I've had two 48ALs. I bought a 28ga last year at the beginning of the season. It was a beautiful gun, lightweight (which is why I bought it), and a dream to carry. But from the very first it never fed shells properly so it was a very expensive single shot. I tried different shells/loads, tried adjusting the friction ring, and anything else I could think of. I finally returned it, through the dealer, to Franchi in Accokeek, MD for warranty repair. Seven months later, the dealer finally gave up trying to get it back for me (Franchi reportedly claimed they couldn't find it) so he gave me a new one instead. I was a little skeptical of getting another one, based on my experience with the first, but almost everything I've read about 48ALs indicates they're usually solid, reliable guns. And so far the new one has worked flawlessly with three brands of shells (3/4 oz Fed and Rem and 1 oz Win) in controlled conditions at a target range. I hope it works as well in the field this fall.
And since the gun is so light, it does have a bit of a kick. Nothing too bad, though.
