When it comes to guns designed for women there is a definite theme. They tend to be painted pink or purple, sized like a youth model, and a bit lacking overall. Because of that I have a tendency to feel some skepticism when presented with a women’s gun, but today at Franchi’s booth that changed. Franchi’s new Catalyst line for women isn’t your stereotypical women’s gun.

The Affinity Catalyst is made with the impressive Italian craftsmanship you would expect from a Franchi firearm. It’s a 12-gauge inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun with a 3″ chamber, so you can use both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shotshells. According to the company it is designed specifically for improved shouldering against a women’s frame and instinctual shooting. Visually it’s a beautiful gun with an A-grade satin walnut stock and black anodized receiver. Shouldering this lightweight gun felt natural.

The Instinct Catalyst is also a 12-gauge shotgun, but it’s an over-and-under. It’s designed for the same quick shouldering as the Affinity, fitting well with the contours of a woman’s body. Like the Affinity it can take 2 3/4″ and 3″ shotshells. It is also a nice looking shotgun with a similar A-grade satin walnut stock, blued barrel, and color case-hardened receiver.

I’m looking forward to some trigger time with both of these shotguns in the near future. This looks like a home run for Franchi.

Franchi Affinity Catalyst
COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12. Action: Semi-auto. Chambering: 2-3/4 and 3 inch.
Barrel Length: 28 inches. Stock: A-Grade satin walnut. Color: Black anodized receiver, blued barrel. Overall Length: 48.5 inches. Weight: 6.6 pounds. Capacity: 4+1. Chokes: IC, M and F (wrench included). Sights: Fiber-optic red-bar front sight. Length of Pull: 13-7/8 inches. Drop at Heel: 1-1/2 inches. Drop at Comb: 1-1/4 inches. Minimum Recommend Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. Additional Feature: Shim kit to adjust drop and cast. MSRP: $999

Franchi Instinct Catalyst
COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12. Action: Over-and-under. Chambering: 2-3/4 and 3 inch. Barrel Length: 28 inches. Stock: A-Grade satin walnut. Color: Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel. Overall Length: 45 inches. Weight: 7.2 pounds. Chokes: IC, M and F (wrench included). Sights: Red fiber-optic front bead. Length of Pull: 13-7/8 inches. Drop at Heel: 1-1/2 inches. Drop at Comb: 1-1/4 inches. Additional Features: Auto ejectors; barrel
selector; auto safety; 1/4-inch recoil pad spacer for length of pull adjustments. MSRP: $1,599