So did you decide? I was on the fence with a few as well and grabbed the affinity 3 primarily due to this video. I haven’t shot it a ton but what I have done tells me I made the right decision for me. It just seems super easy to shoot well and felt fantastic.
@Ron Evans Nice! No I haven't decided. I have an affinity 20ga that I love. But kinda wanted to change it up and get a gas gun for a 12ga. I will probably just pick the one that points best for me.
@@ronevans9277 I’m glad you had great feed back because the Affinity 3 is my dream gun under $1,000 and my buddy got one and is gonna do a bottomland camo on it I just need a little more time and money to get one
I have both of these shotguns and I love both of them. I personally use the Franchi the most, that’s mostly because that gun just feels like an extension of my arm, fits me perfectly. The SX4 I have to make sure my head is down a little more. I’ve never had either jam period. SX4 is a little softer shooting but I like that the franchi is a little easier to clean. To be honest you can’t go wrong with either gun. Just pick the one you like the look and feel of better
I've always loved Franchi shotguns. As a matter of fact, Franchi shotguns were used by my father and my grandfather for almost 40 years. My father got a 12 gauge 48-AL in 1973, and then an Alcione over and under in '75, while serving in the Portuguese Army. My father then bought a Franchi Prestige for my grandfather for Christmas in 1986 and he shot thousands upon thousands of rounds with that gun, until he passed away. Today, I hunt with my grandfather's Franchi Prestige and also picked up an unused Franchi 48-AL Hunter Deluxe 12 gauge. Never had any problems with those guns. And after seeing this video, I might end up buying an Affinity 3.
WOW... Almost 3 years ago, I made the decision to move towards a semi-auto shotgun. I have been shooting pumps since mt teenage years. Originally I used a JC Higgins 16 ga with an adjustable choke, loved this gun and it loved me! I eventually switched to a Remington 870, a great & reliable gun, but it & I often times fought each other out in the field. I decided that my budget was up to $1200, so I researched my ass off for several months, watched alot of videos, shouldered many many shotguns at all the various gun shops. My decision ultimately narrowed down to the Affinity 3 as well! The fit, the ease of maintenance, the reliability (made by Benelli), all of this at a price that was agreeable to me, $950 out the door. My primary use is for dove & quail hunting, with an occasional duck hunting trip, so I opted for the 26" barrel. My first time dove hunting with it, I made the limit, 15, in less than a box of shells. Never had I done that with the 870! I always had my vest loaded with 2 boxes of shells because I needed that many to limit out without heading back to the truck! With 65 turns around the sun under my belt, this will be my last shotgun and I am glad to see that you too have shown that this was an excellent choice to make! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona
And just a thought from an engineering point of view: you’re doing quite a few side by side gun reviews & one of the criteria points is “perceived recoil”. When I was 9yrs old my brother let me shoot his single shot 10ga with 3.5” 00Buckshot, so I’m a horrible judge of recoil. But you could get a scale with a compression style load cell and fire each shotgun with the stock presses against the platter to give you an true numerical reading of the actual shock delivered to the shoulder.
Agree. Recoil is so subjective and it really depends on mounting position, degree of muscle and fat on your pectoralis etc. give it an objective number.
i put 725 cartridges through my franchi in one day up to 200 continuously at a time no jams all day got the gun and for-end that hot it was burning me !
The SX-3 included shims but the SX-4 does not. I bought the SX-4 due to recommendation by this channel and elsewhere. Soft recoil was a high priority along with low cost. I got the SX-4 from KYGunCo for $700 after rebate and FFL fee. I assumed that I could buy SX-4 shims if needed but all I found was one owner providing details on how to modify SX-3 shims so they may fit an SX-4. II can understand Winchester/Browning not wanting to include the shims if most owners do not use or value them so Browning may keep the cost just a little lower but it surprised me that they would not offer them separately.
I love my SX3 and the SX4, they both feel so natural to me and check all the boxes for me. With that being said the Franchi feels so damn good, has a good reputation and the ease of cleaning on the inertia system, it will most likely be my next shotgun.
I appreciate you honesty. It would be impossible to not have a built in bias for Winchester because of the working relationship you have with the SX4; so kudos for not allowing that penchant to cloud your results. Great review!
I just picked up a brand new Affinity about 4 hours before I found this video, it was an extremely validating watch lol. Loving your content overall, greatly appreciate all the info and tips, as a new shooter it's been very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the comparison demo. I picked up a new sx4 recently, had a maxus previously, i didnt know much about the affinity. The flat dark earth version sx4 i bought [in Europe] is drilled and tapped. I only discovered your channel recently, and i always enjoy your demonstrations.
I have the exact same Affinity 3. Runs flawless. I don’t know why the factories of a lot of these inertia driven shotguns don’t upgrade the recoil pads. That SX4 has a recoil pad that’s twice as thick. No reason why they couldn’t.
