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barnbwt · February 9, 2013, 09:56 PM

My Diamond Elite from Franchi (back when they sold them) has been fantastic, though it is far from a high-end gun. Considering it was about the same price, it far outpaces the Huglus/Stoegers that are anywhere near the same price point. Now that I know I love O/Us, I'd be more willing to plunk down $1000+ for a nicer gun that will last longer (probably), but toeing the waters for a mere 600 was a wise decision in my mind. FWIW, the interlocking surfaces appeared very similar to the Berettas (I think it was that brand, might have been Benellis) that I looked at, but the finish was simple as opposed to jeweled. Just as tight though. The stock is a clear, straight (i.e. cheap) walnut, but more than functional.

Most importantly, it is accurate in my hands. I had owned a Franchi I-12 semiauto before that I had to windage the heck out of to hit anything, and it only liked full power loads. The Diamond is a laser beam that points like an extension of my body, and "cycles" faster than any semi. Franchi is firmly between Stoeger and Benelli, which I have found means a fully functional gun that has no frills.

TCB

February 9, 2013, 09:56 PM	#3
barnbwt Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2012 Posts: 1,085	My Diamond Elite from Franchi (back when they sold them) has been fantastic, though it is far from a high-end gun. Considering it was about the same price, it far outpaces the Huglus/Stoegers that are anywhere near the same price point. Now that I know I love O/Us, I'd be more willing to plunk down $1000+ for a nicer gun that will last longer (probably), but toeing the waters for a mere 600 was a wise decision in my mind. FWIW, the interlocking surfaces appeared very similar to the Berettas (I think it was that brand, might have been Benellis) that I looked at, but the finish was simple as opposed to jeweled. Just as tight though. The stock is a clear, straight (i.e. cheap) walnut, but more than functional. Most importantly, it is accurate in my hands. I had owned a Franchi I-12 semiauto before that I had to windage the heck out of to hit anything, and it only liked full power loads. The Diamond is a laser beam that points like an extension of my body, and "cycles" faster than any semi. Franchi is firmly between Stoeger and Benelli, which I have found means a fully functional gun that has no frills. TCB __________________ "I don't believe that the men of the distant past were any wiser than we are today. But it does seem that their science and technology were able to accomplish much grander things." -- Alex Rosewater