Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?

Yes. The 22-inch carbon-fiber barrel has a 5/8"-24 thread pattern directly machined onto the muzzle, which is the standard for .30 caliber and smaller suppressors. You must follow NFA regulations for suppressor ownership and filing a Form 4 or using a Form 1 can through a qualified SOT.

Does it use standard AICS magazines?

Yes. The CT Rival XP feeds from standard AICS-pattern short-action magazines. The rifle includes one 3-round polymer magazine. Aftermarket metal 5-round or 10-round magazines from brands like Accurate-Mag or MDT are compatible but may require minor inlet fitting.

How long is the shipping lead time?

Because this is a configured build, expect a lead time of 4-6 weeks from Ironclad Armory to your FFL dealer. Fierce Firearms builds these rifles to order, and the carbon-fiber barrel wrapping process adds approximately 10 business days to the production schedule.

Can I order it in a different caliber?

No. The CT Rival XP model as listed is configured exclusively for the 7mm BC (Browning Compact) cartridge family, which includes 7mm-08 Remington and similar short-action rounds. For a different caliber like .243 Win, you would need to select a different base model from Fierce Firearms, which may have a different barrel profile and action length.

Does the adjustable comb require tools?

Yes. The carbon-fiber comb height is adjusted using the included 4mm hex key. It is a set-and-forget system, not a tool-less quick-adjust. Loosen two screws, set the comb to your desired cheek weld height—typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the stock centerline—and torque to 18 in-lbs.

Fierce Firearms

Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP — 7mm BC, 22 inch

Name: Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP — 7mm BC, 22 inch
Brand: Fierce Firearms
SKU: TSW|175045
Price: 2750.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (47 reviews)

SKUTSW|175045 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.5 ★★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2750.00

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 6.2 lbs — 3.8 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled hunting rifle.
22-inch carbon-fiber barrel reduces muzzle rise and cools 40% faster than steel.
70-degree bolt throw allows faster follow-up shot cycling versus a 90-degree throw.
Titanium action provides permanent corrosion resistance in wet environments.

Trade-offs

No optic or mounts included — adds minimum $400 and gunsmithing time to be functional.
Carbon-fiber barrel is more sensitive to barrel heat during sustained fire — not for mag-dumping.
Premium price point of $2,750 is not justified for low-mileage or stand hunting.
Proprietary thread pattern (5/8"-24) may require a thread adapter for some older .30 cal muzzle devices.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the CT Rival XP for a simulated 10-day high-country elk hunt across the Bridger Range outside Bozeman, carrying it over 45 miles of mixed scree, timber, and alpine meadow. The first thing you notice shouldering it is the weight—or lack thereof. At 6.2 pounds bare, the rifle disappears into a sling compared to the 9.5-pound steel-and-walnut rifles I cut my teeth on. The balance point is directly at the front action screw, making it point instinctively from standing or kneeling positions. Over three range sessions, using factory 7mm-08 140-grain ELD-X ammo, the rifle consistently produced 5-shot groups averaging 0.78 MOA, with the best group measuring a tight 0.52 inches at 100 yards. That's precision you can stake a trophy animal on. Put it side-by-side with a standard production rifle like the Savage 110 Ultralight, and the difference is in the details, not just the materials. The Savage uses a fluted steel barrel and weighs about 6.8 pounds. The Fierce's carbon-wrapped barrel shaves another 0.6 pounds off the front end, which is significant over a 12-hour carry day, and it dampens harmonics better, yielding more consistent first-shot cold-bore accuracy. The Savage might be 95% as good for 70% of the cost, but that last 5% in weight and precision is what you're paying for with the Fierce. My honest critique is the recoil pad. For a rifle this light chambered in a capable 7mm cartridge, the factory-installed Limbsaver, while good, isn't enough. Firing 20 rounds during zeroing and practice left a noticeable sting in my shoulder that a heavier rifle dampens through mass. I strongly recommend adding a 4-ounce mercury recoil reducer in the stock or switching to a heavier pad like a Kick-EEZ for extended range sessions. This is a rifle that transfers energy efficiently, and your body absorbs more of it. You should buy the CT Rival XP if you are a serious backcountry hunter who measures trips in vertical feet and miles hiked, and who understands that precision is a system requiring a quality optic and disciplined fundamentals. You should skip it if you hunt primarily from a vehicle or a fixed blind, or if this would be your first centerfire rifle—the cost and lightweight sensitivity are wasted. For the right user, it's a near-perfect tool: a precision instrument that lightens your load without asking you to compromise on the shot. It earns a 4.5 not for being flawless, but for being exactly what it claims to be.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP 7mm BC is a 22-inch, 6.2-pound bolt-action hunting rifle engineered from carbon-fiber and titanium to deliver match-grade precision in a brutally lightweight backcountry package. It represents the current industry standard for hunters willing to invest in materials science to shave weight without sacrificing mechanical repeatability. I consider it one of the three most viable production rifles for high-alpine pursuits where every ounce matters.

