Franchi Horizon Varmint Elite Subalpine rifle review

Following a successful test of the Horizon 6.5CM stalking rifle on roe does in Scotland, I now have my hands on the Varmint Elite Subalpine model, a rifle that is intended for precise, longer-range use. The Horizon, like many Italian firearms, has its own flair. The Subalpine model sports a striking Optifade digital camouflage stock, paired with a weather-resistant Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish on all the metalwork.

As an Italian company manufacturing guns in the heart of Italy’s premier gunmaking region, Brescia, since 1868, Franchi knows a thing or two about sound gun design. At £978, the rifle represents very good value given the quality of its components, overall finish and on-range performance. To underline its credentials, the rifle comes with a guaranteed MOA accuracy promise and a lengthy seven-year warranty.

In depth design and ergonomics

Although it is on the heavy side, the Elite Subalpine is well balanced, with the point of balance falling just ahead of the front stock screw. This is achieved through the relatively long forend and the sturdy, foam-filled polymer stock. The forend has a pronounced 11in beavertail profile, complete with tactile, moulded-in, square-edged chequering, a QD (quick-detach) sling point and an additional screwed-in QD stud. Crucially, the barrel is fully free-floating.

Additional chequering extends from just above the magazine well, ensuring a secure grip when the magazine is removed. The pistol grip, however, is formed from a softer black polymer with inverted chequering and no palm swells. This material matches the high cheekpiece insert, which can easily be removed and replaced to alter the comb height.

The buttstock is finished with a soft rubber recoil pad, another QD sling point and a small rear hand hook to aid stability when shooting from a bipod. The ambidextrous design, sensible 14in length of pull and distinctive Optifade camouflage pattern make the stock perfectly suited to everyday field use from either shoulder.

For consistent accuracy, the action is anchored by an enlarged, integral front recoil lug that fits snugly into the synthetic stock’s chassis. There are no surprises in the action design. Franchi has kept things traditional with a cylindrical steel receiver and flattened top to accept the one-piece 5.25in Picatinny rail. A slightly extended front tenon offers additional barrel support. A small bolt release is at the left rear. Barrel and action are both finished in Midnight Bronze Cerakote, which complements the camouflage stock and provides excellent resistance to abrasion and corrosion.

The substantial 7in bolt has a highly polished, chromed finish to resist binding. Generous spiral fluting further aids smooth operation, although the bright finish may be a little conspicuous for some field users. At the front sits a recessed three-lug locking arrangement, with the lugs matching the diameter of the bolt body for an especially smooth transition during cycling. The inverted “A” lug configuration permits a 60-degree bolt lift, enhancing speed and fluidity. The inset claw extractor and sprung plunger ejector proved reliable and positive in use.

While the 2.5in bolt handle feels slightly short, its rearward angle is well judged and it is finished with a tactile teardrop knob. The steel bolt shroud incorporates a cocking indicator, too. Ammunition is fed via a four-round, single-stack, detachable polymer magazine. An eight-round version was supplied for testing. It proved faultless in operation, is immune to rust and releases easily via a lever in the trigger guard.

The single-stage trigger is adjustable from 800-1,900g (1.7-4.1lb). On test it broke at 1lb 12oz on the Lyman gauge, although there was a trace of creep. The lever safety is quiet and easy to operate. When engaged, it locks the trigger but still allows the bolt to be cycled. Franchi rifles have consistently delivered strong accuracy, thanks in part to their cold-forged steel barrels. This model features a heavy 24in barrel with a 0.868in muzzle diameter and a relatively straight taper. It is threaded 14×1 for a moderator, supplied with a 2.5in muzzle brake and incorporates five 12in spiral flutes intended to reduce weight and add visual appeal. Standard calibres are .223 Rem (as tested) and .308 Win, with .22-250 and .224 Valkyrie reportedly available to special order.

Field testing the Franchi Horizon Varmint

I fitted my trusted Swarovski Optik 6–24×50 target scope to the Horizon using Tier-One mounts, along with an older MAE stainless-steel moderator to tame the report from the 1:9in twist barrel. Fully equipped, the Subalpine is undeniably weighty, but it handled well and proved capable from the bench and off sticks. A good selection of ammunition was tested on some persistent long-range rabbits, and the Subalpine responded well once matched with the right load.

The tightest groups came from the Norma 54-grain load, producing excellent 0.432in groups at 3,126fps (1,172ft/lb). The RWS T-Mantel 55-grain soft-point was similarly impressive, averaging 3,117fps (1,187ft/lb) and clustering three shots into 0.457in – a cracking small deer load. The lightweight, lead-free Hornady NTX 35-grain round achieved 3,892fps (1,178ft/lb) with 0.64in groups – an ideal foxing option. Geco’s 56-grain soft-point produced sub-MOA groups at 3,297fps (1,352ft/lb), while the Remington AccuTip 55-grain load delivered 1.1in groups at 3,131fps (1,198ft/lb). As ever, rifles can be particular, and this example disliked the Winchester Super-X 55-grain soft-point, which managed 3,091fps (1,167ft/lb) but with groups of 1.55in or more.

With rabbits the intended quarry, I opted for the Hornady NTX. With the CWD season still some way off at the time of writing, the more accurate RWS or Norma loads would have to wait for some future stalking outings. Zeroed at 100 yards, the brisk 35-grain projectiles were well suited to long, grassy fields. At 200 and 300 yards the bullet drop measured 3.0in and 13.2in respectively. Wind drift is inevitably greater with such a light bullet: in a 10mph crosswind, correction at 100, 200 and 300 yards amounted to 1.5, 6.5 and 16in respectively. Light it may be, but it proved predictable.

I was also trialling a new set of Hill’s hydraulic quad sticks, which offered impressive stability for longer shots. Their ability to pan with a moving target and cope with awkward angles while stalking is a genuine advantage. A tidy 126-yard rabbit along a hedgerow was followed by a second at a measured 187 yards, taken while braced against a tree. Both shots confirmed that the Subalpine is highly capable, not only on the range but in practical field conditions.

Conclusion: Final verdict on the Subalpine

The Subalpine is rather like Franchi’s shotguns: it may not be the obvious first choice, but once handled and shot, its many strengths become clear. It is accurate with the right load, entirely reliable and finished to withstand hard use. Importantly, the sensible price leaves room in the budget for quality optics, a moderator and ammunition – which, in today’s market makes it a very appealing package indeed.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Franchi

• Model: Horizon Varmint Elite Subalpine

• Calibre: .223 Rem (on test)

• Barrel length: 24in

• Overall length: 46.5in

• Weight: 4.175kg

• Length of pull: 14in

• Magazine capacity: 4-shots

• Price: £978