912 Variomax - Is is really worth it?

**j_matt33** · 01-17-2005, 10:17 PM

I went to my local gun shop to price some new automatics. I have known the guy at the shop for years and he suggested the Franchi 912. It seems very affordable, well balanced and very good fit to the shoulder. In short everything seemed fine. Then I did some research on this site. I know nothing about Franchi's but would like to know. I was a little disappointed to see some bad experiences that some people were having. But fortunately it did seem to be a lot of operator problems which is a good thing. Automatics have come a long way, there is more to learn. I will listen with an open mind. Thanks!!

**tsg912** · 01-18-2005, 01:48 PM

Welcome,
I will tell you, every site you visit will have bad things as well as good things to say about any and all firearms. I personnally have a Franchi 912 and love it. My only complaint is the camo finish scratches off fairly easy but to me it's adds character and shows it's a work gun. I have had no problems cycling the lightest skeet loads or the heaviest waterfowl loads. This gun does use a rubber o-ring that ensures enough recoil gas is used in cycling the action and you may have to buy extra o-rings. I keep 2 in my gun case if the one on the gun ever decides to malfunction. A good friend of mine decided to buy a Stoeger 2000 which uses Benelli's inertia recoil and he loves his gun, I don't particularly care for it because mine has the capabilities of 3.5" and easy unloading features. If you decide to get the Franchi you won't be dissappointed. I have hunted on the coldest day of 2004 in Arkansas and never once worried my gun wouldn't fire because of freeze up. Good luck with you decision. If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.

**j_matt33** · 01-18-2005, 07:16 PM

Thanks a lot tsg912. All of the info I can get right now is what I need. The camo coming off really doesn't bother me. Like you said, it adds character. I have read about the o-ring as well. Not a problem to keep a few with me...just in case. I see you are from Atlanta...big Braves fan over here.
Go Braves!!

**tsg912** · 01-20-2005, 04:48 PM

I hope the Braves can pull another miracle off this year like they did this past one. Where exactly is Flowood from Jackson? I have family that lives in Jackson, Corinth, Southaven, Desoto, and Memphis. Let me know if you have anymore questions about the 912 and I'll do my best to answer them

**newtofranchi** · 01-21-2005, 06:49 AM

I purchased my first Franchi about the first week of Dec. I got the 912 in camo. At first I was extremely dissappointed. It would fire the shell in the chamber and even chamber the second round but the bolt seemed to not come back far enough to reset the firing pin. The second round wouldn't fire. I completely disassembled the gun. Used a scotch brite pad on any mating surfaces that slid. I also discovered a roll pin that goes in from the left side of the receiver that is about a 1/16" too long. I left the roll pin sticking out about 1/16" out of the receiver. Really isn't a problem, I'll take it back to my dealer after duck season and let them either grind it down or replace. If it's driven in flush from the outside the gun will not cycle at all. Anyway, I completely reassembled using "slip 2000" on all surfaces. http://www.slip2000.com/lubricant_info.html
Since then I couldn't be more pleased with the gun. I've run quite a few boxes of 3 1/2" steel shot through it plus a couple of cases of 7/8 oz. target loads flawlessly. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one. I'm sure the thorough cleaning I gave it should be done to all guns when new and the roll pin is probably and isolated incident. I anticipate many years with this gun and consider it to be one of the best around for going from the heaviest 3 1/2" loads to light target loads. I don't thing you'll be dissappointed.

**j_matt33** · 01-21-2005, 04:09 PM

newtofranchi and tsg912,

I think that I know all that I need to know newtofranchi. I have read that some folks are having similar problems but that is not going to effect me purchasing this gun at all. I will surely do as you say, though, and give it a good cleaning before I take it out and put a few boxes throught it.

Also guys , one other question. How is the recoil and the timing of fire on the gun? Meaning how fast can you empty the chamber? Is it pretty fast? You know that sometimes you need to just keep on pulling he trigger as fast as you can. Is is pretty responsive? If you guys could help me on this I really would appreciate it.

tsg,

I am just east of Jackson by about 9 miles. About the Braves....have there been any major changes to the line-up? I really have not hear much on them since the off-season.

Thanks much....write back if you can.

**newtofranchi** · 01-22-2005, 08:19 AM

Until I purchased this gun I had always hunted with a Browning A-5. With the A-5 I have actually found myself duck hunting and waiting on the second shell to fully chamber so I could pull the trigger again. I've not noticed this with the 912. It may not be the fastest auto loader but I don't think you'll feel the need for more speed either. The only time I've noticed recoil is with the 3 1/2" #2's 1 3/8 oz. loads, but you should expect it with those regardless of what gun you're shooting.

**birddog** · 01-22-2005, 02:40 PM

Make it happen matt33 .. nice guns if you like 'em..

**cahunter** · 01-24-2005, 01:11 PM

**** that sucks..what a hassle !

Originally posted by newtofranchi:
I purchased my first Franchi about the first week of Dec. I got the 912 in camo. At first I was extremely dissappointed. It would fire the shell in the chamber and even chamber the second round but the bolt seemed to not come back far enough to reset the firing pin. The second round wouldn't fire. I completely disassembled the gun. Used a scotch brite pad on any mating surfaces that slid. I also discovered a roll pin that goes in from the left side of the receiver that is about a 1/16" too long. I left the roll pin sticking out about 1/16" out of the receiver. Really isn't a problem, I'll take it back to my dealer after duck season and let them either grind it down or replace. If it's driven in flush from the outside the gun will not cycle at all. Anyway, I completely reassembled using "slip 2000" on all surfaces. http://www.slip2000.com/lubricant_info.html
Since then I couldn't be more pleased with the gun. I've run quite a few boxes of 3 1/2" steel shot through it plus a couple of cases of 7/8 oz. target loads flawlessly. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one. I'm sure the thorough cleaning I gave it should be done to all guns when new and the roll pin is probably and isolated incident. I anticipate many years with this gun and consider it to be one of the best around for going from the heaviest 3 1/2" loads to light target loads. I don't thing you'll be dissappointed.

[ 01-24-2005, 12:19 PM: Message edited by: cahunter ]

**cahunter** · 01-24-2005, 01:18 PM

Hello All ,
Just spoke with Franchi/Benelli as my 912 extracton lever fell out yesterday as we were hunting !! I had used it several times before and it stayed in fine...can't get the part in time to me (which is great seeing how duck season ends next week) maybe I will go back to the trusty 870 I should have just kept using anyway

Maybe this is a good time to sell it !