Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 22CR 18″ Bolt-Action

About this product

The Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 22CR 18″ Bolt-Action is a dedicated precision compact rifle chambered in .22 Creedmoor, designed for intermediate-distance varmint and target shooting where compliance with minimum rifle length regulations is a priority. It falls under Fierce Firearms' CF Rival series, which focuses on carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels and controlled-feed actions. The '22CR' and '18″' designations in the model name specify the caliber and barrel length, while 'TNG/PHM' codes likely indicate the included trigger and muzzle device configuration.

What is the Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 22CR used for?

This rifle is engineered for varmint control and precision target practice at distances from 200 to 500 yards where .22 Creedmoor excels. Its 18-inch barrel makes it a suitable platform for shooters managing overall rifle length for transport in vehicles or tactical bags, or for those building a configuration that may later be suppressed while staying above the 26-inch overall length federal minimum for non-NFA rifles. The compact format and flat-shooting .22 Creedmoor round make it effective for prairie dog towns or coyote setups where quick handling and minimal recoil are advantages.

How does the Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 compare to the Stevens 334?

The CF Rival XP 2 is a purpose-built precision tool, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester is a general-purpose hunting rifle. The Fierce rifle is significantly better for long-range accuracy and weight reduction, featuring a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel that dissipates heat faster and a more advanced trigger system, but it comes at over four times the price of the Stevens. For a hunter needing a reliable, affordable rifle for brush or timber, the Stevens is the better choice; for a shooter chasing half-MOA groups on paper or small targets at extended range, the Fierce is superior.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

With its carbon fiber barrel and likely carbon fiber or lightweight synthetic stock, this configuration weighs approximately 6.8 pounds unloaded, about 1.5 pounds lighter than a comparable steel-barreled rifle. The overall length with the 18-inch barrel is roughly 38.5 inches, making it 4 inches shorter than a standard 22-inch hunting rifle. The barrel itself has a #3 contour profile, measuring 0.650 inches at the muzzle, which provides stiffness for accuracy while keeping the front end manageable.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for budget-minded hunters or those seeking a traditional wood-stocked firearm. The $2,699 price point excludes casual buyers, and the .22 Creedmoor chambering makes it a poor choice for big game hunting where ethical shot placement requires more energy than this high-velocity but light-bullet cartridge provides. It’s also not ideal for a first-time rifle owner; its precision-focused adjustments and cartridge-specific reloading requirements demand experience.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action mated to its stock, one 5-round AICS-pattern magazine, a threaded barrel cap (likely 5/8x24 TPI), and the manufacturer's warranty documentation. Unlike more budget rifles like the Stevens 334, it does not include scope bases or rings—Fierce assumes you’ll be mounting premium optics with your preferred mounting system. The total package weight shipped is approximately 11 pounds in its hard case.

Is the Fierce Firearms CF Rival XP 2 worth it at $2699?

At this price, it’s worth it only for shooters who require its specific combination of compact length, lightweight construction, and precision chambering. You are paying for the carbon-fiber barrel technology, which reduces weight and improves heat management during strings of fire, and for the controlled-round feed action, which enhances reliability. If your use case is general deer hunting or occasional plinking, a rifle at one-third the cost will serve you equally well.