Founded in 1868, Franchi Firearms is well-known for its exceptional semi-automatic and over/under shotguns. With over 150 years of experience, the Italian gun-maker has acquired a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship from hunters and shooters worldwide. Building on its past experiences, Franchi Firearms continues to build momentum within the industry by stepping into the bolt-action market.
Franchi introduced their first bolt-action rifle, the Momentum, in 2018. That fall, I was lucky enough to hunt whitetail deer and hogs with the Momentum in Oklahoma. After sighting my assigned-to-me Burris Eliminator-topped Momentum chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, I fired two more shots, taking a giant hog and a respectable whitetail buck. At first exposure to the rifle, I was impressed.
In 2020, Franchi introduced its Elite version of the Momentum rifle. The Momentum Elite features premium upgrades, including a detachable box-style magazine, a one-piece Picatinny mount and a muzzlebrake. Additionally, the Elite model comes standard with a Cerakote finish on the receiver and barrel and is available in premium stock finishes, including the Excape pattern from Realtree, the Elevated II pattern from Optifade and True Timber Strata camo.
In 2022, Franchi introduced two new cartridges, .350 Legend and 6.5 PRC, making the Elite model more attractive to an array of hunters and shooters.
The .350 Legend is the latest entry in the growing straight-wall centerfire cartridge category. It is a leading cartridge for many whitetail hunters in Midwestern states that allow straight-wall cartridges for hunting..
This 6.5 PRC cartridge brings incredible velocity, reduced recoil and long-range accuracy to the field. It’s a popular cartridge for long-range hunters and shooters and most experts agree that it’s the perfect round for the western hunter.
Selling Points
Evolved ERGONOM-X
The Franchi Momentum synthetic stock with raised curves and textured checkering allows the shooter a firm grip for steady shooting in any condition, including inclement weather. The rifle is compact, not bulky and highly maneuverable. To create the ergonomic stock, Franchi researched “the five most common shooting positions to offer optimal comfort and efficiency.”
MOA Guarantee
Before leaving the Franchi facility, every rifle is test-fired using premium factory ammunition to ensure 1 MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Field tests corroborated the accuracy stated in Franchi’s marketing of the Elite model.
RELIA Trigger
The Franchi Momentum rifle comes standard with an adjustable, single-stage trigger that users can adjust from 2 to 4 pounds. However, the user manual states that a qualified gunsmith should make the adjustment.
TSA Recoil Pad
Franchi developed “a revolutionary design proven to reduce felt recoil up to 50% and make shooting more enjoyable,” improving accuracy. The recoil pad features rounded edges to minimize the chance of snags on clothing and other gear as the gun is brought to the shooting position.
7-Year Warranty
New firearms are warranted to the original retail purchaser for seven years from the date of purchase by Franchi Firearms. This warranty applies to purchases made from an authorized Franchi dealer in the United States.
Price Point
The Momentum Elite is available in several configurations, including cartridge, barrel length, and stock, barrel and receiver finishes. The retail price for all configurations is less than $900, making it an economical choice for hunters and shooters.
New Cartridge Additions
In 2022, Franchi introduced two new cartridges, .350 Legend and 6.5 PRC, making the Elite model more attractive to an array of hunters and shooters.
The .350 Legend is the latest entry in the growing straight-wall centerfire cartridge category. It is a leading cartridge for many whitetail hunters in Midwestern states that allow straight-wall cartridges for hunting..
This newer cartridge brings incredible velocity, reduced recoil and long-range accuracy to the field. Most experts agree that the 6.5 PRC is a popular cartridge for long-range hunters and shooters. It is the perfect round for the western hunter.
Set-up and Testing
I received a Momentum Elite rifle with an Optifade Elevated II patterned stock chambered in 6.5 PRC to test and review. On first inspection, the rifle was lightweight, compact and maneuverable. Following the owner’s manual guidelines, I installed the spiral-fluted, 60-degree three-lug bolt, which operated cleanly and smoothly.
I selected and mounted a Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50 riflescope using Zeiss Precision Rings. The riflescope was leveled to the Momentum Elite rifle’s one-piece Picatinny rail utilizing a Wheeler Engineering Professional Reticle Leveling System. All screws were torqued to specified settings with a Wheeler Engineering Fat Wrench.
I used Federal Fusion 140-grain Bonded Soft Point ammo for testing. For initial sight-in, a target was placed at 25 yards. It took three shots to get the rifle and scope pair sighted, and the target was moved to 100 yards. After firing another three rounds, the gun was dialed at 100 yards. Following the owner’s manual instructions, the ballistic stop of the Zeiss Conquest V4 riflescope was set to zero. To complete testing, several three-shot groups were fired. All groups measured well within the 1 MOA standard.
Attractive Option
As I was with Franchi’s original Momentum, I am impressed with the Momentum Elite model. They have positioned the Elite as an exceptional performer that should make it attractive to a variety of hunters. Available in several combinations with appealing looks and valuable features, this rifle will likely captivate many consumers. And it’s a shooter! Its updated cartridge lineup and priced-to-sell retail point make it a must-stock rifle.
For more information on the Franchi Momentum Elite, visit www.franchiusa.com.
