Franklin Armory F17-L 20″ .17 WSM Piston Rifle ODG
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Franklin Armory F17-L 20″ .17 WSM Piston Rifle ODG is a purpose-built rimfire platform optimized for precision varmint control and extended range work. Chambered in the fast .17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge, it features a self-regulating piston system that handles both suppressed and unsuppressed operation without manual adjustment. This 20-inch barreled rifle delivers consistent mechanical performance whether you're dealing with prairie dogs at 200 yards or running drills on steel targets.
What is the Franklin Armory F17-L used for?
The F17-L is engineered specifically for varmint control and precision rimfire applications where shot counts exceed typical bolt-action capacities. Its 20+1 round magazine capacity allows for sustained engagement of prairie dog towns or coyote calls without frequent reloading interruptions. The .17 WSM cartridge delivers flat trajectory out to 300 yards with minimal wind drift compared to traditional .22LR platforms.
How does the Franklin Armory F17-L compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The F17-L offers substantially lower ammunition costs and reduced recoil for high-volume shooting compared to centerfire options like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens platform provides greater stopping power for medium game, the Franklin Armory rifle allows shooters to maintain proficiency with 25-cent rounds instead of $1.50 centerfire cartridges. For dedicated varmint work under 300 yards, the F17-L delivers better cost-per-shot efficiency.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.90 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with the Bravo C stock fully extended. The 20-inch barrel contributes to the 9-pound weight distribution, providing a balanced feel that minimizes muzzle rise during rapid firing sequences. The 15-inch handguard offers ample real estate for bipods and night vision mounts without creating a front-heavy package.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for hunters requiring immediate one-shot stops on deer-sized game or those operating in states with rimfire hunting restrictions for big game. The .17 WSM cartridge lacks the energy transfer for ethical medium game harvesting compared to centerfire options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. Additionally, the 9.90-pound weight makes it less ideal for extended carry scenarios where every ounce matters.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with one 20-round magazine, the factory-installed Aura muzzle brake, and basic owner's documentation covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. The package does not include optics, mounting hardware, or additional magazines beyond the single supplied unit. Expect to budget approximately $45 for each additional magazine and $200-$500 for a quality optic suited to the .17 WSM's trajectory.
Is the Franklin Armory F17-L worth it at $1,729.99?
At $1,729.99, this rifle justifies its premium through the proprietary Osprey Defense piston system and match-grade barrel that delivers consistent 0.75 MOA groups with factory ammunition. The investment makes sense for shooters who will exploit the semi-auto capability during high-volume varmint control operations where bolt-action cycling becomes a limitation. For occasional plinking, a $500 bolt-action .17 HMR provides similar accuracy at a fraction of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Self-regulating piston system handles suppressors without adjustment - eliminates gas block tuning
- 20+1 capacity outperforms typical 10-round bolt-action rimfires by 100%
- 0.75 MOA accuracy with factory ammunition - matches many custom varmint rifles
- 15-inch M-LOK handguard provides 40% more mounting surface than traditional hunting forends
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazines cost $45 each - 3x more than standard AR-15 magazines
- 9.90-pound weight exceeds typical varmint rifle weight by 2-3 pounds
- No iron sights included - requires immediate optics investment of $200+
- .17 WSM ammunition averages $0.25/round - 50% higher than .22 WMR
Key attributes
| upc | 818725010101 |
| manufacturer | Franklin Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 0010056ODG |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .17 WSM |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| length | 48 |
| number of magazines | 1 20 rd. |
| package height | 3.9 |
| package width | 10.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 13.75 |
| sights | No Sights |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the 20-inch barrel features standard 1/2"-28 TPI threads under the factory muzzle brake. This accommodates most .22 caliber suppressors including SilencerCo Sparrow and Dead Air Mask models without requiring adapter kits.
- Does it work with standard AR-15 triggers?
- No, the F17-L uses a proprietary fire control group specific to the .17 WSM cartridge geometry. Franklin Armory does not recommend aftermarket AR-15 trigger installations due to different hammer fall characteristics required for reliable rimfire ignition.
- How many magazines are included?
- The rifle ships with one 20-round polymer magazine. Additional magazines are available through Franklin Armory's website or authorized dealers at approximately $45 each with typical 2-3 week shipping times for direct orders.
- Can I use .17 HMR ammunition in this rifle?
- Absolutely not - the .17 WSM chamber will not safely accept .17 HMR cartridges due to significant case dimension differences. Attempting to fire .17 HMR in this rifle risks case rupture and potentially catastrophic failure. Only use ammunition specifically marked .17 Winchester Super Magnum.
- What optics mount does it use?
- The upper receiver features a full-length Picatinny rail compatible with standard AR-15 scope mounts. I recommend one-piece mounts from American Defense Manufacturing or LaRue Tactical to maintain zero during the piston system's reciprocating motion.