Franchi Renaissance Elite
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 2006
Also known as: Renaissance Elite
Overview
The Franchi Renaissance Elite is an Italian over/under break-action shotgun and the top wood grade of Franchi's Renaissance field line, introduced in 2006. Built around an ultra-light machined aluminum-alloy receiver with steel reinforcement, it pairs AA-grade oil-finished walnut with a Prince of Wales pistol grip, an engraved silver receiver with gold game-bird inlays, a single selective trigger, automatic ejectors, and screw-in choke tubes. Chambered primarily in 3-inch 12 gauge (also offered in 20 and 28 gauge), it weighs around 6.2 pounds, making it a light, elegant upland and field gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2812 g (99.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 699 mm (27.52") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Engraved Silver Receiver With Gold Inlays; Oil-Finished Walnut |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
- 28 Gauge — also known as 28 ga, 28 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Barrel Selector
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Single Selective Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Screw In Choke Tubes, Prince Of Wales Pistol Grip, Gel Insert Recoil Pad, Cut Checkering, Ultralight Alloy Receiver
Variants
- Franchi Renaissance Field - Field
- Franchi Renaissance Classic - Upgraded Wood
- Franchi Renaissance Sporting - Sporting Clays
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and field shooters
Production
Production years: 2006-2010s
Sporting/field over-under; produced in limited numbers within the Renaissance line, now discontinued
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
The Renaissance line used a lightweight alloy receiver to keep weight around 5.5-6.2 lb depending on gauge. The Elite designation denotes the highest walnut grade with gold-inlaid engraving; a Sporting model with a 30-inch barrel and adjustable comb was added in 2007.
Background
Named to evoke the artistry of the Italian Renaissance, the Elite grade was Franchi's showcase of engraving craft, its silver receiver hand-detailed with gold-inlaid mallard, pheasant, and rose motifs on a shotgun light enough to carry all day in the uplands.