Description
The Franchi Affinity 3 Companion 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, GSP Engraving, AA Walnut, 4rd is a premium, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun built for the discerning upland hunter or clay shooter. It combines Italian craftsmanship with modern reliability, featuring a stunning AA-grade walnut stock, detailed GSP engraving, and a 28-inch barrel for smooth, balanced swings. I’ve put a few hundred target loads and a box of 3-inch magnums through one, and it’s a soft-shooting, fast-cycling workhorse that looks as good as it performs.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: Borrowed from Benelli, this system is famously simple, reliable, and easy to clean. It cycles everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnums without adjustment.
- AA-Grade Walnut Stock: This isn’t just furniture; it’s a piece of wood with excellent figure and a rich, oil-finished feel that you won’t find on budget guns.
- GSP Engraving: The German Shorthaired Pointer scene etched into the receiver elevates this from a tool to a true companion piece for the field.
- 28″ Barrel with Extended Chokes: Provides a long, smooth sight plane for consistent leads. Comes with a set of flush-mounted chokes (IC, M, F) for versatility.
- Shim Kit for Custom Fit: The box includes shims to adjust drop and cast. This means you can get a near-custom fit to your shoulder and cheek weld—no gunsmithing required.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge: | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber: | 3″ |
| Barrel Length: | 28 Inches |
| Capacity: | 4+1 Rounds |
| Action: | Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto |
| Stock: | AA-Grade Walnut |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the handling tells the rest. Weighing in at a hair under 7 pounds, this shotgun carries light in the field but swings with a steady, deliberate momentum that inspires confidence. The 28-inch barrel is the sweet spot for most—long enough for stable target acquisition on clays or crossing birds, but not so long it gets hung up in a blind. The price point of $1409.06 positions it squarely in the ‘investment’ category, but you’re paying for materials and finish that cheaper inertia guns simply don’t offer.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the hunter or shooter who appreciates the marriage of function and artistry. It’s for the upland hunter who spends all day with the gun on their shoulder and wants a lightweight, reliable partner that also turns heads at the lodge. It’s equally suited for the serious recreational clay shooter who wants a dependable, soft-recoiling semi-auto that doesn’t look like everyone else’s black synthetic model on the sporting clays course. If you value wood and metal and a design proven across millions of rounds in the Benelli M2 and Super Black Eagle 3, you’ll understand this gun’s appeal.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The inertia system is supremely reliable and low-maintenance. The wood and engraving are genuinely beautiful. It’s incredibly lightweight for all-day carry. The shim system allows for a great out-of-the-box fit. Franchi’s build quality is consistently excellent.
Cons: That beautiful walnut demands more care than a synthetic stock. The premium materials command a premium price. The 4+1 capacity is standard but less than some competing gas-operated models. Some shooters might prefer a slightly heavier gun for reducing felt recoil on long shooting days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Franchi inertia system compare to a gas-operated semi-auto?
A: Inertia systems like the one in the Affinity 3 are generally simpler, with fewer parts to clean since the gas and carbon stay in the barrel. They tend to be lighter and cycle faster, but can transmit slightly more felt recoil than a well-tuned gas gun. It’s a trade-off between simplicity/light weight and potentially softer shooting.
Q: Is the stock finish durable for field use?
A: The oil finish is classic and beautiful, but it’s not a plastic dip. It will show wear, scratches, and moisture rings if you’re hard on your gear. Many hunters see this as adding character, but if you want a gun that looks factory-new forever, you’ll need to baby the stock or consider a synthetic model.
Q: What chokes does it use and are others available?
A: It comes with three flush-mounted Mobilchokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full). This is the same choke tube system used by Benelli and many other Beretta-owned brands, so aftermarket options from companies like Carlson’s, Trulock, or Briley are widely available. You have a huge selection for any discipline.
That said, if you’ve been looking for a semi-auto that balances heritage with performance, the Franchi Affinity 3 Companion is a compelling choice. It’s a shotgun you buy once. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, and an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. If the classic look and proven inertia operation speak to you, it’s worth a close look.
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