Introduction
It had been some time since I checked in on Franchi, long enough that I had no idea they made a rifle that was right up my alley. Today I bring something a little different and new, a fresh look at the Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint rifle.
I’d always known Franchi as a reputable shotgun manufacturer, but partially because I’m a rifle nerd I never really looked into the brand. Until I found out they made a bolt-action rifle. But would this first impression of Franchi’s rifles sway me into a fan?
Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint 6.5 Creedmoor
| Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint Rifle Features | |
| Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Barrel Twist | 1 in 8 inches |
| Capacity | One 3-round and one 8-round magazine |
| Trigger | Adjustable 2-4 Lb |
| Bolt | Three-lug 60-degree throw |
| Muzzle | Threaded ⅝-24 includes radial brake |
| Recoil pad | Interchangeable for LOP |
| Finish | Midnight Bronze Cerakote |
| Accuracy Guarantee | 1 MOA |
| Warranty | 7 Years |
Opening the box of the Franchi Momentum I was impressed, the handsome look and some of the extras included caught my eye immediately. As we spread the items out I saw an included matching thread protector should you decide to remove the muzzle brake. I inspected the curious polymer magazines which both fit nicely into the rifle, released by a button within the trigger guard.
Shouldering the rifle I could appreciate the texturing of the stock in its grip areas, as well as the raised comb to align with optics. Again I was impressed seeing QD flush cup in the stock for sling attachment. This made for easy attachment of my sling. The stock came without the traditional front sling stud installed, which made sense because of the QD cups. But a sling stud was included that you can use to attach a bipod up front, you just pull out a plastic plug and screw it in.
I lifted the bolt and gave it a few strokes, the short throw was very nice and quick. The chromed and fluted bolt slid nicely within the action, though it did seem a touch longer than I was expecting. The back end of the bolt comes awfully close to my nose when pulled to the rear.
The Relia Trigger of the Momentum felt fantastic. I thought about adjusting it but I ended up just leaving it right where it was, as it functioned perfectly and broke very clean. The safety is a two position on the right side of the bolt-shroud, it has a slightly oversized lever which makes it very easy to find and operate. The Momentum uses a V-block style recoil lug, with two notches cut into the bottom of the action. The recoil lug is v-shaped and fits into the stock and engages the action notches.
The twenty-four inch fluted barrel looks great with its Cerakote finish. I broke free the muzzle brake which was much easier than I expected, for some reason manufacturers love to attach muzzle devices like a wheel lug-nut. This one came right off with minimal effort, it was secured with threadlocker that I cleaned off the threads. The handsome tenon would be perfect for mounting one of my suppressors later.
I was quite surprised how much the Momentum resembled the Ruger American, another rifle I quite enjoy. Testing would tell if it would match the performance.
Franchi Momentum Configuration
Before heading out to shoot the Momentum, I needed to kit it out. For that I started with a good riflescope. I mounted a brand new Athlon Optics Helos 2.5-12X42 scope, I think this is a great size for hunting rifles. This rifle would end up doing quite a bit of deer hunting and this scope would be provide great features for that purpose. I mounted the scope in a set of Warne rings, and attached them to the included picatinny scope rail of the Momentum.
After installing the front sling-stud, it was easy to attach a Harris SL bipod which would allow supported shooting. Additionally using the provided QD cups, I attached a good QD sling using the pushbutton swivels.
Having pulled the muzzle brake off, I also planned on shooting the rifle suppressed. For that purpose I grabbed my Banish Backcountry suppressor. The lightweight titanium construction is great for hunting rifles, and with its interchangeable hub system you can fit it to any rifle.
All that was left was a good selection of ammunition to feed the Franchi. For that I grabbed a few boxes of Sierra Matchking Competition, some Hornady 140gr Match, Federal Gold Medal Match 130gr, and some DTM 140gr Match ammunition.
Shooting the Franchi Momentum
The Momentum ended up being a very pleasant rifle to shoot. The muzzle brake was very effective at reducing recoil, but for obvious reasons we did most of our shooting with a suppressor. We shot the rifle in the arid mountains of the Great Basin, with some gusting winds every now and then. Testing a variety of ammunition from various different positions and distances.
