Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine promises a unique shooting experience, chambered in the flat-shooting and surprisingly potent .17 Winchester Super Magnum. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill AR upper; it’s a piston-driven system designed for cleaner operation and optimal performance, particularly for varmint hunting and pest control. Franklin Armory aims to deliver a complete upper solution, ready to drop onto any Mil-Spec AR lower, offering a long-range, low-recoil alternative to traditional AR calibers.

Having spent years chasing accuracy and versatility in my AR builds, I was immediately intrigued by the prospect of a .17 WSM AR. This cartridge offers a significant ballistic advantage over .22LR, and even .22 Magnum, for small game hunting and target shooting at extended ranges. I was looking for an upper that could deliver consistent accuracy and reliable function, while also being relatively easy to maintain.

The unboxing experience revealed a well-packaged kit, the upper receiver assembly looking robust and well-finished. The 20-inch barrel gave it a definite “serious business” appearance, and the included 20-round magazine felt solid and well-made. My initial impression was of a quality product built to withstand the rigors of field use.

Compared to other AR upper kits I’ve used, this one stands out because of its unique caliber and piston-driven operation. Most of my ARs are chambered in .223/5.56 or .300 Blackout, and use direct impingement gas systems. The Franklin Armory promised to be a cleaner-running alternative, with the added benefit of the .17 WSM’s flat trajectory. I chose this upper specifically for its combination of caliber and operating system, hoping for increased accuracy and reduced cleaning time.

My first impression was definitely excitement. The potential for accurate, long-range shooting with a cartridge that’s both fun and effective had me eager to get it to the range. I was also cautiously optimistic about the piston system and its promise of enhanced reliability and cleanliness.

Real-World Testing: Putting Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, providing a controlled environment to evaluate the upper’s performance. The weather was clear and calm, offering ideal conditions for accuracy testing at 100 yards. I mounted the upper on a standard AR-15 lower receiver and used a magnified optic to properly assess its capabilities.

The Franklin Armory upper performed admirably in the clear conditions. The .17 WSM cartridge exhibited a noticeably flatter trajectory than .22LR, making it easier to maintain accuracy at longer distances. The piston system cycled reliably with a variety of ammunition brands and weights.

The upper was surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. Installation was straightforward, and the controls felt familiar and intuitive. The proprietary handguard offered a comfortable grip and plenty of M-Lok slots for attaching accessories.

One minor issue I encountered was a slightly tight magazine fit, requiring a bit of extra effort to seat the magazine fully. However, after a few uses, the magazine well seemed to break in, and the issue resolved itself. I also noticed the Aura Muzzle Brake was quite effective at reducing felt recoil, but also created a significant muzzle blast.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit has proven to be a reliable and accurate performer. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, with only a couple of minor malfunctions, all of which were ammunition-related. The upper continues to impress with its consistent accuracy and manageable recoil.

The Franklin Armory upper shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The finish has held up well, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. The piston system remains relatively clean, requiring less frequent cleaning compared to my direct impingement ARs.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication after each range session. The piston system is easily accessible for cleaning, and the overall design is simple and robust. Compared to my previous experiences with other AR uppers, the Franklin Armory has exceeded expectations in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

• Caliber: .17 Winchester Super Magnum. This rimfire cartridge offers a high velocity and flat trajectory, making it ideal for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting.
• Barrel Length: 20 inches. The longer barrel maximizes the velocity of the .17 WSM cartridge, further enhancing its ballistic performance.
• Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds. The included 20-round magazine provides ample capacity for extended shooting sessions.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-9. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the .17 WSM projectiles, ensuring consistent accuracy.
• Threads per Inch: 1/2×28. The standard thread pitch allows for easy attachment of compatible suppressors and muzzle devices.
• Muzzle Device: Aura Muzzle Brake. The included muzzle brake effectively reduces felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
• Gun Rail: Picatinny. A continuous Picatinny rail runs along the top of the receiver, providing ample space for mounting optics and accessories.
• New Osprey Defense slim piston system. This innovative system automatically adjusts for suppressed or unsuppressed use, removing any guesswork.

