Fierce CT Rival XP 7mm SAUM 22-inch Bolt Action
About this product
What is the Fierce CT Rival XP 7mm SAUM 22-inch Bolt Action? It is a titanium and carbon fiber competition/hunting rifle built for shooters who prioritize extreme weight reduction without sacrificing mechanical accuracy. This rifle places a 7mm SAUM cartridge through a 22-inch carbon-wrapped barrel on a platform that can be configured under 6.5 pounds for stalking, while its match-grade components and adjustable stock maintain precision at the bench. For those moving up from a more conventional rifle like the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, it represents a significant technological and investment leap into lightweight, high-performance materials.
What is the Fierce CT Rival XP 7mm SAUM used for?
This rifle is designed for the mountain hunter and mobile precision shooter who must carry their rifle for miles. The direct answer is long-range hunting and field shooting competitions where every ounce impacts mobility. Its lightweight carbon fiber barrel and titanium action shave pounds compared to steel, while the adjustable comb stock and premium trigger allow for consistent shot execution from awkward field positions or a bench. It’s a tool for connecting ethical shots on game or steel at distances where 7mm SAUM performs, typically from 300 to 800 yards.
How does the Fierce CT Rival XP compare to a conventional Stevens 334?
The CT Rival XP is fundamentally superior in weight reduction and high-end componentry, but at a significantly higher cost. The direct comparison is about a 3-pound weight advantage; a typical Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win weighs around 9.5 pounds, while the CT Rival XP can be configured under 6.5 pounds. The Fierce uses a titanium dual-lug action and a carbon fiber barrel with a hand-lapped match liner versus the Stevens’ conventional steel barrel and action. The Trigger Tech Primary ProCurve is a distinct upgrade over a standard factory trigger. The Stevens is a better choice for a budget-conscious, rugged utility rifle, while the Fierce is for the shooter who has prioritized minimizing carried weight as a primary performance metric.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle's advertised weight range is 6 to 6.99 pounds, a critical specification for a mountain rifle. The exact weight depends on stock configuration and optic, but the bare rifle often lands near 6.5 pounds. Its overall length with the 22-inch barrel is approximately 42.5 inches, which, combined with the radial muzzle brake, makes it manageable in a vehicle or blind. The 22-inch barrel is threaded with a standard 5/8-24 pitch, allowing direct attachment of many suppressors. The carbon fiber barrel profile is a straight taper, with an outside diameter at the muzzle of approximately 0.750 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the first-time hunter or budget-focused shooter. The direct answer is that the $2,699 price tag and specialized 7mm SAUM chambering create significant barriers. New shooters would be better served by mastering fundamentals with a lower-cost, more common caliber platform. It’s also not ideal for high-volume, range-shooting sessions where barrel heating is a concern, as carbon-wrapped barrels can exhibit different heat dissipation characteristics than solid steel. If your primary use is shooting hundreds of rounds in a weekend from a static bench, a dedicated steel-barreled target rifle is a more suitable tool.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the radial titanium muzzle brake installed, one proprietary drop-box magazine with a 3+1 capacity, and the necessary tools for adjusting the comb height on the stock. You will not find a scope, mounts, sling, or chamber cleaning rod included. The manual covers basic disassembly and the adjustable trigger settings, which have a pull weight range from 1.5 to 4 pounds. Ensure you have appropriate torque wrenches for mounting optics to the pre-drilled and tapped receiver.
Is the Fierce CT Rival XP worth it at $2,699?
For the specific shooter it's designed for, yes—the investment is justified by the performance. The $2,699 price buys a complete, ultra-lightweight system using materials (titanium, carbon fiber, premium trigger) that would cost much more to assemble separately. Compared to a custom build with similar specs, this is a competitive, turn-key price. However, if your hunting rarely involves packing gear above treeline or you don't prioritize shaving the last 2-3 pounds from your kit, a rifle at half the cost will perform the same fundamental task. This is a purpose-driven premium, not a general upgrade.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Advertised weight of 6-6.99 lbs — nearly 3 pounds lighter than a comparable steel-barreled rifle.
- 22-inch carbon fiber barrel with hand-lapped match liner for consistent bore geometry.
- Trigger Tech Primary ProCurve trigger adjustable from 1.5 to 4 lbs pull weight.
- Titanium radial muzzle brake included, reducing felt recoil by an estimated 30-40%.
Trade-offs
- 7mm SAUM ammunition is less common and more expensive than .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor.
- Carbon fiber barrel sleeve can obscure traditional copper fouling signs during cleaning.
- Proprietary magazine system locks you into Fierce-specific mags, not AICS-pattern.
- High price point of $2,699 excludes budget-conscious shooters.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 853418916810 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | FCRXP7SAUM22MM |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 7mm SAUM |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard 5/8-24 muzzle device?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel is threaded 5/8-24. This is the standard pitch for .30 caliber and most 7mm muzzle devices and suppressors. Direct-thread or quick-detach mounts from companies like SilencerCo or Dead Air will interface correctly, assuming proper caliber clearance for the 7mm projectile.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With the 42.5-inch overall length, it will fit in most 44-inch or longer standard hard or soft rifle cases. A 46-inch case provides more comfortable padding clearance. For reference, it is several inches shorter than most shotguns like the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-12ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge</a> with its 30-inch barrels.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Returns for accuracy are handled per the retailer's policy, typically requiring inspection. Fierce Firearms states their carbon fiber barrels are proof-tested and hand-lapped, but real-world group size is dependent on ammunition, shooter, and mounting. It's advised to test with at least three different premium factory loads (e.g., Hornady ELD-X, Federal Premium) before initiating any accuracy-related return process.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, processing is 1-3 business days with ground shipping adding 3-7 business days transit time. The total timeline from order to your selected FFL dealer is typically 7-14 business days, not including the mandatory NICS background check hold time you will experience at pickup.