The successful range of bolt action rifles includes, among others, the Wood version, a point of reference for all those enthusiasts who cannot part with the pleasure of beautiful wood.
Franchi A few years ago, as is often the case, she anticipated the times, farsightedly observing new possible scenarios for national and European hunting given the expansion of many ungulate species. Her prediction was spot-on, naturally sparking new expectations among hunters and their desire to equip themselves with equipment and weapons for a type of hunting activity that had previously been beyond their capabilities. Evidently, this expansion of the market to include non-specialist hunters had inherently included at least four elements that perfectly encapsulate the Horizon project: precision, ease of use, reliability e low price.
Franchi, moving on these design assets, certainly did not skimp on research, accompanying the conception of the Horizon with an impressive dose of refined engineering studies, aimed at making the bolt action rifle decidedly high-performance and relevant to the needs of the ungulate hunter of our century.
Many versions have been produced so far, with choices to suit the diverse tastes of hunters; from the polymer in different colors to the Wood version, the one I personally appreciate the most due to my exaggerated passion for wood.
Horizon Wood has met and will continue to meet the expectations of many hunters beyond my own, thanks to a series of features that I was able to appreciate during two outings in the challenging Valle di Fiordimonte hunting reserve.
The first thing to appreciate is its weight, which stands out from traditional wooden bolt-action rifles. Weighing in at under 3 kg, it embodies the concept of total versatility for most game, from quiet stalking to decidedly strenuous stalking.
The three calibers in which it is offered (.300 WM, .308 Win and 30-06) are perfectly suited to the needs of European and North American hunting, also supported by a vast presence on the market of ammunition with a wide range of weights.
During hunting use it was possible to appreciate how the Horizon was able to benefit from the Evolved Ergonom-X platform with which Franchi We focused on ergonomic research into the relationship between the gun and the hunter, analyzing a wide range of shooting postures and physical characteristics and designing the product accordingly. The result is excellent ease of handling, with the rifle aiming naturally in all the positions we tested. Firm on the shoulder, it provides a remarkable grip thanks to the shape of the Allround Interlacement checkering, which Franchi has introduced this into all its production due to the extraordinary efficiency it has encountered. The two hunting tests took place in the summer, and sweaty hands were not a problem thanks to the firm grip. The pistol itself has a shape that perfectly matches the shape of the hand for a perfect hold.
Looking at the gun while awaiting its prey, one cannot help but appreciate its design, which clearly displays a traditional look revisited with modern, sinuous lines, enhanced by the beautiful wood. Perhaps it's its quality or the Weathercoat Wood treatment that protects the stock from the elements and even sweat, but the wood's color is pleasing to the eye, almost making one think it must have a high price tag. But that's not the case.
Franchi chose to produce an action featuring a fluted bolt with three solid locking lugs, and the result is excellent efficiency and a decidedly smooth opening/closing linear movement. The three lugs also imply a rotational movement of only 60°, which we found decidedly interesting, practical, quiet, and fast; all features that, when hunting, do not distract from the concentration that brings us best to the target. The same two-position safety, located on the rear of the breech, is easily found and activated with the thumb without taking your eye off the optics mounted on the Picatinny rail that surmounts the bolt.
The Wood we used was in .308 Win caliber, not exactly a light caliber, and the shots fired both first at the range for calibration and then on the hunting ground, made us particularly appreciate the TSA buttplate, which Franchi It has been refined over the years and is able to absorb much of the recoil without weighing on the hunter's shoulder. We assume that the same recoil pad, due to its shape and technology, is able to provide similar performance with the .300 WM that is present in the Horizon Wood range.
The Wood barrel does not have mechanical sights, as is logical in weapons intended for precision shooting and in the version used it is 22" (51 cm) like that of the .30-06. In the .300 WM the need for complete combustion of the greater dose of powder of the caliber brings the barrel length to 24" (61 cm). All have a rifling twist of 11" correct for the aforementioned calibers, and in fact this choice is supported by the practical results in shooting and in what Franchi declares: 3 shots in 1 MOA is the certification that Franchi Delivery to the lucky hunter who decides to purchase a Horizon Wood. We are less "good" than the certifying technician, but even at long range shots (200 m), we were truly amazed by the results obtained.
The three-round magazine, plus the one in the chamber, is almost entirely embedded in the frame of the gun, and the small portion that protrudes does so with an elegant shape that completes a profile worthy of being admired. The release is simple, with a button located at the front of the trigger guard that releases a plastic magazine that is decidedly user-friendly in accepting ammunition.
If we had to summarize the shooting and hunting experience with the Franchi Horizon Wood: the word that comes to mind is ENTHUSIASM. This has a clear explanation: when you pick up a rifle for the first time, say at a fair, you experience many wonderful sensations, but you're not mentally ready for hunting; you can only imagine it, but all of us hunters know it's something else entirely. But when you pick up a gun for the first time, as we did with the Horizon Wood for our hunting trip, you never expect it to immediately become an extension of yourself. You can't imagine that it puts you so at ease that you automatically recall the actions of cocking and engaging the safety, and that when you get into the aiming position, this happens with extraordinary naturalness, almost as if it were the rifle you habitually use.
And instead Franchi It was able to amaze…. The Horizon Wood rifle is definitely your weapon.
So, we are thrilled with the accuracy of the shots we took and the simplicity of the cocking movements (safety, action, magazine). The reliability that hunters always look for in a gun cannot be assessed in two tests, but the very long 7-year warranty that Franchi The mechanical parts speak volumes on this front. Finally, the price, another key consideration for hunters: visit a gun shop and you'll find further confirmation of our enthusiasm.