Just put my 12g affinity 3 in layaway, was between it and the ultima but the Franchi being drilled and tapped sold it for me. First shotgun I’ve personally owned, and your videos on it sold me, thank you so much
@@nberthold5 amazing shotgun honestly, used it a good bit the past year but decided to let her go due to the recoil of turkey loads through it as I have a plate and seven screws in my collarbone now that don’t agree with inertia guns. If not for that I’d still be running that one
If youre still on the fence, he has another video comparing these 2, but the franchi is the ultima, After thousands of rounds you wont change my mind about the Sx4, just a superb shotgun 👌, i have it in 12 and the affinty in 20 gauge. I recommend going that route to not shell out 2k+ if you want both lol
Hi Gator, I have both too, I love my SX4 31/2, but my Affinity 20 gauge is so light, I love shooting it and carrying it is a dream! They are both great guns! Loved your input, I’ve killed ducks and geese with both, pheasants and chukars with both! 👍
I would love to see how the Franchi Affinity 3 lines up against the Benelli super black eagle 3!!! Would make a great video. And always keep up the great work my man.
Actually cross shopped the Compact versions of these guns for my wife; ended up with the franchi because it came with shims and an even shorter LoP, so was able to have a much better fit for her.
Being a quail hunter from the age of eight, the 20 gage Franchi was and will always be my favorite shotgun. And I've had them all! My grandpa's favorite shotgun you guessed it, the Winchester! Lol love it good stuff. 👍🤘
Nice video, keep up the good work. A few additional points worth noting: 1) BOTH come in Left-hand models. 2) The triggers both have a safety at the rear of the trigger. Some like, some don't 3) Franchi, part of Benelli, uses the more complicated inertia system in the Affinity , identical to the Stoeger. The Benelli models use a simpler inertia system. 4) What was the trigger pull in pounds? 5) What about customer service? Benelli has been very good for me in the past. Very responsive. How is Winchester to deal with? 6) Where are these made? Turkey?
The only difference between the Benelli inertia system and the Franchi/Stoeger inertia system is that the Benelli bolt return spring is in the buttstock and Franchi's system is around the magazine tube. If you duck hunt deep water eventually you will get the spring in the buttstock wet. Spring around the magazine is a lot easier to get to.
I have the Franchi Affinity 3.5 and my cousin has the Winchester SX4. The SX4 had a barrel blow up last duck season, while my front sight is loose. My Franchi definitely needed a little break in period but since then my Franchi has been perfect.
Just ordered the sx4... its in all these comparisons for a reason so figured i cant go wrong. There was a few others i was looking at but if im being honest the look of the sx4 with the woodland camo sold me on it haha. Its my style 100%
I have both of these guns and honestly I give the overall edge to the sx4 the only downside to the Franchi is the slightly longer length to pull and I have trouble feeding shells into the tube
My BIL is a big Franchi guy. He's talked them up for years and I finally broke down and bought a 20g. I'll have to say I must agree with everything you and he has to say about the Franchi Affinity 3. And in my case, I'm comparing to Rem 1100, Ben M2, Ber 390, and a Retay MM. Not too shabby Franchi! I'm now shooting my limits in doves again. Always enjoy your scorecards after the fact.
I'm a new subscriber so I'm checking out your videos. Your reviews make making an informed decision fairly easy. I've been wanting a Franchi for a long time and your reviews of the affinity 3 has finally made me " pull the trigger". Thank you for this channel.
I was in the market for a shotgun recently, both of these guns were finalists, but it ended up coming down to the length of pull. The length of pull is 1/8th longer on the Franchi, and that ended up being a deal breaker because I couldn’t reach the trigger as good in my natural shooting position. I’m a short and small guy. I have been in love with my SX4 since I bought it. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these guns.
I love my sx4, but I prefer my buddy’s Franchi Affinity. It pointed and felt more natural, recoil was more than the sx4 but less than the rest of the guns we were shooting. I think I’m going to get one...
I’ve shot and owned both 20 ga and a 12 ga sx4. The sx4 is more custom and reliable. I had cycling issues on Franchi especially if I wasn’t perfectly shouldering it.
Can the sx4 have an optic installed on it? Looking for something versatile that I can take down some potential turkey or deer with as well as my upland and waterfowl hunts..
I ended up with the same sx4 1k rounds out of the box on sporting clays and no issues. After I cleaned it I had some issues because I left it too dry as far as I can tell. None since heavier lubing. I did bend my vent rib on my small aluminum boat seat while chasing a diver around though but I imagine that was a fluke fall.
I watched one or two RUclips channel reviews of the SX4 by hunters who also said they bent the rib. So it may be a fluke it has happened to others. The other negative I read is that some have lost the charging handle while firing the shotgun. I decided that since I bought the matte black version that has a small red strip on the receiver that I would paint the charging handle and the SX4 on the stock a matching red. At $30 plus shipping for a new OEM handle I decided to paint it a color that I have a chance of finding on the ground.
@@jakeshvng ah gotcha. I went with the Franchi as well. I never got my hands on the SX-4 but the Franchi just felt so good to shoulder and looks awesome.
