I think the Franchi 48 AL is probably a fine shotgun but not for me as I indicated. The recoil is unique in sensation but not formidable by any means. The Montefeltro (all Benellis) having an inertia system in contrast to the recoil-softening gas systems can also be said to recoil more but not that I notice in hunting scenarios.
The Franchi is about 75% (roughly) of the cost of the Ben Montefeltro. The biggest issue for me in getting a 20 ga. auto-loader was the reversible safety assuming an otherwise high quality shotgun. Had the Franch I had had that I probably would have kept it out and worked the other kink I mentioned.
Gdv
