RE: Franchi I-12
I shot it last weekend and liked it alot. Very smooth action, very little recoil (I thought less than the SBE II which I also shot last weekend).
The only potential negative thing I would say about this gun is it only comes in 3". I say potential negative thing because this is more a personal issue than anything else. I have a M1 Super 90 right now for up to 3" shells which I love. However, if I didn't have that gun, I would buy the I-12.
I don't think you will go wrong with this gun as long as you don't get upset after the purchase that you wished you could fire 3 1/2" cartridges.
Good luck,