Franchi Turkey

[Evelyn Normington]

ThenI took the gun out to 40 yards. Fewer than 10 pellets struck inside the 10-inch circle with both loads. I shot each shotshell again to see if I had whiffed the shots, but got the same results. I stepped back to 50 yards, and shot both loads twice again. The results were even worse. With my shoulder now throbbing (shoot an inertia-driven gun with turkey loads at your own risk), I was about to scrap this gun test.

But I had some 30-inch targets in my shooting bag from testing waterfowl shotguns and decided to staple one up and shoot from 40 yards. My best guess at that point was the gun was shooting high, causing the pellets to fly over the top of my turkey targets. Sometimes shotguns fit oddly. The front bead, rib height, length of pull, cast, and drop can all contribute to a gun shooting high (or low, left, or right), which is why you should always shoot a gun on paper at various yardages to find its point of impact.

I have shot the waterfowl version of this gun well on clays and ducks, and I think the height of the fiber-optic on the turkey gun is what caused me to shoot over the target at longer yardages. I did go back and shoot the gun again after realizing the hood was just a piece of metal that slid off the end of the barrel, but it still shot high for me. The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic though, and a red-dot would put you on target.

I shot the basic model that is available in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and also comes with standard Turkey and Extra-Full Turkey extended chokes (I tested the gun with the Extra-Full, but shot both and found them to pattern similarly). There is also an over-sized bolt handle on both models and I was delighted to see that Franchi finally upgraded the bolt release button from a piece of plastic (found on earlier iterations of the waterfowl gun) to steel coated in texturized rubber. The Affinity 3 has an MSRP of $1,250, which is pricey for a gun you can only use to kill turkeys, and maybe predators.

Franchi Affinity shotguns are used by discerning hunters around the world, and these are packed with features avid turkey hunters want. A steadgrip pistol-grip stock works with a 24" barrel to enhance handling in heavy cover. A hood over the front sight protects its fiber-optic insert. Oversized bolt handle and bolt release button aid operation while wearing gloves. Receiver is drilled and tapped to accept optics mounting. Enlarged loading port for fast reloads. Modular trigger assembly is easily removed for cleaning. Two sling attachment points accept your sling to free up your hands for carrying decoys and other gear. Extended choke tubes included for easy changing as conditions dictate.

Calling a spring gobbler into close range is a task that is never taken lightly, even for the most experienced turkey hunters. A tom might be a bit call shy because of hunting pressure, he could have hens with him, or there may be a natural interference such as a fence, creek, or another landmark that might detour him from coming to a call. Overcoming such obstacles is a feat in itself; the last thing that a hunter wants is to miss or have a weapon malfunction when the shot opportunity finally presents itself.

I have been on the losing end of the hunt more than I like to admit. Unfortunately, most of the time, the explanation for not being able to close the deal was because of something to do with my shooting ability, the gun not performing the way I wanted, or not knowing the weapons capabilities before the hunt.

To avoid these mishaps, many turkey hunters seek out better-performing shotguns when preparing for the hunt. Quality leads to fewer malfunctions, better performance, and an advantage that will lead to more successful hunts.

I recently decided to put the NEW Franchi Affinity 3.5 turkey shotgun to the test and see if the hype I had heard from other shooters had any accountability. I also wanted to see if the performance would result in a firearm that I would be comfortable taking with me on my next turkey hunting adventure.

The Franchi Affinity line of shotguns has been famous among waterfowl and upland bird hunters for a few years now. The Affinity line is known for its reliability and smooth swing when hunting a fast-flying bird. Seeing the confidence that these hunters have in a shotgun had me excited when the opportunity arose for me to try the reliable Affinity platform in the Affinity 3.5 Turkey edition.

As a die-hard turkey hunter, I want a gun that is easy to use in the field. The oversized bolt handle is one of the features that makes the ease of use shine. Although it may be a minor feature, it must not be overlooked. The oversized handle is easy to use, even with gloves on while hunting. The enlarged loading port is another often disregarded feature that needs to be addressed. The larger port allows for more effortless loading in the dark before heading out or waiting until sitting in a blind before loading. It is quiet and easy to do.

The last factor in finding a quality shotgun is how it patterns. Even though the Affinity 3.5 is capable of shooting 3.5-inch shells, I do not like shooting them; instead, I prefer shooting a 3-inch turkey load.

