Is the 612 DEFENSE on sale yet?
I found this info on their site:
FRANCHI® INTRODUCES THE NEW VARIOPRESS™ 612 DEFENSE™
Accokeek, Maryland -- For 2000, Franchi adds the 612 Defense™ — a no-nonsense arm for protecting the home, farm or boat. It has a black synthetic stock and a cylinder-bored barrel that will handle 3" shells including all kinds of defensive ammo from birdshot to slugs. The 612 Defense has an overall length of 39 1/2" and weighs 6.5 lbs. It has a magazine capacity of five plus one and as an option a two-shot magazine extension is available.
The 612 features a unique safety system. Franchi holds the patent on a dual safety system that is one of the most secure on the market. First, when the safety button at the front of the trigger guard is depressed, the sear is blocked. Second, for extra safety a disconnect lever prevents the gun from firing out of battery by removing the inertia from the hammer spring and hammer.