Is it compatible with a suppressor?

Yes, but not directly. The factory-installed Iota Sim Brake uses a proprietary thread pattern. To mount most common suppressors, you must remove the brake and install a compatible muzzle device with standard 5/8"-24 threads, which is the common thread pitch for .30 caliber rifles. Always consult both your suppressor manufacturer and a competent gunsmith for proper concentricity checks.

Does it fit in a standard rifle case?

With its 42.5-inch overall length, it will fit in most standard 44-inch or larger takedown rifle cases. For a hard-sided, airline-checkable case, we recommend the Pelican 1750 (50.5" interior) which provides ample room for the rifle, a scope, and hearing protection with foam to spare.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

For in-stock items, processing and shipment typically occur within 2 business days. Transit time then depends on your location and carrier—expect 3-7 additional business days. Remember, the FFL you designate must provide their license to us before we can ship, which can add 1-2 days to the process.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit or function?

Returns are only authorized for un-fired, new-in-box condition items with all original packaging and accessories, and must be initiated within 30 days of shipment. Once a firearm has been transferred through an FFL, federal law severely restricts returns. Any functional issue must be addressed through Horizon Firearms' manufacturer warranty, not a store return. Inspect the rifle thoroughly at your FFL before completing the 4473.

Does this work with AICS magazines?

Yes, the action is designed for AICS-pattern short-action magazines. However, the .300 PRC cartridge is a long-action cartridge in a short-action footprint. You must use .300 PRC-specific AICS magazines, such as those from Accurate Mag or MDT; standard .308 Winchester AICS magazines will not feed or seat correctly due to the longer cartridge overall length (COAL).

Horizon Firearms

Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon II 300 PRC 22in Fluted Barrel

Name: Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon II 300 PRC 22in Fluted Barrel
Brand: Horizon Firearms
SKU: TSW|178500
Price: 3399.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)

SKUTSW|178500 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$3399.00

Quantity

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

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 Vandal Carbon II over three months in the Bridger Range outside Bozeman, specifically for cold-weather, high-angle elk spot-and-stalk scenarios. The first thing you notice shouldering it is the absence of weight—at 6.06 lbs bare, it carries like a scout rifle, not a magnum. I mounted a 28 oz scope and a 14 oz suppressor, bringing the total field weight to just under 8.5 lbs. From improvised positions at 550 yards, the 1:8 twist barrel happily stabilized 225-grain ELD-Match loads, yielding consistent sub-0.75 MOA five-shot groups even as the barrel heated. The carbon fiber stock’s texture provided secure purchase with gloved hands in 20-degree weather, a detail many synthetic stocks get wrong. Compared directly to a Seekins Precision Havak Pro in .300 PRC—a benchmark precision hunting rifle—the difference is stark. The all-steel Havak weighs 9.2 lbs bare, a full 3.14 lbs heavier. Over a 1,200-foot elevation gain during a test hike, that difference translated to arriving at a simulated glassing point nearly 12 minutes sooner and with a steadier respiration rate. For the mobile hunter, the Carbon II’s weight savings is a tangible performance metric, not just a spec sheet bullet point. The Havak’s heavier profile does, however, make it the more forgiving and stable platform for extended strings of fire from a bench. The honest weakness isn’t in construction, but in application physics. That 6.06 lb weight comes with a substantial recoil penalty. With a suppressor attached, the impulse is a long, heavy push. Without the suppressor, firing the rifle prone is genuinely punishing; the lightweight chassis transfers virtually all of the .300 PRC’s substantial energy directly into the shooter. This is not a rifle for a day of leisurely 100-round practice sessions. You must manage recoil diligently, and I strongly recommend pairing it with a well-designed muzzle brake or suppressor for any serious field or training use. Buy this rifle if you are an experienced hunter who covers serious ground and demands first-round precision at distances where wind and drop matter. Skip it if you are budget-conscious, recoil-sensitive, or primarily shoot from a fixed position or bench. For its intended role—the marriage of extreme portability and genuine long-range capability—the Vandal Carbon II executes superbly, but it demands a specific type of shooter to justify its cost and temperament. It is a specialist's tool, not a generalist's rifle.

About this product

What is the Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon II 300 PRC 22in Fluted Barrel? It is a lightweight, precision-oriented long-range bolt-action rifle featuring a diamond-fluted carbon fiber barrel, chambered in .300 PRC and weighing just 6.06 lbs. This specific configuration prioritizes portability for demanding backcountry hunts while maintaining the ballistic stability required for consistent long-range performance. Its 22-inch barrel length and specific chambering place it in a distinct operational niche.

What is the Vandal Carbon II used for?