With patterns like these, I have the confirmation not to use 3.5-inch shells. You will not get much better performance from 3.5; however, you will get a broader range of bruises on your shoulder for no reason.

Check out this step-by-step video on how to mount a red dot scope and pattern your gun before hitting the turkey woods. It's full of actionable tips and tactics to use on your own turkey hunting rig on the range.

S5.E10. Tyler Jordan goes on a scout mission to find where a group of turkeys that have been giving him the run around, were roosting. After sneaking in and seeing a couple longbeards on a spartan camera, he had a pretty good idea where to start the next morning. It brought very little gobbling, ...

Realtree's David Blanton is joined by WWE's Mark "Undertaker" Calaway for a sandhill crane hunt in Texas. The crew puts the Franchi Shotguns to work. With some effort, they're able to harvest the "ribeye of the sky." Check out the hunt and an awesome but simple recipe to enjoy sandhill crane for ...

Shot a very tight pattern with the federal tss 9 shot tss 7 shot the third degree 5.6.7 shot was not as tight but still throws a deadly pattern at 40 yards the tss 9 shot and 7 shot pattern was still outstanding at 50 yards the combination of a 20ga 870 Indian creek black diamond 555 choke and tss 9 shot or tss 7 shot is truly amazing. Who would have ever thought that a 20ga could be a 50 yard turkey gun. I got a 1187 12ga that has taken several turkeys but may get left in safe now that I have seen what the Indian creek and tss shot does through my remmington 870 20ga.The older I get the less recoil I want thank you for making that possible Indian creek

I have been testing tss loads in both 20 and 12 gauge. These chokes from Indian Creek are consistently the best chokes I have used during my testing. Remember, you must shoot more than one shot for evaluation to make an unbiased comparison of different loads and chokes. Also different choke diameters must be tested as well. What shoots great in one barrel, may not shoot the same in a different barrel, even on the same type and brand of shotgun.

Thanks Indian Creek for making a great product.

It is a little premature for me to write a review because of my work schedule I have not been able to shoot these two choke tubes to see if the pattern is what I am looking for. This may not be a problem but I ordered the 555 first and it looked great then I ordered the 562 and when it came in it appears to be a used one which I was not expecting.

I just put a .555 Black Diamond Strike on my 220 Savage Turkey gun today. I am totally amazed ! I have shot 3 other chokes in the gun and all were ok but nothing compares to this. With copper plated lead turkey ammo at 25 yds. , patterns are slightly larger than a softball. With TSS ammo , well you have to see it to believe it !! Excellent choke with lead or TSS. A must have if you are shooting a 20 gauge.

This is the absolute best turkey choke on the market. I have hand loaded TSS for a while now, and these chokes shoot some killer patterns. With a 1 5/8 handload of straight TSS 9s, this choke is putting 360 hits in a 10 inch circle at 40 yards out of my 26 inch barreled 870. Best chokes out there in my opinion! Thank you Indian Creek!!!!

To combat the endless question, "What tube should I use?" Patternmaster developed a line of tubes that are game specific. Code Black uses our patented stud ring in all designs except turkey, which uses 3 phase constriction to achieve the tightest pattern. All Code Black tubes are titanium coated with a non-reflective bronze finish.

What makes an NRA Gun of the Week? Well, this week, it takes a shotgun that has been optimized for two things: user comfort and downrange efficacy. That shotgun should be chambered in 20 gauge and should run on an inertia-driven operating system that seems to defy Newton's laws of motion (at least, as far as that motion goes back into your shoulder). It should print consistent patterns downrange at turkey distances of 50 yards or more depending upon the load you select. It should wear a lovely bronze Cerakote that's as rugged as it is attractive, enhanced with Gore Subalpine Fade camouflage. It ought to boast premium set of fiber-optic, rifle-style sights round out the package for a gun that's perfect for hunting. In short, it ought to be a Franchi Affinity Turkey Elite! In this terrific video from our friends at American Rifleman, you'll learn more about this soft-shooting semi-auto from the good folks at Franchi.

The Scout Compact by CVA has a 3-inch chamber, and this single-shot .410 is the ideal youth model shotgun. It weighs only 6 pounds and comes with a blued steel barrel, JEBS X-Full Turkey Choke, 100% ambidextrous stock, DuraSight scope rail, reversible cocking spur, lifetime warranty and more.

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