Franklin Armory "F17 M4" 17WSM Rifle (with accuracy testing)

Published on March 12, 2020
Duration: 17:24

This review of the Franklin Armory F17 M4 in 17 WSM highlights its AR-15-like platform and powerful rimfire cartridge. While praised for its quality construction and piston system, the reviewer notes significant drawbacks including a problematic factory trigger, difficult-to-load magazines, lack of a last-round bolt hold-open, and inconsistent accuracy with certain ammunition. The rifle is deemed suitable for pest control, but the reviewer suggests improvements for a better user experience.

Quick Summary

The Franklin Armory F17 M4 rifle is chambered in the powerful 17 WSM cartridge and features an AR-15-like platform with a piston system. While praised for build quality, it suffers from a difficult-to-load magazine, lack of a last-round bolt hold-open, and inconsistent accuracy with some ammunition, though it performs adequately for pest control.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Intro & Overview
  2. 00:45Rifle Walkthrough & Modifications
  3. 01:35Barrel & Muzzle Device
  4. 02:16Handguard & Piston System
  5. 02:36Receiver & Trigger
  6. 03:38Grip & Optics
  7. 04:06Charging Handle & Stock
  8. 04:29Bolt Assembly Breakdown
  9. 05:52Piston System Explained
  10. 07:08Receiver Play Adjustment
  11. 07:49Working Parts & Last Round Hold Open
  12. 08:16Magazine Review
  13. 08:53Weight & Price
  14. 09:30Accuracy Testing Setup
  15. 09:39Ammunition Types
  16. 11:19Accuracy Results - American Eagle
  17. 11:31Accuracy Results - Hornady
  18. 11:59Accuracy Results - Winchester 20gr
  19. 12:14Accuracy Results - Winchester 25gr
  20. 12:27Accuracy Summary & Ammunition Choice
  21. 13:04Magazine Loading Demonstration
  22. 14:31Final Thoughts & Criticisms
  23. 14:41Trigger Issues
  24. 15:05Magazine Design Issues
  25. 15:32Lack of Bolt Hold-Open
  26. 16:00Handguard & Piston System Crud
  27. 16:2517 WSM Accuracy Discussion
  28. 17:10Overall Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Franklin Armory F17 M4 rifle chambered in?

The Franklin Armory F17 M4 rifle is chambered in 17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum), which is noted as the most powerful rimfire cartridge currently in production. This powerful cartridge contributes to the rifle's performance and operational characteristics.

What is the key operational difference in the Franklin Armory F17 M4 compared to a standard AR-15?

The Franklin Armory F17 M4 utilizes a piston system rather than a direct impingement system found in many AR-15s. This piston system is necessary to handle the high pressures generated by the 17 WSM cartridge and helps keep the rifle cleaner by venting gas away from the bolt carrier.

What were the main criticisms of the Franklin Armory F17 M4 rifle?

Key criticisms included a problematic factory trigger that required replacement, magazines that were difficult to load beyond five rounds and felt over-engineered, and the absence of a last-round bolt hold-open feature, which is a common convenience on AR-15 platforms.

How did the Franklin Armory F17 M4 perform in accuracy testing?

Accuracy testing at 100 yards yielded groups generally between 1 to 1.6 inches. The Hornady 20gr B-MAX and American Eagle 20gr Varmint Tip ammunition showed the best results, though the 17 WSM cartridge itself was noted for consistently producing one flyer per group.

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