Franchi Semi auto

[dan_84]

http://tablet.franchiusa.com/firearms/48_al/index.php

 

Just recently got hold of one of these franchi semi autos it's a very nice gun with lovely engraving and excellent at its job off killing what you aim at( within range obviously) but the only drawback is the long recoil which make it kick like a donkey and after a decoying session lately ended up with a nice bruise on my shoulder!!

I just wondered what peoples views were on this gun and which cartridge you prefer to use with it as I'm using the hull superfast 29g which I'm really liking at the moment!!

Any of your views and recommendations and stories would greatly be appreciated

Thanks dan

[blasterjudd]

Yes i had one mine kicked too but that cos its recoil operated and built to last.

Nice gun but buy a gas operated auto if you dont like the kick i did!

[butchdickason]

I have been using Franchi 48AL for about 20 years now, they are a great gun, I use 32gm Hull Pigeon most of the time and do not have any problem with recoil. I am small, 9 st 7 lb and do not notice the recoil at all. I reckon your gun is not fitting you well as the long recoil should absorb most of the back motion. Hope you get it sorted OK.

 

Butch

[stu nesling]

if you want to stick with franchi, look for a raptor,612 or 712 gas auto

awesome guns

[Dogs]

Hi mate, great guns had a few ! once you get yer head round em they shoot ok

not to sure about the engraving bit though

[Davyo]

I use 32g n6,don't notice the recoil, I suppose I got used to it.I love the AL in my opinion a great pigeon gun.Just keep it clean and you will have no probs.

[Wharf Rat]

I use 36g 3 shot loads through mine no probs. If you miss-mount them they can give you a clout same as any other gun, but more so than a gas opeated will.

 

If it is recoiling too much check fit first. You can alter the friction ring on the mag tube also. Straight edge facing receiver is the heavy load setting, bevel edge facing reciver for light loads.

[dollydip]

I have one and i love it I have used 28 g 7.5 ,,, the hull 29g 6 and 30 g & 32 g no 6's no problem It's a really good gun

[srspower]

Hate to be the one to say it, but man up! I often shoot 100+ rounds with an over and under, lots of recoil but that's just a question of getting used to it. Your shoulder soon hardens up

[The Ghost]

I have two of them 25" 1/4 choke and a 28" full choke both fit like a glove never had a problem with kick.

I think it may be a bit long for you, or not fitting correctly....great guns use 32g most of the time.

Both of mine are 14.5" LOP I am 5ft 8"

Edited May 28, 2013 by The Ghost

[Underdog]

Recoil is a subjective thing! Or rather a personal thing.

Check that ring as already mentioned. Those superfast shells from Hull are snappy!.

Great auto by the way.

 

U.

[casts_by_fly]

It isn't the action style. It is the fact that the gun weighs a touch over 6 lb that is doing it. The recoil style for a long recoil action is different (more a double tap than a big push) but for a gun with the same weight in a different action style you'll find it is the same. I shoot a 6 lb SxS and a 6 lb 48AL with the same cartridges and the recoil is the same. When you go up to a hevier gun the recoil deadens a bit.

 

Do check the friction ring settings. It should be in the 'normal' position as the 'magnum' postion is for loads of 36g or heavier. The way to check is to take off the barrek and look at the inside back of the action. The barrel shouldn't be slamming up against it when it cycles. If there is damage (not wear, actual damage) then you might want to flip the friction ring. Just try it with your loads before you take it out for the day to ensure it cycles.

 

thanks

rick

[dan_84]

Thanks for your comments guys and yes rick it is actually set for magnums and was like this when I bought it so that could well be the problem I will have to have a look at it and as I don't really have the need to fire magnums think I will set it to normal

Dan

[casts_by_fly]

If it is cycling just fine in the magnum position, then leave it there. putting it in the 'normal' position will lessen the resistance on cycling the action and the barrel will slap into the receiver harder.

 

thanks

rick

[rioulike]

if you want to stick with franchi, look for a raptor,612 or 712 gas auto

awesome guns

ive got a 612,and as stu says its awesome.......gets used more than most (working gun) very rarely gets cleaned,its not pretty to look at but just keeps going.When its finaly dies it will be replaced with another

[Underdog]

ive got a 612,and as stu says its awesome.......gets used more than most (working gun) very rarely gets cleaned,its not pretty to look at but just keeps going.When its finaly dies it will be replaced with another

Hmmm, the Franchi gassers just dont swing the same as the 48's!

 

U.

[Fisheruk]

I've used magnum loads and lighter stuff, find the recoild less than the o/u. Great gun

[wabbitbosher]

I'd try something other than superfast , i find them punchy even in a Mossberg semi

[Scully]

As I've often said;I think Franchi are one of the most underated guns on the market.Had a 620 some years ago;great gun.

[B B]

Great guns i have a 3 inch magnum i will never sell it, as said leave it on the mag setting if its cycling the rounds you are shooting, the 48al is a light gun and regardless of action light guns have more felt recoil the gun will generate some recoil but less than an inertia action like on the bennelis.

[saddler]

IF the friction ring assembly is set up for light loads, then with any other load they'll kick like a mule

 

The Franchi auto is based on the Browning Auto-5 - same long recoil design, same friction ring system

 

I set my Auto 5 up for heavy shells and it cycles ANY that I feed it

[casts_by_fly]

The A5 is a little more tollerant of different loads. While it is the same basic design, I've found that it is a bit smoother. I think it is the action spring (not the recoil spring) design that makes the difference. My dad shoots an A5 and I the 48AL. His is super smooth to rack the action (like every A5 I've handled) while the franchi is always just a little tougher. I think the action spring design is just a touch short and thus a little heavier and nearly bottoms out at the end of the stroke.

 

thanks

rick

[B B]

I agree with the above observations on the A5 and the 48al, i currently have both an A5 16ga and a 48 al and as with Bennelis( 90% of benneli problems can be traced to inproper lubrication) proper lubrication of the back spring system can make a big difference to just how slick either of them run around the bolt, i have for years used graphite spray to lubricate this area as the medium evaporates leaving just the graphire powder coating there is no sticky lube to get contaminated with debris and powder residue the bolt flies home better than it ever did once you lubricate it in this way.