Question. First of all love your videos. On the takedown, you mentioned the spring on the affinity, but isn’t it a bonus that there’s no recoil spring components in the butt stock? I find that a tremendous advantage because it still needs to be cleaned at least once a year and a lot of shotguns it’s hard to get to and deal with. Would love your thoughts on that. Thanks in advance!
there has to be a reason he compares so many shotguns to the SX4, on the fence between these 2 aswell as the Remington V3 pro, there all right around the same price, would love to see comparison and a "if i could only have one" that bronze finish on the Franchi is so damn nice...
Quite a good comparison test although in my opinion, you missed out on the MOST important aspect when it comes to comparing shotguns which is the "pattern test" at the classic "30 target at different distances with the same barrel length and choke/ammunition combination. I would be very grateful to you if you could run this kind of test in your future videos. Kind Regards Nino
I really enjoy your SASA test, every gun has it's own +'s & -'s, the totals are quiet interesting. The nice thing about your test is that each viewer can add or subtract points in each category to suit their own liking. There is one category I would like to see added: ease of unloading a loaded gun. It can be a safety issue.
Got the Franchi Affinity 3 compact 20ga for a new youth shooter over the SX4. So far it's been a huge mistake for a new shooter. The recoil seems to be as much as my SX3 12ga which is unpleasant for new shooters. It's also having trouble cycling even with it shouldered up well. It'll be replaced by an SX4 when the compact field's come back in stock.
My sister shoots it and the most annoying part is the mag tube. Tried to eat my thumb and hers every time especially with gloves. Good gun overall though. Wouldn’t cycle light loads until we broke it in.
I also read that the reduced recoil loads available for 12 gauge can make the recoil as light as a 20 gauge. My only comparison with my SX4 is I recently compared it to a friends 30+ year old 20 gauge Remington 1100 that does not have a soft rubber butt pad. We where using #7.5 7/8 oz 20 gauge along with #8 1 oz 12 gauge loads. We both felt the recoil was about the same with both shotguns.
@@josephmoravec8146 I didn’t have issues with the mag tube. I took it out with a group of people last weekend and even the person who has a 12ga Affinity 3 said the 20ga compact was garbage. He said the recoil was as bad or worse than his full size 12ga. People said to add lead weight and swap out the butt pad but I’m going to pass on that. The SX4 compact came in but we have yet to take it out. Hopefully it’s a much better experience for the kiddo.
I was down to these two in the store. couldn't decide until the bolt release button on the francci broke off. its a screw on piece and just feels cheap and weak. went with the sx4 and it was less expensive. $860 at scheels in Ft. Collins CO
Good to know that bolt release was the only funny looking part and ended up going sx4 for the price. But just found an affinity 3 for basically the same price and was wondering if I messed up. Now I feel better about going sx4 lol
Ugg... your experience is way different than mine with the Franchi. Hope you never have a problem with it and need to have it repaired. I also have shot both side by side, and the sx4 is the softest shooting 12ga around.
This video, along with a lot of other research, sold me on my first shotgun purchase. I grabbed the Affinity 3 in black, 12gauge 28”. I’ve not shot a shotgun for almost 30 yrs (Remington 870 pump only other experience). I was worried that this would be too good to be true but it completely surpassed my expectations. Did some Vaseline target shooting and it was not only fun, but spot on. This was a gateway for me as I’m also looking at an over under as well and will be doing some sporting clay but also holding to hunt pheasant and grouse. Any chance you can do a Rizzini BR110 Sporter review against the browning/beretta/Benelli over-unders? I have a Rizzini on hold but am still debating the choices at the similar price point.
Have owned the Franchi for several years and is a great gun. Just bought the SX4 and ran her this morning because I wanted a gas gun for some reason. Had a few feed issues shooting #2 steel. I cleaned it beforehand but maybe not good enough - any guidance on feed issues out of the box? Great video BTW
Interesting that you have feed issues. I shot a new SX4 all fall (2022) for ducks. I shot a lot of shells and never had an issue. My friend has a SBE. It had failure to eject issues 3 times. I shot some #4s during teal season, but #2s after that. Hope your problem gets straightened out. If not, I'd send it to Winchester for a check up.
Please make a video comparing both guns energy by showing chronograph results, because franchi affinity 3 is inertia operated and winchester sx4 is gas operated, want to see which gun have more foot pound energy with same cartridges.
I really enjoy your reveiws. I own the sx1,2, 3 and 4 , they have been fantastic guns,very dependable , and trouble free in 12 ga. I bought the affinity3 in 20 ga. a couple of years ago, and am waiting on my sx4 in20 ga. upland. Your reveiw was spot on so l can't wait to get my sx4 looks like l will have 2 great little 20s. Thanks.
I have had the Franchi for about 9 months. Had a lot of reliability issues due to an out od spec action bar. I got it running right, but I really think for the price, the quality isn't there on the Franchi. They do not QA the guns enough. The Winchester SX4 is what I should have bought. I recently got my son an SXP trap and it's remarkably good. Hate to say it, but the SXP is better than an 870. So I bet the SX4 is also great.
Hi sir. In SOSA test i think there should be include one more thing the MECHANISAM of shotgun because good mechanisam of any shotgun is making the gun reliable durable cyclingable easy maintinance LONG LIFE. in SX4 shotgun recoil spring maintinance is not easy .
