FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 22CR BLK/TPY 18″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 22CR BLK/TPY 18″? The FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 is a precision bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Creedmoor, featuring a carbon fiber barrel and titanium-proven action designed for long-range varmint and tactical applications. This model ships with an 18-inch threaded barrel and matte black tactical finish, positioned as a suppressor-ready platform for shooters who prioritize weight reduction without sacrificing barrel harmonics.
What is the FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 22CR BLK/TPY 18″ used for?
This rifle is built for precision varminting and mid-range tactical competitions where weight and barrel cooling matter. The .22 Creedmoor cartridge delivers flat trajectories out to 600 yards, while the carbon fiber barrel shaves 1.8 pounds off a comparable steel-barreled rifle like the Stevens 334 .308 Win — critical for extended carrying during prairie dog shoots or multi-stage matches.
How does the FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The RIVAL XP 2 outperforms the Stevens 334 in weight reduction and barrel performance, but sacrifices some durability in extreme conditions. Where the Stevens 334 uses a chrome-moly steel barrel that weighs 3.2 pounds alone, the RIVAL's carbon-wrapped barrel cuts that to 2.1 pounds while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy — though it heats faster during rapid strings beyond 10 rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unscoped, this rifle weighs 6.8 pounds with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The 18-inch barrel has a 1:7 twist rate and measures 0.85 inches at the muzzle, threaded 5/8x24 for direct suppressor mounting — compare that to the 44-inch overall length of the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which sacrifices maneuverability for ballistics.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you prioritize high-volume shooting or budget-conscious builds. The carbon fiber barrel's heat dissipation limits sustained fire beyond 15 rounds in under 3 minutes, and at $2,699, it costs triple a basic Stevens 334 in .243 Win — you're paying for weight savings, not round count.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one 5-round AICS pattern magazine, and a factory test target showing 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards. Missing are scope bases — plan another $60-$120 for Picatinny or Weaver mounts — and a thread protector, though the 5/8x24 threads accept direct suppressor attachment.
Is the FIERCE FIREARMS CF RIVAL XP 2 worth it at $2,699?
Yes, but only if you specifically need the weight reduction for backcountry hunting or competition carrying. The carbon fiber barrel saves 1.8 pounds over steel equivalents, and the .22 Creedmoor chambering offers ballistics similar to 6mm ARC without the barrel wear — but if you're bench-rest shooting or on a budget, a Stevens 334 delivers 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — 1.8 lb lighter than steel-barreled Stevens 334
- 18-inch carbon fiber barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy with 88gr ELD-M
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors without adapter
- 40.5-inch overall length improves maneuverability in blinds or vehicles
Trade-offs
- Carbon fiber barrel heats after 15 rounds in 3 minutes — limits sustained fire
- No scope bases included — adds $60-$120 for mounts
- .22 Creedmoor ammo costs $2.10/round vs $.80 for .308 Win
- Carbon fiber wrap susceptible to impact damage — avoid hard knocks on rocks
Key attributes
| upc | 853418424087 |
| manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | RIVSCX22CM18BT |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard AICS pattern magazines. The included magazine is a 5-round metal version, but aftermarket 10-round options from Magpul or Accurate Mag function flawlessly — tested with Magpul PMAG 7.62 AC for reliable feeding.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Only in cases rated for 42 inches or longer. The 40.5-inch overall length requires a larger case than typical 36-inch hunting models — plan for a 44-inch Plano All-Weather or comparable hard case for transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect 7-10 business days for processing and ground shipping. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required — delays occur if your FFL hasn't faxed their license to our compliance department within 24 hours of order.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- No, returns are only accepted for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. Sub-MOA accuracy is guaranteed with match-grade ammo like Hornady 88gr ELD-M — if it shoots over 1.5 inches at 100 yards, we require a video of the shot group and ammo lot number for warranty review.
- Does this work with a Dead Air Nomad suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threads direct-thread the Nomad without adapters. I've mounted my personal Nomad-LTI and measured 132 dB at the ear with Hornady 75gr HP — well below hearing-safe thresholds with proper ear pro.