What makes a "woman's firearm?" Most shooters know that making a gun selection is all about preference for fit and desired caliber. Think of it like this: as a woman, you can buy a unisex t-shirt, and it fits decently well. Yet, the same woman can buy a woman's fit t-shirt and find that the fit is tailored to the woman's physique, and it enhances the overall look and feel. I find a noticeable distinction when it comes to rifles and shotguns over pistols. At this year's NRAAM, it was a pleasant sight to see the Franchi booth with a display dedicated to their women's shotgun collection, the Franchi Affinity Catalyst. These shotguns are tailored to provide a better fit, lighter weight, and improved functionality for women, ensuring a more comfortable and effective shooting experience. Having gear designed specifically for women is important in hunting and shooting sports, as it not only enhances performance but also encourages more women to participate in these activities by providing equipment that meets their unique needs.
Take the popular Affinity 3, optimize it for women's physical structure, and you get the Affinity 3 Catalyst. Franchi expressed the heart of this design concept lies in the stock's drop, cast, pitch, and length of pull. As women's cheekbones sit higher than men's, the comb is raised to achieve eye alignment without the need to lift the head. Additionally, the unique cast makes it easy to shoulder, providing an ergonomic fit that is crucial for accuracy and comfort. In all, the Affinity Catalyst gives women the feel and function that shooters expect from their firearms. I personally own the Affinity 3.5 and have shot it fine over the last couple of years. However, when shouldering the Catalyst for the first time, it just felt right.
Franchi took their leading technology and designed the Catalyst collection from the ground up, with the Evolved Ergonom-X provides optimal comfort in any shooting position. The Inertia Driven system offers clean, reliable, and lightweight operation for ideal performance and easy maintenance. The Omni Stock Adjustable Fit allows for stock drop and cast adjustability, ensuring a truly optimized shooting experience. Moreover, the TSA Recoil Pad reduces up to 50% of felt recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and increased shooting comfort.
Franchi's standard features include choke tubes in various constrictions (C, IM, and F), a shim kit for additional stock drop and cast adjustments, and a 3" chamber accommodating both 3-inch and 2-3/4-inch shotgun shells. The fiber-optic sight enhances target acquisition, while the drilled and tapped receiver facilitates the quick and easy mounting of optics and accessories. The chrome-lined barrel ensures long-lasting protection against wear and the elements, and the oversized controls make operation easy, even with gloved hands. The beveled loading port allows for quick and easy loading, and the removable trigger group simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Specs:
Gauge: 12 and 20 gauge
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 inches
Weight: Approximately 6.8 pounds (varies slightly with barrel length)
Capacity: 4+1 rounds
Chamber: 3" and 2 ¾ "
Pros:
Ergonomically designed for women
Reliable Inertia Driven system
Effective recoil reduction with the TSA Recoil Pad
Adjustable stock for a customized fit
Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
Limited to 12 and 20 gauge options only
The Franchi Affinity Catalyst is meticulously designed to cater to women's unique physical structures. The gun features a raised comb to align with higher cheekbones, a shorter length of pull, and an ergonomic stock that allows for a comfortable and secure shoulder fit. The Inertia Driven system ensures reliable and clean operation, while the TSA Recoil Pad significantly reduces felt recoil, enhancing shooting comfort.
Specs:
Gauge: 12 and 20 gauge
Barrel Length: 26" or 28"
Weight: Approximately 6.6 pounds (varies slightly with barrel length)
Capacity: 2 rounds
Chamber: 3" and 2 ¾"
Pros:
Beautiful walnut stock with an ergonomic design
High comb and adjustable stock tailored for women
Lightweight and well-balanced
Over/under break action
Reliable and smooth over/under action
Cons:
Higher price point due to premium materials and craftsmanship
The Franchi Instinct Catalyst is designed with elegance and functionality in mind. This was a beauty to hold, there was an elegance about it. It features a beautifully crafted walnut stock with an oil finish, providing a classic look and feel. The stock is also designed with a higher comb for proper eye alignment and a shorter length of pull, making it perfect for women shooters.
Overall, both the Franchi Affinity Catalyst and the Franchi Instinct Catalyst offer exceptional performance and are designed to meet the specific needs of women shooters. Whether you prefer the semi-automatic action of the Affinity or the classic over/under design of the Instinct, these shotguns provide the comfort, reliability, and accuracy that serious shooters expect from their firearms.
Bethany Beathard
Bethany Beathard is an outdoor writer and content creator. She is an avid sportswoman who is passionate about conservation and hunting. She grew up on 55 acres in rural Oklahoma, with a family who fostered a love for hunting traditions. She is a military wife and homeschooling mother of five. She has written for several outdoor and hunting publications and websites. She has done several speaking events geared towards women in the outdoors and supporting hunting heritage programs. She loves the outdoors and takes every opportunity to get out there.
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