Franchi Instinct SL, 20GA, 28″ BBL, 2rd

Whether you’re navigating the dense woodlands of the Cherokee National Forest or working a field trial in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, the Franchi Instinct SL in 20 gauge offers a lightweight, responsive platform that pairs naturally with the demands of upland hunting and clay shooting. For Tennessee shooters who value a fast-handling shotgun that won’t weigh down a long day afield, this over-under delivers reliable performance without unnecessary bulk. The 28-inch barrel provides the balance needed for swinging on a flushing quail or a crossing dove, making it a practical choice for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport.

The Franchi Instinct SL, chambered in 20 gauge with a 28-inch barrel and a 2-round capacity, is a field-grade over-under shotgun designed for upland bird hunters, sport clay enthusiasts, and shooters who prefer a lighter recoiling gauge. It is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; rather, it is built for those who spend their weekends walking behind a pointing dog, shooting sporting clays at a local range, or introducing a family member to the tradition of wing shooting. The “SL” designation stands for “Super Light,” and this model is aimed at shooters who prioritize carrying comfort and quick handling over added weight or extended magazine capacity.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: 20 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells capable)
• Capacity: 2 rounds (standard over-under configuration)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 45.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
• Barrel Finish: Blued steel with a polished surface
• Stock and Forend: Satin-finished walnut with a classic checkering pattern
• Receiver Finish: Silver nickel alloy with engraved game scene
• Chokes: Comes with interchangeable Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (typically IC, M, F)
• Sights: Single brass bead front sight
• Action: Boxlock action with mechanical trigger (no inertial reset required)
• Safety: Manual tang-mounted safety/barrel selector
• Recoil Pad: Black rubber pad with a ventilated design

Feature Deep-Dive

The Franchi Instinct SL distinguishes itself in the crowded over-under market through its emphasis on weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity. The receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy, then reinforced with steel inserts at critical wear points such as the hinge pin and locking bolt area. This construction method allows the shotgun to tip the scales at under six pounds, a significant advantage for hunters who cover miles of Tennessee terrain in a single morning. The weight savings are immediately noticeable when shouldering the gun, and the balance point sits just forward of the hinge pin, promoting a natural swing on moving targets.

The barrel set is produced using Franchi’s “Deep Bluing” process, which provides a durable, corrosion-resistant finish suited for the humidity and occasional rain showers common in Tennessee hunting seasons. The 28-inch barrels are chrome-lined for longevity and ease of cleaning, and they accept the widely available Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube system. This compatibility means you can source aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson, or other manufacturers without needing specialized tubes. The forcing cones are lengthened to reduce felt recoil and improve pattern consistency, a detail that matters when shooting heavy 3-inch loads for waterfowl or lighter target loads at the range.

The mechanical trigger system is a notable feature for shooters who prefer reliability over inertia-based designs. Unlike some over-unders that require the recoil from the first shot to reset the trigger for the second barrel, the Instinct SL uses a purely mechanical system. This means the second barrel will fire even if the first shell fails to ignite or if the shooter is using extremely low-recoil target loads. The trigger pull is crisp and breaks at approximately 5.5 pounds, with a slight take-up that is predictable and consistent across both barrels. The tang-mounted safety doubles as a barrel selector, allowing the shooter to choose which barrel fires first by moving the selector left or right.

Stock geometry on the Instinct SL is designed for quick mounting and comfortable shooting. The walnut stock features a satin finish that reduces glare in bright field conditions, and the checkering is cut at 20 lines per inch, providing a secure grip without being overly aggressive. The comb is slightly elevated to align the shooter’s eye naturally with the rib, and the cast-off is minimal, making the gun suitable for right-handed shooters of average build. The ventilated recoil pad is effective at absorbing the modest recoil of 20 gauge loads, and the length of pull measures approximately 14.5 inches, which is standard for most adult shooters.

