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

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

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

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.