Franchi instinct sl

[ptm]

Any one have any reviews on this gun? I'm thinking of picking up a new field gun on the way to ND for pheasant.

[Phil T]

The gun is very good. But, I'd recommend you buy it before going hunting and use it to shoot a few rounds of trap, skeet, or sporting clays. If you normally shoot US-made shotguns, an Italian gun may be frustrating. Italians aren't shy about giving the new owner enough wood in the butt stock to be able to trim it to fit. Their butt stocks are often longer, and may have higher combs than what most of us are accustomed to. The Franchi shotguns also commonly have cast-off butt stocks (offset to the right), which is an advantage to right handed shooters, but a problem for southpaws. The length may feel just right in the store, but it may snag a hunting vest or jacket. When mounting the gun, you may have to learn to push it away from you, raise it, then pull it into your shoulder. The higher comb may require you to really press your cheek into the stock to avoid shooting high.
Do I like Franchis? Yes, in fact of I were a fan of O/U shotguns, I'd own one. They are lightweight, balance very well, and durable (they are owned by Benelli, who is in turn owned by Beretta).

[ptm]

Thanks Phil, Ive been using a Win 101 lately, I also have a Franchi Veloce and a mid level Fausti, I like the Italian guns a little better but they are so fancy looking I feel guilty dragging them through heavy cover, I was first thinking of the Beretta 686 but with the rising price of everything the franchi may be what I'm looking for. So far I haven't been able to check one out because they are slow showing up here in WA. I'll probably have to pick one up on the way somewhere in MT. How is the pheasant situation looking, I usally stomp around Dodge and then some places near Upham. The mild winter couldn't have hurt anything.

[Phil T]

The hatch seems to have been good. My dog finds quite a few each morning when I let her run just outside town. Access will continue to be a problem, so I hope you're related to someone with birds.

[ptm]

I have a couple of uncles and my brothers wife has land. We also spend the opener with a Rancher who has let us go about the last twenty years. I wondered if all the oil growth would close some gates. I spent the first twenty years of my life there.

[Phil T]

Near the oil patch? Be careful, don't get run over by a semi.

[T Mac]

That is a great looking gun -- IMHO.

PTM...have you guys got smokey air in KF??
Man...it is terrible over here near Helena, MT.

[ptm]

No smokey air yet we've been lucky so far, I think the franchi looks like a good field gun, hopefully I'll get a hold of one before Oct 13th to try out on those opening day close flushers. You coming over for the Balls and chain tourney Tmac?

[ptm]

I snapped and picked up a Beretta SV10 Perennia III instead, should be here next week.