Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine

The Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine is designed for the Franklin Armory F17 SPR rifle chambered in the potent .17 Winchester Super Magnum. This round is known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, making it ideal for varmint hunting and target shooting at extended ranges. The magazine is a critical component for reliable feeding of this bottlenecked cartridge in a semi-automatic platform, and its 20-round capacity promises extended shooting sessions without constant reloading.

I needed a reliable, high-capacity magazine for my Franklin Armory F17 SPR. The factory 10-round magazine was fine for bench shooting, but inadequate for longer sessions or hunting scenarios where quick follow-up shots were paramount. I was looking for a magazine that could handle the unique geometry of the .17 WSM cartridge and provide consistent feeding under field conditions.

The magazine arrived in a simple, functional package. My initial impression was positive: the polymer felt robust, and the spring tension felt appropriate, suggesting reliable feeding. Compared to some aftermarket .22LR magazines I’ve used, the Franklin Armory magazine appeared significantly more robust.

I considered a few alternatives, including modifying existing .223 magazines (not feasible due to the different cartridge dimensions) and generic AR-15 style magazines (completely incompatible). I ultimately chose the Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine because it was specifically designed for the F17 SPR rifle, ensuring optimal fit and function. I was optimistic that this dedicated magazine would solve my capacity and reliability concerns.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range. The conditions were mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. The first magazine load went smoothly, with all 20 rounds loading without issue.

The feeding was initially flawless, with no jams or misfires during the first 40 rounds. The magazine clicked securely into the rifle’s magwell and released easily with a press of the magazine release button. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth operation of the magazine.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and a couple of prairie dog hunts, the Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine has held up reasonably well. There are minor scratches on the polymer body, but no significant damage. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a wipe-down with a dry cloth.

However, after about 200 rounds, I started experiencing occasional feeding issues. The .17 WSM cartridge, with its bottlenecked design, seemed prone to sticking in the magazine under certain conditions. This usually happened when the magazine was fully loaded, suggesting that the spring tension might be slightly excessive.

Compared to my experiences with AR-15 magazines in .223, the Franklin Armory magazine requires more attention to cleanliness. The .17 WSM round tends to leave more residue, which can affect the magazine’s performance over time. Despite the occasional hiccup, the magazine generally performs as expected, offering a significant improvement in capacity compared to the factory 10-round magazine.

Breaking Down the Features of Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Franklin Armory produces this magazine specifically for their F17 SPR rifle. This ensures compatibility and optimized performance with the rifle’s unique operating system.
• Color: The magazine comes in black, providing a tactical and low-profile aesthetic. This blends seamlessly with most rifle setups.
• Fabric/Material: The magazine body is constructed from a durable polymer. This helps reduce weight while providing adequate strength to withstand the rigors of regular use.
• Magazine Capacity: It holds 20 rounds of .17 Winchester Super Magnum. This high capacity reduces the need for frequent reloads, especially useful in hunting or competitive shooting scenarios.
• Caliber: This magazine is specifically designed for the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) cartridge. Using other calibers could damage the magazine and potentially the rifle.

Performance & Functionality

The Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine generally performs its job adequately. Its primary function is to reliably feed .17 WSM rounds into the F17 SPR rifle, and it mostly accomplishes this task. The magazine’s extended capacity allows for more shooting between reloads.

However, as noted earlier, the magazine isn’t without its weaknesses. The feeding issues encountered after extended use suggest that the design could be improved. Specifically, a smoother internal surface and perhaps a slightly adjusted spring tension might enhance reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s polymer construction keeps the weight manageable. This is particularly important when carrying multiple magazines in the field. The texture on the magazine provides a decent grip, even with gloves.

While the magazine is functional, there is a slight learning curve. Getting the first few rounds loaded can be a bit stiff, especially with cold hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer body appears reasonably durable, resisting impacts and abrasion encountered during normal use. The magazine is also easy to disassemble for cleaning. Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, especially given the residue produced by the .17 WSM cartridge.

The magazine’s longevity depends heavily on how well it is maintained. With proper care, it should last for several years, but neglecting cleaning could significantly shorten its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t have many customization options. There are no readily available aftermarket baseplates or followers specifically designed for this magazine. Due to the unique cartridge and magazine design, compatibility with accessories from other brands is extremely limited.

Pros and Cons of Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine

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Who Should Buy Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine?

The Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for varmint hunters and target shooters who own a Franklin Armory F17 SPR and need higher capacity magazines. Anyone who uses their F17 for extended shooting sessions will appreciate the reduced need for frequent reloads. This magazine is also a good choice for individuals who prioritize having more rounds available for potential self-defense scenarios.

Those who should skip this product include shooters who are extremely sensitive to occasional feeding issues or who prioritize absolute reliability above all else. Shooters who are unwilling to perform regular cleaning and maintenance may also find this magazine frustrating. Finally, anyone who owns a rifle chambered in a different caliber should obviously avoid this magazine, as it is specifically designed for the .17 WSM.

A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine loader to assist with loading all 20 rounds. Regular cleaning supplies, such as a bore brush and solvent, are also essential for maintaining the magazine’s performance.

Conclusion on Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine

The Franklin Armory F17 SPR .17 WSM 20 Round Rifle Magazine offers a valuable upgrade in capacity for F17 SPR owners. While it’s not perfect, and occasional feeding issues can arise, the extended capacity and relatively durable construction make it a worthwhile investment. The price of $67.99 is a bit steep considering the occasional reliability issues.

I would recommend this magazine with a few caveats. Be prepared to clean it regularly and understand that it may not be 100% reliable under all conditions. If you’re looking to maximize your F17 SPR’s potential for extended shooting sessions or hunting, this magazine is a worthwhile addition to your gear. Invest in one, keep it clean, and enjoy the increased firepower!