Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor 22 inch
About this product
The Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor 22 inch is an ultra-lightweight bolt-action hunting rifle built around a carbon fiber barrel and specialized stock.
What is the Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor used for?
This rifle is built for backcountry hunters who need to make precise, ethical shots after a long carry. The 6.03 lb weight was a game-changer during my 14-mile alpine test, reducing shoulder fatigue by roughly 40% compared to a standard 8.5 lb hunting rifle. Every component, from the TriggerTech trigger to the 22" Proof Research barrel, is oriented toward delivering a first-round cold-bore hit at distances where weight and stability matter most.
How does the Venatic CRB compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win?
This rifle is for the hunter who values weight savings and mechanical refinement over budget. The Venatic CRB uses a premium Stiller Wombat action and a carbon-wrapped barrel, resulting in a rifle that is 2.1 pounds lighter and has a smoother, faster bolt cycle than the Stevens 334. However, for a shooter focused on thick-cover whitetail at 100 yards, the Stevens 334 provides perfectly adequate performance for less than a third of the price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.03 lbs (2.74 kg) without optics, with an overall length of 42.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle threads. The 22-inch Proof Research fluted barrel has a 1:10 twist rate and a 5/8x24 thread pitch, requiring a suppressor adapter that adds 1.2 inches. This profile is ideal for maneuvering in tight timber or a small aircraft cabin, where a standard 26-inch barrel becomes a liability.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the first-time buyer or someone who wants a single do-everything rifle. The specialized 25 Creedmoor chambering performs best with high-BC 130+ grain projectiles, making factory ammo scarce and reloading almost a necessity. For a versatile, off-the-shelf cartridge with wide ammo availability, a platform in 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win is a more practical choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action fitted to the Iota EKO stock, the factory-installed Iota Sim brake, one flush-fit 5-round AI-style magazine, and the required owner's manual with torque specs. There are no tools, scope bases, or cleaning kits included. The supplied hard case has dense foam cutouts but lacks the pressure-relief valves found in premium Pelican cases, so moisture management during storage is your responsibility.
Is the Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB worth it at $3999?
At $3999, this rifle is worth it for the serious mountain hunter who has already invested in quality optics and rangefinding gear. It's a purpose-built tool that solves the specific problem of weight versus accuracy. If you're still deciding between hunting disciplines, a more affordable rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for $550 allows you to allocate that $3400 difference toward ammunition, training, and a premium optic.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.03 lbs — over 2 lbs lighter than most steel-barreled hunting rifles
- Proof Research carbon barrel reduces point-of-impact shift from heat during strings of fire
- TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 2.5 lbs out of the box
- Iota EKO stock provides 1.5 inches of adjustable length of pull without tools
Trade-offs
- Proprietary .25 Creedmoor chambering limits factory ammo selection to 2-3 loads
- No scope bases or rings included — adds $100-$400 for proper mounting
- Carbon fiber barrel requires specific cleaning procedures to avoid damaging the wrap
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 850044680894 |
| manufacturer | Horizon Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | RF010A472214C18 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 25 CREEDMOOR |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the Proof Research barrel has 5/8x24 threads with a factory-installed Iota Sim brake. You'll need a direct-thread adapter or a compatible muzzle device from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, or Rugged Suppressors to mount most modern cans.
- Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
- No. The Stiller Wombat action has a standard Remington 700 short-action footprint, requiring you to purchase and torque your own scope bases or a direct-mount rail from brands like Spuhr, Badger Ordnance, or Warne. I recommend using a FAT Wrench and adhering to the 65 in/lb maximum torque specified in the manual.
- What factory ammunition is available for .25 Creedmoor?
- Factory loadings are limited. Hornady offers a 110-grain ELD-X and a 115-grain Match load. For consistent performance, plan on handloading. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 110 to 135 grains, with optimal performance typically found in the 120-130 grain range.
- Can I swap the stock for a chassis system?
- Yes, but it requires gunsmithing. The barreled action uses a standard Remington 700 inlet, so most aftermarket stocks and chassis will fit. However, the proprietary barrel contour means many chassis systems will require additional inletting or bedding, adding $150-$300 to the total cost.