New Franchi Owner

**AL619** · 03-20-2005, 12:12 PM

Hi Folks,
Yesterday I bought my first Franchi, a 912, 24" barrel, syn stocks. I'll use it for turkey hunting only. After reading so many posts about this gun's problems, I'm thinking "What have I done?" At the time of purchase, I asked the dealer how to set the adjustment collar.He replied look in the book, & I don't know to other questions. It seems like "dealer support" ended after he got paid. The manual is very confusing. How do I set it for the correct loads?
When I attached the barrel to the receiver, I found an O-ring on the floor. The manual is not clear where it goes, or if I need it all the time or just when shooting lite loads, etc. Does anyone know? Any suggestions where I can get more O-rings?

I've read here that I need to scrub the gun completely before use, which I'll do. Any other suggestions beside firing lots of rounds thru it?

I really really hope I don't have problems as described here, turkery season is in 3 wks!

I really appreciate any help/advice/support I can get here.
Thank you,
AL619

**tucker301** · 03-20-2005, 02:55 PM

I strongly recommend that you call Customer Service. Not only to get good information regarding your questions, but also to lodge a complaint against the unsupportive dealer.

**tsg912** · 03-21-2005, 02:02 PM

Al,
I have a 912 and couldn't be happier. I cannot remember what setting the piston is supposed to be on so I leave mine on the lite load setting all the time and it hasn't failed with the heaviest 3.5" steel or lead shots. As for the O-ring, it is supposed to go between the piston and the barrel ring. This O-ring ensures a good gas seal so gases will work the action and won't escape. You can take that O-ring to your nearest hardware store and get a duplicate or you can call customer service and they will be able to get you to the right place. I agree with what Tucker said about calling customer service to report an unsupportive dealer. As for break-in period I took 3.5" shells and shot them until my shoulder couldn't take anymore abuse then I loaded some wimpy 2-3/4" shells and they worked just fine. I am a stickler on having a clean gun so I can be found cleaning my gun after shooting it. Good luck and feel free to post questions and comments, that's what we're here for.

**AL619** · 03-21-2005, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by tsg912:
Al,
I have a 912 and couldn't be happier. I cannot remember what setting the piston is supposed to be on so I leave mine on the lite load setting all the time and it hasn't failed with the heaviest 3.5" steel or lead shots. As for the O-ring, it is supposed to go between the piston and the barrel ring. This O-ring ensures a good gas seal so gases will work the action and won't escape. You can take that O-ring to your nearest hardware store and get a duplicate or you can call customer service and they will be able to get you to the right place. I agree with what Tucker said about calling customer service to report an unsupportive dealer. As for break-in period I took 3.5" shells and shot them until my shoulder couldn't take anymore abuse then I loaded some wimpy 2-3/4" shells and they worked just fine. I am a stickler on having a clean gun so I can be found cleaning my gun after shooting it. Good luck and feel free to post questions and comments, that's what we're here for.

**AL619** · 03-21-2005, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the advice on the o-ring, I'll replace it where you suggested. I'll also go to my local hardware stores & buy a few spares. If 1 is good, 5 has to be better!
I'll try the lite setting after a good scrubbing w/a Scotch Brite pad to polish all moving surfaces, then a good oiling. I too like a clean gun, they sure work better that way!
Tucker & tsg912, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!!! I'm looking forward to this turkey season w/my new 912!
Al

**lfrie** · 05-13-2009, 04:34 PM

I bought a Franchi 912 Variomax from Dicks for a relatively cheap price. My first two shots put two turkeys in the fridge, sense then I have shot about 15 3.5" rounds through it and it has operated flawless. The gun holds a tight pattern with a full x choke. I have it set on the heavy load. I love this gun and would go as far to say nothing else for the money came close to it.

**RetiredLawman** · 05-13-2009, 10:10 PM

Be sure that the o-ring you buy at the hardware store is made of viton rubber, not buna rubber. Viton is very heat resistant and is very close to the factory o-ring. Buna will burn through quick. O-rings cost about 35 cents apiece.

**MTgundog** · 05-15-2009, 12:09 PM

I've had the 912 for about 5 years and have used it for goose hunting, primarily. I didn't know it needed an o-ring because it didn't come with one, nor did the manual show it. It fired the heavy stuff fine. Now I'm using it for sporting clays and was informed of the o-ring.

New problem: The 912 does not fire any shells. The firing pin is not striking the primer hard enough. I took it apart and it appears fine. It has happened a time or two since I've had the gun, but now it won't fire at all. Any thoughts?