Franklin Armory F17 17 WSM AR-15

Published on February 16, 2017
Duration: 24:21

This review of the Franklin Armory F17 in .17 WSM provides an expert look at its unique gas piston system on an AR-15 platform. It highlights the rifle's exceptional accuracy, with sub-3/4 inch groups at 100 yards, and compares its ballistics favorably against other rimfire cartridges like the .17 HMR and .22 WMR. The review also covers build quality, proprietary components, and pricing, concluding it's a high-performance option for varmint hunters and accuracy enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The Franklin Armory F17 is a unique AR-15 style rifle chambered in .17 WSM, featuring a short-stroke gas piston system for enhanced reliability and accuracy. It consistently achieves sub-3/4 inch groups at 100 yards and offers superior ballistic performance over .17 HMR and .22 WMR, making it an excellent choice for varmint hunters and accuracy enthusiasts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Franklin Armory F17
  2. 02:18Receiver and Build Quality
  3. 03:26Magazine Design and Loading
  4. 04:50Barrel and Handguard Specifications
  5. 05:59Trigger and Gas Piston System
  6. 09:12Ballistics and Cartridge Comparison
  7. 11:12Range Performance and Accuracy
  8. 18:17Pricing and Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Franklin Armory F17 unique among AR-15 style rifles?

The Franklin Armory F17 is notable for being one of the first rimfire rifles on the AR-15 platform to utilize a short-stroke gas piston system, enhancing reliability and accuracy, especially with the potent .17 WSM cartridge.

How accurate is the Franklin Armory F17 in .17 WSM?

During testing, the Franklin Armory F17 demonstrated exceptional accuracy, achieving shot groups under 3/4 of an inch at 100 yards, which is considered sub-MOA performance for a rimfire rifle.

How does the .17 WSM cartridge compare to other popular rimfire rounds like .17 HMR and .22 WMR?

.17 WSM offers significantly higher muzzle velocity (around 3000 fps) and a flatter trajectory than both .17 HMR and .22 WMR, retaining more energy at distance and making it ideal for longer-range varmint hunting.

What is the typical price range for the Franklin Armory F17?

The MSRP for the Franklin Armory F17 series starts at $1,549.95 for basic models and can go up to $1,704.99 for higher-end configurations like the forged VS4 version.

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