Fit and finish on the Franchi Instinct SL reflect Italian manufacturing standards without the premium price tag of higher-end Italian brands. The receiver features a silver nickel finish with a laser-engraved game scene depicting upland birds, which adds a touch of elegance without being overly ornate. The barrels and receiver mate tightly with no visible gaps, and the action locks up solidly when closed. The ejectors are timed to kick spent shells clear of the action reliably, but the gun can be manually unloaded by gently lowering the barrels if the shooter prefers to retain the shells. These details combine to create a shotgun that feels more expensive than its retail price suggests.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: The 20 gauge and 5.8-pound weight make this an excellent choice for pursuing ruffed grouse, woodcock, and quail in the thick cover of Tennessee’s eastern forests. The 28-inch barrel provides enough reach for open fields while remaining maneuverable in tight brush.
• Sporting Clays: The balanced swing and mechanical trigger make the Instinct SL a capable partner for recreational clay shooting. It handles well on stations requiring quick transitions, though dedicated competitors may prefer a heavier gun for sustained fire.
• Waterfowl Hunting: With 3-inch chambering and appropriate choke tubes, this shotgun can handle duck and goose loads. However, the lightweight design means felt recoil will be more noticeable with heavy waterfowl loads, so it is best suited for pass shooting or shorter sessions.
• Wing Shooting Instruction: The low recoil of the 20 gauge and the gun’s forgiving handling characteristics make it a suitable platform for teaching new shooters the fundamentals of wing shooting. The mechanical trigger ensures consistent performance with light target loads.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20 gauge shells. It cycles reliably with standard target loads (7/8 oz to 1 oz) and field loads (1 oz to 1 1/16 oz). Use of steel shot is permissible with appropriate choke tubes rated for steel (typically modified or improved cylinder). Avoid using magnum loads exceeding 3-inch length.
• Choke Tubes: Compatible with all Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes. This includes factory tubes from Franchi, Beretta, and Benelli, as well as aftermarket options from Briley, Carlson, and Trulock. The gun ships with improved cylinder, modified, and full chokes.
• Holsters and Slings: Not applicable for holsters. For sling attachment, the gun has a sling swivel stud on the forend cap and a stud on the stock. A standard 1-inch sling will fit.
• Magazines and Accessories: No detachable magazine is used. Accessories include aftermarket recoil pads (if a different length of pull is needed), replacement trigger shoes, and custom stock work from gunsmiths familiar with the Franchi platform.
• Cleaning Supplies: Standard 20 gauge cleaning rods, patches, and solvents are compatible. The chrome-lined barrels are easy to maintain, but avoid abrasive cleaning tools that could damage the blued finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship the Franchi Instinct SL directly to my home in Tennessee?
A: No. Per federal law, all firearms must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We cannot ship directly to a residence. You will need to select a licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee to receive this shotgun. We maintain a list of preferred FFLs in Tennessee, or you may use your own.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
A: After placing your order, you must provide us with the contact information and a copy of the receiving FFL’s license (sent via fax or email). We verify the license and ship the firearm to that dealer. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our price.

Q: What 20 gauge ammunition works best in this shotgun?
A: The Franchi Instinct SL is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. For upland hunting, we recommend 1-ounce loads of #6, #7.5, or #8 shot. For clays, standard 7/8-ounce target loads function reliably. If using steel shot for waterfowl, stick with modified or improved cylinder chokes and loads up to 1 1/16 ounces. Avoid using 3-inch magnum loads for extended shooting sessions, as the lightweight gun increases felt recoil.

Q: What warranty covers this shotgun?
A: The Franchi Instinct SL is covered by the manufacturer’s limited warranty, which typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or alterations. For specific warranty claims, you will need to contact Franchi directly or work through an authorized service center. As a retailer, we do not administer warranty repairs but can assist with the initial claim process.

Q: What is your return policy for this firearm?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, all firearm sales are final. We cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred to an FFL. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with the manufacturer to resolve the issue, which may include repair or replacement at Franchi’s discretion. We strongly recommend inspecting the firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer.

If you are a Tennessee resident looking for a lightweight, reliable over-under shotgun for upland hunting or clay shooting, the Franchi Instinct SL in 20 gauge with a 28-inch barrel is a practical choice. We ship to any licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee, including those in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and throughout the state. Contact our team with any questions about