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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28 |
I am researching a new waterfowl shotgun and have narrowed it down to these two semi's. Same Price...
The Browning is a 3" chamber 28" barrel - Hunter model, although the wood looks almost as nice as the premium...
The Franchi is a 3.5" (obviously...) 26" barrel, in either Max5 camo or black...
I shoot over decoys at 30-50 yds and also take shots at passing birds when not too high. If I can't see their feet I let them go... so I don't have to have the extra half inch... although if I did I may be tempted to reach further at some jumbo honkers...
All but one of my guns are walnut and blue. The Franchi finish is likely more practical, but theBrowning moves me... looks, feel, handling... swings beautifully. I have not handled the Franchi - would be a mail order...
Both get good reviews... I have not shot either, don't know anyone with them to try before I buy...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884 |
I've read much better reviews of the Franchi series inertia guns than of the A5 inertia.
I wouldn't even consider the Browning myself.
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 28 |
Further searching for browning problems... reveals a pretty steady stream of cycling issues dating from 2013 to mid 2017... multiple attempts by customer service to remedy, but the problem persists. Others claim to be trouble free. Too many complaints for my liking.
Seems that the Franchi is the way to go... or save a bit more and get a Benelli.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,201
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,201 |
I can't comment on the Browning but I do have a Franchi Affinity in 20 ga. that handles and shoots beautifully. If you don't need a 3.5", I'd recommend the Franchi Affinity which is available in good camo patterns. For an even softer shooter, the Beretta AL391 (gas operated) is a great waterfowl gun.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,010
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,010 |
I have a Browning A5 and have had absolutely no problems with it. Probably have put close to 2k rounds through it on the trap range and am growing real fond of it.
"A free people (claim) their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate."
--Thomas Jefferson, Rights of British America, 1774
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,091
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,091 |
Why are you limiting yourself to just those two? IMO there are many other choices, better choices IMO, to be had.
Have you shot either? If Im going to shoot heavy stuff I want a gas gun for starters.
It�s a magazine not a clip......
Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.�
- Lord Chesterfield. 1750
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,760
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,760 |
No dirty gas guns for me, the recoil difference IMO is very nominal.......Hb
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