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

W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188
W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.