Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP .28 Nosler 24″ Bolt-Action Rifle

About this product

What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP .28 Nosler Rifle? This Ironclad Armory-fitted bolt-action rifle is a purpose-built, lightweight firearm engineered for extreme-range hunting applications, specifically designed to balance substantial magnum cartridge power with weight-saving precision components like its titanium action and carbon-fiber barrel. The platform addresses the specific ballistic demands of the .28 Nosler cartridge, providing a stable mount for high-performance scopes and consistent mechanical operation under field conditions. Its construction prioritizes stiffness-to-weight ratio and user-adjustable ergonomics within a proven dual-lug action design, offering an alternative to heavier all-steel magnum rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win which serves a different purpose entirely.

What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP .28 Nosler used for?

This rifle is engineered for high-stakes, long-distance hunting of large North American game like elk, moose, and mule deer in open terrain where shots can reliably range from 400 to 800 yards. The .28 Nosler cartridge delivers flat trajectories and retained energy at these distances, requiring a stock and barrel designed to mitigate its punishing 28 ft-lbs of recoil energy and maximize accuracy potential. Its weight of approximately 6 pounds, 8 ounces unsuppressed is a critical feature for mountain and spot-and-stalk hunting, where carrying weight matters as much as terminal ballistics.

How does the CT Rival XP compare to a Bergara Premier Mountain Rifle?

The CT Rival XP directly competes with the Bergara Premier Mountain Rifle in 7mm Rem Mag, but the Fierce system is specifically better at managing weight without sacrificing rigidity through its C3 carbon fiber barrel technology. While both rifles guarantee sub-MOA accuracy, the CT Rival XP's titanium action shaves roughly 12 ounces off the action weight alone compared to Bergara's steel action, resulting in a final rifle weight often 1 to 1.5 pounds lighter for a comparable barrel length. The Fierce platform is more specialized in this weight-critical niche, whereas the Bergara offers a more traditional all-steel construction path with a potentially lower initial investment.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs an approximate 6.5 pounds (104 ounces) without optic, scope mounts, or a suppressor, with a primary contributing factor being the extensive use of titanium for both the action body (approximately 1.2 pounds) and the radial muzzle brake. Critical dimensions include a 24-inch barrel length with a 1:8.5-inch twist rate compatible with a wide range of high-BC 7mm projectiles from 160 to 195 grains, and an overall length from muzzle to buttplate of roughly 44 inches. The trigger reach is adjustable via spacers, and the aluminum bedding block inside the stock has a minimum engagement surface area of 6.2 square inches for consistent lockup.

Who is this rifle NOT for?

This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters, casual plinkers, or those seeking a general-purpose deer rifle for under 300-yard engagements in thick timber, where a lighter-recoiling, less expensive cartridge like those found in the Stevens 334 .243 Win is more practical. It's also ill-suited for individuals unfamiliar with magnum rifle maintenance, as the high pressure and throat erosion inherent to the .28 Nosler requires diligent barrel cleaning and an understanding of proper bore seasoning procedures. The rifle's magazine capacity of 3+1 rounds necessitates deliberate shot placement and reload discipline compared to higher-capacity short-action platforms.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with its drop-box magazine pre-installed, the radial titanium muzzle brake factory-torqued to 25 ft-lbs, and a full set of comb riser inserts to adjust cheek weld height by up to 0.75 inches. Documentation includes the factory test target (typically a 3-shot group measuring 0.4 to 0.5 MOA at 100 yards), the warranty card, and a basic owner's manual detailing takedown and adjustable feature procedures. Note that an optic, rings, bases, and a suitable hard or soft transport case are not included and represent a secondary investment of several hundred to over a thousand dollars.

Is the Fierce CT Rival XP worth it at $2750?

The value proposition is entirely dependent on the shooter's specific need for a sub-7-pound rifle capable of handling the .28 Nosler's 3,250+ fps muzzle velocities with a 1/2 MOA guarantee; for that niche, at $2750 it offers justifiable performance. Consider that a custom-riflesmith build with a titanium action, carbon-wrapped barrel, and comparable stock work would likely start at $4,500 and take 9 to 12 months for delivery, making the Fierce a production-based shortcut. For hunters who stalk in steep country where every ounce carried for miles compounds fatigue, the weight savings and out-of-the-box precision validate the price against the physical and performance return.