I'd appreciate a review of the Franchi Affinity 3 against the Benelli Montefeltro. I own the Affinity in 20 (walnut) ga purchased a year ago. Didn't feel the couple hundred more for Benelli was worth it. The new 2023 Monte looks sleek and I'm eye balling it in 12 ga vs new Affinity in 12 ga.
Hi Steve, enjoy your comparison reviews and appreciate your feedback and honesty. I have recently looked at the Winchester SX3 and Franchi Affinity 1, they are both second hand and I can shoot both well. What model would you say is the best long term with regard to reliability? Thanks. All the best from Scotland 🏴 GD
@@gatorpulido7065 Runnings. My local store had 1 Upland Edition, and the store about 50 miles away has 1 standard black synthetic. This is in Upstate NY.
Should of been a bonus point awarded to Sx4 for Customer Service anouther for ease of replacement parts. But thats just my opinion and i shoot a SX3. GOOD REVIEW THO,THANKS!!!
I had an affinity. I can’t stand the patterning of it. Franchis shoot high like benellis and stoegers. I got rid of the Franchi for an SX4 and I now own 3 SX4’s because of it. Don’t miss the Franchi at all.
As a franchi owner I would say without watching the SX4 will be faster as will a benelli the franchi affinity’s hammer and trigger are it’s down side compared to say a benelli trigger i’ve swopped them about and you can notice it when you fit a benelli trigger group in a franchi the SX4 was my other choice when buying a franchi but they just don’t have the warranty that you get with franchi or the lack of problems you get with inertia guns.
I’d consider the Franchi first but it doesn’t take 3 1/2s..so maybe the Winchester is the option. Keep hearing buy Stoeger but always hear about the problems that eventually show up
@bigd100037 between my wife and I we have 3 total a400 models. The 20 ga xtreme plus is hers a 12 ga xtreme plus and xcel a400 sporting. We’ve had benelli in the past and will never go back. These a400 are THE best handling softest shooting guns we’ve ever tried. We’ve also tried an older browning gold 12 ga. And the berettas are by far the top of the line. Stay away from those inertia in my opinion. A400 cleans easy also.
Holy cow these are the 2 shotguns I have been considering. This is exactly the comparison I needed.
So did you decide? I was on the fence with a few as well and grabbed the affinity 3 primarily due to this video. I haven’t shot it a ton but what I have done tells me I made the right decision for me. It just seems super easy to shoot well and felt fantastic.
@Ron Evans
Nice! No I haven't decided. I have an affinity 20ga that I love. But kinda wanted to change it up and get a gas gun for a 12ga. I will probably just pick the one that points best for me.
@@ronevans9277 I’m glad you had great feed back because the Affinity 3 is my dream gun under $1,000 and my buddy got one and is gonna do a bottomland camo on it I just need a little more time and money to get one
@@ronevans9277 no it is not legit. Very common scam.
@Jonathon Goodwin thanks, I expected as much. It’s a shame they can’t just block that fro the channel because it seem to be on all comments.
I have both of these shotguns and I love both of them. I personally use the Franchi the most, that’s mostly because that gun just feels like an extension of my arm, fits me perfectly. The SX4 I have to make sure my head is down a little more. I’ve never had either jam period. SX4 is a little softer shooting but I like that the franchi is a little easier to clean. To be honest you can’t go wrong with either gun. Just pick the one you like the look and feel of better
We’re they the same, 3 1/2 “ magnums?
I've always loved Franchi shotguns.
As a matter of fact, Franchi shotguns were used by my father and my grandfather for almost 40 years.
My father got a 12 gauge 48-AL in 1973, and then an Alcione over and under in '75, while serving in the Portuguese Army.
My father then bought a Franchi Prestige for my grandfather for Christmas in 1986 and he shot thousands upon thousands of rounds with that gun, until he passed away.
Today, I hunt with my grandfather's Franchi Prestige and also picked up an unused Franchi 48-AL Hunter Deluxe 12 gauge. Never had any problems with those guns. And after seeing this video, I might end up buying an Affinity 3.
Franchı black magic and Franchı afnty 3 👍🏻
WOW... Almost 3 years ago, I made the decision to move towards a semi-auto shotgun. I have been shooting pumps since mt teenage years. Originally I used a JC Higgins 16 ga with an adjustable choke, loved this gun and it loved me! I eventually switched to a Remington 870, a great & reliable gun, but it & I often times fought each other out in the field.
I decided that my budget was up to $1200, so I researched my ass off for several months, watched alot of videos, shouldered many many shotguns at all the various gun shops.
My decision ultimately narrowed down to the Affinity 3 as well! The fit, the ease of maintenance, the reliability (made by Benelli), all of this at a price that was agreeable to me, $950 out the door.
My primary use is for dove & quail hunting, with an occasional duck hunting trip, so I opted for the 26" barrel. My first time dove hunting with it, I made the limit, 15, in less than a box of shells. Never had I done that with the 870! I always had my vest loaded with 2 boxes of shells because I needed that many to limit out without heading back to the truck!
With 65 turns around the sun under my belt, this will be my last shotgun and I am glad to see that you too have shown that this was an excellent choice to make!
Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona
And just a thought from an engineering point of view:
you’re doing quite a few side by side gun reviews & one of the criteria points is “perceived recoil”. When I was 9yrs old my brother let me shoot his single shot 10ga with 3.5” 00Buckshot, so I’m a horrible judge of recoil. But you could get a scale with a compression style load cell and fire each shotgun with the stock presses against the platter to give you an true numerical reading of the actual shock delivered to the shoulder.
Agree. Recoil is so subjective and it really depends on mounting position, degree of muscle and fat on your pectoralis etc.
give it an objective number.
I have many rounds through my Franchi Affinity 3 and it has been nothing but flawless!! Love the gun.
i put 725 cartridges through my franchi in one day up to 200 continuously at a time no jams all day got the gun and for-end that hot it was burning me !
What is the barrel length on your 12 guage, Franchi?
@@riverwalker2173 28''
@@riverwalker2173 28”
One thing you didn’t mention, is that the Franchi comes with stock shims to adjust the drop and cast of the shotgun
The SX-3 included shims but the SX-4 does not. I bought the SX-4 due to recommendation by this channel and elsewhere. Soft recoil was a high priority along with low cost. I got the SX-4 from KYGunCo for $700 after rebate and FFL fee. I assumed that I could buy SX-4 shims if needed but all I found was one owner providing details on how to modify SX-3 shims so they may fit an SX-4. II can understand Winchester/Browning not wanting to include the shims if most owners do not use or value them so Browning may keep the cost just a little lower but it surprised me that they would not offer them separately.
I love my SX3 and the SX4, they both feel so natural to me and check all the boxes for me. With that being said the Franchi feels so damn good, has a good reputation and the ease of cleaning on the inertia system, it will most likely be my next shotgun.
I appreciate you honesty.
It would be impossible to not have a built in bias for Winchester because of the working relationship you have with the SX4; so kudos for not allowing that penchant to cloud your results. Great review!
I just picked up a brand new Affinity about 4 hours before I found this video, it was an extremely validating watch lol. Loving your content overall, greatly appreciate all the info and tips, as a new shooter it's been very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the comparison demo. I picked up a new sx4 recently, had a maxus previously, i didnt know much about the affinity. The flat dark earth version sx4 i bought [in Europe] is drilled and tapped. I only discovered your channel recently, and i always enjoy your demonstrations.
I have the exact same Affinity 3. Runs flawless. I don’t know why the factories of a lot of these inertia driven shotguns don’t upgrade the recoil pads. That SX4 has a recoil pad that’s twice as thick. No reason why they couldn’t.
Because it would change the function of the :inertia principal ..Do the math.
Just got my new SX4. Franchi Affinity is gonna be next in to my shotguns collection. Thanks Steve!
Just put my 12g affinity 3 in layaway, was between it and the ultima but the Franchi being drilled and tapped sold it for me. First shotgun I’ve personally owned, and your videos on it sold me, thank you so much
How’s it been holding up?
@@nberthold5 amazing shotgun honestly, used it a good bit the past year but decided to let her go due to the recoil of turkey loads through it as I have a plate and seven screws in my collarbone now that don’t agree with inertia guns. If not for that I’d still be running that one
If youre still on the fence, he has another video comparing these 2, but the franchi is the ultima,
After thousands of rounds you wont change my mind about the Sx4, just a superb shotgun 👌, i have it in 12 and the affinty in 20 gauge. I recommend going that route to not shell out 2k+ if you want both lol
Hi Gator, I have both too, I love my SX4 31/2, but my Affinity 20 gauge is so light, I love shooting it and carrying it is a dream! They are both great guns! Loved your input, I’ve killed ducks and geese with both, pheasants and chukars with both! 👍
Your reviews are great, I would love to see limbsaver air tech recoil pad vs falcon strike recoil pad!
I would love to see how the Franchi Affinity 3 lines up against the Benelli super black eagle 3!!! Would make a great video. And always keep up the great work my man.
Yes! Benelli vs Franchi
Absolutely, they’re almost the same gun
Actually cross shopped the Compact versions of these guns for my wife; ended up with the franchi because it came with shims and an even shorter LoP, so was able to have a much better fit for her.
Would love to To see A browning A5 vs the maxus 2 showdown as well as a Retay gordion vs masai Mara
Being a quail hunter from the age of eight, the 20 gage Franchi was and will always be my favorite shotgun. And I've had them all! My grandpa's favorite shotgun you guessed it, the Winchester! Lol love it good stuff. 👍🤘
Nice video, keep up the good work. A few additional points worth noting:
1) BOTH come in Left-hand models.
2) The triggers both have a safety at the rear of the trigger. Some like, some don't
3) Franchi, part of Benelli, uses the more complicated inertia system in the Affinity , identical to the Stoeger. The Benelli models use a simpler inertia system.
4) What was the trigger pull in pounds?
5) What about customer service? Benelli has been very good for me in the past. Very responsive. How is Winchester to deal with?
