Franchi's Instinct Sideplate SPLX is a 20-gauge over-under that weighs 5.6 pounds, thanks to an aluminum receiver under the engraved sideplates. The 28-inch barrels are gloss blued, carry a vent rib topped by a red fiber optic bead, and chamber 3-inch shells. The stock is AA-grade walnut in a Prince of Wales grip with a Schnabel forend and a 14 1/4-inch pull; the trigger is gold plated, the engraving carries gold inlay, and five extended black chokes from Cylinder through Full are supplied. Overall length is 45.5 inches.

A sub-6-pound 20 gauge is an upland gun, built to be carried all day and mounted quickly when a bird flushes, and the five chokes set it up for close cover or open fields. In Massachusetts it also qualifies on paper as a deer gun, since any shotgun of 10 gauge or smaller is legal for the shotgun season after Thanksgiving, but a light double with fine wood will more likely stay in the bird fields. Sunday hunting is closed.

Key features

• 20 gauge over-under, 3-inch chambers
• Aluminum receiver, 5.6 pounds, 45.5 inches overall
• Gloss blued 28-inch barrels, vent rib, red fiber optic front
• AA walnut Prince of Wales stock, Schnabel forend
• Five extended chokes, Cylinder through Full

The SPLX ships to the Massachusetts FFL you name, where you show your FID card or License to Carry in person before the dealer releases it.