Recoil Operated Shotguns

[jimmyj]

Having recently purchased a Franchi Model 48 20 Gauge Shotgun, I am wondering why a shell has to be first inserted into the chamber to fire it, as it will not feed a shell into the chamber from the magazine ?

** My Browning A5 will feed a shell into the chamber from the magazine

[sw dan]

hey jimmyj,
might be a button there that acts as a cut off from the magazine.....dan

[WR Moore]

If very foggy memory serves me correctly, the auto load feature from open bolt is unique to the Browning. Scared the bejesus out me the first time I loaded one. Most semi's require you to load the chamber separately and release the bolt manually or load the magazine and then rack the bolt to load the chamber.

If the gun hasn't been fired, it may work like a HK/Benelli and you have to hit a button (side of the receiver) to feed the first round from the magazine. That puts a round on the shell carrier. Then you can rack the bolt and load the chamber.

No owner's manual? Do they have a website you can read/download one?

[max]

The owner's manual says you must load the round into the chamber directly, it can't be loaded from the magazine.

Several years ago, I bought a Franchi AL48 20 gauge for the grand daughter of the farmer I hunt with in SD. When we arrived for our annual hunt, she was not there as some college activity kept her away. I showed the gun to the family and her 12 year old brother wanted to shoot it. He broke 4 clay birds in a row and I felt that settled the question as to whose gun it was.

I drove up the next Spring for on older brother's graduation and gave the gun to the younger brother. I told he and his dad, they could practice with it and get ready for the upcoming season.

He used it with great success for the next several years. Two years ago we were hunting together and in conversation, he told me he really wanted a 12 gauge. When I went up the next Spring for his graduation, I gave him a new Franchi Affinity. He was very happy and is really good with that gun. He is also a world class archer and has amazing eye sight.

I liked his Franchi so much, I bought one for myself. I still owe his sister a gun.

[THE PILGRIM]

Many Moons ago I went on a Dove shoot on a ranch out East of here.
The group included American Hero Hervey Stockman (RIP).
Hervey was shooting a Franchi.
Only one I ever saw in the field.
Me? Rem 1100.

[Ματθιας]

Is that just unique to that make of shotgun?

I have Benelli M1S90 it's inertia/recoil operated and it will feed the first round out of the magazine - at least, mine will.

[Chukar60]

I have a 48AL in 28 gauge and I have to put one in the chamber on it as well.
It is a minor inconvenience. I love the little gun. 5# and 2oz of quail shooting bliss.
When I bought mine you could buy a used one in 28 ga for around $450-550.00. Now they are a lot more money, but still a solid value for the money. I would put it up against the Benelli Montefeltro 28 any day for function and ease of carry for a lot less money.
The 20 ga is a fine gun as well and under appreciated IMO.