I own a Franchi Renaissance Classic and had the same problem, the second barrel would not always fire after the first. I stumbled upon the fix which is: after loading the gun, firmly close the action. After doing this my gun fires both barrels 100% of the time. I had always been told, don't slam the action closed but I took it to the extreme and was closing the action too lightly. I had some 12 gauge snap caps and was testing out different things when I found the cure. You'll notice when you close the action firmly (not too hard) the top lever will have moved more towards the center of the gun. Not totally centered but more centered than if I closed the action softly. Also, if you do close the action too softly, a little push on the top lever will allow both barrels to fire. Good luck and hopefully you've found your cure since this reply is a year late.

I recently purchased a new Franchi Renaissance Classic in a 12 gauge. A beautiful gun, easy to shoulder and extreemly light weight. My only problem however, is the gun will not always switch to the second barrel after firing the first barrel. This is very frustrating , especially since I will be using it on a pheasant hunt in North Dakota.

I took a new renaissance classic 12ga. 28" on a recent pheasant trip in South Dakota. I had never shot the gun or any o/u. I was apprehensive on opening day weather to cary a gun I didn't even know fired. I left my super black eagle in the truck and carried the Franchi. I ended up hunting with it six days in a row and never taking the sbe out of the truck. I bought this gun because the "in store" fit and feel was excellent. It shot even better than I could have ever hoped. I own many semi, pumps, and side by sides, the Franchi Renaissance Classic is absolutly my new favorite. It is a beautiful, light, quick, excellent shooting weapon.