720 Raptor Feedback?

[Quinski]

:confused:
Looking to purchase a semi-auto in 20 gauge to be used primarily for skeet/trap. I had a chance to see a Franchi Raptor 720 at a local shop recently and was impressed with its price and features. Does anyone have any experience with this gun shooting the lighter target (7/8 oz.) loads? I read in one of the recent shooting mags that the 712 (12 gauge) version would need some work to function reliable with the lighter loads. Is this true or was I just reading some "expert's" opinion?

[tucker301]

Light loads should be Ok with the gas-operated gun.

Benelli cautions against using light loads in their Inertia guns, but the 720 should be OK.

[Quinski]

Doen't the raptor have a similar system to the Inertia? I am still searching the board for any posting with reviews. Also what would you consider a suitable load for the gun to cycle with?

[tucker301]

It has a rotating bolt, but as far as I can tell, the system is gas operated.
There is no disclaimer regarding a minimum charge and weight, as there is with the Benellis, so it should cycle just about anything.

[tucker301]

The Italian Raptor models (http://www.franchi.com/viewdoc.asp?CO_ID=55#1) do appear to be Inertia driven, and are some dammed fine looking weapons, although no 20 ga. is listed.

If they offered these in 20 ga., I'd say go to Italy and get one ;)

[Quinski]

Do not know about any Itaiian models, but the one I was looking at is linked below.

http://www.franchiusa.com/firearms/model712.tpl

[tucker301]

Yes, I know the one you were looking at.

If you'd like a REALLY nice Inertia 20 ga., have a look at the Benelli Legacy.
http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/legacy.tpl

[Quinski]

Yes, very nice gun, unfortunatelly above my budget for a second skeet gun. The franchi prices seem to average around $700-$800 and thats about all I convinced myself to spend.

[kliebert]

Purchased a 720 Weathercoat yesterday, shot two rounds of skeet today and factory (Federal) 7/8 oz loads do not function properly. About 6 failures to eject, and when it did feed the second shot the action would not stay open more than half the time, had to open action after. Hope to find a sure cure as I only shoot clays and need target loads to function. I was told this was noted in a recent American Rifleman review, did anyone see this??

[Quinski]

I read the article you are talking about, it was the reason I started the post. The article reviews a model 720 (basic version??). and notes the problem with lighter target loads. The model I listed above (720 Raptor) seems to be set-up for target shooting and not hunting.

[kliebert]

I contacted Franchi about the problem with light loads in my new 720 and they are sending me a O ring that they say will help with the light target loads. I did not have a O-ring on the gun when purchased. Will let you know how it works.

[kliebert]

Originally posted by kliebert:
I contacted Franchi about the problem with light loads in my new 720 and they are sending me a O ring that they say will help with the light target loads. I did not have a O-ring on the gun when purchased. Will let you know how it works.

[kliebert]

Recieved the O ring from Franchi and now the 720 will function with light 7/8 ounce target loads. Will add target front sight and center bead and use for skeet and sporting clays. The 720 is light and quick to swing!!

[Yak]

can this o-ring be got anywhere? how hard to add this? are the raptor 720's already setup with this?

does it look like something that will break often like on the rem 1100's/1187s etc and need to carry a few in the pocket when doing SC?

puzzled....

[Stevens92]

I have a 712 Raptor and mine has a mid bead and target sight on the front already. You sure this isn't the field model you bought? My 712 shoots 1 oz Federals just fine. Just shot some yesterday in 20 degree weather trying to break-in the gun. It was the first time shooting it and I set the piston on light loads and it functioned those 1 oz Fed just fine. This is one beautiful gun that points well and shoots great. I am very impressed with it.

[Quinski]

Thank You for the review, hoping to pick one up after the Xmas spending is over. (and I recover)

[K4DV]

What was the date on the American Rifleman article on the 720? I would like to read that myself.

[Nate_Evans]

I have a new 720 Raptor (my first auto) that I've shot on three occassions. The first time I shot 25 Estate supersport 7/8 oz. , 2.5 dram rounds and about 25% of them were caught in the receiver not ejecting completely. I oiled the gun up good and shot 75 more rounds without a problem. On my second outing I shot 7 7/8 oz. Winchester super-target rounds flawlessly. Yesterday I shot 4 rounds of skeet with 7/8 oz. Winchester Universals and only 4 rounds ejected w/ two caught in the receiver. Gun was well oiled. Has anybody else had poor performance with winchester universals or is something wrong with the gun? Where is this O-ring (previous post) supposed to be located? Thanks.

[Quack Kills]

Bought a 720 Raptor myself (the boat took 1 year to get it here). and had same cycling problems every one is mentioning. An O-ring was sent which fixed it. Had to send it back after it was discovered that the pattern was about 18" to the left. CS sent it back with a new barrel...but no O-ring. have been on hold 30minutes and waiting. Sounds like the same cycling problem is in the I-12.