Gun

[WaveWacker]

Thinking of getting a Franchii 912 Variomax shotgun (3 1/2"). Anyone out there have one? How is it working out for you? Any advantages/disadvantages of this gun compared to Super Black Eagle (I know one is gas operated and one is an inertia system)? How is shooting lower base shells in this gun? Is is heavy/clumbsy carrying it around for pheasants? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Guest]

Might have a tough time finding many guys up here that have taken the plunge with the Franchii. That is not AT ALL to say that I wouldn't buy one, just seem to be a lot of pump lovers on the site.

For what it's worth...I shoot the Benelli SBE right now. Had it for three years and been absolutely, positively thrilled with it. Before that I shot a Browning Gold (gas).

My thoughts: The Gold seemed to get dirtier and would cause me some troubles if I wasn't meticulous on the cleaning. For the range this wasn't a big deal...in the duck blind it was a whole 'nother matter. I thought that the gas operated autos were too finicky for me to rely on in a swamp. The SBE will go thru all helll and back and still come out firing.

So, in my opinion gas/inertia depends on your use. Field/range...I would probably love to have a Franchii gas for the reduced recoil (though even with 3.5's I don't readily notice the kick from my SBE). But for when the dog is kicking mud, weeds, reeds, crud all over the boat and on my gun...the SBE gets the call.

[WaveWacker]

Thank a lot espence1...I too have a dog that loves to drag and flip dump all over the boat (I guess that means that he is retrieving something so it is a good thing!!) Makes a lot of sense. I've talked to many people and they say the same thing about the SBE. Shoot any high quality trap loads with it?? How do they work? Plus if I am reading things right on the Benelli web sight slug barrels are now made for the SBE. I currently deer hunt up Nort' but who knows. At least I wouldn't have to buy another gun. I would really like to get a Browning gold but gun just doesn't fit me right (I like the raised rib). Thanks again.

[Guest]

Yeah, Wacker...I have run a lot of different loads thru the SBE.

I personally have NEVER had a jam or misfire. Even running thru some of the lite 1oz skeet loads that I loaded for my over/under.

Only time I have ever seen a Benelli not load(it was a super 90) is when my old man was firing at a bird STRAIGHT up, and did not get the gun in his shoulder. I think that since it didn't have anything to really push against, the old inertia couldn't chamber the next shell.

While I am not one of them, and I wouldn't reccommend it, I know some guys that don't bother to clean their benelli all season long, and they still cycle like a clock.

You'll be happy with either choice...just take a hard look at what your primary applications are going to be and choose the gun that fits them best.