Franchi RF 83
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1983
Also known as: RF-83
Overview
The Franchi RF 83 is an Italian double-action, six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, built by Luigi Franchi and introduced in 1983. It has a swing-out cylinder and a heavy, ventilated-rib barrel that gives it a strong resemblance to Colt's Python and Diamondback revolvers. It was offered in several barrel lengths — a 2.5-inch snub, a 4-inch service length, and a 6-inch 'Sportiva' target version — in both blued and stainless (inox) finishes. Some examples were issued through the Terni arsenal to Italian security and law-enforcement users. It remained a niche product, as Franchi was and is far better known for its shotguns.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Ventilated Rib, Double Action Single Action
Variants
- Franchi RF 83 (2.5-inch) - Short Barrel
- Franchi RF 83 (6-inch Sportiva) - Long Barrel
- Franchi RF 83 Inox - Stainless
Production
Production years: 1983-late 1980s
Niche, low-volume production; exact discontinuation date not documented. Examples survive mainly on the Italian used-gun market.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
Franchi is far better known for its shotguns; the RF 83 was one of the company's few handgun ventures and had a limited production run. Barrel lengths encountered on the used market are 2.5", 4" and 6", in blued and stainless finishes.
Background
Luigi Franchi, a name synonymous with fine Italian shotguns since 1868, made a rare handgun venture with the RF 83 — a heavy-barrelled .38 Special sixgun styled after Colt's Python, offered in blued and stainless, that never strayed far from the Italian home market.