[Sox]

Just picked one of these up. Nice and light, gas operated. Not alot of info on the search boards. It was a toss up between this and the 1201FP. Wanted softer recoil. I do have a question- how can I remove the front sight. The bead unscrews, but then how do I remove the little ramp it is situated on? I don't think it is soldered on? It looks as if there is a little hole for a detent or something in the very front of this? I am perplexed. I want to flush fit my fiberoptic sight. I was unable to find a bead that fit. I think this is a 3mm thread. Thanks for your wisdom.:)

[Mannlicher]

While I have not handled the Franchi you speak of, I have owned a Franchi. I purchased an Automatic 12 back in 1971. I think Stoegar imported them then. Mine had a 28 inch barrel, Modified choke. I used it for everything for a few years, and then traded it off when I got the yen for choke tubes. Good guns, and very reliable.