Shotgun Review: OL Ranks the Best New Shotguns for 2012
The smoke has cleared, the numbers have been crunched, and the results are in. See which shotguns took home top honors.
Editor's Choice Award: Franchi Affinity The Franchi Affinity brings to mind the patriotic song written after the attack on Pearl Harbor: “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.” The Affinity has the magically elusive feel gunmakers always hope for when introducing a new shotgun. Its balance and handling are so lively that it springs to your shoulder with the speed and determination of a ruffed grouse exploding from cover. We give credit to Franchi for chambering this gun in a 3-inch receiver (hallelujah!), bucking the pointless trend of 3 ½-inch 12-gauges, which usually feel clubby and dead in hand. The trim stock also helps in this regard, as does the quick cycling of the recoil-operated action, which is similar to the inertia-driven system employed by sister company Benelli.Even though the Affinity is slathered in camo, don’t be fooled into thinking it is fit only for the duck blind. The entire test team considered it ideal for upland hunting as well. See video for the Franchi Affinity. Test Results AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement |
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Comments (4)
I was interested in the Akkar 600 and even found it on Budsgunshop.com for $380 no tax+free shipping. Then I start trying to find other reviews. I found NOTHING... I looked at Akkars sight and it was sketchy. Doesn't even give you half the normal specs I am used to wanting to see(weight? ,total length? ,length of pull? parts diagram to help understand function?). Also short warranty and probably not worth trying to use. All that said it could be a great gun but I couldn't take the chance.
Yep, I would have to say, I'd rather have a gun chambered for 3.5s, and not use 'em, than have a gun with a 3 inch chamber and not be able to shoot 3.5s if I needed to for some reason.
Also, congrats to OL for finally including some lower-priced shotguns in their test, you actually have some I would call affordable!
Erik- You are correct, a 3 1/2 inch shell makes a big difference when waterfowling or turkey hunting, however, a 2 3/4 inch is all you need when hunting upland game. The only thing the extra 3/4 inch of reciever does then is make you tired. The author was referring to the fact that it is often hard to find a non-magnum gun nowadays.
I would love to come learn how to hunt waterfowl with you in Missouri, and you are welcome to come try out the Idaho mountains for Chukar with me!
Brian
I am truly getting tired of the "experts" dissing the 3 1/2" chamber. You are flat out wrong when it comes to the performance aspect. And admitting you're a wimp when it comes to recoil would be totally embrassing and quickly dis-credit your credentials! Please come with me on a frosty December day on the northern Missouri River waterfowling and show me how a 3" is the same as a 3 1/2" Shell. And I'm talking steel shot, not the expensive $30+ box stuff.
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Yep, I would have to say, I'd rather have a gun chambered for 3.5s, and not use 'em, than have a gun with a 3 inch chamber and not be able to shoot 3.5s if I needed to for some reason.
Also, congrats to OL for finally including some lower-priced shotguns in their test, you actually have some I would call affordable!
Erik- You are correct, a 3 1/2 inch shell makes a big difference when waterfowling or turkey hunting, however, a 2 3/4 inch is all you need when hunting upland game. The only thing the extra 3/4 inch of reciever does then is make you tired. The author was referring to the fact that it is often hard to find a non-magnum gun nowadays.
I would love to come learn how to hunt waterfowl with you in Missouri, and you are welcome to come try out the Idaho mountains for Chukar with me!
Brian
I am truly getting tired of the "experts" dissing the 3 1/2" chamber. You are flat out wrong when it comes to the performance aspect. And admitting you're a wimp when it comes to recoil would be totally embrassing and quickly dis-credit your credentials! Please come with me on a frosty December day on the northern Missouri River waterfowling and show me how a 3" is the same as a 3 1/2" Shell. And I'm talking steel shot, not the expensive $30+ box stuff.
I was interested in the Akkar 600 and even found it on Budsgunshop.com for $380 no tax+free shipping. Then I start trying to find other reviews. I found NOTHING... I looked at Akkars sight and it was sketchy. Doesn't even give you half the normal specs I am used to wanting to see(weight? ,total length? ,length of pull? parts diagram to help understand function?). Also short warranty and probably not worth trying to use. All that said it could be a great gun but I couldn't take the chance.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)