Which is best entry shotgun?

[Kevin Peacocke]

My brother wants to buy an entry level shotgun, 20 gauge. Use will be informal clays and some field birds. The ones available are Zoli Z and Franchi. Which is better?

 

[MontanaPat]

I have a Franchi O/U in 16 gauge, shoots and swings great, I’m sure a 20 would be great too. Never heard of a Zoli Z in the US

 

[Wyfox]

The Zoli would be the best choice of those two. They have a fantastic reputation in the clays world.

 

[Shotgun Coach]

I would agree Zoli is one of the best available. I have had four Zoli's Two in twelve and one in 20 and one 28 both were great and I do mean Great.

 

[Sarg]

When I read the heading I immediately thought Benelli M4 or Mossberg 590 lol

I would have thought the Fanchi but I hear the Zoli’s work well here !

 

[Green Chile]

I thought you were talking about Remington 870 entry level...Zoli is excellent.

 

[Sideshow]

Not trying to be a smart ass but the one that fits him. Get him to pick it up make sure it’s empty. Close his eyes mout it and aim at a point on the wall or ceiling open eyes. If he sees the bead without adjusting his head then it fits. Mind if I ask why 20? A 12 with diminished loads will be cheaper to feed. Same recoil as the 20 with full loads.

 

[mdwest]

Franchi makes a few “entry” level guns… I’m not aware of Zoli making anything entry level.

Both make very solid guns… I’d be happy to take either out for a round of clays or to chase dove in the field, etc..

 

[Doug3006]

Not trying to be a smart ass but the one that fits him. Get him to pick it up make sure it’s empty. Close his eyes mout it and aim at a point on the wall or ceiling open eyes. If he sees the bead without adjusting his head then it fits. Mind if I ask why 20? A 12 with diminished loads will be cheaper to feed. Same recoil as the 20 with full loads.

Plus, he will break more clays and kill more birds with a 12g. Never underestimate the value of success. It breeds enthusiasm! With 1 oz loads the 12g patterns wonderfully and is often as soft shooting as a 20 because the gun usually weighs more.

 

[Deepfork]

The Zoli would be the best choice of those two. They have a fantastic reputation in the clays world.

This! I have handled both, very impressed with the Zoli.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Franchi all the way. I’ve used a couple of their Affinity shotguns in the past. And based upon my experiences in the field, I was rather impressed.

 

[Deepfork]

Franchi all the way. I’ve used a couple of their Affinity shotguns in the past. And based upon my experiences in the field, I was rather impressed.

I believe we are talking O/U shotguns.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I believe we are talking O/U shotguns.

Oh, how embarrassing of me. In that case, Zoli. I’ve never used their shotguns. Although I did use one of their Corona combination gun models chambered in 12 gauge 3” Magnum/9.3x74mmR. It was superbly accurate.

 

[Deepfork]

Oh, how embarrassing of me. In that case, Zoli. I’ve never used their shotguns. Although I did use one of their Corona combination gun models chambered in 12 gauge 3” Magnum/9.3x74mmR. It was superbly accurate.

Wow....love to have one of those! Not much you could not get done with that combo!

 

[skydiver386]

The Zolo is the better gun, but I've owned several Franchi shotguns and I'd be happy to find either one under my Christmas tree.​

 

[uplander01]

Hard to beat a franchi for the money

 

[Hunt anything]

Definitely not what I started with!! An old Western Field BOLT action full choked .410, in fairness though I believe starting with it made me the wing shot I became. By the time I was given my grandfather’s feather weight Model 12 I was hitting around 2 out of every 3 doves I shot at and probably 4 out of every 5 ducks.

Find one that fits properly and go from there.

 

[MS 9x56]

I had a Franchise Falconet for over 20 years. It is a great lightweight well built shotgun. I would highly recommend Franchi.

 

[MS 9x56]

I had a Franchise Falconet for over 20 years. It is a great lightweight well built shotgun. I would highly recommend Franchi.

Damn auto correct Fanchi Falconet.

 

[Bejane]

My brother wants to buy an entry level shotgun, 20 gauge. Use will be informal clays and some field birds. The ones available are Zoli Z and Franchi. Which is better?

Why not try get a Berreta SP 1 from RSA? Some models come with adjustable combs and palm swells, decent wood, all for half the price or thereabouts of a Zoli Z gun.

You can get a 32 inch barrels in some Berreta SP's , which I feel makes the gun swing better. The weight of the SP is good for both field sport and clays, whereas when I looked at the Zoli it was more for field sport. Just my 2c