Franchi 48 al

Labradinger

Labradinger

Well-known member
I have never seen one locally. I like a high rib/low drop gun. Guys that have them and like them, can you compare them to the fit of another make/model? My only option is buying online. They seem like an inexpensive gamble for a really light 12 gauge.
 
I have one that was my dads. He never used anything else, that I saw. I’m sure before my time he did. It’s incredibly light, reliable and shoots good. It will kick obviously with heavy loads.
 
I have a 20 that I hunted with for years. Same feel as Auto 5 recoil wise… nice light field guns.
 
I have a 12 and a 20. Extremely reliable and mine don’t kick much. I put new brass friction rings in mine and usually leave them turned to the heavy load side and they cycle all but the lightest loads. They are really light guns especially the 20 gauge.
 
Myself and also my brother had one. They were one of the reasons I went to double guns. Maybe we got lemons, maybe we didn't take care of them, but they were both jam-o-matics! My brother would carry a bottle of WD-40 and a toothbrush in his hunting coat! The one I had was the black one. It was pretty and lite but had to be cleaned and oiled about 20 to one compared to a double gun.
 
No they don't run dry. The magazine tube should be clean of any crud buildup. The tube requires a heavy oil like motor oil. It will not cycle without the magazine tube being clean and lightly lubricated. They should not jam if set up correctly. The second thing would be having the rings set properly. Just like an Auto 5. That barrel has to slide on the mag tube with each shot.

Was on a trip one time and mine started having trouble cycling. Didn't have any oil with me. Took it apart at the truck and wiped off the magazine tube. Took the dip stick out of the truck and put a few drops of oil on the tube. All good. Never had an issue with mine unless the mag tube wasn't clean and light oiling on it.
 
Nice. Watch a couple of videos from Art's Gun Shop on Youtube about the Browning Auto 5 and it'll help you understand how the gun operates. It is basically a copy. Rings may be a little different but I'm sure you can find diagrams online for your model of Franchi.
 
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Tons of videos and diagrams online about how to set up the friction rings. That’s where most people go wrong I believe. If the friction rings are set up wrong these guns will kick too much or not cycle correctly.
 
Finally shot this thing and only missed one clay out of 25. Recoil was fine, even with no recoil pad. Panicked when I took it apart, someone had put the governor ring below the spring. Took me a bit to find it. Started looking online for spare parts and realized they arent available in 12 gauge that I could find. Anyone know of anywhere that carries parts for the 12 gauge?
 
Labradinger said:
Finally shot this thing and only missed one clay out of 25. Recoil was fine, even with no recoil pad. Panicked when I took it apart, someone had put the governor ring below the spring. Took me a bit to find it. Started looking online for spare parts and realized they arent available in 12 gauge that I could find. Anyone know of anywhere that carries parts for the 12 gauge?
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Numrich.
 
Unless youre aware of them not updating their website, they are showing out of stock for everything. Same as every other place I found a parts listing online. Can find 20 and 28 gauge parts, but 12 is no where that I can find.
 
I think they discontinued the 12 several years before the 20 or 28. Honestly, you shouldn't need any parts unless you lose a ring or wear out the recoil spring. Running that gun in the heavy setting (if it'll cycle what you're shooting) will help prevent losing any rings. Might check ebay. Also, Art's Gun Shop in Missouri might be worth calling.
 
Are you guys putting that retainer spring over the bronze friction ring BEFORE putting it onto the mag tube? Or do you open it up with a screwdriver and slide it over once its already on the tube? It was a bear to get off that way and it made me wonder if that bronze ring would get marred up going over those threads of the tube.
 
Can you post a picture? I can look at my 20 manual this afternoon and post pics. It is essentially the same setup as an Auto 5. Not sure what you are referring to as a retainer spring...
 
Maybe thats not the correct term. The ring of spring steel that goes around the bronze friction ring. I think its purpose is to provide compression to the friction ring. NOT the beveled steel governor ring the friction ring kinda sits inside of.
 
I know what you mean now. Yes it goes around the bronze piece before you slide it on to the magazine. At least that's how I've always done that. So from the receiver out try: Spring/ring with bevel up/friction ring. See how that cycles... If necessary put the ring below the spring against receiver with bevel down for storage. I'd only do the second setup if it will not cycle light loads. If it will then set it heavy and you won't ever change it again. Keep the mag tube lightly oiled and clean.
 
AKP has it right with respect to proper ring placement and process for re-installing.

I have a 30 year old 20 gauge with a very short barrel that has seen very little use. I bought it for my wife early in our marriage and she never caught the bug like I hoped she would. Anyway, 10 years ago I used it some for my kids and needed to buy a new "retainer spring" as you described it (I don't know the proper term either). The old one must have gotten a little stiff from 20 years of very little use. Seems like I bought it from Carlson's or a related business. Couldn't tell you if they have 12 gauge parts.
 
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