{"id":1355,"date":"2024-10-09T01:04:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T01:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1355"},"modified":"2024-10-09T01:04:34","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T01:04:34","slug":"franchi-momentum-review-hands-on-with-the-all-terrain-elite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1355","title":{"rendered":"Franchi Momentum Review: Hands-On With The All-Terrain Elite"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
\n
Though designed as a quick utility rifle, the Franchi MATE\u2019s ergonomic stock features, such as the modular comb inserts and bipod-friendly M-Lok slots, make it quickly adaptable to a bench for zeroing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

We hit the range with the Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite to see if the rifle proves all-season ready.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Imagine if a new, camo\u2019d-out and fully loaded Ford F-150 arrived in your driveway, and all you had to do was punch start and go right-pedal-down to your next adventure.\u00a0 Maybe Ford isn\u2019t your brand, but you get the picture. Such is the feeling of unboxing Franchi\u2019s Momentum All Terrain Elite (MATE) rifle.<\/p>\n

The MATE is a shorter but feature-rich variant of Franchi\u2019s Momentum Elite<\/a> hunting rifle released in 2022. Designed as a bolt-action, box magazine-fed, everyday-use constant companion rifle, the MATE has a well-chosen set of features on a foundation of quality components at a price that reflects its broad utility.<\/p>\n

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite Specs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cartridge:<\/strong> .308 Winchester (tested)
Type:<\/strong> Bolt action
Capacity:<\/strong> 10+1
Overall Length:<\/strong> 40 inches (with factory brake)
Weight:<\/strong> 7 pounds, 9 ounces
Barrel:<\/strong> 18 inches ; 1:11-inch twist Midnight Bronze Cerakote
Stock:<\/strong> Polymer, injection molded; integrated QD and M-Lok attachments
Trigger:<\/strong> Franchi RELIA trigger, 3 pounds (tested), adjustable 2 to 4 pounds
Sights:<\/strong> Folding ; 3 dot (folded), or aperture and post (unfolded)
MSRP:<\/strong> $1,449<\/p>\n

Red Meat, No Salad<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first impressionist crowd might snap-label the MATE as just another scout rifle or truck gun.\u00a0 You could certainly set it up as either or both, but its rugged and utilitarian design reflects an aspiration for a flexible rifle that can guard the yard or fill the freezer and take some punishment in the process.<\/p>\n

\"Franchi
Packed with functional features, the Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite (MATE) is a fun utility player for the field, range or vehicle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For example, the MATE\u2019s 18-inch barrel gives it a compact overall length of 40 inches and an empty weight of 7.5 pounds. It doesn\u2019t have Euro-inspired lines or sport rainforest hardwoods. Instead, its rust-proof and impact-friendly molded polymer stock is covered in a True Timber Strata camouflage that dares you to strap it to something knobby tires and sling mud on it.<\/p>\n

However, beyond the rugged exterior are design features that make this rifle customizable for a variety of applications and preferences.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The MATE is a rifle made to be stowed and carried. The stock features three quick-detachment (QD) points on both sides and the bottom of the butt, with the same number at the forend. This allows the shooter to quickly configure (or reconfigure) the sling attachments for centerline, one-sided or single-loop-dangle-from-a-treestand options. For African stalks with frequent crouches, I appreciated a one-sided sling orientation that kept the bolt handle facing out and the optic flat, whether I carried the rifle on my shoulder or diagonally across my back.<\/p>\n

\"All-Terrain\"All-Terrain
The MATE\u2019s design is a nice blend between form and function: There are creature comforts worked into the stock in various places \u2026 none of which detract from the overall look of the rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Forward of each of the forend\u2019s three QD points are two metal Magpul M-Lok Modular Locking System attachment slots. This allows the shooter to go AR-crazy with attachments like bipods, lights or vertical grips. The M-Lok system slots sit flush and inside the polymer stock, adding rigidity and eliminating the cheese grater feel of Picatinny rails on handguards\u2014though you can always attach them.<\/p>\n

\"All-Terrain\"All-Terrain
The MATE features a flat forend designed to fit flush on horizontal field rests such as packs and fence rails. Like both its sides, the bottom of the forend features an M-Lok slot that can be utilized for a sling mount or, as pictured here, a bipod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forend has stippled sides and a flat bottom that provides a stable surface for field rests, but it\u2019s not so wide that it feels unnatural in your support hand. Franchi\u2019s final stock touches are grippy, rubberized surfaces on the palm swell, low and high interchangeable modular check pieces, and TSA recoil pads that come in three sizes to customize to the shooter\u2019s preferred length-of-pull.<\/p>\n

