poplaecono.blogg.se - march 2022

#FRANCHI AFFINITY 3.5 PRO#

The main mass of the gun then goes back in recoil while the bolt head stays still, relative to the barrel into which it is locked. On firing, the pressure in the barrel holds the bolt head in place by suction (because a vacuum is created). The main mechanism, the bolt body and rotating bolt head, is near enough identical, but the bolt and head are not interchangeable between marques, although some parts, such as extractors and springs, are (plus the Franchi bolt, just to be different, sits on a rail absent in the Benelli). It is, in essence, the same as that in a Benelli M2, save for the fact that the recoil spring is positioned around the magazine tube and not within a dedicated tube in the butt. Let’s discuss the Franchi’s clever operating mechanism. The test Affinity is equipped with a useful ‘TSA’ recoil pad (a 30mm pad is available for a little extra length too) and a small translucent foresight, which I like although it looks quite delicate. The balance is quite forward as mentioned – about 1¼” from the front of the receiver – even with a 28” barrel. It is also notable for a slim fore-end, and a slim grip (perhaps a little too slim for me with bare hands). On the dry-handling front, I have noted the gun is relatively light. If that sounds like bias, well, it is, but it’s an opinion forged from long experience of Beretta semi-auto barrels. I have watched the hammer-forging process in the factory many times, and I will venture the opinion that through it and Beretta’s metallurgical expertise, the Gardonne giant makes what I consider to be the toughest barrels in the world. I might add that they also benefit from Beretta barrel-making. Franchi of course benefits from all the Benelli technology…” Specifically, the barrels are made by Beretta and the rest is made by Benelli. Robert Frampton of GMK elaborates: “The Franchi offices are now based within the Benelli factory and the Affinity 3 is entirely made in Italy within the Beretta group. Most modern semi-automatics are gas operated – not including the test gun, of course, or the Benelli design, upon which it is based. Moreover, the last two systems are seen in guns with and without rotating bolt heads, (a feature popularised by Winchester). Without getting too techy, the main forms of semi-auto are the Browning long-recoil system (old A5), gas operation (as perfected by Remington and Beretta), and the Benelli inertia system.

#FRANCHI AFFINITY 3.5 PRO#

9 Yildiz Pro Black Sporter - test & review.8 Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III - test & review.6 New Browning B725 Sporter - test & review.

5 Tragic shoot day incident sees one dead and several injured.

4 BROWNING B725 SPORTER - test & review.

2 Gun test: new Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III Sporting.

1 Gundogs: avoiding toxins in the field.

They are all, perhaps, best thought of as pump guns, in which gas or recoil energy is tapped to operate the mechanism and cycle the action instead of a human arm and hand. There are various systems for making semi-automatics cycle. The big feature of the Franchi is its inertia-operated mechanism. This also means that it will be made in very large quantities for a very competitive US market and hence can be offered at a competitive price here too. I have little doubt it was redesigned with the US wildfowler in mind. This makes the Affinity 3 well designed for shooting while wearing gloves in cold weather. The latest gun is distinguished by an enlarged bolt handle and bolt-release button, and a bigger loading port. At the moment, you may still encounter the Affinity One at a slightly reduced price (£745). Next year, the Franchi semi-autos you’ll see will be either the Affinity 3 (black, camo or wood) or the Affinity 3.5 with the even longer chamber. The Affinity 3 is the first of a new series. The only things that didn’t suit me were the rather low stock (easily put right with the stock fit shims supplied in the box) and the rather short length of pull – a fraction over 14¼” (perhaps better suited to those wearing thick winter clothing).

The 10mm, parallel, and slightly stepped ventilated sighting rib was good. The specification and layout are sensible. And, before I am seen to damn with faint praise, I will also note that I liked the Franchi’s handling qualities on first picking it up. Camo finishes aren’t really my thing, but some love them, and they are well suited for the foreshore and the pigeon hide. First aesthetic impressions of the gun are OK.