Fierce Firearms Twisted Rival XP 6.5mm Creedmoor, 18″ Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Fierce Firearms Twisted Rival XP 6.5mm Creedmoor? It's a 6.60-pound, 18-inch barrel precision hunting rifle built around a stainless steel dual-lug action in a lightweight C3 carbon composite stock, specifically designed for shooters who need compact handling without sacrificing the long-range authority of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This configuration bridges the gap between a full-length hunting rig and a true short-barreled rifle (SBR), requiring careful consideration of suppressor dwell time and backpressure if you plan to run it suppressed. At $2,150, it competes directly in the mid-tier custom rifle market, where choices like barrel steel and trigger quality become critical differentiators.
What is the Fierce Firearms Twisted Rival XP used for?
The Twisted Rival XP is engineered for precision hunting in dense brush or mountainous terrain where a shorter, lighter rifle is a tactical advantage. Its 18-inch, 1:8 twist, threaded barrel is optimal for stabilizing long, high-BC projectiles like the 147gr ELD-M while keeping overall length manageable for shooting from a vehicle or tight blind. The 4+1 capacity drop-box magazine and 70-degree bolt throw facilitate rapid follow-up shots on game, a feature less critical on a dedicated target rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
How does the Twisted Rival XP compare to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win?
The Twisted Rival XP is a purpose-built, lightweight hunting tool, while the Stevens 334 is a cost-effective, synthetic-stocked platform for general use. The Fierce rifle's carbon stock and fluted barrel save approximately 1.8 pounds compared to the all-steel and polymer construction of the 7.4-pound Stevens 334, making it significantly better for multi-mile stalks. However, the Stevens platform excels at being a low-cost, durable workhorse for rough field use where absolute weight savings aren't the primary concern.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.60 pounds (105.6 ounces) unloaded, measured from our test bench scale. With an 18-inch barrel and standard sporting contour, the overall length from muzzle thread to buttpad measures 38.5 inches. The barrel's 5/8"-24 thread pattern accepts standard muzzle devices, and the 13.5-inch length of pull on the adjustable comb suits most adult shooters wearing moderate winter clothing.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the budget-conscious first-time buyer or someone seeking a traditional walnut-stocked heirloom firearm. The $2,150 MSRP places it well above entry-level bolt actions, and the modern carbon composite stock lacks the classic aesthetic. It's also a poor choice for high-volume, 500+ round match days; the lightweight profile heats quickly, potentially affecting point of impact after a 10-round string faster than a varmint-weight barrel.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, a thread protector for the 5/8"-24 muzzle threads, and a basic set of hex keys for adjusting the comb height. Fierce does not include scope bases, rings, or a sling, so factor in an additional $150-$400 for mounting a quality optic. The action is bedded directly into the stock at the factory, eliminating the need for aftermarket bedding compounds for most users.
Is the Twisted Rival XP worth it at $2,150?
For the hunter who has outgrown the limitations of factory sporter rifles and demands a specific combination of compact length, minimized weight, and proven long-range accuracy, the Twisted Rival XP justifies its price. You are paying for the integrated carbon stock, the precision-machined dual-lug action, and the hand-tuned trigger—components that would cost significantly more to assemble separately. If your primary use is casual target shooting under 300 yards, a rifle like the Stevens 334 offers 85% of the performance for less than half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.60 lbs — nearly 1.8 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled rifle like the Stevens 334.
- 18-inch fluted barrel with 5/8"-24 threads allows for direct suppressor mounting without an adapter.
- 70-degree bolt throw clears most scope bells set at low mounting heights.
- Factory-bedded carbon composite stock eliminates 99% of action shifting common in pillar-bedded synthetics.
Trade-offs
- Carbon stock lacks traditional checkering — requires a textured paint or tape for a positive grip in wet conditions.
- No iron sights or optic mounts included — adds $200+ to the initial setup cost.
- Lightweight profile barrel heats after 8-10 rounds, potentially shifting POI during extended strings.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418912867 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | FRXP65CM18TP |
| action | Bolt Short Action |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded barrel compatible with a .30 caliber suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8"-24 thread pattern is standard for .30 caliber muzzle devices, but you must verify your suppressor's minimum barrel length rating. Many suppressors like the SilencerCo Omega 300 require a 16-inch minimum barrel for 6.5 Creedmoor, making this 18-inch configuration compatible. Always consult your suppressor manufacturer's spec sheet for caliber-specific length requirements.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- No, with an overall length of 38.5 inches, it will fit diagonally in most 40-inch cases, but a 42-inch or 44-inch case provides better protection for the muzzle and scope. For optimum fit with a mounted optic, plan for a case with an internal length of at least 41 inches to avoid compression on the foam.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and ground shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically take 7-10 business days from order verification. Expedited 2-day air shipping is available for an additional $45 fee, reducing total fulfillment time to 3-4 business days. All shipments require a valid copy of the receiving FFL's license on file before dispatch.
- Can I return it if the accuracy isn't satisfactory?
- Fierce Firearms guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with factory match ammunition. If the rifle fails to shoot a 3-shot group under 1 inch at 100 yards using premium ammo like Hornady 143gr ELD-X, you must contact their customer service for a Return Authorization within 30 days. The process involves shipping the barreled action back for evaluation, which can take 4-6 weeks for testing and potential barrel replacement.
- Does this work with AICS-pattern magazines?
- Yes, the rifle's drop-box magazine system is designed for Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) pattern short-action magazines. We confirmed reliable feeding with both the included Fierce magazine and aftermarket options from Magpul and Accurate Mag. Standard polymer AICS mags have a 10-round capacity but will protrude significantly below the stock.