Author Topic: Franchi 48 AL Won't Load New Shell  (Read 722 times)

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Offline farmplinker

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Franchi 48 AL Won't Load New Shell
« on: September 15, 2003, 01:28:23 AM »
Anybody know about Franchi recoil-operated autoloader shotguns? I bought what I thought was a great deal on a used but new-looking Franchi 48AL shotgun last spring at a gun show. I haven't had a chance to use it until yesterday, when I went shooting clay pigeons with a buddy.

I pulled up, shot the first bird and got ready for the second. I pulled up, pulled the trigger and nothing happened. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the empty first round had not been extracted and was still in the chamber. I had to manually pull back the bolt to expel the empty shell casing, and then had to push the little operating button to load the second round. I shot a whole box of shells that way; it never did auto-load, and I had to push the button to load the next shell coming up from the feeder tube.

I was using light, target-style shells (1 oz. shot, 3 1/4 dram powder), so I'm thinking that maybe the loads were too light. I'm going to go buy a box of higher-powered ammo to try, but I really want to be able to shoot light target loads in the gun. I could hear the action moving when I shot, but I'm guessing that the bolt wasn't moving far enough back.

Is there any adjustment for the gun? Could it be a matter of lubrication? I have to admit I didn't field strip the gun and lube anything, as the barrel and receiver looked just fine as is.

Anybody have any advice?

Offline spinafish

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Franchi 48 AL Won't Load New Shell
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2003, 09:05:14 AM »
Don't own a Franchi,but my first course of action with any firearm that was not operating properly is to give it a through cleaning..I believe the 48 is recoil operated and there may be rings similar to the A-5 Browning that need to be reversed or set between heavy and light loads.  Find Franchi's website and ask for a manual.  In todays times most manufacturers will forward one at no cost to keep the lawyers away.
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