First Look: Franchi Momentum Elite

by
posted on January 27, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
franchimomentumelite_lead.jpg

It’s been a few years since Franchi rolled out their first hunting rifle, the Momentum, and now that gun is getting an upgrade. The new Elite version of the Momentum, which launched at SHOT Show 2020, will offer all the features hunters love about the original Momentum in a new package that’s designed specifically for hunters.

Many of the features that appeared on the original Momentum will carry over the Elite guns, including a spiral-fluted three-lug bolt, ergonomic synthetic stock, a cold hammer-forged barrel and TSA recoil pad. But unlike the original Momentum, the Elite version is available with a variety of stock colors and Cerakote metal finishes. Options include a Hunter Gray stock with Cobalt Cerakote finish, a True Timber Strata camo stock with Midnight Bronze Cerakote, and a Realtree Excape camo stock with Burnt Bronze Cerakote.

Color options aren’t the only upgrade on Franchi’s Momentum Elite rifles, though. They also come with a removable muzzle brake and a Picatinny top rail for optics mounting. These guns also come with a detachable box magazine. Three caliber options are available in 2020: 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., and .223 Rem. The 6.5 Creedmoor and .223 Rem. versions come with 22-inch sporter profile barrels, and the 6.5 Creedmoor comes with a 24-inch pipe. Weights range from 7.1 to 7.5 pounds.

Along with the build quality and features list, one appealing aspect of the Momentum Elite rifle is the cost. MSRP ranges from $849 to $899, which is very competitive for a rifle that offers this level of performance. The original Momentum rifle has a reputation as a tack driver, and when I tested that gun it was capable of sub-MOA accuracy with a variety of loads. The Momentum’s impressive accuracy is thanks in part to Franchi’s superb single-stage user-adjustable (2 to 4 pounds) trigger.

Another feature that Momentum fans appreciate is the stock design: textured surfaces on the pistol grip, below the action and on the forearm make it easy to grip the Momentum and recessed molded sling studs won’t hang-up on gear or in gun cases or rifle scabbards. The TSA recoil pad is effective at reducing recoil (it carries over from Franchi’s hard-hitting Affinity shotguns) so even in hard-kicking calibers the Momentum isn’t particularly unpleasant. With the muzzle brake and available chambering options, the Momentum Elite will be a soft-shooting, accurate hunting rifle.

Franchi has a good thing going with their Momentum rifles, and hunters are responding. It’s likely that the new Elite versions will help grow the rifle’s fanbase, and if you’re looking for a new hunting rifle for 2020 and this rifle is in your price range, its definitely deserve consideration.

For more information, visit franchiusa.com.

Latest

Lead Photo H2H
Lead Photo H2H

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.