While not as famous as Beretta or perhaps some of the modern Italian companies such as Benelli, Luigi Franchi S.p.A. has been producing firearms for almost as long as Italy has been a country. The family-owned business opened its doors in 1868 in the town of Brescia and operated independently until it was bought by Beretta in 1993.

As a division of Beretta, it continues to manufacture over/under and semiautomatic shotguns, and among its most popular firearms is the aptly named Affinity. The line is distinctive as it offers a mix of Italian artistry, the level of performance one might expect to find in a high-grader American shotgun, and a very attractive price point. 

It is easy to see why some hunters have developed an “affinity” for the Franchi Affinity.  

The line was first introduced at the 2012 SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show), and the shotguns—which have been available in both 12- and 20-gauge—has since that time been a good entry-level for Italian models and even seven years later was still among the top five selling semiautomatics for last year according to the NRA’s American Rifleman based on data from GunBroker.com.   

Lean Semi-Auto 

The Affinitymodels include a 12-gauge that weighs in at 6.4 pounds, while the 20-gauge is a lean 5.6 pounds. All of the models utilize the simplistic Benelli-designed Inertia Driven system, which requires no adjusting while providing consistent, reliable cycling. This gives even the beefier 12-gauge the feel of a smaller gauge gun. The system also handles light field loads to 3 1/2-inch magnums, and there are just three main parts including the bolt body, inertia spring and rotating bolt head.

The line features a set of stock adjustment shims that allows shooters to customize the fit, while the synthetic stock and TSA recoil pad handles the kick from the shotgun even when shots are fired in close succession.  

What also sets this line apart is that the Italian company has had young and female shooters in mind with two specific models. First, the Affinity Compact is a short stock shotgun, available in 24-inch and 26-inch versions, which can “grow” by the uses of spacers and the short stock can be even replaced with a full-size buttstock when the time comes. Then there is the Affinity Catalyst, which was crafted for the women hunters out there. This model’s drop, cast, pitch and length-of-pull were all tailored to a women's build; while the lightweight, fit, feel and responsiveness should be noticeable as well.

In addition, a full-mirror version is also available for left-handed shooters, ensuring that hunters of all sizes, sexes and handedness will have an affinity for Franchi’s semi-automatic shotgun line up.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.