Ergonomics
I was pleased with the feel of the Momentum’s stock and action. The grip area has a nice vertical feel to it, and the textured areas make it easy to hold on to. The grip and comb can both be removed and changed for different height and feel. I suppose that requires you to purchase the additional parts since they don’t come with the gun but you have the option to adjust at least.
The 60-degree bolt throw was really nice and allowed quick manipulation of the bolt. Though I did notice that the rear of the bolt almost touches the raised comb of the stock. I did on at least one occasion pinch my finger between them.
Controls of the Franchi Momentum are fantastic. The trigger feels great right out of the box, and though its adjustable I saw no reason to mess with it. The oversized safety makes it easy to both identify and manipulate the safe condition of the rifle. The magazine release being tucked within the trigger guard is just stiff enough to avoid being pressed accidentally.
Accuracy
The one MOA accuracy guarantee of the Franchi Momentum is nice, I would prefer a half MOA guarantee, but preferences are like you know whats…
That said we had no problem shooting what we were aiming at with the Momentum. The rifle shot well with all the ammunitions we tested, but seemed to really like the Hornady Match and Federal Gold Medal. We shot the rifle as far as 730 yards, and considering the windy conditions it did very well. Even at that distance a coyote wouldn’t be safe from this Elite Varmint rifle.
Reliability
As you might imagine, bolt action rifles are pretty reliable. And the Franchi Momentum proved to be just that. We experienced zero failures while shooting the rifle, no feeding issues of any kind, and positive ejection was the norm. The rifle cycled through rounds smoothly but for a slight issue I had with magazines that I’ll detail below.
Value
This particular rifle was bought on a promotion, a good one from Sportsmans Warehouse. And I must say that at the price of that promo it was a no-brainer. But even at the regular street price between about 750 to 850 dollars, this gun is a pretty safe buy. The standard momentum rifles can be had for even a hundred or more less. But the Elite Varmint models command a little higher price with their heavier barrels and camo finishes.
Pros and Cons
There are just a few things I didn’t like about the Franchi Momentum Elite Varmint. Some of them are a little subjective I’ll admit, but others were more a general concern. The interchangeable comb is nice, but the one that came with the rifle forced you to remove it in order to pull the bolt from the action. Not a big deal, but they could have made a slight indent at the front to avoid this. That also might have prevented fingers getting pinched between the bolt shroud and the comb.
The magazines worked fine, but I did have a small gripe about them. First off, everybody is switching to AI mags. There are plenty of inexpensive options for AI mags out there, and I can’t imagine why Franchi didn’t just make the rifle accept AI mags instead of having to manufacture their own. Additionally, the Momentum mags have a little ramp at the front of the follower, and when you run the bolt slowly it hangs up on the ramp when it gets between the bolt-body and the bolt-lugs. It works fine when you run it fast, but its a little irritating when you don’t.
On the positive side, the Franchi Momentum has some great features to appreciate. Despite my gripes the stock is great and feels comfortable while shooting. The addition of the QD sling cups was a touch of class. The action feels fantastic and runs cartridges flawlessly, and the trigger is crisp! The included pic-rail for optics mounting is another added value, and its all pretty handsome finished in the Bronze Cerakote. Flutes in the barrel reduce some weight, but they also add some aestheticly pleasing lines to the rifle. And thank goodness they didn’t miss the boat by leaving the muzzle feature-less, and even gives you options with the brake or simple thread protector. Of course, all this wouldn’t mean much if the rifle didn’t perform well, but it most certainly does.
The Verdict
I would happily recommend this rifle to someone looking for a hunting rifle. I could see myself hunting for decades with a rifle like this, and whether it was coyotes out in the desert or big bull elk up in the high country I would feel confident going after them with the Franchi Momentum in hand.
Turns out that I should have paid more attention to Franchi. Because the shotguns they make that I enjoy so much were just the beginning of my infatuation with the Italian brand. I am looking forward to seeing this rifle put to good use this fall, and every confidence it will work well.
