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Matthew

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I’m considering picking one of these up in 20 gauge to play around with on the Skeet field and sporting clays. I know it’s made in Italy by Benelli and imported here. I know it’s a cheap shotgun too. The question is I wonder if it would hold up to a few thousand rounds a year. That’s is a few flats. I work with 4H kids and I’m primarily a trap shooter, but I was looking for an inexpensive over and under to let the kids shoot. Does anyone have any experience with these little guns and how reliable they are? Surely they are better than the Turkish Guns. Thoughts ?
 
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I own a Franchi Instinct SL in 12GA and use it for upland hunting. (pheasant and quail) I also play around with it for 5-stand all summer and then for trap in the fall. Great gun but EXTREMELY light. Recoil is an issue even when I shoot 1 ounce loads. 20 GA with 7/8 will give you a fair amount of muzzle jump as well as kick. I get it with one ounce in the 12 GA.
Mechanically, I have not had a problem in the three years I have had mine. Maybe a thousand rounds per year between hunting and target games. I also coach SCTP and would not loan it out to learn on. If someone wants to play around and try a round, great have fun. I believe there is a Instinct L that is heavier and has a steel receiver. I could see letting someone learning to shoot with that model.
Two things about the gun that are a bit of a pain.
1.) The gun comes with an auto safety. Every time you open the gun, the safety is engaged. You must slip the safety to fire before every first shot. Great for hunting, not so good for target games.
2.) The gun is tricky to load. When opened, the barrels do not rest fully open. You have to pry open the last 1/2" or so to get enough clearance to load the bottom barrel. The first picture shows the gun in the open resting position. The second photo shows the gun forced open so a shell can be loaded.
I enjoy mine for games as well as packing in the fields.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated. Especially bird and water Fowler. Those reviews are very helpful. Perhaps a Browning White Lightning might be a better choice for a few dollars more. The search continues.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
I have nothing against Franchi's ,but for a few $$ more I would get a more reliable shotgun . I've had a few over the years & it was always complicated to get parts
Thanks for the reply. After conversing with another SL owner, I decided on a Browning O/U. Trying to save a few bucks is just not worth it in the long run.
 
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