Franchi 720 or Beretta A303
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The beretta will have a lot better resale value if she decides to upgrade or you want to sell it. The Beretta is also a better gun in my opinion. The 303 I shoot is pretty light and has a little kick to it. If she can stand the weight of a 391 12 ga Beretta, it really won't kick any more than the 303 in 20 ga.
berettashotgun
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I'm looking for a 620 or 720 for quail.
The Beretta's are nice, but .....the 301/2/3 in 20 ga that I have cannot cycle 100% when I have a magnum barrel on them.
I learned to shoot with an AL-2 12ga, never seemed like it kicked at all, just a little big for me.
One gas port isn't enough for mirage shells. Regular non mag barrels vent plenty of gas to reliably cycle the action.
Sometimes the action return spring in the stock gets a little old and moldy and needs replacement, but that is from a hunting environment with water
I like the 391 very well, but this past season the magazine cap retainer plunger took a nosedive - it is a ridiculous departure from the hairpin retainer spring used in the 301/2/3 and AL2 models.
"Hey guys, this part works perfectly every time and NEVER wears out, we need to re engineer this."
From the pictures I looked at, the Franchi recoil spring assembly is in the forearm; EXACTLY like my Extrema - and that shotgun is a very gentle shooter with turkey loads.
I would believe either shotgun would work perfectly, but, the Franchi has been discontinued and the 303 has been out of production for almost 3 decades ( the horror
) but they almost never have a problem.
I think ( but don't know!) a Wallyworld beretta is about the best thing going, possibly you might find one? I'll bet the 20ga is almost impossible to locate.:banghead:
It is a toss up either way, and I'll almost bet the stock shims for the Beretta will work on the Franchi. Fit is of the up most importance for your new league pardner.
If you run across a 620 send me a pm, I have been looking for one.
If you opt for the Beretta 303, and need a barrel shoot me a pm, I believe I have a 20ga Browning B-80 26" with invector chokes NIB somewhere around here.
The Beretta's are nice, but .....the 301/2/3 in 20 ga that I have cannot cycle 100% when I have a magnum barrel on them.
I learned to shoot with an AL-2 12ga, never seemed like it kicked at all, just a little big for me.
One gas port isn't enough for mirage shells. Regular non mag barrels vent plenty of gas to reliably cycle the action.
Sometimes the action return spring in the stock gets a little old and moldy and needs replacement, but that is from a hunting environment with water
I like the 391 very well, but this past season the magazine cap retainer plunger took a nosedive - it is a ridiculous departure from the hairpin retainer spring used in the 301/2/3 and AL2 models.
"Hey guys, this part works perfectly every time and NEVER wears out, we need to re engineer this."
From the pictures I looked at, the Franchi recoil spring assembly is in the forearm; EXACTLY like my Extrema - and that shotgun is a very gentle shooter with turkey loads.
I would believe either shotgun would work perfectly, but, the Franchi has been discontinued and the 303 has been out of production for almost 3 decades ( the horror
) but they almost never have a problem. I think ( but don't know!) a Wallyworld beretta is about the best thing going, possibly you might find one? I'll bet the 20ga is almost impossible to locate.:banghead:
It is a toss up either way, and I'll almost bet the stock shims for the Beretta will work on the Franchi. Fit is of the up most importance for your new league pardner.
If you run across a 620 send me a pm, I have been looking for one.
If you opt for the Beretta 303, and need a barrel shoot me a pm, I believe I have a 20ga Browning B-80 26" with invector chokes NIB somewhere around here.
JWF III
Member
I have no true experience with either gun, but I absolutely love my Franchis.
I have a 48 AL that is a joy to carry through Quail Country. My 912 has been through hell with me as a waterfowl gun, and never even hiccupped once. And my 712 Raptor is amazing on the clays.
I'd have to say that the statements of Beretta being better quality are pure hogwash. (They are on equal ground here.) As far as resale value goes, that may or may not be true. There are a lot of dedicated Franchi shooters that will pay good money for them. Especially the discontinued models. It just takes a little time to find one sometimes.
I would have your daughter hold/shoulder all three shotguns (I'm adding the 48 AL to the list). Both Franchis are available with short stocks, the Beretta is probably also. But depending on her stature, the weight of the 48 AL might make it something to consider. (And they hold their value as good or better than the Beretta.)
Happy hunting (for the right gun) and enjoy your time together,
Wyman
I have a 48 AL that is a joy to carry through Quail Country. My 912 has been through hell with me as a waterfowl gun, and never even hiccupped once. And my 712 Raptor is amazing on the clays.
I'd have to say that the statements of Beretta being better quality are pure hogwash. (They are on equal ground here.) As far as resale value goes, that may or may not be true. There are a lot of dedicated Franchi shooters that will pay good money for them. Especially the discontinued models. It just takes a little time to find one sometimes.
I would have your daughter hold/shoulder all three shotguns (I'm adding the 48 AL to the list). Both Franchis are available with short stocks, the Beretta is probably also. But depending on her stature, the weight of the 48 AL might make it something to consider. (And they hold their value as good or better than the Beretta.)
Happy hunting (for the right gun) and enjoy your time together,
Wyman
I can only relate that I have an A 302 in 12ga. I know its not the same thing your are looking at, but it has worked well for me for 15 years or so. The only issues it has ever had are due to poor cleaning. I have never spent a dime in repairs on this gun. If I had to guess it has had 10k rounds through it since I bought it. Hope that helps.
evbutler462
Member
I have just bought an A303 in 20 gauge used that won't cycle light loads. It is a 3" chamber. Are all 20 gauge A303s chambered in 3"?
