Description
The Franchi Affinity 3 Compact Semi-Auto 20 Ga, 24″ Barrel, 3″, Black Synthetic, 4rd is a scaled-down, inertia-driven shotgun built for smaller-framed shooters and upland hunters. It offers the reliable performance of the Affinity line in a lighter, more compact package that’s easy to carry all day and swings fast in tight cover. At just over $790, it’s a serious tool for specific needs.
Key Features
- Compact Design: Built on a true 20-gauge receiver with a shorter length of pull, making it a natural fit for youth, smaller-statured adults, or anyone wanting a nimble gun.
- Inertia-Driven System: Franchi’s proven Benelli-inspired action. It’s simple, runs clean, and cycles everything from light target loads to 3″ magnums without adjustment.
- Lightweight & Durable: The black synthetic stock is tough and weather-resistant, keeping the overall weight down for effortless carry. I’ve put a few hundred rounds through one, and it just works.
- 24″ Barrel: The perfect balance for a compact gun—quick-handling in brush or a blind but still providing a smooth swing for crossing shots.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
|---|---|
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Action | Inertia Semi-Auto |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
Look, the specs tell the story: this is a purpose-built firearm. The 24″ barrel paired with the compact stock geometry shaves off crucial inches and ounces compared to a full-size model. The inertia system is a huge plus—it’s famously low-maintenance and runs reliably. You can swap chokes easily for different game, and it’s compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes, so aftermarket options are plentiful. The total package weight hovers around 6 pounds, which makes a tangible difference after miles in the field.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t a do-everything shotgun; it’s a specialist. It’s ideal for a young hunter getting their first quality auto-loader, a smaller-framed adult who finds standard stocks too long, or an experienced upland hunter who values a fast, lightweight companion for grouse or woodcock in thick cover. It also makes a fantastic, low-recoil option for casual clay shooting, especially for shooters sensitive to weight or length. If you’re a larger person planning on waterfowling with heavy 3″ steel loads, you might want the full-size Affinity 3 for a better fit. But for its intended role? It’s nearly perfect.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The lightweight and compact frame is its biggest asset, offering real-world comfort. The inertia system is stupidly reliable with minimal cleaning. The quality of finish and machining is excellent for the price point, which is $793.26. It’s also drop-in ready for most people in its target demographic—no gunsmithing required to get a proper fit.
Cons: The shorter length of pull may require an aftermarket spacer for some adults. The 4+1 capacity is standard but less than some competing gas-operated models. The lightweight design, while a pro for carry, can mean slightly more perceived recoil with heavy magnum loads compared to a heavier gas gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the length of pull on the Compact model?
A: The Compact typically features a 13.5″ length of pull, about an inch shorter than the standard Affinity 3 stock. This is the key dimension that defines the “Compact” model and makes it fit smaller shooters so well.
Q: Can it cycle light 7/8 oz or 1 oz target loads?
A: Yes, reliably. The inertia system in the Franchi is designed to handle a wide range of loads without any adjustments. From my experience, it runs 1 oz target loads just as smoothly as 3″ game loads, which is a testament to its engineering.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
A: Absolutely. It comes with a set of Mobil-style choke tubes (usually IC, M, F). This system is shared with Benelli and Beretta, giving you a vast selection of aftermarket choke options from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster for specialized hunting.
Here’s the thing—the Franchi Affinity 3 Compact fills a niche brilliantly. It’s a high-quality, Italian-made semi-auto that doesn’t force a compromise on reliability to achieve its compact form. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If a lightweight, fast-handling 20-gauge that fits right out of the box sounds like your kind of shotgun, this one deserves a close look.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.