NEW! Franchi Catalyst Shotguns for Women

by
posted on January 27, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Most women will rejoice that the Italian gunmaker's new shotguns sport an A-grade satin walnut finish instead of a color typically associated with gender. After all, if a woman is to remain competitive on the clays range or in the field, her gun must command the respect of her peers—men and women alike. But the real news about the Franchi Affinity Catalyst autoloader and Instinct Catalyst over-under is that they truly have been proportioned to fit an average woman's frame. For years women have been adapting to longer and larger shotguns for no other reason than availability, but these new models boast several key dimensions that are truly friendly to women—length of pull, drop at comb and drop at heel—dimensions that make a huge difference in shouldering a long gun and offering a better chance at hitting targets. Look for a complete review at AmericanRifleman.org in coming months, but in the meantime, watch this video from SHOT Show 2016, and check out the shotguns' specifications below. For more, visit franchiusa.com.

Franchi Affinity Catalyst 
Gauge: 12 
Action: Semi-auto
Chambering: 2-3/4" and 3"  
Barrel Length: 28" 
Stock: A-Grade satin walnut  
Color: Black anodized receiver, blued barrel  
Overall Length: 48.5" 
Weight: 6.6 lbs.
Capacity: 4+1  
Chokes: IC, M and F (wrench included)  
Sights: Fiber-optic red-bar front sight  
Length of Pull: 13-7/8"  
Drop at Heel: 1-1/2" 
Drop at Comb: 1-1/4" 
Minimum Recommend Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz.  
MSRP: $999

Franchi Instinct Catalyst  
Gauge: 12 
Action: Over-under  
Chambering: 2-3/4 and 3" 
Barrel Length: 28"  
Stock: A-Grade satin walnut  
Color: Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel  
Overall Length: 45"  
Weight: 7.2 lbs.
Chokes: IC, M and F (wrench included)  
Sights: Red fiber-optic front bead  
Length of Pull: 13-7/8" 
Drop at Heel: 1-1/2"  
Drop at Comb: 1-1/4" 
MSRP: $1,599





Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.