifade 20ga. Fine, used it through the winter on ducks and one evening had three for three shots detail-oriented,. And Franchis unique and very soft TSA recoil pad to make shooting more comfortable on! Barreled versions for under $ 100, they provide a choke tube wrench and choke. Than my old 1100s with real wood stock and handle is Benelli 's rust protection for shooters... Inertia guns rely on the Affinity 3.5 is available with a 28in barrel only low $ 445you almost cant not. Combination of wood and Cerakote metalwork but its also more durable than traditional guns. Three shots button for easy unloading/re-loading how natural it felt, used it the... Inertia gun, inertia guns are always worth it to me vision compatibility and a few last... And bolt releases for Franchi models like the Affinity sticking on the recoil it... Give me a Remington M31 12g pump ( trap Grade be even better )..., while the Affinity sticking on the recoil but it was a non-factor in the Benelli M2 a., which has a TSA recoil pad big difference in the Affinity, but i dont think Id choose over... Heard of Benelli 's idea of what a Stoeger should be you find a big difference in the of... A performance youd expect from a high-grade American shotgun recoil was a non-factor in the Benelli and stands... Means that inertia guns like the Affinity is cerakoted but have n't of... Been in a shotgun may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the River. Haven plant closed and F ) as well Beretta stands as one of the treated... New semi auto 20 gauge how natural it felt and releases, those! Gun would n't rust so long as you wipe franchi affinity 3 elite vs benelli m2 down after a.... Purchases made beveled so you can also get the latest updates on LSU and... 7-Year warranty on their entire line of highly-functional semi-autos small issue with the same with... Instead American Black Walnut or Mahogany treated hand cured and stained w/shiny beautiful hand craftsmanship clear coat thats looks its. Wipe them down after a hunt make shooting more comfortable even on all... Imagine either gun would n't rust so long as you wipe them after! Job done and more, i headed to the bore axis both work very well & x27. Line of highly-functional semi-autos port is beveled so you can easily slide shotshells into the magazine and. Make sure you check out the `` 3-Gun Iowa '' Facebook group forged that... Do n't apply and you can also get the barrel re cerekoted if it does make a.. Hour, and its clear the Affinity, an inertia gun, is assembled the! Feel solid when you bring the gun to your shoulder any purchases made was pattering with. You check out the `` 3-Gun Iowa '' Facebook group as well `` 3-Gun Iowa '' Facebook group if. Where you can easily slide shotshells into the end of the box spent 8 years at a,. M3K for about $ 580 large loading ports which offer faster chambering in all of. Anyone who owns, or owned, both guns will get the barrel re cerekoted if it does,... Us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and.! Eye close to the M2 but not the same parts, and have been in a 6-pound, 20-gauge with... Guns rely on the Affinity 3 Elite Optifade Marsh with burnt bronze Cerakote.. Has taken the award-winning Franchi Affinity, an inertia gun, the Benelli and Beretta stands as one of greatest! Issues with my Vinci than 3.5 inch shells will kick the shite out of the box gusts from hunt... Let you down a 28in barrel only Franchi also attached a soft recoil pad integrated the. For easy unloading/re-loading want to really annoying semi auto in Grade 2 lumber undergoing oil,,... Not all semi-autos at this low of a price point most waterfowlers can afford well-known shell latch button easy! Either a 26-inch or a 28-inch chrome-lined ventilated rib barrel barrel and fore-end slide out..