Luigi · Shotgun
Franchi Falconet
Break action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1968
Also known as Luigi Franchi Falconet, Falconet Field
About the Franchi Falconet
The Franchi Falconet is a lightweight over-and-under double-barrel shotgun produced by the Italian gunmaker Luigi Franchi of Brescia from 1968 to 1975. Built around an engraved light aluminum-alloy receiver to keep weight low, it paired stacked steel barrels with a ventilated rib, automatic ejectors and a single selective trigger. Offered in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge as well as .410 bore with 24- to 30-inch barrels and checkered walnut furniture, the Falconet was marketed as a handy, fast-handling field and clay-target gun. Dedicated Skeet and Trap versions were also produced.
The Falconet took its place in Franchi's tradition of naming guns for birds of prey, the 'little falcon' badge reflecting the gun's deliberately light, quick-pointing alloy-framed design.
Franchi Falconet specifications
General
- Type
- Shotgun
- Action
- Break action
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single selective
- Calibres
- 12 Gauge
- Magazine capacity
- 2 rounds
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 686 mm (27.0 in)
- Overall length
- 1150 mm (45.3 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 2.95 kg (6.50 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- None
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Aluminum alloy
- Stock
- Walnut
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 400 m/s (1312 fps)
- Effective range
- 40 m
History
- Introduced
- 1968
- Discontinued
- 1975
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- IT
Features
- Over under barrels
- Automatic ejectors
- Single selective trigger
- Engraved alloy receiver
- Ventilated rib
- Checkered walnut stock
Safety
- Manual safety
- Barrel selector
Specifications listed are representative of a 12-gauge Falconet Field with a 2 3/4-inch (70 mm) chamber and 27-inch (686 mm) barrels; barrel lengths ranged 24-30 inches and weight varied by gauge and barrel length (roughly 2.9-3.0 kg for 12 gauge). The Falconet name was later revived by Franchi for a modern alloy-receiver over-and-under (sold in the U.S. as the Instinct SL); this entry covers the original 1968-1975 model.