The Franchi 48 AL Shotgun

If you are looking for a sweet home defense weapon, the Franchi 48 AL Shotgun just may be the perfect one for you! Although thisfranchi 48 AL shotgun innovative shotgun was introduced over 50 years ago, it was among the first semi-automatic shotguns to incorporate a lightweight aluminum receiver. Thus, with a unloaded weight of 5.4 to 5.7 pounds, it is perfect for those long days in the dove field or keeping your home safe from home invaders where a lightweight, quick handling, shotgun is the order of the day.

Low Recoil

Manufactured by Italian gun maker Franchi Luigi S.p.A., the 48 AL is a vintage shotgun model that operates using John M. Browning’s long recoil system. Thus, unlike the majority of shotguns manufactured today that use a gas operated piston to cycle the bolt to eject the spent round and load a new round into the chamber, the Franchi 48 AL operates by locking the bolt and the barrel together when the gun is in battery and then, when a live round is fired, both the bolt and the barrel move to the rear together approximately one inch or so before the bolt is allowed to mechanically unlock from the barrel and thus eject the spent round. Consequently, because the inertia of both the bolt and the barrel are used to overcome the resistance of the recoil spring and cycle the action, felt recoil is greatly reduced which is a welcome feature in such a lightweight shotgun. Furthermore, this type of action is completely and utterly reliable because it does not depend on expended gas from the fired round to cycle the action and thus, there is no gas port, gas tube, or o-rings to become clogged or worn and thus, it functions properly every time you pull the trigger regardless of weather conditions.

Also, in my opinion, the Franchi 48 AL is one of the prettiest semi-automatic shotguns on the market today since it is reminiscent of the Browning Auto 5 with its “humpback” receiver as opposed to the rounded receiver featured on most semi-automatic shotguns manufactured today. It is available in your choice of a Satin Walnut or A-Grade Satin Walnut stock and forearm made from highly figured, premium grade, walnut with a 14 1/2″ length of pull, a 1 1/2″ drop at the comb, and a 2 1/2″ drop at the heel. Plus, the A-Grade stock is available with either a “Prince of Wales” butt stock which features an over/under style rounded pistol grip or a standard style pistol grip. Plus, there is also a short stock model that is specifically designed for shooters with a shorter than standard length of pull as well as for youths which has 12 1/2″ length of pull, a 1 1/2″ drop at the comb, and a 2 1/2″ drop at the heel.

In addition, both the pistol grip and the forearm feature fine-line cut checkering for a positive grip with either bare hands or shooting gloves. Plus, in order to provide extra comfort for the shooter as well as extra fast handling when pursuing fast moving game such as grouse, pheasants, and quail, the Twin Shock Absorber rubber recoil pad features a rounded top which is specifically designed to prevent snagging on your shirt or vest when the gun is raised to the shoulder. Furthermore, the barrel of the Franchi 48 AL features a stepped vent rib for quick target acquisition over the high-back receiver.

Light Weight

Another feature that makes the Franchi 48 AL such and excellent home defense shotgun is that it is available in either 20 gauge or 28 gauge with a 2 3/4″ chamber and it is designed to cycle any size load ranging from low brass to high brass. I am a fan of 20 gauge for home defense. Also, it features a tubular magazine with a capacity of four rounds instead of the standard five rounds for a slight weight savings. In addition, the safety on this gun is located within easy reach of the shooter’s index finger at the back of the trigger guard and the bolt release button is located on the left side of the receiver. All this makes it an excellent weapon for smaller people such as women or teens.

This shotgun is available with a wide range of barrel lengths ranging from 24″, to 26″, to 28″ and all barrels feature screw-in choke tubes. Furthermore, the gun comes standard with Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full choke tubes and an accompanying choke tube wrench.

Last, in my opinion, the Franchi 48AL is one of the most comfortable to shoulder and shoot because the stock features a greater degree of drop at the heel than the Browning A-500s. Also, I really like the moderately curved pistol grip on the stock because is it less vertical than most pistol grips I encounter and thus, I am able to shoot more in the English style with a high elbow position rather than a low elbow position which I find helps me get on target faster and then stay there on fast moving game. Consequently, I would defiantly suggest that anyone who is in the market for a shotgun give the Franchi 48 AL a try.

Check out the video from Franchi and let us know what you think about the Franchi 48AL in the comments.

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