Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Franchi’s new MULE (short for Momentum Utility Lite Elite) isn’t chasing trends (it’s just chasing acronyms).
It’s built to be a practical, do‑everything rifle that makes sense in states with semi‑auto restrictions, works as a defensive long gun, and still feels at home riding in a truck or hunting across the back forty.
It’s a modern interpretation of an old idea: one rifle that earns its keep.
Built for Utility, Not the Safe
The MULE is compact and purposeful. A 16.25‑inch, suppressor‑ready barrel keeps the rifle short and maneuverable while still offering practical ballistic performance in .223 Remington and .308 Winchester.
Franchi positions the MULE clearly as a utility rifle, viable for hunting, property defense, and general utility, especially where semi‑automatic rifles aren’t an option.
Free‑Floating Barrel and Modern Mounting
The barrel is fully free‑floated, improving consistency whether shooting offhand, from a pack, or off a vehicle hood. Up top, a one‑piece Picatinny rail runs long enough to support both conventional optic mounting and forward‑mounted optics, nodding directly to Jeff Cooper’s scout‑rifle concept. You can run a traditional scope, a red dot, or a forward‑mounted optic.
Iron Sights That Actually Make Sense
Franchi includes a proprietary flip‑up iron sight system that’s far more useful than typical afterthought sights.
In the low position, the rear sight presents a three‑dot pistol‑style notch, fast and intuitive at close range. Flip it up, and it converts to an aperture rear sight, better suited for precision and distance.
It’s a rare example of factory iron sights that feel deliberately designed rather than merely included.
Stock Design and Ergonomics
The MULE uses Franchi’s Evolved Ergonom‑X stock, finished in black camo. The stock includes:
- Adjustable cheek piece
- Multiple QD sling points
- M‑LOK attachment slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions
These features support slings, bipods, and accessories without trying to be a chassis system.
Action, Trigger, and Finish
Inside, the MULE uses a three‑lug fluted bolt with a short 60‑degree throw, making it quick to run in tight spaces. The Relia single‑stage trigger is adjustable and tuned for practical field use.
Notably, Franchi moved away from the shiny stainless look of earlier Momentum rifles. The MULE uses a Graphite Black Cerakote finish on all metal components, which cuts glare and improves durability in real‑world conditions.
Magazines: Practical Capacity Without Complications
The rifle ships with proprietary straight‑feed polymer magazines that fit flush and feed reliably:
- 10 rounds in .223 Remington
- 8 rounds in .308 Winchester
Importantly, the MULE is also compatible with AICS‑pattern magazines.
Jeff Cooper Would Recognize This Rifle
The MULE checks nearly every box of Jeff Cooper’s scout‑rifle philosophy:
- Compact length
- Forward‑optic capability
- Iron sights as standard equipment
- Practical caliber choices
- General‑purpose design
I think if Cooper were still preaching in 2026, he’d add “suppressor-ready” to the list. Franchi isn’t preaching Scout Rifle with the MULE, but it certainly ticks the boxes.
The Takeaway
The Franchi MULE isn’t flashy, and that’s the point. It’s a rifle meant to live in the truck, lean by the back door, or ride in a side‑by‑side—ready for whatever comes up.
For hunters, landowners, and shooters in restricted states, it’s one of the most sensible bolt‑action rifles introduced in years. It’s available this quarter; MSRP $1,559
Franchi MULE (Momentum Utility Lite Elite) Specs
- Manufacturer: Franchi
- Model: Momentum Utility Lite Elite (MULE)
- Country of Origin: Italy
- Action: Bolt‑action
- Bolt: Three‑lug, fluted, 60‑degree throw
- Calibers: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
- Barrel: Free‑floating, threaded (suppressor‑ready)
- Trigger: Relia single‑stage, adjustable
- Stock: Evolved Ergonom‑X, black camo
- Cheek Piece: Adjustable
- Handguard / Forend: Integrated with M‑LOK at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock
- Sling Mounts: Multiple QD points
- Optics Mounting: One‑piece Picatinny rail (supports forward mounting)
- Sights: Flip‑up iron sights (three‑dot notch or aperture rear)
- Finish: Graphite Black Cerakote (metal components)
- Magazine Capacity:
- 10 rounds (.223 Remington)
- 8 rounds (.308 Winchester)
- Magazine Type: Proprietary detachable box; AICS‑compatible
- Overall Length: Approx. 38.25″
- Weight: Just over 7 lb
- Availability: Q1 2026
- MSRP: $1,559
Learn more HERE.
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.