At first touch, Franchi\u2019s investment in ergonomics on the MATE pays immediate returns\u2014your hands just know where to go and what to do when they get there.<\/p>\n

The function of the MATE follows its design. The 60-degree throw, three-lug bolt is spiral-fluted, chromed, and fitted with an oversized bolt knob. In addition to being cool to remove and look at, I found the narrower throw range quicker and an easy handling adjustment compared to traditional bolts. You won\u2019t be finger-cycling the action like an Olympic bi-athlete, but neither will you feel like a short-armed hydraulic press operator.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Franchi\"Franchi
The Franchi features a three-lug bolt face. This design increases the engagement area over the traditional two-lug design and adds a third angle of radial stability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The MATE\u2019s controls are similarly well-designed. The trigger is Franchi\u2019s curved and rounded Relia Trigger, adjustable between 2 and 4 pounds. Out of the box, mine broke consistently at 3 pounds. An ambidextrous magazine release extends to and is slightly recessed into the leading edge of the trigger guard and the trailing edge of the polymer M5-style box magazine well. With normal-to-large-sized hands, I could comfortably reach the safety, trigger and magazine release controls by extending my fingers from a natural, fixed position on the curved grip.<\/p>\n

The rifle comes with a 10-round polymer Magpul AICS magazine. The close tolerances of the polymer-to-polymer mating surfaces inside the magwell took a few reloads to smooth out, but after a few cycles, even empty magazines fell free with a moderate index finger touch on the release lever.<\/p>\n

\"Franchi\"Franchi
The modular stock comb allows shooters to adjust the rifle to their eyes and head. Franchi supplies two heights with each rifle. Plus, the box mag release lever is accessible yet tucked away to avoid an accidental extraction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The MATE\u2019s 1:11 twist, 18-inch Midnight Bronze Cerakoted barrel shortens the rifle\u2019s overall profile, begging you to throw it in the truck like a loyal hound dog. The muzzle is threaded 5\/8\u00d724 and comes with a flared radial muzzle brake that adds 1\u00bc inches to its overall length but transitions smoothly from the barrel line without gaping zig-zag cuts or creating a speargun profile. Though Franchi includes a matching thread protector, unless you\u2019re a length-minimalist, the muzzle brake and rubber TSA buttpad combination softens recoil considerably.<\/p>\n

Utilitarian functionality also rides proudly atop the barrel. The MATE features folding front and rear sights that work as three-dot pistol-style sights in the down position and adjustable peep sights in the up position. The rear sight\u2019s base is anchored in a cast pocket at the rear of the Pic rail, protecting its hinge. It\u2019s a clever design element \u2026 except for the 8.5 inches of Pic rail notches that sing a siren\u2019s song to attach optical accessories and block the iron sights.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whatever your choice, there are two backups to a glass optic instead of one. Again, the MATE is what you make it, and doesn\u2019t leave many excuses not to like it.<\/p>\n

On The Range With The Franchi Momentum<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Offered in .308 Winchester and .223 Remington, I tested the larger, more plains game-appropriate chambering. Initial range time returned a smooth-functioning action with no failures to feed or extract, using five different loads from 150 to 178 grains. I added a bit of lubricant to the action before I began, but not much. Franchi\u2019s choice to chrome the bolt and the tighter cycling radius made for an easy experience.<\/p>\n

I also switched out the muzzle brake for a SilencerCo Omega suppressor. This extended the overall length to 44.75 inches, which is still shorter than some of Franchi\u2019s Momentum Elite series rifles.<\/p>\n

\"All-Terrain\"All-Terrain
The MATE comes with a healthy one-piece 10-inch rail mount that includes 8.5 inches of Picatinny rail and a three-dot or pop-up peep sight built into the rear of the rail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I ran my practice time and load testing with the same setup I took to Africa. I added a Steiner H6Xi 2-12\u00d742 scope with Vortex rings, a Magpul adjustable sling mounted on the left-side QD attachments and a short, ramped section of Pic rail in the M-Lok slot on the bottom of the forend to attach a bipod. At the range, and especially for re-zeroing in Africa, I like to have an easy and consistent way to stabilize the rifle, so the bipod made both trips. Without the suppressor, the recoil was moderate. With the can, it was minimal. For a medium-length rifle, the MATE manages recoil well.<\/p>\n

