As the 2026 Shooting, Huting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show opens in Las Vegas, Franchi has announced a new rifle addition to the Momentum family, called the Momentum Utility Lite Elite, better known simply as the MULE.
Every camp has that one rifle everyone reaches for—the one that’s always riding along, always ready, and never complains about the job. That’s where the MULE comes in.
Built to earn its keep, the MULE is Franchi’s idea of a true do-everything carbine. It’s the rifle that lives in the truck or UTV and leans at the ready by the back door. Designed as a dual-purpose hunting and defense long arm, the MULE delivers scout-rifle versatility with the kind of reliability you trust to protect the homestead.
For 2026, the MULE will be available in .308 Win and .223 Rem., featuring a suppressor-ready 16.25-inch threaded barrel. Franchi’s proven Evolved Ergonom-X stock is finished in VEIL TAC Black Camo and is paired with an attractive, durable Graphite Black Cerakote on all metal components keeping this rifle tough, understated, and ready for anything the day or night may bring.
At just over 7 pounds and measuring 38.25 inches overall, the MULE handles easily and stows without fuss—perfect for life in a truck, four-wheeler, or tractor cab. A factory-installed one-piece Picatinny rail makes optic mounting simple, while flip-up adjustable sights are included for shooters who prefer to keep things light and straightforward.
Like every Momentum rifle, the Momentum Utility Lite Elite feeds from a removable, straight-feed polymer box magazine built for quick loading and real-world reliability. Capacity is 8+1 in .308 Win. and 10+1 in .223 Rem., striking the right balance between capability and simplicity.
Inside, the MULE carries the same proven Momentum DNA: a three-lug fluted bolt with a fast 60-degree throw, Franchi’s adjustable single-stage Relia trigger, and the TSA recoil pad, which reduces felt recoil by up to 50 percent – saving shoulders, whether on the range or in the field.
The MULE is the modern workhorse of rifles — compact, reliable, and ready for anything life demands. From long days in the field to everyday readiness at home, it delivers the accuracy, adaptability, and rugged strength shooters expect from a true general-purpose rifle. Wherever the job takes you, The MULE carries the load. MSRP $1,559.
