Franchi USA isn't generally the first company one thinks of when it comes to bolt-action utility rifles, but over the last few years, the company has introduced several new models to the market that offer a great feature set for those looking to have a do-it-all platform. Its latest model is the Momentum Utility Lite Elite, or MULE, rifle. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video above to see the rifle in action on the range.
"We often talk about the scout rifle concept. You know, that's that famous Jeff Cooper do-it-all rifle, and, you know, for decades now, people have kind of been chasing the idea of the perfect scout rifle. And a number of companies have come out with different versions of it," American Rifleman Executive Editor Evan Brune said. "Franchi lately has been sort of chasing this concept. They first came out with what they called the MATE rifle, and this is now the MULE, which is just a little bit more compact, but still very much a general-purpose utility rifle."
The Franchi Momentum Elite MULE is chambered for the utilitarian .308 Winchester cartridge, and it is fed from an AICS-pattern, detachable box magazine below the receiver. Each rifle ships with an eight-round magazine.
"It's got this set of back-up sights," Brune said. "Now this is where it gets a little interesting because right now, they appear to be folded down, but there's actually a very simple notch here. And then a simple white dot, even in its folded down configuration, for that quick backup acquisition. So if you've got a quick-detach optic or something, you can still aim with the sights folded down. And then if you fold them up, you've got more adjustability."
Other features include a two-position safety selector, cantilevered Picatinny optics rail that provides plenty of space for mounting scout-style optics or other accessories and a durable, well-textured polymer stock with M-Lok attachment slots on the fore-end.
"This is designed to be an all-weather, all-terrain rifle," Brune said. "This is something that you can carry out in the field and do whatever you need to do."
For more information on the Franchi Momentum Elite MULE, read our full review here.
