Nearly 10 years after its market debut, Franchi's Horizon bolt-action rifle will be presented at the EOS Show 2026 in the Special Hunt Elite Vibe and Élite Shade versions. The Special Hunt is the Horizon platform introduced last year and designed with an ergonomic configuration that prioritizes precision, stability, and adaptability in various shooting situations. The Élite Vibe takes customization even further: the modern stock design ensures a solid grip and natural control of the weapon. The easily interchangeable comb, with a standard medium version lowered by 10 mm and raised by 10 mm, allows for proper alignment between the eye and the optic, facilitating an intuitive and consistent shooting position. The rifle's ergonomics are further enhanced by the modular grip configuration: the Special Hunt Élite Vibe is designed with a traditional hunting grip, but can easily be equipped with a vertical, slimmer grip suitable for range shooting. The forend has also been developed to offer greater functionality thanks to the M-LOK interfaces, which allow for the quick installation of accessories or a bipod, expanding the configuration options. The Allround Interlacement checkering improves grip in all weather conditions, while the TSA Gen 2 medium polyurethane recoil pad helps absorb recoil, increasing comfort while shooting. The standard recoil pad has a length of pull (LOP) of 355 mm, but using original replacement parts this can be modified to 347 mm or 365 mm.
Splash Finish
One of the most distinctive elements of the Horizon Special Hunt Elite Vibe is the Splash finish. The entire frame features a dark base with a carbon fiber-effect texture, onto which irregular splashes of color are applied using a controlled, hand-painted technique. The pattern combines black and charcoal gray tones with rusty orange accents and light shades. Not overly camouflaged in terms of color, it effectively breaks up the overall appearance, which is perfect for the eyes of ungulates.
The steel barrel and action are protected by the Sniper Grey H-234 Cerakote finish, a high-performance ceramic-polymer coating that ensures high resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and weathering, protecting against scratches, dents, and solvents. This ultra-thin coating adheres to any surface and is unmatched by other more traditional finishes, so much so that it has recently been preferred to bluing. Franchi has already tested it in the past on the Affinity 3 Elite Bronze semi-automatic, which has been well received by our market. The action comes standard with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
From a technical standpoint, the Horizon Special Hunt Elite Vibe features a semi-heavy fluted steel barrel, a solution that increases the overall structural rigidity and, together with the muzzle brake, helps maintain constant stability during firing. The muzzle diameter is 16,5 mm, with a rifling twist rate of 1:8 for the .223 and 1:11 for the other three calibers. Only the .300 Winchester Magnum has a 610 mm barrel. The other calibers have a 560 mm barrel. The detachable, alternate-feed magazine holds three rounds for the .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum calibers, and four for the .223 Remington.
The fluted steel bolt is polished nickel-plated, with three front lugs arranged at 120 degrees, allowing the handle to open to 60°, a solution that promotes smoothness and rapid reloading. The Relia trigger system, adjustable between 0,8 and 1,9 kg, is crisp and precise, adaptable to the shooter's preferences. The .300 rifle is 1.125 mm long and weighs 3.200 grams; in other calibers it is 1.075 mm long and weighs 3.150 grams.
The Shade Carbine
Another new addition to the Horizon Elite family for Franchi, the Shade rifle represents the third iteration of the Strata and Gray versions. It features a Stone Grey Cerakote finish on the barrel, action, and trigger guard, paired with a technopolymer receiver featuring an exclusive Splash treatment with a spiderweb effect. The technical characteristics of the lightweight, matte Cerakote finish are the same: the color is a deep anthracite gray, enriched with blue highlights and a delicate metallic iridescence that adapts to ambient light without generating unwanted reflections. The result is a finish that combines technical elegance, modern character, and high performance.
The Shade is also available in .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum calibers, with a weight ranging from 2.950 to 2.990 grams depending on the version. The barrel measures 560 mm and 610 mm in the .300 only, with diameters of 15,4 mm and 16,5 mm respectively and a rifling twist rate of 1:8" for the .223 Rem and 1:11" for the other calibers. The trigger pull weight adjusted between 800 and 1.900 grams allows for precise control without the need for a set-trigger. 
The carriage is completed by the Allround Interlacement checkering and a TSA Gen 2 medium polyurethane buttpad, both of which ensure a firm grip and comfort even during prolonged shooting sessions. The threaded muzzle (1/2”x28 for .223 Rem and M14x1 for other calibers) allows for the installation of dedicated accessories.
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