Any Franchi Owners???

[eyepatrol]

I'm looking at a new shotgun and am considering a new Franchi semi-auto that shoots 3.5". Anybody have one (or know somebody who owns one) and care to comment about them?

[Walleye Guy]

I won a Franchi 912 semi-auto a few years back at a DU banquet. Its a gorgeous gun with exceptional wood. I have maybe fired a box of shells through it. I don't like the safety location as I am used to a top mount safety so I haven't hunted much with it. It has worked great the few times I have used it.

[eyepatrol]

Yeah, the 912 is the model I'm looking at. The gun I have right now has the safety on the back side of the trigger mechanism which is opposite of the Franchi, but I can get used to it. Years ago I had a gun with a safety on the front side and was fine with it.

Have you shot yours in the "extreme" cold at all? My big concern is when temps dip down into the low 20's and whether the action is as smooth as if it were 60 degrees out.

[BoxMN]

My brother has a 20 ga. not sure what model, but an auto. It looks nice, swings nice, but I don't really like the action. I shoot a Gold and it is simple as can be, the Franchi has a couple different positions for the magazine and bolt that are funky to me but I am not too bright

He did have the bolt "finger lever" (whatever it is called, to pull back the bolt) just plain pop out of it once. He found it, but would have been bad had he not. He is sure he had it inserted properly, but you can just pull the thing out without any special effort like most autos.

Good luck, he hasn't used it duck hunting in the real cold I don't think, but my Grandson has used it and it worked fine for him.

[CJH]

I have a Griffone 12G that shoots 2 3/4 - 3's. I love it. Its a pretty gun, very lightweight, and works well. I have only had it jam on me once or twice when I was breaking it in, otherwise its operated flawlessly since then.

Haven't had it in the extreme cold yet, but have shot it when it was in the 30's and haven't had any problems with it. I only pheasant hunt and its been a great gun for it.

They seem to me to be a great value - you get a great looking gun that works well without spending an arm and a leg.

[elusivecrappiecatcher]

My buddy just got one a few months back after his pile of Super X2 kept jamming up. He loves his Franchi. I believe it is the 912 as well, but he got the black synthetic stock.

[bemidjibasser]

I have an I-12 and have had no problems whith it shooting duck/ goose loadsin the cold/snow/freezing rain... Light low base target loads don't kick out well however...

[HugoBox]

I have the 20 auto gas gun and its been good. Bought it as an extra and have shot a few grouse with it. Sor far its been reliable but I honestly haven't abused it much.

[Joe15]

I have the gun your looking at I think. Its a 12 ga. semi auto synthetic stock 912 variomax franchi and it shoots 3 1/2. It is such and awesome gun. I hunt ducks geese and pheasants with it as well as shoot trap. As far as your question about cold. It doesn't seem to affect it at all. I would strongly suggest this gun to you. Where abouts are you in minnesota?