Hi Guys,

A friend has a semi-auto 12 ga shot gun that he is interested in having valued for insurance purposes, etc... I haven't seen it but I believe that it is a special/limited edition Franchi that was built for Ducks Unlimited Canada and was subsequently raffled off. This gentleman was the winner, however, he isn't a "gun" person and knows very little about firearms. The gun is new and in unfired condition. It has been handled very little and there are no detectable wear marks, scratches or dings on the finish. It is heavily engraved, with most engravings being gold filled,also has a gold plated trigger. Has "Luigi Franchi" engraved on it, along with "GAF SD". Has 23/4 & 3" chamber. I'd appreciate it if anyone could come up with a fair market value for this collectible piece. What kind of market/demand is there for these DU shotguns? Any extra info or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In my experience, admittedly meager, they are not that much in demand. A few years ago you couldn't give a Franchi away in the Southeast. I turned a 28 ga down NIB for $200 in 2000. I thought it was a good buy but I was looking for something else that day. The Beretta DU's bring a little more because thay are nicer not because they are DU. I would guess $450 tops in the current market. I have a Beretta 20ga 303 DU I bought for less than that 3 years ago from a large local dealer.
I'm assuming this is an AL 48.

[ 09-10-2003, 08:52: Message edited by: Dr. Duc ]

While it is true that Franchi's have never commanded the prices that I think they are worth in the used gun market (especially in the Southwest), the regular 48 AL is selling at more than $450 wholesale. A new special edition is likely at least as valuable as the retail on a "plain jane" model, so I would put it in the 600 to 700 dollar range.

A friend has an Anniversary model Franchi 48 AL. I don't know that it has all that much market value, but it is certainly an awfully nice gun for the price he paid (several years ago now).

Dr. Duc, if you know where that 28 gauge is, I'll give you a 100% profit on it!