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

Henry 250Th Anniversary Guns
Henry 250Th Anniversary Guns

Henry Honors America's 250th with Collector-Grade Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms is now shipping the America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Collection: three collector-grade lever-action rifles to mark the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.

Behind the Bullet: The .500-416 Nitro Express

When discussing the Nitro Express cartridges, my mind is immediately drawn to East Africa in the first few decades of the 20th century, but there are modern developments which fill a niche. One such is the .500/416 3 ¼-inch Nitro Express developed by Kreighoff at the end of the 20th century. Let's look at the history and characteristics of the .500-416 Nitro Express.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal .30-30 Uppers

Bear Creek Arsenal is expanding its lineup with new .30-30 Winchester rifle and upper options, bringing one of America's most recognized hunting calibers into modern sporting rifle configurations.

Shotgun Slug 101: What to Look For

Don’t overlook shotgun slugs. When hand-picked, they will deliver outstanding accuracy and big game-bagging performance. Here’s a primer.

Leupold Announces Limited-Edition 'Mark 250' Riflescope Package

Commissioned to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial, the Mark 250 package is built for the patriots that demand performance.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Ruger has expanded its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company's longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.