6) Where are these made? Turkey?
franchi is made in italy
I just looked at an sx3, it was made in belgium, assembled in portugal
The only difference between the Benelli inertia system and the Franchi/Stoeger inertia system is that the Benelli bolt return spring is in the buttstock and Franchi's system is around the magazine tube. If you duck hunt deep water eventually you will get the spring in the buttstock wet. Spring around the magazine is a lot easier to get to.
I have the Franchi Affinity 3.5 and my cousin has the Winchester SX4. The SX4 had a barrel blow up last duck season, while my front sight is loose. My Franchi definitely needed a little break in period but since then my Franchi has been perfect.
Just ordered the sx4... its in all these comparisons for a reason so figured i cant go wrong. There was a few others i was looking at but if im being honest the look of the sx4 with the woodland camo sold me on it haha. Its my style 100%
I have both of these guns and honestly I give the overall edge to the sx4 the only downside to the Franchi is the slightly longer length to pull and I have trouble feeding shells into the tube
After all these comparisons! You know you need to do a “if I could only have 1 shotgun” video lol! Great video as always! Cheers from Canada eh 🍻🇨🇦🤘
My BIL is a big Franchi guy. He's talked them up for years and I finally broke down and bought a 20g. I'll have to say I must agree with everything you and he has to say about the Franchi Affinity 3. And in my case, I'm comparing to Rem 1100, Ben M2, Ber 390, and a Retay MM. Not too shabby Franchi! I'm now shooting my limits in doves again. Always enjoy your scorecards after the fact.
I'm a new subscriber so I'm checking out your videos. Your reviews make making an informed decision fairly easy. I've been wanting a Franchi for a long time and your reviews of the affinity 3 has finally made me " pull the trigger". Thank you for this channel.
I was in the market for a shotgun recently, both of these guns were finalists, but it ended up coming down to the length of pull. The length of pull is 1/8th longer on the Franchi, and that ended up being a deal breaker because I couldn’t reach the trigger as good in my natural shooting position. I’m a short and small guy. I have been in love with my SX4 since I bought it. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these guns.
I had an Affinity one. I didn't like the slightly raised rib. I now have an sx4 , I love it.
I love my sx4, but I prefer my buddy’s Franchi Affinity. It pointed and felt more natural, recoil was more than the sx4 but less than the rest of the guns we were shooting. I think I’m going to get one...
I'd put the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowler in the mix with these.
I really get a lot of knowledge out of these videos thank you!
I’ve shot and owned both 20 ga and a 12 ga sx4. The sx4 is more custom and reliable. I had cycling issues on Franchi especially if I wasn’t perfectly shouldering it.
Can the sx4 have an optic installed on it? Looking for something versatile that I can take down some potential turkey or deer with as well as my upland and waterfowl hunts..
Just picked up a franchi based on your reviews Steve, haven't shot it yet, going goose hunting soon, gonna be exciting
I ended up with the same sx4 1k rounds out of the box on sporting clays and no issues. After I cleaned it I had some issues because I left it too dry as far as I can tell. None since heavier lubing. I did bend my vent rib on my small aluminum boat seat while chasing a diver around though but I imagine that was a fluke fall.
I watched one or two RUclips channel reviews of the SX4 by hunters who also said they bent the rib. So it may be a fluke it has happened to others. The other negative I read is that some have lost the charging handle while firing the shotgun. I decided that since I bought the matte black version that has a small red strip on the receiver that I would paint the charging handle and the SX4 on the stock a matching red. At $30 plus shipping for a new OEM handle I decided to paint it a color that I have a chance of finding on the ground.
This is the content I live for. Just as I was wondering.."I hope Steve does an Affinity V. SX4 comparison". Well done sir.
I'm in Ireland I use the framchi a lot and have an 686 Beretta easy but heavy franchi built by Beretta..good workhorse
Just bought one based on your earlier test on the affinity 3. Thanks
Had these two side by side at Cabelas today (before watching this). Walked out with the Franchi. Glad to know I couldn't make a bad choice.
Good to know. I’m between these 2 also. Haven’t been able to get my hands on an SX4 though. What made you choose the Franchi?
@@ChrisC-tl6qo honestly.. it just looked better imo
@@jakeshvng ah gotcha. I went with the Franchi as well. I never got my hands on the SX-4 but the Franchi just felt so good to shoulder and looks awesome.
@@ChrisC-tl6qo me too. Franchi fits and shoulders well. Feels great in my hands too
Question. First of all love your videos. On the takedown, you mentioned the spring on the affinity, but isn’t it a bonus that there’s no recoil spring components in the butt stock? I find that a tremendous advantage because it still needs to be cleaned at least once a year and a lot of shotguns it’s hard to get to and deal with. Would love your thoughts on that. Thanks in advance!
Can you do a sx4 vs a5 or tell me maybe what you think I should get for skeet shooting and hunting
there has to be a reason he compares so many shotguns to the SX4, on the fence between these 2 aswell as the Remington V3 pro, there all right around the same price, would love to see comparison and a "if i could only have one" that bronze finish on the Franchi is so damn nice...
Quite a good comparison test although in my opinion, you missed out on the MOST important aspect when it comes to comparing shotguns which is the "pattern test" at the classic "30 target at different distances with the same barrel length and choke/ammunition combination.
