Post by: TalknTurkey on May 05, 2021, 10:47:44 AM
The Franchi is already drilled/tapped and has oversized bolt controls. The only advantage to the M2 seems to be the comfortech stock resulting in less recoil. The only other discernible difference I’ve come across is the location of the recoil spring is in the stock for the M2 vs over the mag tube on the Affinity which makes them balance differently, and apparently is also a pain to get to on the M2.
Other feedback it seems I’ve read a lot of complaints of the M2 having a heavy trigger and not shooting POA (won’t really matter since I plan to use an optic). I’ve also read you have to be careful when drilling/tapping because of how thin the receiver is.
Initially I had planned on getting the M2, but after doing more research, there seem to be more advantages to the Affinity. Before I pull the trigger, I just wanted to ask if there’s anything I’ve missed that makes the M2 a better gun than the Affinity? I’ve not found a single reason from all my research other than the “Benelli reputation” and people claim it is “better quality”, but I’ve yet to find any explanation in terms of what exactly that quality difference is. To be clear, budget is not a limiting factor in my decision, I am willing to spend for an M2, I’m just having a difficult time seeing what advantages it offers over the Affinity.
Post by: Red vyper on May 05, 2021, 03:17:09 PM
Not sure tho if it’s tapped for a rail
I had a Franchi 12 that kicked like a mule and Buddy has the 20 version and it bites too with mag loads
Post by: twyatt on May 05, 2021, 04:10:45 PM
The Affinity is drilled and tapped, which is nice, but I read a few stories on here about it being finicky with not ejecting some shells, I can't remember exactly what they were.
In the end I think I just trusted Benelli more. I own 3 and they've all performed flawlessly. Yes, the trigger is not the greatest, but I just personally feel more comfortable with Benelli's from owning a bunch. I'm sure the Franchi is a great gun and you'd be just as happy with it.
I plan on sending mine to Rob Roberts this summer to get drilled and tapped and have the trigger worked. Ultimately it'll cost me a lot more than the Franchi, but the M2 was in stock and again, as a long time Benelli owner already, I'm just comfortable with them and trust them. I also don't care about POI as I will be putting a red dot on it. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
Post by: Trkmaster88 on May 05, 2021, 04:18:09 PM
Post by: Greg Massey on May 05, 2021, 07:44:12 PM
I have a m2 20 compact that I had dipped & cerakoted. Added a compact Mesa Tactical pistol grip and drilled/tapped myself for the 336 base with a Vortex Venom on top. It's a sweet rig but I also own a 12 and 20 Franchi Affinity for waterfowl. Same triggers on the Benelli's and Franchi's. Everything interchanges. I have polished the sear/hammers on all three and swapped out the trigger springs. I like the recoil spring around the mag tube on the Franchi's for easy access and cleaning. Recoil is no better or worse on the Benelli vs the Franchi and the 12ga isn't even bad. My Benelli comfortech stock rubbers and pad were garbage wearing like crazy with little use. POI was off on the Benelli and spot on with my two Franchi's. If there was a compact pistol grip that fit the Franchi, I'd consider replacing the m2.X2 i have the Benelli, but i like the Franchi better ...
Post by: TalknTurkey on May 05, 2021, 08:59:46 PM
At this point, I’m strongly leaning towards the Franchi. I’ve got a son that’ll be 5 this year and all he’s been talking about is wanting to go turkey hunting. I’ll likely start him out in a few years with a .410, but thinking down the road I could eventually pass the Franchi down to him. The LOP goes shorter on it than the M2 so it would make it ideal for his upgrade from a .410 once he gets older.
I was curious about being able to put a pistol grip on the Franchi stock. I found some older threads where it seems like a couple guys were able to do some mods to make one fit, but didn’t find any details on what exactly they did to make it work.
Post by: SCSWAMP on May 05, 2021, 09:31:14 PM
Post by: TalknTurkey on May 05, 2021, 10:03:35 PM
They make the franchi affinity 3 with a pistol grip now and it is the same as the compact I believe. I just ordered one in a 20 ga. I will report back once I get it. I found mine on sportsman warehouse for $850 which is a good bit cheaper than 2 of my local dealers quoted and they were expecting at least 6 months to get one.The stock on the Elite turkey with the pistol grip is different than the other Affinity’s. Here’s a picture of the turkey and compact side by side. With the different design of the stocks, I don’t think that pistol grip would fit just by looking at it. I’ve also not seen the pistol grips sold separately anywhere.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210506/09112a8ecbe1221af5ba11a2822d915b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210506/6c072fd0c2b89a7b859143e4cb8f9f8e.jpg)
Post by: Greg Massey on May 05, 2021, 10:07:05 PM
They make the franchi affinity 3 with a pistol grip now and it is the same as the compact I believe. I just ordered one in a 20 ga. I will report back once I get it. I found mine on sportsman warehouse for $850 which is a good bit cheaper than 2 of my local dealers quoted and they were expecting at least 6 months to get one.The one i just bought was 125 mile road trip to buy the gun from a dealer. I bought the new Franchi Affinity Elite 3 - 20 ga.. I was beginning to think i wasn't going to find one in my area.
Post by: TalknTurkey on May 06, 2021, 08:59:10 AM
IMHO I would spend a little extra cash and buy the new SBE 3The reason I narrowed it down to these two options is due to the 24” barrel and shorter LOP. The shortest barrel length option for the SBE3 20ga is 26”, and it’s not offered in a compact version. I have a shorter LOP so I need one with the shorter stock or adjustable to allow it to go shorter than standard length.
