Montefeltro Ultralight 20 gauge or Affinity Elite waterfowl 20 gauge

[EastTX Jess]

You do know that Benelli owns Franchi and they use the same inertia system.

I do know that Beretta Holdings owns Franchi and Benelli rather than Benelli owning Franchi. OP asked for recommendations based on experience. I gave mine. Benelli inertia system is better IMHO, and, the others are putting their own spin on imitation. If OP wants cerakote, I recommend a M2 Field over the Montefeltro.

 

[Subs]

Here are the two guns you’re looking at. I’m not a camo gun guy so I traded the camo to a guy that had the black but it’s an affinity elite in 20ga. My ultra light is not as light as they advertised. Nearly half a pound heavier actually. It puts it within 5 oz of the Affinity. Unless your hunting situations call for long distances or long hours leaned on a tree, I’d bet you’d never know the difference. Plus, those are some pricey oz when comparing the two.

 

[Bidwell]

Here are the two guns you’re looking at. I’m not a camo gun guy so I traded the camo to a guy that had the black but it’s an affinity elite in 20ga. My ultra light is not as light as they advertised. Nearly half a pound heavier actually. It puts it within 5 oz of the Affinity. Unless your hunting situations call for long distances or long hours leaned on a tree, I’d bet you’d never know the difference. Plus, those are some pricey oz when comparing the two.

Wow, didn't think the difference would be that small between them. Thanks for that, both good looking guns.

 

[Bidwell]

I do know that Beretta Holdings owns Franchi and Benelli rather than Benelli owning Franchi. OP asked for recommendations based on experience. I gave mine. Benelli inertia system is better IMHO, and, the others are putting their own spin on imitation. If OP wants cerakote, I recommend a M2 Field over the Montefeltro.

The m2 field does look good. I can only find the new m2 in hydrodipped colors and just normal black synthetic and blued.

 

[EastTX Jess]

I have one of the dipped M2’s in a 12 gauge. The finish has held up well through multiple turkey and dove seasons as well as some sporty boat rides in my buddy’s mud boat. I’d like to buy another one since my son has claimed that one but Benelli hasn’t made another lefty run lately

 

[Subs]

For what it’s worth, I thought this video was interesting when I was trying to make my decision. I also looked at the M2. It’s a slimmer profile due to the action spring being located in the stock like other Benellis.

 

[Bidwell]

I have one of the dipped M2’s in a 12 gauge. The finish has held up well through multiple turkey and dove seasons as well as some sporty boat rides in my buddy’s mud boat. I’d like to buy another one since my son has claimed that one but Benelli hasn’t made another lefty run lately

That's good to know, thanks! Was wondering about the durability. I'm not a lefty, but I know that's frustrating

 

[Bidwell]

For what it’s worth, I thought this video was interesting when I was trying to make my decision. I also looked at the M2. It’s a slimmer profile due to the action spring being located in the stock like other Benellis.

Great video. The m2 is also interesting because you can buy a rifled barrel for it. Thats tempting for big game hunting. We got lots of shotgun only areas around here. Although im not sure if it would be cheaper/more accurate to get a dedicated slug gun, these m2 rifled barrels are not cheap.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve been back and forth about a few shotguns lately myself including the m2, affinity and a5 wicked wing. All for waterfowl though in 12g.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the affinity universally receives praise while many other guns seem to have one thing or another going on, clicking instead of firing, shooting high, tendency to stovepipe. I havnt read any of that about the affinity.

 

[Bidwell]

I’ve been back and forth about a few shotguns lately myself including the m2, affinity and a5 wicked wing. All for waterfowl though in 12g.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the affinity universally receives praise while many other guns seem to have one thing or another going on, clicking instead of firing, shooting high, tendency to stovepipe. I havnt read any of that about the affinity.

Ended up going with a Franchi Affinity Elite Waterfowl, in 20 gauge, 26 inch barrel. Checked too many boxes to get anything else. Look forward to trying it out!

 

[jjwise97]

My ideal shotgun i think would be 20 gauge, 24 or 26 inch barrel, roughly 5.5 pounds, synthetic stock, cerakote, drilled for optics and I miiight lean towards gas since I dont want to worry about going out of battery. But, this is my first autoloader shotgun so I'm not really sure how much of an issue that is in practice. The Franchi checks more boxes than anything else right now.

I’ve never had a gun get accidentally knocked out of battery while hunting ducks, doves, quail or turkey. I can’t recall anyone else ever doing that while we were duck hunting either.

That beretta is the only gas gun I’ve had, but it has a rotating bolt head as well so in theory it’s also possible to get knocked out of battery. But IMO, it’s not enough of an issue to pick one gun over another.

 

[TheBull]

Montefeltro for me.

 

[lhbackcountry]

following as I have been looking at these lately.

For the price of the franchi elite ( 900-1200) vs 14-1600 for the monte, its hard to argue with.

 

[Bidwell]

T

following as I have been looking at these lately.

For the price of the franchi elite ( 900-1200) vs 14-1600 for the monte, its hard to argue with.

Tend to agree. It was close for me, I think you get 3 more years of warranty with the Benelli, but for what I needed this for, having it drilled for optics, cerakoted and cheaper just fit the bill better. 7 year warranty is still really good, too. I would of been very tempted to get the new m2 if it had a cerakote option and drilled. Obviously all that can be done afterwards but with some extra cost.