Franchi Instinct SL – 28″ 28GA

The Franchi Instinct SL in 28 gauge with a 28-inch barrel is a field shotgun that delivers on the promises of light weight and smooth handling, making it a natural fit for the Tennessee outdoorsman. Whether you are walking a dove field in Brownsville, chasing wood ducks along the Tennessee River, or working a grouse thicket in the Cumberland Plateau, this shotgun is built to carry all day and swing fast on fast-flushing birds. It is a tool for the hunter who values precision, reliability, and the distinct advantage of a 28-gauge load.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Franchi Instinct SL is a side-by-side, over-and-under shotgun chambered in 28 gauge, with a 28-inch barrel and a 2-round capacity. This is not a tactical shotgun, nor is it designed for home defense or concealed carry. It is specifically intended for upland bird hunting, small-game hunting, and sporting clays or skeet shooting. The 28 gauge is a favored choice among experienced wingshooters for its light recoil, fast handling, and efficient shot patterns. This model is for the hunter who appreciates fine Italian craftsmanship, wants a gun that points naturally, and understands that a lighter gun is not just a luxury—it is an advantage on long days in the field. It is also an excellent choice for newer shooters or those who prefer to shoot a lighter load without sacrificing performance on quail, woodcock, or pheasant.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: 28 Gauge (2.75-inch or 3-inch shells)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 2 rounds (standard for over-and-under shotguns)
• Action: Over-and-under, break-action
• Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (varies slightly by stock configuration)
• Finish: Satin nickel or blued receiver (depending on variant), with a matte black barrel and polished chrome bore
• Sights: Front brass bead sight on a ventilated rib
• Stock: Grade A walnut with a satin oil finish, featuring a Schnabel fore-end and pistol grip
• Chokes: Interchangeable choke tubes (typically includes C, IC, M, IM, F)
• Length of Pull: 14.5 inches
• Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
• Drop at Heel: 2.5 inches
• Safety: Manual tang-mounted safety with barrel selector
• Extractor: Automatic ejectors (ejects spent shells)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Franchi Instinct SL distinguishes itself from other over-and-under shotguns in its price range through a combination of weight reduction and mechanical reliability. The “SL” in the name stands for “Super Light,” and this gun lives up to that designation. Weighing in at just over 6 pounds, it is one of the lightest production 28-gauge over-and-unders available. This is achieved through a machined aluminum alloy receiver, which reduces weight without compromising structural integrity. The steel barrel and monobloc construction ensure that the action remains tight and consistent over thousands of rounds. For the Tennessee hunter who covers ground, this weight savings translates directly into less fatigue and faster target acquisition by the end of a long morning.

The trigger system on the Instinct SL is a single selective trigger, meaning you can choose which barrel fires first via the tang-mounted safety. This allows the shooter to fine-tune their shot sequence—for example, using a tighter choke for the first shot and a more open choke for the second. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent, breaking at around 4.5 pounds. The barrel selector is intuitive and easy to operate with a gloved hand, a practical detail for cold mornings in the Tennessee woods. The automatic ejectors are another welcome feature, flipping spent shells clear of the action for quick reloading. This is a significant upgrade over extractor-only models, especially when you are trying to get back on target for a second bird.

The barrel is fitted with a ventilated rib that tapers slightly from the breech to the muzzle, providing a clear sight plane and helping to dissipate heat. The front brass bead sight is simple but effective, offering a clear aiming point without clutter. The bore is chrome-lined, which resists corrosion and makes cleaning easier—an important consideration given the humidity and variable weather conditions across Tennessee. The interchangeable choke system allows the shooter to adapt the gun to different game and distances. Whether you are shooting skeet with an improved cylinder choke or chasing late-season pheasants with a full choke, the Instinct SL gives you that flexibility without needing a gunsmith. The choke tubes are flush-fitting and come with a wrench for easy swaps.

The stock and fore-end are crafted from Grade A walnut with a hand-rubbed satin oil finish. The wood is checkered at 20 lines per inch on both the grip and fore-end, providing a secure hold even when your hands are damp or gloved. The Schnabel fore-end is slender and allows the shooter to index their hand consistently, promoting a natural point of aim. The pistol grip is comfortable and fills the hand well, with a gentle palm swell that helps with control. The recoil pad is a soft rubber unit that helps mitigate the already mild recoil of the 28 gauge. The length of pull is standard at 14.5 inches, but spacers are available to adjust it to 14 inches or 15 inches, accommodating shooters of different builds. This level of fitment is rare at this price point and contributes directly to better shooting.

