Beretta 686 vs Franchi SL

[jwarren]

I got out and tried on a good number of 20 gauge O/U today.
The two that fit me by far the best, and to me felt very similar were:
Franchi Instinct SL at around $1300
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon at around $2000 (slightly heavier than SL)

I was sold on the 686 until i picked up the SL w/ a smaller price tag

The reason for this post is to ask if anyone has personally had any issues with the Franchi over/under??

I don't mind spending a little more for the 686 if it'll save me some future headaches

Thanks in advance for any feedback

[Bull Elk]

If $$ isn't the deciding factor, then I would think the Silver Pigeon is the way to go. Of course, what fits you best is extremely important. I shouldered the Franchi SL and it just didn't fit me well. The best way for me to describe it is that it felt "long". I opted for the Webley and Scott (not easy to find) in 20 gauge (about $1100-$1200). Next to my Charles Daly Miroku 20 gauge, it fits me perfect and is very well made. Yes, they now make them in Turkey, not England, but in my opinion, its the best shotgun made in Turkey. The fit and finish, as well as the wood is well above what one would expect from a shotgun not made in Italy. Webley and Scott makes a line of shotguns over $5,000, so there is nothing cheap about them.

[Ducky's Dad]

If $$ are a deciding factor, then find a lightly used or old stock 686 Onyx. Better value than the Silver Pig. Given the choice between the Franchi and any 686 (except maybe the old Essential), I'd take the 686.

[jwarren]

Beretta 686 vs Franchi SL

Thanks for the input guys.

If $$ isn't the deciding factor, then I would think the Silver Pigeon is the way to go. Of course, what fits you best is extremely important. I shouldered the Franchi SL and it just didn't fit me well. The best way for me to describe it is that it felt "long". I opted for the Webley and Scott (not easy to find) in 20 gauge (about $1100-$1200). Next to my Charles Daly Miroku 20 gauge, it fits me perfect and is very well made. Yes, they now make them in Turkey, not England, but in my opinion, its the best shotgun made in Turkey. The fit and finish, as well as the wood is well above what one would expect from a shotgun not made in Italy. Webley and Scott makes a line of shotguns over $5,000, so there is nothing cheap about them.

I've heard good things about Webleys. What year/model is yours?

Thanks again

[taperxz]

I got out and tried on a good number of 20 gauge O/U today.
The two that fit me by far the best, and to me felt very similar were:
Franchi Instinct SL at around $1300
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon at around $2000 (slightly heavier than SL)

I was sold on the 686 until i picked up the SL w/ a smaller price tag

The reason for this post is to ask if anyone has personally had any issues with the Franchi over/under??

I don't mind spending a little more for the 686 if it'll save me some future headaches

Thanks in advance for any feedback

For a few hundred more, there is the Benelli 828

[jwarren]

Beretta 686 vs Franchi SL

For a few hundred more, there is the Benelli 828

I handled the 12g today. Trust me, if they made it in a 20g it would be on my short list. Very nice gun

[Tarmy]

I have the Franchi in 12ga and love it.

I have found...like most guns...run them wet and it will work great.

Like you, I looked until I found what fit...not focused on price. It came down to the A400 And the SL Instinct...got the SL and can recommend them.

[brey6290]

I like franchi but there is one issue I noticed my AL has a large screw that holds in the buttstock, every hundred rounds or so it works itself loose and the buttstock wiggles off, other than that it's a light gun and pretty accurate

[Horrendo Revolver]

For a field gun I might prefer the Franchi. They are too light to be a target gun.

[Tarmy]

For a field gun I might prefer the Franchi. They are too light to be a target gun.

Question about your comment...

I assumed, at least for me, that fit was foremost...and that weight was not as important. I get that the lighter gun may kick a bit more...depending on the target...

But, in your view, what is too light for a target gun and why...thanks...

[ceh383]

But, in your view, what is too light for a target gun and why...thanks...

A target gun will be shot a lot in a day, 100, 200 or more shells in a day. By the end of a day the recoil from a light gun would be almost unbearable. For a true "TARGET" gun, I don't want anything less than 8lbs....

[Horrendo Revolver]

A target gun will be shot a lot in a day, 100, 200 or more shells in a day. By the end of a day the recoil from a light gun would be almost unbearable. For a true "TARGET" gun, I don't want anything less than 8lbs....

This. Fit is number one in my opinion, weight would be number two.

[Tarmy]

A target gun will be shot a lot in a day, 100, 200 or more shells in a day. By the end of a day the recoil from a light gun would be almost unbearable. For a true "TARGET" gun, I don't want anything less than 8lbs....

That is what I assumed...but thought there may be something I am missing. Thanks for the comments guys...

I am too damn old to push more than 100 or so out the tube on trap...and those are 1 1/8 oz loads...I was wondering if you guys were using heavier loads for certain types of shoots...you answered my question.

[XVIga_Rob]

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/686-silver-pigeon-i-sporting/#FeaturePoint_2

[JagerDog]

I have the Franchi in 12ga and love it.

I have found...like most guns...run them wet and it will work great.

Like you, I looked until I found what fit...not focused on price. It came down to the A400 And the SL Instinct...got the SL and can recommend them.

Who runs an O/U "wet"?

Couple guys at the club have new Instincts. One in 20g and another in 28. I've shot the 28 and it shot nice. Both of these will take a long time to get to 100k rounds. OP didn't list his goal for this gun.

Franchi is certainly capable of building a very sturdy gun. They've also built some which weren't particularly durable. Resale on Franchis tend to suffer. I don't buy guns to sell, so not sure that matters. But a good buy on a gently used Beretta will hold it's value.

I like the Citoris in 20g. Little blocky in 12g.