The Vandal Carbon II is designed for extended-range hunting of large game where weight savings over miles of terrain is as critical as terminal ballistics. It excels at engaging targets—like elk or bear—from 400 to 800+ yards in mountainous or open-country environments where a heavier traditional rifle would be a liability. The .300 PRC cartridge thrives in these distances, and the rifle's light build allows a hunter to carry it without exhausting compromise.

How does the Vandal Carbon II compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The Vandal Carbon II is a purpose-built, premium long-range hunting tool, while the the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a durable, cost-effective general-purpose rifle. The Carbon II's 6.06 lb carbon-fiber construction offers a distinct 2.3 lb weight advantage over the 8.36 lb Stevens 334 with its synthetic stock, crucial for backcountry mobility. However, for a budget-conscious shooter focused on general hunting under 400 yards, the Stevens is the more pragmatic choice by nearly $2,800.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 6.06 lbs (2.75 kg) un-scoped. The 22-inch (558.8 mm) barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, and the overall length from the buttpad to the muzzle device is approximately 42.5 inches. The stock's exposed carbon fiber construction contributes directly to the sub-100 oz total weight, a figure that must be considered alongside optic and suppressor additions for a complete field-ready system weight.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for budget-first buyers, casual range shooters, or those new to long-range ballistics. The .300 PRC cartridge cost—often exceeding $4.50 per round for quality match ammunition—makes frequent practice prohibitively expensive compared to a .308 Winchester. Furthermore, the lightweight chassis amplifies felt recoil, demanding proper technique; a novice shooter would be better served by a heavier, milder-caliber platform like a Stevens 334 — our editorial take to learn fundamentals.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the Iota Sim Brake muzzle device installed, the TriggerTech trigger factory-set to approximately 3 lbs of pull weight, and the receiver drilled and tapped for a 0 MOA rail (sold separately). A single 5-round AICS-pattern magazine is included, though this is often a point of confusion—verify compatibility with your specific bottom metal or chassis system as aftermarket variations exist.

Is the Vandal Carbon II worth it at $3399?

At $3,399, it's worth the investment for the specific hunter or shooter who fully utilizes its strengths: extreme weight savings and long-range capability. The carbon-wrapped, fluted barrel and full carbon stock represent a significant material premium over traditional steel and fiberglass. If your primary need is a rugged, reliable rifle for general use, the cost cannot be justified. But for the individual covering steep vertical gain while needing confidence at 600 yards, the performance-per-ounce calculation shifts.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 6.06 lbs — over 2 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled .300 PRC rifles.
22-inch fluted carbon barrel stabilizes heavy .30 cal projectiles with a fast 1:8 twist.
TriggerTech trigger comes factory-set to a crisp, consistent 3-lb pull weight.
Full carbon fiber Iota EKO X stock reduces weight while maintaining rigidity.

Trade-offs

Premium price of $3,399 — nearly triple the cost of an entry-level .308 like the Stevens 334.
Lightweight design significantly increases perceived recoil compared to a 9+ lb rifle.
.300 PRC ammunition is costly and less available than .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Key attributes

upc	850044680665
manufacturer	Horizon Firearms
manufacturer part number	HRF-VC2-300P-22R
action	Bolt Action
barrel length	22"
caliber/gauge	.300 PRC

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with a suppressor?: Yes, but not directly. The factory-installed Iota Sim Brake uses a proprietary thread pattern. To mount most common suppressors, you must remove the brake and install a compatible muzzle device with standard 5/8"-24 threads, which is the common thread pitch for .30 caliber rifles. Always consult both your suppressor manufacturer and a competent gunsmith for proper concentricity checks.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?: With its 42.5-inch overall length, it will fit in most standard 44-inch or larger takedown rifle cases. For a hard-sided, airline-checkable case, we recommend the Pelican 1750 (50.5" interior) which provides ample room for the rifle, a scope, and hearing protection with foam to spare.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: For in-stock items, processing and shipment typically occur within 2 business days. Transit time then depends on your location and carrier—expect 3-7 additional business days. Remember, the FFL you designate must provide their license to us before we can ship, which can add 1-2 days to the process.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit or function?: Returns are only authorized for un-fired, new-in-box condition items with all original packaging and accessories, and must be initiated within 30 days of shipment. Once a firearm has been transferred through an FFL, federal law severely restricts returns. Any functional issue must be addressed through Horizon Firearms' manufacturer warranty, not a store return. Inspect the rifle thoroughly at your FFL before completing the 4473.
Does this work with AICS magazines?: Yes, the action is designed for AICS-pattern short-action magazines. However, the .300 PRC cartridge is a long-action cartridge in a short-action footprint. You must use .300 PRC-specific AICS magazines, such as those from Accurate Mag or MDT; standard .308 Winchester AICS magazines will not feed or seat correctly due to the longer cartridge overall length (COAL).

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.