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 PLUS
FRANCHI AFFINITY MANUAL
FRANCHI AFFINITY PRO
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.
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