These specifications are crucial for the performance and overall user experience of the Franklin Armory upper. The .17 WSM caliber and 20-inch barrel combine to deliver exceptional accuracy and range, while the piston system ensures reliable and clean operation. The inclusion of a 20-round magazine and muzzle brake further enhances the shooting experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit excels at its intended job: delivering accurate and reliable performance in a lightweight AR platform. The .17 WSM cartridge provides a flat trajectory and minimal recoil, making it easy to achieve consistent hits at distances that would be challenging with other rimfire calibers. The piston system functions smoothly and reliably, even after extended shooting sessions.

One of the upper’s main strengths is its exceptional accuracy. I was able to consistently achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition. The flat trajectory of the .17 WSM also makes it easier to engage targets at varying distances without having to make significant adjustments to my optic. The muzzle brake is also very effective, keeping the rifle stable for faster follow-up shots.

The only real weakness I’ve found is the relatively limited availability and higher cost of .17 WSM ammunition compared to .22LR or .223/5.56. However, the performance benefits of the .17 WSM cartridge largely outweigh this drawback. Overall, the Franklin Armory upper meets and even exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Franklin Armory upper is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the fit and finish are superb. The upper feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its durability.

The ergonomics of the upper are also well thought out. The proprietary handguard provides a comfortable and secure grip, and the controls are easily accessible. I did not experience any issues using the upper and had no learning curve, though I am well-versed in AR-15 platforms.

Durability & Maintenance

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit appears to be built to last. The materials used are durable and corrosion-resistant, and the overall construction is robust. With proper care and maintenance, I expect this upper to provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication after each range session. The piston system is easily accessible for cleaning, and the overall design is straightforward and easy to work on. The piston system requires far less cleaning than a direct impingement system.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit comes with a 20-round magazine and an Aura Muzzle Brake. The Picatinny rail on top of the upper provides ample space for mounting optics, and the M-Lok slots on the handguard allow for the attachment of accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips. The 1/2×28 threaded barrel allows for suppressor use.

The upper is compatible with most standard AR-15 lowers, providing a wide range of customization options. You can easily swap out the stock, pistol grip, and trigger to tailor the rifle to your specific needs and preferences. The upper is also compatible with most AR-15 accessories, such as slings, bipods, and magazine pouches.

Pros and Cons of Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine

Who Should Buy Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine?

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit is perfect for varmint hunters, target shooters, and anyone looking for a flat-shooting, accurate, and reliable AR-15 upper in a unique caliber. It’s an excellent choice for engaging small targets at longer distances, where the .17 WSM’s ballistic advantages truly shine. It is also suited for those who prefer a piston-driven AR.

This product might not be ideal for budget-conscious shooters, given the higher cost and limited availability of .17 WSM ammunition. It also might not be the best choice for tactical applications, where the .223/5.56 cartridge is still the dominant caliber. Those sensitive to muzzle blast might also want to consider a different muzzle device.

A must-have accessory for this upper is a quality magnified optic to fully realize its accuracy potential. A bipod or shooting rest can also be beneficial for precision shooting at longer ranges. Extra magazines are always a good idea for extended shooting sessions.

Conclusion on Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine

The Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit w/ 20 Round Rifle Magazine is an impressive piece of engineering that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and a unique shooting experience. The .17 WSM cartridge, combined with the piston-driven operating system, makes this upper a standout performer in the AR-15 world. While the ammunition cost and availability are factors to consider, the benefits of this upper largely outweigh the drawbacks.

The price is justified by the quality of the components, the innovative design, and the exceptional performance of the upper. If you’re looking for a flat-shooting, accurate, and reliable AR-15 upper in a unique caliber, the Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit is definitely worth considering.

I would highly recommend this upper to anyone looking to expand their AR-15 collection with a unique and high-performing option. So, grab your Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20in Upper Kit, head to the range, and experience the thrill of accurate, long-range shooting!