Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 7PRC 20″ Bolt-Action
About this product
What is the Ironclad Armory Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 7PRC 20″ Bolt-Action? It's a purpose-built, short-barreled precision rifle engineered for the 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge that delivers terminal ballistics comparable to a .300 Win Mag from a 20-inch barrel. This configuration prioritizes maneuverability and compatibility with suppressors under Title II regulations, making it a serious contender for hunters and long-range competitors operating in dense terrain or from vehicles. The BRZ/SON finish is a proprietary corrosion-resistant treatment that surpasses standard nitride in both hardness and salt-spray resistance.
What is the Ironclad Armory Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 used for?
This rifle is for taking game at extreme ranges or for competing in PRS-style matches where a compact profile offers a significant positional advantage. Its 7PRC chambering, with a factory-loaded 180-grain Berger Hybrid exiting the muzzle at approximately 2850 feet per second, maintains supersonic flight and lethal energy past 1400 yards. The 20-inch barrel keeps the overall length, at 40.5 inches, manageable for use in a blind or for quick transitions between barricade positions that would be awkward with a standard 26-inch barrel rifle.
How does the CF Rival XP 2 compare to a Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The CF Rival XP 2 is superior for long-range energy retention and wind-bucking ballistics, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for budget-conscious practice and short-to-medium-range hunting. The 7PRC delivers nearly 40% more kinetic energy at 500 yards than the .308 Winchester, with a flatter trajectory that requires less holdover. However, you'll pay for that performance: the CF Rival XP 2 costs over $2000 more and demands hand-loading or premium factory ammunition to realize its full potential, whereas .308 Win ammo is ubiquitous and affordable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 8.7 pounds unloaded and without an optic, and the overall length is 40.5 inches with the 20-inch barrel. The rifle has a 13.75-inch length of pull, and the action is bedded into a carbon-fiber stock with an aluminum bedding block that adds rigidity while keeping the unloaded weight under 9 pounds. The barrel has a 1:8.5 twist rate, which is the optimal stabilization for the heavy, high-BC bullets (180-grain to 195-grain) required to maximize the 7PRC cartridge's potential.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a novice shooter or someone unwilling to invest in a high-quality scope, premium ammunition, and time for load development. The 7PRC is a magnum cartridge with significant recoil—roughly 27 foot-pounds of energy—and requires a disciplined shooting form to manage effectively. If your primary use is target shooting under 400 yards or you prioritize lowest-cost-per-round, a rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win chambered in a standard short-action cartridge would be a more practical and economical choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, the carbon-fiber stock, and a single 5-round, polymer AICS-pattern magazine. The rifle ships from the factory with a test target, typically showing a 3-shot group measuring between 0.5 and 0.7 MOA using specific match-grade ammunition. Notably, it does not include scope rings, a bipod, or a cleaning kit—essential tools you'll need to acquire separately to make the rifle range-ready, adding roughly $300-$1000 to your initial outlay.
Is the CF Rival XP 2 worth it at $2,699?
Yes, but only if you require and can exploit its specific blend of compactness and long-range ballistics. At this price point, you are paying for a custom-grade action with a controlled-round feed and a premium, hand-bedded carbon-fiber stock that most factory rifles lack. For a shooter who needs a rifle that performs equally well from a mountain saddle or a competition barricade, the $2,699 investment is justified. For everyone else, a standard-length rifle in a common caliber offers 90% of the utility for 50% of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 8.7 lb unloaded weight — balances well with a suppressor attached
- 20-inch 1:8.5 twist barrel maintains 7PRC velocity efficiently in a compact package
- BRZ/SON finish exceeds 500 hours in salt-spray testing for corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included — requires immediate optics investment of $500+
- 7PRC factory ammo costs $4.50-$6.00 per round — mandates hand-loading for economy
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable cheek riser — aftermarket add-ons cost $75-$120
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 853418425398 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | RIVSCX7PRC20BDS |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 20-inch barrel is threaded 5/8-24, the standard pitch for .30-caliber muzzle devices and suppressors. Using a suppressor will add approximately 6 to 9 inches to the overall length and require filing a Form 4 with the ATF, a process that currently takes 6 to 9 months for approval.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 40.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most 42-inch takedown rifle cases. For transport with a scope mounted, we recommend a hard case with at least 10 inches of interior width to accommodate the bolt handle and a typical 56mm objective lens.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL dealer, typically within 3-5 business days of order processing. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide them with your tracking number and ensure they will accept the transfer, which usually incurs a fee of $25-$50.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for un-fired rifles in original condition, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Accuracy claims are based on factory-test ammunition; variation with your hand-loads or other factory ammo does not constitute a defect. For suspected mechanical issues, contact Fierce Firearms directly for warranty evaluation.
- Does this work with AICS magazines?
- Yes, the action is inlet for Accurate Mag, Magpul, and other standard AICS-pattern short-action magazines. The rifle ships with one 5-round polymer magazine, but 10-round metal magazines from companies like Accurate Mag or MDT will also function reliably for competition use.