Franchi Affinity X 12-gauge: the “X” that makes the difference

Hunting in Rivergaro with Franchi's new semi-automatic. It has the family feel, plus a host of technical and ergonomic improvements.

A complete overhaul of the Franchi Affinity semi-automatic range. And the new addition is defined by that "X" added to the name. A suffix that doesn't distract attention, but rather emphasizes the difference and stands for experience, extreme, and extention. The X is contained in these definitions, which we could translate as advanced hunting experience, extreme performance, and maximum extension of the range. Franchi Affinity X is, in short, a large, high-performance family dedicated to hunting.

During the presentation to the Italian press, which took place at the Rivergaro di Montefeltro hunting reserve and at the two-shooting range in Ca' dei Boschi in Gazzola, also in the Piacenza hills, I had the opportunity to see some of these new shotguns and try them out with… extreme satisfaction!

"A product offering second to none," summarized Roberto Massarotto, marketing, communications, and product director at Benelli Armi. There's the lightweight and compact Pro model, options with black synthetic stocks and grade 2 walnut stocks, numerous camouflage versions, 12 and 20 magnums, and 12 supermagnums.

Founded in 1868, Franchi has long been part of the Benelli world, and has made it its mission to engage with young people, without forgetting its long history, but stripping away all the frills, retaining only the essentials. Especially the shotguns. Franchi's inertial semi-auto was born in 2005 and has established itself over the years, culminating in the Affinity 3 the day before yesterday, 2021.

Franchi Affinity X — The rifle's name is under the ejection port. This is the Black Synt version with a black anodized Ergal receiver.

Even better

The Affinity X has been further improved in terms of functionality and ergonomics. I chose the Black Synth version, also because it is the most versatile, available in 12 gauge with magnum or supermagnum chambering and 20 magnum. The stock features new ergonomics: the grip has been redesigned as have the checkering on the stock and forend, the trigger guard is wider with a loading ramp (Zip loading), the follower is mobile with a split lever for unloading the ammunition, the receiver is made of black anodized Ergal and has sight serrations, the bolt handle has been enlarged. The classic three barrel lengths are made of NiCrMo steel (660, 710 and 760 mm), three 70 mm chokes are supplied (IC/M/F), and the high visibility front sight. The barrel has a particularly developed breech extension and, together with the suitably ground support flange on the receiver, helps to avoid shifts in the centre of the shot during prolonged firing, as well as when disassembling and reassembling the barrel.

Maximum modularity for the length of the stock, which can be from 341,5 mm (minus the buttstock) to 390 mm in total, with 9 different configurations to cover all body types, including women and children. The out-of-the-box configuration of the lop is 365 mm with a medium buttplate and a single spacer. Then there are the low and high buttplates and a possible second spacer. On the Affinity X stock it is also possible to vary the drop (at the nose it is 35) and cast, with drop values equal to 45, 50, 55, 60, 65.

Models that do not have a black or silver receiver, which are anodized, are subjected to a Cerakote treatment which improves the strength and durability of the metal parts of the gun and allows for different colorations.

Reliable mechanics

The well-known Front Inertia technology of mechanical operation, with a “forward” recoil spring, coaxial with the magazine tube, allows the centre of gravity to be placed on the front part of the rifle, counteracting muzzle climb.

The Affinity X features a blued bolt carrier and a nickel-plated rotating head with two lugs. A sturdy spring is positioned between the body and the head, between the head tang and the rear wall of the bolt carrier cavity. This spring, which acts as an inertial mass, is connected, via a double-rod drive unit, to a sleeve mounted on the magazine tube and spring-loaded by the recoil spring. The thickness of the bolt guide rods is reduced thanks to a single U-shaped steel element welded to the front of the ring that slides on the magazine tube. The forend is still tapered, easy and quick to grip.

The trigger is direct, with a slight pre-travel and no overtravel. Safety is ensured by three devices: a lock that intervenes if the gun does not close perfectly, a disconnector that forces the trigger to be released to fire the next shot (after re-cocking), and the classic crosspiece that sits between the sear. In front of the trigger guard is the Benelli-style cut-off system with a cocked indicator lever with a red signal. When the gun does not fire, the re-cocking cycle does not function: the cartridge drop lever allows the first cartridge from the magazine to be chambered.

Shooting and hunting

Franchi set up a double test for the new Affinity X, making available the Black Synt, Wood (with walnut stock) and Pro (lightened laser-cut stock and 610 mm barrel) versions, all 12 gauge. As I have already had the opportunity to write in the past, the Franchi semi-auto is "easy", enjoyable and also easy to handle. At the range I found the Franchi family feeling after shooting a series of pheasant shots, for "scenic" needs.

I was able to appreciate its trouble-free and shake-free operation: I fired several rounds of intense fire and even alternated between cartridges of various weights, without ever noticing any hesitation. Extraction and ejection also performed well.

Even while hunting the next day, I focused on evaluating the improvements and appreciated them, especially the easier loading/unloading of the Zip loading system. The operation was flawless, the ergonomics were already remarkable, and improving the grip is always helpful.