Which is best entry shotgun?

Kevin Peacocke

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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?
 
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
 
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.
 
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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 !
 
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I thought you were talking about Remington 870 entry level...Zoli is excellent.
 
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.
 
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..
 
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.
 
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.
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.
 
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!
 
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.​
 
Hard to beat a franchi for the money
 
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.
 
I had a Franchise Falconet for over 20 years. It is a great lightweight well built shotgun. I would highly recommend Franchi.
 
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
 

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