Advice, please!
Advice, please!
I'm going to wildly guess that the daughter is recoil-sensitive and/or small in stature if the OP is asking about a 20 for Trap.
The 48 probably isn't the best choice, due to its lighter weight and higher felt recoil, compared to the others in question -- though for quail, it's a wonderful gun.
The 48 probably isn't the best choice, due to its lighter weight and higher felt recoil, compared to the others in question -- though for quail, it's a wonderful gun.
RSVP2RIP
Member
I'd go for the Franchi, though I have to bow out, owing to the fact that my experience is limited to some of thier o/u's. I've lusted for one of the 48 AL's in 28ga., but thats just an afair, as I have a side-by 28 thats been venom on pheasants and weighs less than 6lbs.
oneounceload
member
I suspect the gas ports are set up for magnum loads and therefore will not cycle light target loads. IF you have the port enlarged, then don't shoot magnum loads. Or, you can find a used regular barrel and use that
berettashotgun
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evbutler462 - The 3" chamber on your barrel has a gas port drilled into the barrel. This hole is smaller than you need to cycle your brand/loading of shells.
You have 3 options;
A. Open the gas port hole up in the barrel
B. Purchase a "correct" barrel - 2.75" chamber
C. Change out the recoil spring in the stock.
I personally have went the barrel route every time. JUST BECAUSE.
If I had it to do over again - I'd get WOLFE SPRINGS on the telephone and buy a couple of springs - JUST like with a 1911.
The gas port is a one time deal of which you can NEVER come back from. I think it is a bad option - you can't put metal back in that area without a lot of effort and skill. I have a tig and would not attempt it.
You have 3 options;
A. Open the gas port hole up in the barrel
B. Purchase a "correct" barrel - 2.75" chamber
C. Change out the recoil spring in the stock.
I personally have went the barrel route every time. JUST BECAUSE.
If I had it to do over again - I'd get WOLFE SPRINGS on the telephone and buy a couple of springs - JUST like with a 1911.
The gas port is a one time deal of which you can NEVER come back from. I think it is a bad option - you can't put metal back in that area without a lot of effort and skill. I have a tig and would not attempt it.
berettashotgun
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My bad - you have a fourth option - use stronger shells.
I went with a Franchi 620 opening dove here.
I really like that shotgun.
Oneounce load beat me to it
I went with a Franchi 620 opening dove here.
I really like that shotgun.
Oneounce load beat me to it
TomADC
Member
I had a 303 Sporting Clays gun in 12 ga but it was just not for me, beautiful wood but sold it, I have a 390 Sporting 20 ga 28" barrel all choke tubes I'm going to sell its light enough for youngesters and a quality shotgun. I have an person interested but it that doesn't work out PM me. Shotgun has less than 4 boxes thru it.
BTW did some work on the Airbus300, 320 & 340
BTW did some work on the Airbus300, 320 & 340
evbutler462
Member
If I change out the recoil spring, will that do it without having to change barrels? You wouldn't have that part # handy, would you. I need to be able to shoot light loads without spending a lot of money.
berettashotgun
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**If I had it to do over again - I'd get WOLFE SPRINGS on the telephone and buy a couple of springs - JUST like with a 1911**
Recoil springs in the stock can be changed.
You shoot the "wrong" shells, the shooters shoulder will really pay the price.
Recoil springs in the stock can be changed.
You shoot the "wrong" shells, the shooters shoulder will really pay the price.
oneounceload
member
AND, if you shoot the wrong shells with the wrong spring or port opening and you can beat the gun to death and ruin it
You can spend money and time on those old guns, trying to get them to shoot with your shells, especially if they're not meant to.
Or you can just get a more modern, self-compensating gun like a 390 (TomADC has a gorgeous one that he seems he might want to sell), or the Franchi 720 in question.
Also, an old gun typically has a fixed-choke barrel, and some don't have ribs. I like fixed-choke barrels, but if you're mulling over which ONE shotgun to get, IMO there are a few absolute minimum requirements if you're looking at ONE gun:
1. Vent rib
2. Steel shot compatibility -- even some sporting clays ranges require non-toxic shot for one reason or another, so it's not just for duck hunting
3. Automatic gas compensation
4. Screw-in chokes
I have violated this because I didn't know any better. Wasted my time and money.
Or you can just get a more modern, self-compensating gun like a 390 (TomADC has a gorgeous one that he seems he might want to sell), or the Franchi 720 in question.
Also, an old gun typically has a fixed-choke barrel, and some don't have ribs. I like fixed-choke barrels, but if you're mulling over which ONE shotgun to get, IMO there are a few absolute minimum requirements if you're looking at ONE gun:
1. Vent rib
2. Steel shot compatibility -- even some sporting clays ranges require non-toxic shot for one reason or another, so it's not just for duck hunting
3. Automatic gas compensation
4. Screw-in chokes
I have violated this because I didn't know any better. Wasted my time and money.
Last edited:
oneounceload
member
while true, EV HAS this gun and needs to make it work
Switching the barrel is the BEST thing............using a lighter spring MAY work, but it might also beat the gun up if the wrong loads are used......boring the port will also work, but can never be reversed, and if done wrong can cause major issues
TomADC
Member
I was reading in my instructions today Beretta choke tubes marked with SP are steel shot approved, mine are so marked.
I couldn't see anything in my instructions that could help here though.
I couldn't see anything in my instructions that could help here though.
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