Is this old competition gun still relevant?

Published on March 23, 2025
Duration: 12:12

This video reviews the Franchi Barrage, a 1979 Italian competition shotgun acquired for £358. The presenter highlights its plain walnut stock, open pistol grip with palm swell, and a unique stepped rib with a red tram line. While information on the Barrage is scarce, it's identified as a sporting or trap model, though its quarter and three-quarter choke configuration is noted as less common for trap. The gun features mechanical triggers and a reliable, no-frills build, making it a shootable and potentially valuable option for those seeking quality at a lower price point.

Quick Summary

The Franchi Barrage is a 1979 Italian competition shotgun known for its unique stepped rib with a red line, mechanical triggers, and reliable build. Acquired for around £358, it offers excellent value, providing a quality shooting experience that rivals newer, more expensive firearms and is a testament to older world-class craftsmanship.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Acquisition of the Franchi Barrage
  2. 00:35Stock and Grip Features
  3. 00:55Safety Catch and Trap Gun Designation
  4. 01:04Researching the Franchi Barrage
  5. 01:18Choke Configuration Discussion
  6. 01:51Action and Engraving Details
  7. 02:10Manufacturer Markings
  8. 02:15Unique Stepped Rib with Red Line
  9. 02:45Fore-end and Barrel Release
  10. 02:57Balance and Handling
  11. 03:14First Impressions Shooting
  12. 03:37Mechanical Triggers
  13. 03:53Rib Visibility and Shooting Preference
  14. 04:36Legitimate Competition Gun Feel
  15. 04:41Choke Tubes for Trap
  16. 04:58Trigger Feel and Sensitivity
  17. 05:15Rib Visibility in Light
  18. 05:28Shooting Performance
  19. 05:34Value for Money
  20. 05:42Prioritizing Spending in Shooting
  21. 06:06Importance of Coaching
  22. 06:26Advice on Starter Guns vs. Upgrades
  23. 07:10Overall Impression of the Gun
  24. 07:38Transition Height Issues
  25. 08:04Trigger Pulls and Functionality
  26. 08:11Fit for Different Shooters
  27. 08:20Spending on a Starter Gun
  28. 08:58Shooting with Improved Form
  29. 09:14Investing in Quality vs. New
  30. 09:30Old World-Class Quality vs. New Lesser Quality
  31. 09:41Comparison with Turkish Guns
  32. 10:02Viewer Thoughts on Gun Choices
  33. 10:30Special Gun with History and Character
  34. 10:47Bargain Acquisition
  35. 11:03Lacking Modern Features
  36. 11:11Research on Italian and Spanish Google
  37. 11:20Reliability and Build Quality
  38. 11:35Overall Value Proposition
  39. 11:42Channel Support and Outro
  40. 12:04Final Takeaway: Red Line on Rib

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Franchi Barrage shotgun and why is it notable?

The Franchi Barrage is a 1979 Italian competition shotgun, often found at a good price. It's notable for its unique stepped rib with a red line, mechanical triggers, and a reliable, no-frills build, offering a quality shooting experience despite its age and scarcity of information.

What are the key features of the Franchi Barrage shotgun?

Key features include a plain walnut stock, an open pistol grip with a palm swell, a safety catch with a lock-off, a black action with minimal engraving, and a distinctive ramped, stepped-up rib with a red tram line. It also has mechanical triggers and quarter and three-quarter choke tubes.

Is the Franchi Barrage a good value for money?

Yes, the Franchi Barrage is considered a great value, especially when acquired for around £358. It offers world-class quality and a shootable feel that rivals or surpasses many new guns in higher price brackets, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shooters.

What is the recommended approach for improving shooting skills?

The video suggests that investing in coaching, practice, and ammunition is often more beneficial for improving shooting skills than solely purchasing expensive firearms. Quality used guns like the Franchi Barrage can provide a solid platform for learning and development.

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