Inside the action, the Franchi Instinct SL uses a robust locking system with two locking lugs that engage the barrel monobloc. The hinge pin is hardened steel and designed for long service life. The trigger group is removable for cleaning, which is a practical feature for a gun that will see field use. The safety is manual and blocks the trigger, with a red dot visible when the safety is off. The barrel selector is integrated into the safety slide, allowing you to switch from the bottom barrel to the top barrel (or vice versa) with a simple push. This system is straightforward and reliable, with no complicated levers or buttons to fumble with. The entire action is designed to be easily maintained by the owner, with standard screwdrivers and basic tools sufficient for disassembly.

The 28-inch barrel length is a classic choice for upland hunting and sporting clays. It provides enough sight radius for precise pointing while remaining short enough for quick handling in thick cover. The balance point of the gun is forward of the hinge pin, which helps the barrels swing naturally through the target. This is a gun that points where you look, without fighting the muzzle. The overall fit and finish are consistent with Franchi’s reputation for producing Italian-made shotguns that punch above their price class. The satin nickel receiver finish (on select models) resists scratches and corrosion, and the blued steel barrel has a deep, even luster. This is a shotgun that looks as good as it performs, and it will hold up to years of hard use in the field.

Ideal Use Cases

The Franchi Instinct SL is most at home in the field for upland bird hunting. It excels on quail, woodcock, grouse, pheasant, and chukar. The 28-gauge load with a 28-inch barrel is also highly effective for dove hunting, where the light weight allows for quick swings on crossing birds. For sporting clays and skeet, this gun is a pleasure to shoot—the low recoil and fast handling make it a great choice for shooters who want to shoot a lot of rounds without fatigue. It is also a fine choice for small-game hunting, such as rabbits and squirrels, using light shot loads. This is not a gun for waterfowl hunting (where 12 or 20 gauge is more common) or for home defense. It is a specialized tool for the wingshooter who values speed, precision, and the classic feel of an over-and-under.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells. It will cycle both standard and high-velocity loads. Do not use steel shot in non-steel-rated barrels unless the choke tubes are rated for steel. Franchi recommends using lead or bismuth shot for optimal performance and barrel longevity.
• Holsters: Not applicable. This is a break-action shotgun, not a handgun. A quality gun case or soft slip is recommended for transport and storage.
• Magazines: No detachable magazines. The gun loads two shells directly into the chambers (one in each barrel). No aftermarket magazines are needed.
• Accessories: Interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) are included. Additional choke tubes are available from Franchi or aftermarket manufacturers. A choke tube wrench is included. A stock spacer kit is available for length-of-pull adjustment. A hard case or soft case is recommended for storage and transport.
• Maintenance: Use standard shotgun cleaning solvents and lubricants. The chrome-lined bore is easy to clean. The receiver can be wiped down with a light oil. The wood stock should be wiped clean and occasionally treated with a wood conditioner.

FAQ Section

1. Can this shotgun be shipped to a Tennessee address directly?
No. All firearms, including shotguns, must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We cannot ship directly to a residential address in Tennessee or any other state. You will need to select a local FFL dealer in Tennessee to receive the firearm. We can recommend FFL dealers in your area if needed.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for a Tennessee buyer?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. Your FFL must send us a copy of their license (via fax or email) before we ship. Once we receive the FFL, we will ship the shotgun. The receiving dealer will then perform a background check (NICS) and transfer the firearm to you. You must comply with all state and federal laws. We do not charge extra for the transfer, but your FFL may charge a fee.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this 28-gauge shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells. It will fire standard target loads, field loads, and magnum loads. We recommend using high-quality lead or bismuth shot for best performance. Steel shot is not recommended unless you use choke tubes specifically rated for steel. Always check the barrel and choke markings before using steel shot. For hunting in Tennessee, ensure your ammunition meets the state’s non-toxic shot requirements for waterfowl and other game.

4. What is the warranty on the Franchi Instinct SL?
F