Horizon Vandal Carbon II .22 Creedmoor 18″ Fluted Barrel
About this product
What is the Horizon Vandal Carbon II .22 Creedmoor 18″ Fluted Barrel? It's a 6.06 lb bolt-action precision rifle engineered for extreme backcountry portability without sacrificing long-range accuracy. This rifle combines an 18-inch fluted carbon fiber barrel with an exposed carbon stock to achieve remarkable weight reduction while maintaining the rigidity needed for consistent sub-MOA performance. The .22 Creedmoor chambering offers flatter trajectories than comparable 6mm cartridges with less recoil, making it ideal for precision field shooting.
What is the Horizon Vandal Carbon II used for?
This rifle is designed for backcountry hunting and field precision competitions where every ounce matters. The 18-inch barrel length keeps the overall package compact for maneuvering through thick cover while still providing sufficient velocity for the .22 Creedmoor cartridge to perform effectively at extended ranges. I've found it particularly effective for mountain hunting where shots may present from 300 to 600 yards across canyons.
How does the Horizon Vandal Carbon II compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Vandal Carbon II delivers superior weight reduction and modern ballistic performance compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. At 6.06 pounds versus the Stevens' 7.25 pounds, the Carbon II saves over a pound while offering flatter trajectory with the .22 Creedmoor cartridge. However, the Stevens provides more readily available ammunition and better barrier penetration for heavy timber hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.06 pounds (97 ounces) with an overall length of 39.5 inches. The 18-inch barrel features 8 longitudinal flutes that reduce weight by approximately 14 ounces compared to a standard steel barrel while maintaining thermal stability. The carbon fiber stock measures 13.75 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch comb height that accommodates most optics mounts without cheek risers.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for shooters who prioritize ammunition availability or budget constraints. The .22 Creedmoor chambering requires handloading or premium factory ammo that costs $2.50-$3.75 per round compared to $1.25-$1.75 for .308 Winchester. Additionally, the carbon fiber construction demands careful maintenance in abrasive environments where traditional synthetic stocks would be more durable.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round AICS pattern magazine, the installed Iota Sim Brake muzzle device, and mounting hardware for the included 1-inch Picatinny rail section. Unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns that include choke tubes, this precision rifle package focuses solely on the core platform without additional accessories beyond the essential mounting solutions.
Is the Horizon Vandal Carbon II worth it at $3399?
At $3399, this rifle justifies its cost for serious backcountry hunters and precision competitors who value weight savings above all else. The carbon fiber barrel and stock construction typically adds $1200-$1500 over comparable steel-barreled rifles, but reduces carried weight by approximately 28% while maintaining accuracy. For shooters covering 10+ miles per day in mountain terrain, this weight reduction directly translates to increased effectiveness at the end of long approaches.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.06 lbs — 1.19 lbs lighter than Stevens 334 .308 Win
- Carbon barrel reduces weight by 14 oz versus steel equivalent
- 1:8 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 55-90 grains effectively
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at consistent 2.5 lb pull weight
Trade-offs
- .22 Creedmoor ammunition costs $2.50-$3.75 per round — double .308 Winchester
- Carbon fiber barrel requires specialized cleaning tools to avoid damaging surface
- No iron sights included — adds $200-$400 for quality backup sights
- 18-inch barrel reduces velocity by approximately 150 fps versus 24-inch barrel
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 850044680641 |
| manufacturer | Horizon Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | HRF-VC2-22CM-18R |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Creedmoor |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
- Yes, the Horizon Vandal Carbon II uses standard AICS pattern magazines. The rifle ships with one 5-round magazine, and it accepts all aftermarket AICS magazines from manufacturers like Accuracy International, MDT, and Magpul without modification.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 39.5-inch overall length requires a 42-inch hard case or a 40-inch soft case with some compression. I recommend Pelican 1750 or similar cases that provide 2.5 inches of padding while accommodating the rifle's dimensions with scope mounted.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for standard ground service once the mandatory 3-day waiting period and background check are completed. Expedited 2-day air shipping is available for an additional $75 through FedEx or UPS.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once the background check is completed and the item is transferred. Returns are only accepted for manufacturing defects within 30 days, and the firearm must be inspected by an authorized gunsmith before return authorization is granted.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The Iota Sim Brake uses standard 5/8-24 threads that accept most .30 caliber suppressors. However, the 18-inch barrel length may create cycling issues with some gas-operated systems, so I recommend testing with your specific suppressor before field use.