Not sure tho if it’s tapped for a rail
I had a Franchi 12 that kicked like a mule and Buddy has the 20 version and it bites too with mag loads
Post by: Roost 1 on May 06, 2021, 09:16:18 AM
Post by: Tuffonturkeys on May 07, 2021, 02:32:43 AM
Post by: Greg Massey on May 08, 2021, 09:41:56 AM
I just bought the franchi affinity 3 compact. My thinking is eventually benelli is gonna hafta make a compact/youth model in the sbe3.. I hope and didn't want to pay alot more for the m2 and then have that happen in the near future. I love it just got it the other day bought a sumtoy mount for it and got a couple chokes on the way.. gonna put a ff3 on it and dip it before next season.Awesome , congrats on your new gun..
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 08, 2021, 12:35:35 PM
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 08, 2021, 07:27:59 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ea5acfbee53a645847afc5d0c956b656.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/c41b2761c29b60a5ef03d377f102c349.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ae71b7f45bb3a0b016fa81c8c66a2b09.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/f01a392df5b6304931947446292a7373.jpg)
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Post by: Greg Massey on May 08, 2021, 08:55:28 PM
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 09, 2021, 07:42:46 AM
Very nice looking gun.. nice pattern..
Thank you sir! Just to clarify the choke in that picture is a Hevi Shot turkey choke.....that is where i started....the Sumtoy lives in there now. :z-winnersmiley:
Post by: Tuffonturkeys on May 09, 2021, 09:49:50 AM
Here she is.....That is slick man.. I may just dip mine the same way was gonna just do bottomland
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ea5acfbee53a645847afc5d0c956b656.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/c41b2761c29b60a5ef03d377f102c349.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ae71b7f45bb3a0b016fa81c8c66a2b09.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/f01a392df5b6304931947446292a7373.jpg)
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Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 09, 2021, 11:42:22 AM
Thanks very much! I think it came out pretty nice.Here she is.....That is slick man.. I may just dip mine the same way was gonna just do bottomland
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ea5acfbee53a645847afc5d0c956b656.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/c41b2761c29b60a5ef03d377f102c349.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ae71b7f45bb3a0b016fa81c8c66a2b09.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/f01a392df5b6304931947446292a7373.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: TalknTurkey on May 09, 2021, 10:45:34 PM
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 10, 2021, 10:02:48 AM
Thanks all for the feedback. I’ll be picking up my Franchi compact tomorrow. I’ve already got an RMR on another gun, so I decided to just go ahead and get the Scalarworks mount and I’m going to put it on it.
We will all stay tuned for updates on your project! Good luck, have fun and enjoy! :OGturkeyhead: DD
Post by: Ridge Rooster on May 10, 2021, 03:15:09 PM
Ridge Rooster
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 10, 2021, 03:46:45 PM
So the Scalarworks fits the Infinity 20's?
Ridge Rooster
RR....thats a BIG 10-4!
Post by: dg7mm08 on May 10, 2021, 08:28:57 PM
Post by: Gmed on May 10, 2021, 09:39:02 PM
Post by: dg7mm08 on May 11, 2021, 07:07:52 AM
Post by: DUCKDIGGLER on May 11, 2021, 11:45:57 AM
I just got an Affinity3 compact 26” Bottomland nice land light . Just shot it for the first time today 260-270’s with TSS 9’s Carlson .575. Which Sumtoy choke are you using BTW?
I think this is for me? The Sumtoy I am 99% sure is a .562- forget if its -2 or -5....I claled them and told them I'd be running #7s and no 9's....that is what they recommend....looks like they were right! :OGturkeyhead:
Post by: TalknTurkey on May 11, 2021, 12:02:00 PM
Post by: Brian Fahs on May 23, 2021, 09:33:47 AM
Here she is.....
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ea5acfbee53a645847afc5d0c956b656.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/c41b2761c29b60a5ef03d377f102c349.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/ae71b7f45bb3a0b016fa81c8c66a2b09.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/f01a392df5b6304931947446292a7373.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[/qurote]
Man that looks good.
Who dipped it for you?
Post by: Kyle_Ott on May 25, 2021, 08:02:02 AM
My POA/POI is dead on with all three of my M2s (M2 20 compact, M2 20 slugger, 20 and M2 12).
That being said, I know plenty of folks who do not have straight shooting Benellis. The issue with Benellis when POA/POI issues exist is almost always a misaligned magazine tube. The competitive three gun shooters discovered this. Essentially, when you set a barrel down over the mag tube and screw the cap on, the cap tightens the barrel against the mag tube and a misaligned one will pull the barrel in the direction of that misalignment. It's pretty easy to fix if you gently bend the mag tube (NOT the barrel) in the direction of the pattern.
Just like the OP, I have read many opinions on the M2 but I've got close to a dozen turkey guns and it is by far the lightest, smoothest functioning, sleekest gun I own.
I do plan on purchasing an Affinity at some point because so many of my closest friends have had positive experiences with them. But I've held them and cycled their actions; the M2 is just in a different category of firearm, IMO.
Post by: Jim K on June 01, 2021, 06:38:06 PM
Post by: TalknTurkey on September 05, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
Post by: SumToy on September 06, 2021, 09:43:19 AM