I would be very grateful to you if you could run this kind of test in your future videos. Kind Regards Nino
I really enjoy your SASA test, every gun has it's own +'s & -'s, the totals are quiet interesting. The nice thing about your test is that each viewer can add or subtract points in each category to suit their own liking.
There is one category I would like to see added: ease of unloading a loaded gun. It can be a safety issue.
Thanks for the roundup, I could be happy with either. I'm in the market so now I'll look at the CV also or should I go Browning or Benelli .
Got the Franchi Affinity 3 compact 20ga for a new youth shooter over the SX4. So far it's been a huge mistake for a new shooter. The recoil seems to be as much as my SX3 12ga which is unpleasant for new shooters. It's also having trouble cycling even with it shouldered up well. It'll be replaced by an SX4 when the compact field's come back in stock.
My sister shoots it and the most annoying part is the mag tube. Tried to eat my thumb and hers every time especially with gloves. Good gun overall though. Wouldn’t cycle light loads until we broke it in.
I also read that the reduced recoil loads available for 12 gauge can make the recoil as light as a 20 gauge. My only comparison with my SX4 is I recently compared it to a friends 30+ year old 20 gauge Remington 1100 that does not have a soft rubber butt pad. We where using #7.5 7/8 oz 20 gauge along with #8 1 oz 12 gauge loads. We both felt the recoil was about the same with both shotguns.
@@josephmoravec8146 I didn’t have issues with the mag tube. I took it out with a group of people last weekend and even the person who has a 12ga Affinity 3 said the 20ga compact was garbage. He said the recoil was as bad or worse than his full size 12ga. People said to add lead weight and swap out the butt pad but I’m going to pass on that. The SX4 compact came in but we have yet to take it out. Hopefully it’s a much better experience for the kiddo.
I was down to these two in the store. couldn't decide until the bolt release button on the francci broke off. its a screw on piece and just feels cheap and weak. went with the sx4 and it was less expensive. $860 at scheels in Ft. Collins CO
Good to know that bolt release was the only funny looking part and ended up going sx4 for the price. But just found an affinity 3 for basically the same price and was wondering if I messed up. Now I feel better about going sx4 lol
I went to test them both . Same both are great. However had to bring my head down alot more on the SX4 . Didnt feel as comfortable.
Ugg... your experience is way different than mine with the Franchi. Hope you never have a problem with it and need to have it repaired. I also have shot both side by side, and the sx4 is the softest shooting 12ga around.
I'd love to see a review on budget side by sides like the Stoeger Uplander
This video, along with a lot of other research, sold me on my first shotgun purchase. I grabbed the Affinity 3 in black, 12gauge 28”. I’ve not shot a shotgun for almost 30 yrs (Remington 870 pump only other experience). I was worried that this would be too good to be true but it completely surpassed my expectations. Did some Vaseline target shooting and it was not only fun, but spot on. This was a gateway for me as I’m also looking at an over under as well and will be doing some sporting clay but also holding to hunt pheasant and grouse.
Any chance you can do a Rizzini BR110 Sporter review against the browning/beretta/Benelli over-unders? I have a Rizzini on hold but am still debating the choices at the similar price point.
Have you ran 7/8 1 oz loads through it?
That affinity looks better now, but it use it awhile and get back to us. The one I bought, most of the bronze started chipping and falling off.
Great video which it the best dove quail skeet semi auto shotgun in 28 or 20 gauge a good looking hard working gun
Have owned the Franchi for several years and is a great gun. Just bought the SX4 and ran her this morning because I wanted a gas gun for some reason. Had a few feed issues shooting #2 steel. I cleaned it beforehand but maybe not good enough - any guidance on feed issues out of the box? Great video BTW
Interesting that you have feed issues. I shot a new SX4 all fall (2022) for ducks. I shot a lot of shells and never had an issue. My friend has a SBE. It had failure to eject issues 3 times. I shot some #4s during teal season, but #2s after that. Hope your problem gets straightened out. If not, I'd send it to Winchester for a check up.
Totally agree with the franchi Affinity 3... I love that shotgun
Please make a video comparing both guns energy by showing chronograph results, because franchi affinity 3 is inertia operated and winchester sx4 is gas operated, want to see which gun have more foot pound energy with same cartridges.
Please do a detail on your SX4 video! How do you keep your barrel clamp in place?
I really enjoy your reveiws. I own the sx1,2, 3 and 4 , they have been fantastic guns,very dependable , and trouble free in 12 ga. I bought the affinity3 in 20 ga. a couple of years ago, and am waiting on my sx4 in20 ga. upland. Your reveiw was spot on so l can't wait to get my sx4 looks like l will have 2 great little 20s. Thanks.
Just bought one yesterday because of your review. It really fits well can’t wait to hunt it💯
Got my sx4 hybrid hunter for $800. Such a steal
What kind of chokes are in both guns?? Look good
I’m trying to find a recoil pad after market on my affinity 3 and I don’t know if they make them. Do you have any recommendations
I have had the Franchi for about 9 months. Had a lot of reliability issues due to an out od spec action bar. I got it running right, but I really think for the price, the quality isn't there on the Franchi. They do not QA the guns enough. The Winchester SX4 is what I should have bought. I recently got my son an SXP trap and it's remarkably good. Hate to say it, but the SXP is better than an 870. So I bet the SX4 is also great.
