The Franchi Affinity Compact 20 gauge has earned a reputation as a versatile and reliable shotgun, popular among both hunters and sport shooters. But what do real users say? This in-depth review delves into user experiences, performance characteristics, and key features to help you decide if the Affinity Compact 20 gauge is the right shotgun for you.
What Makes the Franchi Affinity Compact 20 Gauge Stand Out?
Before diving into the reviews, let's highlight some key features that contribute to the Affinity Compact's popularity:
-
Compact Design: As its name suggests, the compact design makes it ideal for smaller-statured shooters or those who prefer a more manageable firearm for upland hunting or navigating dense brush. This reduced length doesn't compromise on performance.
-
Inertia-Driven System: The inertia-driven action is known for its smooth operation and reliable cycling, even with lighter target loads. This system generally requires less maintenance than gas-operated shotguns.
-
Versatility: The Affinity Compact 20 gauge handles a wide variety of ammunition, from light target loads to heavier hunting rounds, making it adaptable to various shooting disciplines.
-
Invector-DS Choke System: This allows for easy interchangeability of chokes, enabling shooters to optimize their pattern for different hunting situations or target shooting.
-
Comfortable Stock: Many reviewers praise the comfortable stock design, which contributes to a good fit and reduces recoil.
Franchi Affinity Compact 20 Gauge: A Roundup of User Reviews
Online reviews consistently highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Franchi Affinity Compact 20 gauge. Let's break down the common themes:
Positive Aspects:
-
Reliability: Users frequently cite the shotgun's reliability as a major selling point. The inertia-driven system generally functions flawlessly, ensuring consistent cycling and performance.
-
Soft Recoil: The manageable recoil is a significant advantage, especially for newer shooters or those sensitive to recoil. This makes extended shooting sessions more enjoyable.
-
Lightweight & Maneuverable: The compact design makes the shotgun incredibly easy to handle and maneuver in various shooting situations. This is a major benefit for upland hunting and navigating challenging terrain.
-
Versatility in Ammunition: The ability to cycle reliably with a wide range of ammunition is a significant plus. Shooters can use it for everything from trap shooting to hunting various game birds.
-
Good Value for the Money: Many consider the Franchi Affinity Compact 20 gauge to offer excellent value for its price point, considering its features and performance.
Areas for Improvement:
-
Finish Durability: Some users have reported issues with the finish's durability, particularly with the receiver. This seems to be more of an issue with certain batches rather than a consistent problem.
-
Sight Picture: While not universally criticized, some shooters prefer a clearer sight picture, suggesting the possibility of aftermarket upgrades.
-
Occasionally Stiff Action: While the action is generally smooth, some users have reported a slightly stiff action, especially when breaking it in. This usually improves with use.
Conclusion: Is the Franchi Affinity Compact 20 Gauge Right for You?
The Franchi Affinity Compact 20 gauge is a solid performer receiving largely positive feedback. Its reliability, manageable recoil, lightweight design, and versatility make it a strong contender for various shooting disciplines, particularly upland hunting and sporting clays. While minor concerns regarding finish durability and sight picture exist, these issues don't appear to be widespread and are often outweighed by its positive attributes.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Franchi Affinity Compact 20 gauge is right for you is to handle it yourself, if possible, and consider your specific needs and shooting style. Weighing the positive user reviews alongside the potential minor drawbacks should provide a comprehensive understanding before making your purchase.
