Franchi Alcione
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued
Overview
The Franchi Alcione is an Italian over-and-under boxlock shotgun most commonly chambered in 12 gauge with 3-inch chambers (a 20-gauge version was also offered). It uses a full-width cross-pin hinge and full-width locking bolt, a single selective trigger with mechanical reset for the second barrel, automatic ejectors, and an automatic safety that engages when the gun is opened. The barrels carry chrome-lined bores with ventilated top and side ribs and accept five screw-in multichoke tubes, while alloy fore-end metalwork helps keep the game gun light for upland and rough shooting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3289 g (116.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Silver Receiver Game Scene Engraving |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Manual Tang Safety
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Boxlock Action, Single Selective Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Full Width Cross Pin Hinge, Full Width Locking Bolt, Mechanical Second Barrel Reset, Ventilated Top And Side Ribs, Chrome Lined Bores, Five Screw In Multichoke Tubes, Alloy Forend Metalwork, Weather Coat Walnut Stock, 3 Inch Chambers
Variants
- Franchi Alcione SP - Premium Engraved
- Franchi Alcione Field - Field
- Franchi Alcione Sport - Sporting
- Franchi Alcione Titanium - Lightweight
- Franchi Alcione 2000 - Field
Production
Produced by Luigi Franchi (part of Beretta Holding from the late 1990s); discontinued and replaced in Franchi's over-under lineup by later models such as the Instinct series.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
Distributed in the UK by GMK. The name 'Alcione' is Italian for the halcyon or kingfisher. Sold in several trim levels including the Field, Sport/Sporting, SP, Titanium and Alcione 2000. 26, 28 and 30-inch barrel lengths were available; weight is roughly 3.3 kg (about 7.25 lb) in 28-inch 12-gauge form.
Background
Franchi is one of Italy's oldest gunmakers, and the Alcione was revitalised after Beretta acquired the brand in the late 1990s. Unusually for an Italian over-under, it was built on a full-width cross-pin hinge rather than the Boss-style trunnions common to its rivals, giving it a robust, long-wearing action.