I want to see the Weatherby Element vs. CZ 1012. Whats the best gun under $800?
I have the affinity elite and between it and my 940pro waterfowl they are my two most used guns.
The retay Masai Mara also has a 2 piece receiver. Same price point also
Bought the 3.5. Shouldered the best and I did not want the higher price of the others
Hi sir. In SOSA test i think there should be include one more thing the MECHANISAM of shotgun because good mechanisam of any shotgun is making the gun reliable durable cyclingable easy maintinance LONG LIFE.
in SX4 shotgun recoil spring maintinance is not easy .
I'd appreciate a review of the Franchi Affinity 3 against the Benelli Montefeltro. I own the Affinity in 20 (walnut) ga purchased a year ago. Didn't feel the couple hundred more for Benelli was worth it. The new 2023 Monte looks sleek and I'm eye balling it in 12 ga vs new Affinity in 12 ga.
I'd like to see you put together a top ten list for left handed shooters. Some guns aren't available for us lefties.
i just bought the franchi two weekes ago , just melted in my hands love it
How’s it been holding up?
Hi Steve, enjoy your comparison reviews and appreciate your feedback and honesty. I have recently looked at the Winchester SX3 and Franchi Affinity 1, they are both second hand and I can shoot both well. What model would you say is the best long term with regard to reliability?
Thanks. All the best from Scotland 🏴 GD
Had Beretta, remington, bakiel and now Franchi SAs.
No one gun was ever perfect.
But the Franchi 3.5 comes awfully close. In cobalt.
@@Odysseuss. thanks for your reply, I ended up with a Beretta AL391 Urika. All the best for 2024👍
I am torn between the Franchi Waterfowl Elite and the Mossburg Pro 940. Anyway to do a video on those 2 guns.
Love the SOSA test format
I would love to see some retay videos. I don’t know much about them but I have several people I know that love them.
Does the franchi affinity 3 have a lot more recoil than the Winchester or is it just slightly more
Good video but you should add patterning to the SOSA test.
Shotgun showdown between Mossberg 940 Pro and Benelli SBE III
I literally bought a Winchester SX4 Upland Edition after work today... Not kidding!
From where, ive been looking for months😭
@@gatorpulido7065 Runnings. My local store had 1 Upland Edition, and the store about 50 miles away has 1 standard black synthetic. This is in Upstate NY.
Will you ever review a retay ?
Yep, I agree the Franchi Affinity 3 is a great shotgun 👍
Should of been a bonus point awarded to Sx4 for Customer Service anouther for ease of replacement parts. But thats just my opinion and i shoot a SX3. GOOD REVIEW THO,THANKS!!!
I guess youtube really can't take down a great. Awesome review brother.
The sx4 is a little stumbly when loading into the mag tube.
I would like to see a 20ga comparison between the franchi elite, winchester sx4, and benelli sbe3.
I had an affinity. I can’t stand the patterning of it. Franchis shoot high like benellis and stoegers.
I got rid of the Franchi for an SX4 and I now own 3 SX4’s because of it. Don’t miss the Franchi at all.
Does either one shoot reloads ?
The slot in the Affinity 3 might cause Benelli thumb?
the best brother already wached this one😀. pls do the 20vs 20g interia vs gas
Lets see a Retay Gordion comparison. Wakeman rates it the best inertia?
What choke are you using in the guns?
I think I’ve got watched this video four times now😂
Just picked up an SX4 in max5 on clearance for $700. Hoping it's gonna last me a few seasons of waterfowl and doves in WY
As a franchi owner I would say without watching the SX4 will be faster as will a benelli the franchi affinity’s hammer and trigger are it’s down side compared to say a benelli trigger i’ve swopped them about and you can notice it when you fit a benelli trigger group in a franchi the SX4 was my other choice when buying a franchi but they just don’t have the warranty that you get with franchi or the lack of problems you get with inertia guns.
Great video thanks
You should do a shotgun show down between the franchi and sbe3
Didn't the franchi not perform well in your frozen shotgun comparison video?
I like the "duller" camo of the SX4 over the "shiny" camo of the Affinity. Ymmv.
I’d consider the Franchi first but it doesn’t take 3 1/2s..so maybe the Winchester is the option. Keep hearing buy Stoeger but always hear about the problems that eventually show up
Could you a video on the different Remington semi autos
Affinity 3.5 or a400 xtreme plus? I want an all around hunting gun.
@bigd100037 between my wife and I we have 3 total a400 models. The 20 ga xtreme plus is hers a 12 ga xtreme plus and xcel a400 sporting. We’ve had benelli in the past and will never go back. These a400 are THE best handling softest shooting guns we’ve ever tried. We’ve also tried an older browning gold 12 ga. And the berettas are by far the top of the line. Stay away from those inertia in my opinion. A400 cleans easy also.