The best three-shot groups stayed well within Franchi\u2019s 1-MOA guarantee with premium factory ammunition. The smaller and faster Hornady 150-grain SST had the tightest at group 0.38 inch. The laws of physics being as immutable as a dripping sink, the shorter barrel traded off its length and slow twist rate for the ability to control larger bullets. But the rifle handled loads across a 38-grain spectrum with consistent accuracy.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
CARTRIDGE<\/strong><\/td>\nVELOCITY (FPS)<\/strong><\/td>\nBEST 3-SHOT GROUP (INCHES)<\/strong><\/td>\nBEST 5-SHOT GROUP (INCHES)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Federal 165 Grain Bonded SD<\/td>\n2,550<\/td>\n0.48<\/td>\n1.74<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hornady 150-grain SST<\/td>\n2,949<\/td>\n0.38<\/td>\n0.71<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Black Hills 175-grain BTHP<\/td>\n2,509<\/td>\n0.32<\/td>\n1.06<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hornady 178-grain ELD-X<\/td>\n2,547<\/td>\n0.83<\/td>\n2.12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hornady 165-grain AW InterLock<\/td>\n2,658<\/td>\n0.57<\/td>\n0.84<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
Tested at 5,100 feet ASL; 52 degrees F; bench rest, bipod and rear bag; 2-12x42mm Steiner optic, SilencerCo Omega suppressor. Results reflect the best of three, 3-shot and 5-shot groups. Velocity data: Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

World Traveler<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The MATE survived the trip from Utah to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, approximately 100 miles north of the coastal city of Port Elizabeth on the Indian Ocean. Despite a drop off the airline conveyor belt I witnessed helplessly from inside the plane and stops in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, the rifle required no windage adjustments and only a moderate elevation adjustment. Our African hunting area was 40 degrees warmer and 2,000-foot in elevation lower than my home range, so a 3-MOA adjustment wasn\u2019t a surprise.<\/p>\n

With a box magazine full of Hornady 178-grain ELD X ammunition, my Professional Hunter (PH) Chris Jonker and Tracker Mike Moukiwa set out in a traditional Land Cruiser \u201cbucky\u201d to glass for blue wildebeest\u2014the poor man\u2019s Cape buffalo. A slow crawl through the acacias produced a herd of Cape Buffalo and a family of giraffes before we found a high-sided canyon wall with a herd of wildebeests mixed in with Cape Zebra and springboks. Our stalk didn\u2019t meet with success before the sun fell, but we had a spot to restart our search.<\/p>\n

We relocated the herd the next as the morning sunlight burned thick white coastal clouds off the hillsides. Chris and Mike communicated with nods and hand signals to guide us quietly over and around a cliff where we hoped to ambush the herd on the back side.<\/p>\n

For my part, I carried the rifle and watched the masters anticipate where the game might move and position me for a shot. After several climbs and descents along a ridgeline, we moved down and across grass and acacia-covered slopes strewn with football-sized rocks. Fortunately, we had the wind in our faces, dampening our steps and keeping our scent out of the herd\u2019s noses.<\/p>\n

Chris located a very big bull at the edge of the group, moving through cover just over 200 yards to our front.\u00a0 We crouched and maneuvered slowly closer, slightly to the bull\u2019s left. Standing and braced on shooting sticks, I broke the shot. The bullet took him in the high shoulder, and he fell where he stood\u2014in the shade of an acacia tree. From the looks of his \u201cnubby\u201d teeth, ground nearly flat with age, we chose an old bull beyond the end of his prime.<\/p>\n

\"Franchi\"Franchi
The .308 Franchi MATE and the Hornady 178-grain ELD-X .308 cartridge brought down this old blue wildebeest bull quickly and cleanly in the shade of an acacia tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Final Rounds<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Though not from a traditionally snobbish line of African safari rifles, the MATE was a fun and effective partner in the field. Its short length (even with a suppressor) made loading vehicles and crouching stalks under low trees easier. The .308 cartridge and Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm optic were more than sufficient for typical plains game ranges.<\/p>\n

I experienced no failures or issues of any kind. As a working tool, the MATE became more familiar, faster, than any rifle I have taken to the field. It seemed to want to stay in Africa to keep hunting and managing the environment for the next generation\u2014or maybe that was just me.<\/p>\n

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite Deals<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
Franchi<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,449<\/strong><\/td>\n\"PngItem_4588935\"\"PngItem_4588935\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EuroOptic<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,299.99<\/strong><\/td>\n\"Gun\"Gun<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Editor’s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of\u00a0Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n

More On Hunting Rifles:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\"\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\"<\/p>\n

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n

Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Though designed as a quick utility rifle, the Franchi MATE\u2019s ergonomic stock features, such as the modular comb inserts and bipod-friendly M-Lok slots, make it quickly adaptable to a bench for zeroing. We hit the range with the Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite to see if the rifle proves all-season ready. Imagine if a new, camo\u2019d-out […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1356,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1355"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1357,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355\/revisions\/1357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}