Junior Member
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?
Senior Member
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.
As you idea, Your picture don't very warm and wet. Have much die of bird. I think this isn't only a game.
Junior Member
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?
Senior Member
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.
As you idea, Your picture don't very warm and wet. Have much die of bird. I think this isn't only a game.
Senior Member
The Italian Raptor models 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
As you idea, Your picture don't very warm and wet. Have much die of bird. I think this isn't only a game.
Junior Member
Do not know about any Itaiian models, but the one I was looking at is linked below.
http://www.franchiusa.com/firearms/model712.tpl
Senior Member
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
As you idea, Your picture don't very warm and wet. Have much die of bird. I think this isn't only a game.
Junior Member
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.
Junior Member
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??
Junior Member
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.
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