Initially I had planned on getting the M2, but after doing more research, there seem to be more advantages to the Affinity. I’ve also read you have to be careful when drilling/tapping because of how thin the receiver is. Other feedback it seems I’ve read a lot of complaints of the M2 having a heavy trigger and not shooting POA (won’t really matter since I plan to use an optic). The only other discernible difference I’ve come across is the location of the recoil spring is in the stock for the M2 vs over the mag tube on the Affinity which makes them balance differently, and apparently is also a pain to get to on the M2.
The only advantage to the M2 seems to be the comfortech stock resulting in less recoil. The Franchi is already drilled/tapped and has oversized bolt controls. I’ve done as much research and read through as many previous threads I can find. On paper, these two guns are almost identical and from my understanding come out of the same factory. We put this gun to the test, check them out at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse gun counter.I’ve narrowed my next turkey gun down to these two options.
Franchi affinity series#
It is also available in Optifade Waterfowl Timber and in 12 or 20 gauge.įor the sportsman or woman looking for a comfortable and easy-to-shoot gun that has a ton of versatility, reliability, and value, they should take a hard look at the Elite series of Franchi Affinity 3 or 3.5 shotguns. Our test model is an Affinity 3 Elite in Optifade Waterfowl Marsh in 12 gauge.
The Elite comes with a shim kit for adjustment, oversized extended choke tubes in close, mid, and long-range in a case with a wrench, so it is ready to pull it out of the case and get shooting. And the TSA butt pads help absorb felt recoil. The ergonomics of this work together with the mechanics to make it a natural pointer and is great for busting clays or ruffling feathers. Other features that make this a great shooting shotgun is a thinner wrist for a lower bore axis cheek weld for better sighting, an adjustable cast and drop on the stock for better fit and more comfortable length of pull, and slimmer forends, so the gun is a great fit for any shooter.
The Affinity Elite is a semi-automatic and uses the proven Inertia Drive for consistent and reliable feeding and extraction, even when dirty, damp, or dry so, when those big honkers come fluttering in, you know you will get the job done. This means you can easily switch between light trap target loads all the way up to heavy high brass magnum loads without fear of extraction issues.
The Franchi Precision Cone improves your shot pattern consistency and the chrome-lined barrel makes it easier to clean out fouling.Īvailable in either the Affinity 3 or the 3.5, you can get it chambered to accept 3-inch shells or 3.5-inch shells, and of course they will both shoot 3 and 2 ¾-inch without modification. A SureCycle bolt release and an oversized bolt handle make it easier to operate with bulky winter gloves. With Cerakote finish on the barrel, action, and magazine cap to protect the metal from the elements, to special Optifade camo patterns to provide the best concealment in a variety of environments, to upgraded fiber optic front sights, the Elite sets you apart from your standard shotgun.Īnd the upgrades aren’t just aesthetic. Designed with the waterfowl hunter in mind, the Franchi Affinity 3 Elite shotgun provides next-level enhancement of Franchi’s already stellar shotgun.