Fierce Firearms CT Rival FP 7mm PRC 20in Bolt-Action Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Fierce Firearms CT Rival FP is a 7mm PRC bolt-action rifle engineered for portability and long-range precision, built around a 20-inch carbon-fiber barrel, titanium action, and a 3+1 detachable magazine system. It represents a modern approach to mountain and backcountry hunting rifles, prioritizing weight savings without sacrificing mechanical repeatability. The configuration specifically supports the 7mm PRC cartridge's high-BC projectile performance at extended distances.
What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival FP used for?
The CT Rival FP is primarily a backcountry hunting rifle where every ounce matters, optimized for long-range precision on medium to large game like elk from 300 to 700+ yards. Its 5.8 lb total weight (without optics) and 20-inch carbon barrel make it significantly handier than a traditional 26-inch steel-barreled rifle over steep terrain. The 7mm PRC chambering and 1:8 twist barrel are purpose-built to stabilize heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets like the 180-grain ELD-Match for superior wind-bucking and terminal energy retention.
How does the Fierce Firearms CT Rival FP compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
This rifle is a specialized precision tool, while something like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a budget-conscious general-purpose rifle. The CT Rival FP is better at long-range accuracy and weight savings, weighing nearly 3 pounds less and built with match-grade components like the Trigger Tech trigger and hand-lapped barrel. The Stevens 334 is better for a shooter prioritizing low initial cost and simple durability for shots inside 400 yards, as it uses a conventional steel barrel and action at roughly one-fifth the price but nearly double the weight.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces) without optics or mounts, with an overall length of 41.5 inches from the buttpad to the muzzle brake threads. The 20-inch barrel has a profile that maintains stiffness for consistency while the C3 carbon wrap reduces weight; the bore is hand-lapped to a surface finish under 8 RA for consistent fouling and velocity. Its slim forend and adjustable comb allow it to fit in standard 42-inch hard rifle cases, though the radial brake adds approximately 1.5 inches to the front.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-first shooters, those who primarily shoot at ranges under 200 yards, or anyone uncomfortable with the maintenance and barrel life expectations of a high-performance cartridge like 7mm PRC. At $2,599, it's an investment in specialized components, and its value is lost if you're not exploiting its long-range capabilities or carrying it for miles. If your main use is a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clays or a basic deer rifle, this system's premium features are unnecessary overhead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the radial titanium muzzle brake installed, one 3-round detachable polymer magazine, and a basic set of hex wrenches for stock and trigger adjustments. It does not include scope mounts, a bipod, or a hard case—typical for rifles at this performance tier where shooters have specific mounting preferences. The manual includes torque specifications for the action screws (35 in-lbs) and the proprietary barrel nut, which is critical for maintaining headspace.
Is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival FP worth it at $2599?
Yes, if your application demands a sub-6-pound rifle capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy with 7mm PRC factory match ammunition or handloads. You are paying for the integration of a titanium action, carbon-wrapped barrel, and premium trigger into a system that saves measurable weight over a custom build with similar specs. For a dedicated backcountry hunter or a shooter building a precision rifle for competitions with weight classes, the cost per ounce saved and the out-of-the-box accuracy justify the price against piecemeal alternatives.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lb (92.8 oz) — nearly 3 lb lighter than a comparable steel-barreled rifle like the Stevens 334.
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with factory match ammo — out-of-the-box precision without custom gunsmithing.
- Trigger Tech ProCurve trigger adjustable from 1.5 to 4 lbs — crisp break with minimal overtravel for consistent pulls.
- Titanium radial muzzle brake reduces felt recoil by ~45% — allows for faster follow-up shots and spotting.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system — limits aftermarket options and replacements cost $65-90 each.
- Carbon barrel life expectancy is 1800-2200 rounds with 7mm PRC — less than a premium steel barrel before accuracy degradation.
- No included hard case or scope mounts — adds $150-300 minimum for proper transport and mounting.
- Action requires specific hex wrench for takedown — not a standard size, and losing it complicates field maintenance.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418929377 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | FCTRFP7PRC20MM |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, the titanium action uses a standard Remington 700 short action footprint for the receiver top, which accepts virtually all common scope bases and rings. The action is drilled and tapped with 8-40 screws at the standard spacing, and I recommend using a FAT wrench to torque bases to 25 in-lbs to avoid stripping the smaller threads in titanium.
- Does the muzzle brake reduce recoil significantly?
- The radial titanium brake reduces felt recoil by approximately 40-50% compared to an unbraked barrel, which is critical for spotting impacts on steel or game at long range with the 7mm PRC. It is threaded 5/8"-24 and can be removed for a suppressor mount, though you'll need a 1-1/16" wrench and should check headspace after re-installation.
- How long does shipping take for this rifle?
- Firearms shipped to an FFL typically process within 2-3 business days after order verification and FFL receipt, with transit time of 3-7 days depending on carrier and destination. All shipments require an approved FFL holder for delivery and a completed Form 4473 and background check before transfer can be completed.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Returns for accuracy are handled per the dealer's policy, but Fierce Firearms guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with specific factory match ammunition. You must provide a 5-shot group target shot at 100 yards with the specified ammunition; if it fails, they typically require the rifle be sent back for evaluation, a process that can take 4-6 weeks for inspection and potential barrel replacement.
- Does this work with aftermarket AICS pattern magazines?
- The rifle uses a proprietary magazine system specific to the Fierce CT action geometry; standard AICS pattern magazines will not latch or feed correctly. You must use Fierce-made polymer or metal magazines, which are available in 3-round and 5-round capacities directly from the manufacturer or authorized dealers.