Franchi
Franchi has been building shotguns in Brescia, Italy since 1868, and every gun in their current lineup reflects more than 150 years of refinement. Known for lightweight construction and fast-handling balance, Franchi shotguns have a devoted following among upland hunters and clay shooters who put a premium on how a gun mounts and swings. The Affinity semi-auto, Instinct over/under, and Momentum bolt-action cover the full range of shotgun applications without unnecessary weight or bulk.
Read our full Franchi Shotguns Buying Guide ↓
The Affinity: Franchi’s Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto
The Franchi Affinity is the brand’s flagship semi-automatic and one of the lightest-cycling inertia-operated shotguns you can buy. Based on the same Benelli inertia system — Franchi is part of the Benelli USA family — the Affinity cycles reliably from light 2¾” target loads to heavy 3” magnum waterfowl loads without adjustment. At roughly 6.5 lbs in 12 gauge, it’s noticeably lighter than most gas-operated alternatives, which matters enormously on all-day upland hunts. The Affinity 3 adds a 3-round magazine capacity for competition use.
Instinct Over/Under: Traditional Italian Craftsmanship
The Franchi Instinct over/under brings Italian gunmaking tradition at a price point that doesn’t require a second mortgage. The aluminum-alloy receiver keeps weight down without compromising the balance that makes a good O/U mount so naturally. AA-grade walnut stocks, a Prince of Wales grip, and deep bluing give the Instinct SL and L models the appearance of guns costing twice as much. Available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, they’re equally at home on a skeet field or walking pheasants. The Instinct SLX adds upgraded wood and engraving for shooters who want a more finished look.
Momentum: A Bolt-Action Shotgun Worth Owning
The Franchi Momentum is the company’s bolt-action shotgun, designed specifically for turkey hunters who want a dedicated slug or turkey gun that handles differently from their field semi-auto. The Momentum Elite Turkey comes in Realtree Timber and is cut for a Mossberg 500-pattern optics mount, making it one of the most immediately optic-ready turkey guns available. The rifled slug version delivers precision slug accuracy out to 150 yards. If you run a dedicated turkey setup, the Momentum Elite is worth serious consideration.
12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Franchi Options
Most Franchi models are offered in both 12 and 20 gauge, and the 20 gauge versions are particularly compelling. The Affinity 20 gauge is an exceptional upland gun — light enough to carry all day, balanced perfectly for quick shots on flushing birds, and still capable of handling 3” loads when needed. The Instinct 20 gauge over/under is a favorite among dove and quail hunters who want a traditional gun without the weight of a 12. If you’re buying for a youth or smaller-framed shooter, Franchi’s 20 gauge lineup is one of the strongest available.
How Franchi Compares to Benelli
Since Franchi and Benelli share the same inertia operating system and parent company, the question of how they compare comes up often. Franchi semi-autos are priced below comparable Benelli models and use slightly less premium wood, but the action reliability is functionally identical. The Affinity and Benelli M2 Field cycle the same way; what you’re paying more for with Benelli is a higher-grade stock finish and some additional model variety. For most hunters, the Franchi delivers the same field performance at a more accessible price point.
Related Shotgun Pages
Browse our full shotguns for sale page or compare by gauge with our 12 gauge shotguns and 20 gauge shotguns pages. For Italian semi-auto comparisons, see the Benelli brand page.