Fierce Firearms CT Rage .280 AI 24″ Carbon Fiber, 3+1 RH
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than steel-barreled competitors
- Titanium Triad action reduces weight by 40% versus steel actions
- Carbon fiber barrel maintains 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards consistently
- 3+1 detachable magazine allows quick reloads in field conditions
Trade-offs
- Monte Carlo stock design limits cheek weld adjustment—requires $150 aftermarket pad for optimal positioning
- No included scope bases add $60-120 to total setup cost
- Lightweight construction increases felt recoil by approximately 15% versus 8-pound rifles
- Limited aftermarket support compared to Remington 700 pattern actions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Fierce Firearms CT Rage .280 AI 24” Carbon Fiber, 3+1 RH is a titanium-action mountain rifle built for hunters who measure accuracy in fractions of an inch and weight in ounces. This isn't a range toy—it's a purpose-built system that balances NFA-compliant suppressor hosting with the kind of precision that matters when your shot counts. The carbon fiber construction reduces weight while maintaining the rigidity needed for consistent sub-MOA performance.
What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rage used for?
The CT Rage is engineered for extended-range hunting in demanding terrain where every ounce matters. Its 6.4-pound total weight makes it ideal for multi-day backcountry hunts, while the .280 Ackley Improved cartridge delivers energy at distances exceeding 500 yards. The threaded muzzle allows for direct suppressor mounting without adding significant length or weight penalty compared to non-threaded alternatives.
How does the Fierce Firearms CT Rage compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The CT Rage offers superior weight reduction and precision machining at nearly triple the price of the Stevens 334 Rifle. While both are bolt-action hunting rifles, the Stevens 334 weighs 7.3 pounds and uses conventional steel construction, making it 14% heavier than the CT Rage's titanium and carbon fiber build. The Fierce rifle delivers consistent sub-MOA accuracy out of the box, whereas the Stevens typically requires trigger work to achieve similar precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The CT Rage weighs exactly 6.4 pounds with an overall length of 44.5 inches from buttstock to muzzle. The 24-inch carbon fiber barrel maintains a consistent wall thickness of 0.750 inches at the muzzle, tapering to 1.250 inches at the chamber. The rifle balances 2.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it exceptionally quick to shoulder compared to forward-heavy conventional rifles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is a poor choice for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily hunt from fixed positions. At $3,199, it represents a significant investment over entry-level options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The lightweight construction also transmits more felt recoil than heavier rifles, making it less suitable for extended range sessions or shooters sensitive to .280 AI's sharp recoil impulse.
What's in the box?
Each CT Rage ships with one 3+1 round detachable box magazine, a factory-installed radial muzzle brake, and a Limbsaver recoil pad. The packaging includes Torx wrenches for optic mounting and a factory test target showing 3-shot groups measuring 0.75 inches at 100 yards. Unlike many production rifles, it does not include scope bases, requiring an additional $60-120 investment for proper optic mounting.
Is the Fierce Firearms CT Rage worth it at $3199?
The CT Rage justifies its price through material selection and precision that directly impacts hunting success. The titanium action alone adds approximately $800 to the manufacturing cost compared to steel, while the carbon fiber barrel reduces weight by 1.2 pounds over conventional steel barrels. For hunters covering 10+ miles daily in mountain terrain, the weight savings translates to measurable endurance advantages that can make the difference between an empty pack and filled tags.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418433997 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | FCTRG280AI24BBO |
| action | Bolt Long Action |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .280 Ackley Improved |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | 3 Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .280 Remington ammunition?
- No, the CT Rage chamber is specifically cut for .280 Ackley Improved cartridges only. Standard .280 Remington ammunition will not properly headspace and can cause dangerous pressure spikes. Always verify cartridge designation before loading—the chamber marking is clearly stamped '280 AI' on the barrel.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 44.5-inch overall length requires a 48-inch hard case for proper protection. Standard 42-inch cases will not accommodate the rifle without removing the muzzle brake. I recommend Pelican 1750 cases or equivalent SKB solutions for transport—allow 3-5 business days for case delivery when planning trips.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3 business days after order verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 business days depending on destination. All firearms ship signature-required through FedEx with tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment. International orders require additional 10-15 day export compliance processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once the FFL transfer is completed due to federal regulations. We recommend verifying fit at your local FFL before completing paperwork. The 13.5-inch length of pull is optimal for shooters between 5'10" and 6'4"—shorter shooters may find the Monte Carlo stock requires modification.
- Does this work with suppressor mounting systems?
- The 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts direct-thread suppressors and most quick-detach systems including SilencerCo ASR and Dead Air KeyMo. Threads are cut to SAE spec with 0.005-inch clearance—verify your suppressor's thread pattern matches before purchase. Suppressor ownership requires ATF Form 4 approval averaging 8-10 months processing time.