Franchi 48 AL 26″ 28 Gauge 2.75″ Long Recoil Action Semi-Auto Shotgun 1996
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB260128MC037
Make: Franchi
Model: Model 48 AL
Serial Number: E03107
Year of Manufacture: 1996 BH date code.
Gauge: 28 GA / 2 3/4″ Shotshells
Action Type: Semi-Auto, long recoil action tube fed shotgun.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “READ WARNINGS BEFORE USING / S.P.A. FRANCHI – BRECIA – MADE IN ITALY / 28 Ga. – CHAMBERED 2 3/4″ / 6KE 0611 IMP CYL YYYY”. The right side of the barrel is marked “AMERICAN ARMS INC N.K.C. – MO MADE IN ITALY ” with proof marks. The right side of the receiver is marked “FRANCHI S.P.A. BRESCIA MADE IN ITALY 48 AL 28”.
Barrel Length: 26″. Vent-Rib.
Choke: Fixed Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the top of the rib. The rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on this shotgun is a two piece checkered walnut set with narrow full finger shelf forend and semi-pistol grip straight comb stock with checkered plastic butt plate. The length of pull is 14.25″. The drop at comb is 1.5″ the drop at heel is 2.5″. The shotgun weighs 5lbs 6oz. The butt plate has very sharp checkering with some minor rub wear around the edges. The wood shows some very minor nicks, surface level lines, and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the furniture is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued / Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright with no erosion. There are some barely visible lines and no visible plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains 98% of its metal finish. The finish shows some very minor scattered surface level lines and marks. The barrel extension shows some minor rub wear. The markings are clear. The bolt face is clean. Overall this shotgun is in about Very Good+-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The shotgun includes the boxes, manual, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Franchi 48 AL is a 28 gauge semi-automatic shotgun featuring a fixed improved cylinder choke and the lightweight handling qualities that made the model popular with upland hunters. Produced in Italy, the 48 AL is especially admired in small gauges for its trim dimensions, fast pointing characteristics, and elegant balance. In 28 gauge, it offers mild recoil and efficient field performance in a very easy-to-carry package.
A defining feature of the 48 AL is its long recoil operating system, in which the barrel and bolt travel rearward together after firing before separating to complete extraction, ejection, and chambering of the next shell. This is the same basic principle used by the legendary Browning Auto-5, making the Franchi mechanically similar to that classic design but in a lighter and slimmer Italian form. Overall, it represents a distinctive and desirable small-bore autoloader that combines traditional engineering with graceful field handling. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.