Franchi Instinct O/U reviews?

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Aabradsh

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Hey guys

I’ve sold a couple guns over the past few weeks, to get some funding for a good quality O/U. I’ve handled a bunch and priced out a few (Jesus these things can be big money!) and am now mainly considering the Franchi Instinct LX, in 12 gauge. I’m thinking it seems to be the best cost vs quality balance on the market, right now. This gun will likely see use in duck and goose blinds, as well as for grouse and skeet.

I’m looking for info from guys who own or have owned the Instinct. Likes and dislikes, or other options in a similar price range, if you have recommendations. I currently shoot a Benelli M2, so I’m a fan of a lighter gun, and the Instinct seems to fit me similarly.

Let me know what you think
 
The Franchi Instinct is a nice upland gun that doesn't see a lot of shooting. Its far to light to comfortably see a lot of action, especially using waterfowl loads. Also, there are many better options at the price point, especially in the used market.

I’ve owned several of these guns and the build quality is no where near a Browning or Beretta
 
Would you suggest looking for a used Citori, over a new Franchi? My local shop has a new Instinct LX priced at about $1800, out the door.
 
You can buy a great condition used Browning Citori or Beretta Silver Pigeon for the same price. I was also talked out of buying the Franchi Instinct L despite shooting it really well. They just don't have the same reputation for longevity that the aforementioned manufacturers do. My thought, if you are spending that kind of money get something that fits well and will last a lifetime.
 
Thank you for the insight, I may hold off then, and keep looking for either a Citori of Silver Pigeon. As long as they aren't too beat up, I'd rather have a very good used gun, then a mediocre new one. I've also read mixed reviews from writers at Field & Stream, as well as Chuck Hawks, so this is also helpful.
 
I have a Renaissance which is the precurssor of the Instinct and it works well for me as an upland gun, having said that I don't think the aluminum frame would stand up to competition shooting or other heavy use. I had one minor problem with the ejectors but a good cleaning fixed that up.
 
Aabradsh said:
Would you suggest looking for a used Citori, over a new Franchi? My local shop has a new Instinct LX priced at about $1800, out the door.
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You’ll definitely want to consider how a gun fits you before deciding what to buy. The fit of a Franchi and Citori are night and day different. The Franchi would be more similar to a Beretta than to a Browning. In any event, at $1800 you could definitely find a better over/under for what you want to use it for. The Franchi’s are really best used as upland guns....meaning a gun that you’ll do more carrying than shooting. If you’ll be doing a lot of waterfowl hunting and volume clay shooting, a Citori would be a much better option than a Franchi. But you’ll want to go have a look at one to see how it fits you before making a decision. A gun that doesn't fit you well wont shoot well for you either.
 
Aabradsh said:
Thank you for the insight, I may hold off then, and keep looking for either a Citori of Silver Pigeon. As long as they aren't too beat up, I'd rather have a very good used gun, then a mediocre new one. I've also read mixed reviews from writers at Field & Stream, as well as Chuck Hawks, so this is also helpful.
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Citori's and Silver Pigeons come up all the time on EE. You shouldn't have an issue finding a good one.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I ended up getting into a Winchester 101, practically new, for about $600 under retail. The gun fits well and seems to have everything I’m looking for. They’ve also been getting very good reviews online, so I’m thinking this should fit the bill. I’ll shoot it a bunch, then decide weather this is it, or trade in and keep looking.
 
Aabradsh said:
Thanks for all the replies.

I ended up getting into a Winchester 101, practically new, for about $600 under retail. The gun fits well and seems to have everything I’m looking for. They’ve also been getting very good reviews online, so I’m thinking this should fit the bill. I’ll shoot it a bunch, then decide weather this is it, or trade in and keep looking.
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Awesome. Winchester 101 was a model I was recommended as well. Good for you. Should last you a long time.
 
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