franchi 48AL problem

[ONE HOLE 4570]

My son's 20 ga 48Al has turned into a single shot.
It loads the fine, chamber then mag. It shoots & ejects the shell, the next shell is released onto the ladder to load in the chamber. The problem is it holds the action open with each shot like it was the last round in the chamber with the mag empty. Push the load button & it loads the next round that was waiting into the chamber. Cleaned & lubed still does this hold open, any help will get him back in the dove field

Many thanks

[gunnut69]

I'm not very experienced with this shotgun but it would appear from the parts diagram that the carrier release(carrier dog #84) is not being released... Does the gun do this for you or just the son. Autos require a solid stop behind them to function. It appears the shell is ejected from the magazine and trips the carrier dog releasing the carrier to lift the shell into the path of the bolt? Perhaps a heavier load or a heavier shooter..

[ONE HOLE 4570]

Thanks for the reply, It holds open for me as well. He has been shooting this shotgun for5 years now. I don't think it it due to shooter & the recoil recoil. Does this with 7/8 oz & 1 oz high brass heavy field loads.
I am at a loss, no gunsmith here seems to know about this shotgun. Probably too old to send back to be referbished by Franchi/Benelli

[spruce]

They were still making it a few years ago - haven't heard they dropped it.

Used ones are a little pricey - it has sort of a cult following among some Grouse hunters.

Sorry, can't help you on diagnosing the malfunction - other than giving Franchi a call.

[1marty]

I picked one up about a year ago and traded it in at Gander 2 months later. Same problem. For whatever reason it only cycled winchester shot shells (even with those I hade 1 out of 25 wouldn't feed) and no other brand. I took it apart, cleaned, oiled etc. I read numerous posts and all were unfavorable. What a piece of garbage. I bought a Win sx3-picey-but you get what you pay for.

[1marty]

P.S. don't bother with contacting Franchi they were no help.

[gunnut69]

You should try franchi. Always give the maker a chance to make it right.. Still this shotgun evidently worked well for you for some time before failing.. that means there is likely something we're missing. Perhaps check the carrier latch for a burr of wear on the carrier dog.. Bent carrier dog spring guide pin? Perhaps the relationship between the carrier latch and the shell stop has been altered(bent part)? This would be a heap easier if the piece were in front of us but we'll muddle through.

[1marty]

I have spoken to one other pweson at my club and he had the same exact problem as I had-failure to feed. If you google it you'll see many complaints about this particular gun.