January 2022, Accokeek, MD January 2022, Accokeek, MD – Franchi adds another distinctive model to the Instinct double-barrel family by expanding its already impressive lineup of fine over/under shotguns. For 2022, Franchi introduces its first sideplate-style O/U called the Instinct Sideplate.
The Instinct Sideplate sets itself apart with an elegantly engraved, color case-hardened sideplate-style steel receiver—a nod to Franchi’s Italian craftsmanship heritage. Distinctly American gamebirds are inlaid in gold on both sides of the traditionally floral engraved receiver providing classical accents to the gold-plated trigger and complementing the rich AA-grade satin-finish walnut stock featuring a Prince of Wales grip and Schnabel forend.
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Since their introduction, the Instinct series of O/U shotguns have delivered the exquisite fit, form, and agile handling worthy of Franchi’s place amongst Europe’s finest double barrel manufacturers, just without the gilded price.
The new Instinct Sideplate shotguns are available in 12- and 20-gauge chambered in 2 ¾- and 3-inch. Each gun comes with C, IC, M, IM, and F extended black chokes, as well as a custom-fitted hard case for safe transport to and from the field.
Instinct Sideplate O/U Shotgun Specifications
- Gauge/Chamber Length: 12-gauge, 2 ¾” and 3″; 20-gauge, 2 ¾” and 3″
- Barrel Length: 28″
- Chokes: Extended C, IC, M, IM, F, and wrench
- Sight: red fiber-optic front bar
- Stock/Forend: AA-grade walnut; Prince of Wales grip, Schnabel forend
- Length-of-Pull: 14 ¼”
- Drop at Heel: 2″
- Drop at Comb: 1 ½”
- MSRP: $2,229
For more information on the new Instinct Sideplate O/U shotguns by Franchi, visit FranchiUSA.com.
About Franchi USA
Known for its high-quality semi-automatic shotguns, over-under shotguns, and bolt-action rifles, Franchi brings over 150 years of craftsmanship and innovation to the gun-making art. Franchi firearms have earned a reputation among dedicated upland hunters, waterfowlers, and big game hunters for their exceptional fit, exquisite handling, fine balance, and proven reliability in the field throughout the world.
Franchi USA | 17603 Indian Head Highway | Accokeek, MD 20607 | FranchiUSA.com
“The Instinct Sideplate sets itself apart with an elegantly engraved, color case-hardened sideplate-style steel receiver—a nod to Franchi’s Italian craftsmanship heritage. Distinctly American gamebirds are inlaid in gold on both sides of the traditionally floral engraved receiver providing classical accents to the gold-plated trigger and complementing the rich AA-grade satin-finish walnut stock featuring a Prince of Wales grip and Schnabel forend.
Since their introduction, the Instinct series of O/U shotguns have delivered the exquisite fit, form, and agile handling worthy of Franchi’s place amongst Europe’s finest double barrel manufacturers, just without the gilded price.”
Mehhh.
I admire fine shotguns. They vary in price, they vary in resale, they vary as heirlooms. The statement pasted and quoted above is not incentive to fondle my back pocket, written by a un-named self assigned connoisseur, bon-vivant, judge, cognoscente, authority, collector, expert, critic, influencer, blind marketing puppet or arbiter of taste. Nothing paragraphed about recessed chambers, long forcing cones, trigger and safety mechanics, vent ribs, bead combination, ejectors, extractors, fixed or screw-in chokes, just a dry spec list. It borders on overdressed for the modern game field.
Now, if by field trial and reviews by known gun-writers post such praise, I’ll sit up and notice. Can report they are made in Italy, presumably mostly by Italians, so if $2300 is legit, a good reason to keep an eye out. $2300 is only good if it performs to feed you, instead of safe princess conversation piece.
My 1900 era .32 Ideal Stevens 44-1/2 does that for 25% the cost.
Every time.
If one should fall off the truck and land in my driveway I promise to give it a good home.
Well since you brought it up, a picture would be nice to add to the article, lol.