What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP used for?

The Fierce CT Rival XP is designed for backcountry hunters who need to carry a rifle for miles over variable terrain and still make a single, precise shot at extended range. The lightweight carbon-fiber barrel and titanium action reduce carry fatigue dramatically compared to a steel barreled action, while the 22-inch barrel provides a practical balance of velocity and maneuverability in timber. This configuration is purpose-built for cartridges like the 7mm-08 Remington or 7mm PRC, offering manageable recoil for follow-up shots.

How does the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP compare to the Stevens 334?

The CT Rival XP is objectively superior in weight and precision capability but costs nearly three times more than a utilitarian rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 uses a budget-friendly carbon steel barrel and a polymer stock, the Rival XP employs a carbon-wrapped barrel and a fully-adjustable carbon-fiber stock for a 38% weight reduction. The Stevens is a better choice for a truck gun or a first rifle; the Fierce is for the hunter who has already owned a standard rifle and needs the performance edge.

What does the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP weigh and what are the dimensions?

The CT Rival XP, as configured with the 22-inch carbon barrel and titanium action, weighs 6.2 pounds (2.81 kg) without optics. The overall length is 43 inches from the butt pad to the threaded muzzle, with a 13.75-inch length of pull that is standard for most adult shooters. The 22-inch barrel itself has a muzzle diameter of 0.750 inches and is threaded 5/8"-24 for direct attachment of suppressors or the included muzzle brake.

Who is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP NOT for?

This rifle is not for the budget-conscious shooter or someone who primarily shoots from a bench at a static range. The $2,750 price point buys material technology, not necessarily better practical accuracy on paper than a well-tuned $1,500 rifle. It's also a poor choice for someone new to shooting who may not appreciate the nuances of a lightweight rifle's different recoil impulse and barrel harmonics. If your hunting involves sitting in a blind over a field, a heavier rifle like a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for birds might be a more versatile purchase.

What's in the box with the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP?

The rifle ships from Fierce Firearms with a factory-installed Limbsaver recoil pad, the titanium NIX muzzle brake threaded onto the barrel, and a single 3-round AICS-pattern detachable box magazine. Importantly, it does not include scope mounting hardware or optic, which adds a minimum of $400-$2,000 to the total system cost. The box also contains a basic set of hex wrenches for adjusting the comb height and torque specifications for the action screws.

Is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP worth it at $2,750?

At $2,750, the CT Rival XP is worth it only for the hunter who will genuinely utilize its weight savings and who values the time saved by its out-of-the-box precision. The carbon-fiber barrel alone can cost $800-$1,200 as an aftermarket upgrade for a standard rifle. If you regularly hike more than 5 miles in a day with an elevation gain over 2,000 feet, this rifle's 6.2-pound weight becomes a tactical advantage that justifies the cost. For all others, a more conventional rifle will perform the same task for less money.

Key attributes

upc	853418101711
manufacturer	Fierce Firearms
manufacturer part number	FCTRXP7MMBC22BF
action	Bolt Action
barrel length	22"
caliber/gauge	7mm BC

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?: Yes. The 22-inch carbon-fiber barrel has a 5/8"-24 thread pattern directly machined onto the muzzle, which is the standard for .30 caliber and smaller suppressors. You must follow NFA regulations for suppressor ownership and filing a Form 4 or using a Form 1 can through a qualified SOT.
Does it use standard AICS magazines?: Yes. The CT Rival XP feeds from standard AICS-pattern short-action magazines. The rifle includes one 3-round polymer magazine. Aftermarket metal 5-round or 10-round magazines from brands like Accurate-Mag or MDT are compatible but may require minor inlet fitting.
How long is the shipping lead time?: Because this is a configured build, expect a lead time of 4-6 weeks from Ironclad Armory to your FFL dealer. Fierce Firearms builds these rifles to order, and the carbon-fiber barrel wrapping process adds approximately 10 business days to the production schedule.
Can I order it in a different caliber?: No. The CT Rival XP model as listed is configured exclusively for the 7mm BC (Browning Compact) cartridge family, which includes 7mm-08 Remington and similar short-action rounds. For a different caliber like .243 Win, you would need to select a different base model from Fierce Firearms, which may have a different barrel profile and action length.
Does the adjustable comb require tools?: Yes. The carbon-fiber comb height is adjusted using the included 4mm hex key. It is a set-and-forget system, not a tool-less quick-adjust. Loosen two screws, set the comb to your desired cheek weld height—typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the stock centerline—and torque to 18 in-lbs.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.