FRANCHI INSTINCT SL

Posted May 19, 2023

Being a clay shooter, and especially an enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for good shotguns. The Franchi Instinct SL was one of the shotguns that particularly caught my eye, so I decided to take a deep dive into it. After my exhaustive search and reading various reviews, I can safely say that the Franchi Instinct SL is an all-round excellent shotgun—smooth operation, reliable, and beautiful.

The first thing I noticed about the Franchi Instinct SL was the design. It has a sleek, modern aesthetic, and the metal parts have a shiny finish that catches the light beautifully. It looks like a professional clay shooter's gun. I had the chance to take it out to the range, and I was not disappointed. The gun has an excellent balance and heft, making it feel well-made and sturdy in my hands. The recoil wasn't too bad either, providing a plenty smooth shooting experience.

The Franchi Instinct SL comes with a few excellent features that are sure to make it a must-have for clay shooters. For starters, its semi-automatic action helps with quick reloading and ensures that you don't miss your target. It also has a single-selective trigger which can be used to make a custom firing sequence. I found this particularly useful when shooting multiple targets in quick succession.

The Instinct SL also has an adjustable stock that helps you customize it for your size and shooting preferences. This allows you to get a better grip on the gun and support it better while shooting. This feature is great for shooters of all sizes, as it allows them to customize the gun to fit their body perfectly.

When it comes to performance, the Franchi Instinct SL does not disappoint. Its ultra-dependable system ensures smooth operation and reliable performance. It also features a gas-operated action that helps reduce felt recoil and muzzle jump. This action ensures that you stay on target and don't waste any ammunition when shooting. The gun also features an impressive 6+1 capacity for its size, giving you plenty of shots before you have to reload.

The Franchi Instinct SL is also incredibly easy to maintain. Its action is designed for long-term durability, making it a shotgun that can stand up to years of use. The gun is also built from corrosion-resistant materials, making it an excellent choice for wetter conditions. Cleaning and servicing the gun is also straightforward, making it easy to keep it in top condition.

The Franchi Instinct SL really is an excellent shotgun for clay shooters. Its excellent design, great features, and reliable performance make it an ideal gun for the hobbyist or competition shooter. Its adjustable stock, large capacity, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a shotgun with a modern look and great shooting experience. All in all, the Franchi Instinct SL is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, well-made shotgun.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Robust action - The Franchi Instinct SL has an incredibly dependable action that allows for fast, effortless loading and cycling of shells.

• Eye-catching aesthetic - Boasting classic lines and modern design elements, the Franchi Instinct SL looks as good as it shoots.

• Low profile and light receiver - Lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy construction provides a sleek and unobtrusive profile, while keeping the Instinct SL snag-free.

• Wide range of compatible ammunition - The versatile Franchi Instinct SL is able to fire most 2 3⁄4” or 3” loads with ease.

Cons:

• Price - As a premium quality product, the Franchi Instinct SL carries a substantial price tag and may be out of reach for some shooters.

• Trigger - While the trigger offers minimal creep and a crisp break, it requires some fine-tuning to reach maximum performance capability.

• Stock design - The Instinct SL’s stock is not adjustable and has a limited degree of adjustability, making it difficult to customize for a particular shooter’s size and shape.

Who Should Buy

Anyone who is looking for a dependable and reliable shotgun that can handle a wide variety of tasks should consider purchasing the Franchi Instinct SL. However, the gun may not be the best choice for a first-time shooter or someone whose budget is limited.

Comparisons

Franchi Instinct SL	Franchi Instinct L	Benelli Nova Pump	Stevens 320
Action:	Over/Under	Pump	Pump
Barrel Length:	28”/26”	28”	28”
Finish:	Nickel/Blue	Nickel/Blue	Matte Black
Chamber:	3”	3”	3”
Capacity:	4+1	2+1	4+1
Trigger:	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical
Chokes:	5	5	5
Stock:	Walnut	Walnut	Synthetic
Sight:	HiViz	HiViz	Bead
Weight:	6.24lbs	6lbs	6.45lbs

Features / Specs

• Shotgun Type: Semi-Automatic

• Gauge: 12 Gauge

• Chamber: 2 3/4″ and 3″

• Barrel Length: 26″ / 28″

• Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz (26” barrel) / 7 lbs 12 oz (28” barrel)

• Magazine Capacity: 4+1

• Chokes: Interchangeable Crio System

• Stock: Satin Walnut

• Action: Gas Operated Over-Under

Popular Accessories

Franchi Instinct SL Extended Choke Tube Kit

Franchi Instinct SL Fibre Optic Sight Set

Franchi Instinct SL Recoil Pad

Franchi Instinct SL Stock Spacers

Franchi Instinct SL ComforTech Stock

Franchi Instinct SL Sling Holders

Franchi Instinct SL Test Firing Plug

Franchi Instinct SL Hard Case

Franchi Instinct SL Cleaning Kit

Franchi Instinct SL Carbon Foam Cleaning Rod

Accuracy

The Franchi Instinct SL is known for its accuracy in the field. The gun features an Inertia Driven system, a 360° ballistic cap and a Vent Rib. All of these components work together to provide users with a more accurate shot, whether they're in the field or the target range. Additionally, the trigger on this gun is incredibly smooth and provides a clean break upon firing. The Instinct SL has quickly become a favorite amongst gun aficionados who value accuracy and reliability in a firearm.