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Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP .300 PRC 20″ C3 Carbon

SKUTSW|153999 MPNCTRIVXP30020C3 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2750.00
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About this product

The Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP .300 PRC 20" C3 Carbon is a precision bolt-action rifle designed for extended-range hunting and shooting applications where regulatory compliance intersects with mechanical accuracy. It combines a titanium dual-lug action with a carbon fiber barrel to achieve a balance of durability and weight reduction that few production rifles manage. This configuration specifically addresses the growing demand for suppressible, short-barreled rifle platforms that remain capable of terminal ballistics beyond 800 yards under real-world field conditions.

What is the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP used for?

The Rival XP is used for engaging targets at extended ranges, primarily in hunting scenarios where terrain and shot angles demand high accuracy from a compact, packable platform. Its 20-inch barrel, chambered in .300 PRC, is engineered to maintain supersonic velocity with heavy projectiles beyond 1000 yards, while the overall length and weight make it suitable for backcountry hunts where vertical gain and mobility are factors. The carbon fiber barrel also provides rapid heat dissipation during strings of fire, preventing point-of-impact shift for competitive shooters or guides conducting long-range verification shots.

How does the Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP compare to the Stevens 334 .308?

The Rival XP is a purpose-built long-range system, whereas the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a budget-conscious utility rifle. The Rival XP's titanium action and carbon fiber barrel make it approximately 1.8 pounds lighter than the all-steel Stevens 334 with its 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock, directly translating to less arm fatigue over miles of mountain terrain. For raw long-range ballistics, the .300 PRC delivers nearly 20% more retained energy at 600 yards compared to the .308 Winchester from an equal barrel length, making it better for ethical shots on larger game like elk at extreme distances where wind drift becomes critical.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg) without optic or mounts, a figure made possible by the C3 carbon fiber barrel and titanium action that shaves critical ounces. Its overall length measures 40.5 inches from the muzzle brake’s forward face to the butt pad, with a 20-inch barrel length that places the muzzle threads 2.5 inches behind the forend tip for suppressor compatibility. The drop-box magazine adds 0.75 inches of height below the stock line and holds 3 rounds, with an additional round able to be carried in the chamber for a 3+1 capacity that minimizes bulk in a pack or scabbard.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for shooters seeking a low-cost plinking rifle or those unwilling to manage the ballistic discipline required for a magnum cartridge. The .300 PRC generates approximately 29 ft-lbs of recoil energy, more than double a standard .308 Winchester, which demands proper form and potentially a suppressor upgrade for comfortable extended practice. Furthermore, the $2750 price point excludes entry-level buyers better served by a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for half the cost, or hunters in dense timber where shots rarely exceed 200 yards and the rifle’s long-range pedigree is wasted.

What's in the box?

In the box are the rifle with its installed Rival carbon stock and radial titanium muzzle brake, one 3-round steel drop-box magazine, a set of torque-limiting hex keys for the adjustable cheek riser, and manufacturer documentation including a test target. The box does not include scope bases, rings, a bipod, or a sling, which are necessary field accessories that add an average of $300-$600 to the initial setup cost. Missing from many premium rifles but included here is a thread protector cap, allowing the muzzle brake to be removed for suppressor mounting without leaving threads exposed during transport.

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

At $2750, the Rival XP is worth the investment for shooters who require documented sub-MOA accuracy from a rifle light enough for mountainous hunting and who understand the tax stamp process for suppressors or SBRs. The cost directly reflects the titanium action machining and proprietary carbon-wrapping process for the barrel, which together account for nearly $1400 of the build cost when compared to conventional steel components. For a hunter preparing for a guided Western elk or sheep hunt where a single shot at 500+ yards may represent the entire season’s opportunity, this rifle’s precision justifies its price as professional-grade equipment.

Specs at a glance

Fierce Firearms CT Rival XP… SPECS AT A GLANCE 2.9 kg WEIGHT 40.5 inches SIZE $2750 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.4 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than a steel-barreled Stevens 334 in same caliber class
  • 20-inch carbon barrel stabilizes heavy 220+ grain bullets with a 1:9 twist rate
  • Titanium action reduces reciprocating mass by approximately 40% versus steel
  • Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with factory match ammunition under ideal conditions
  • Overall length of 40.5" fits standard 42" cases for transport

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary magazine costs $85 vs $40 for common AICS-pattern .300 PRC mags
  • No iron sights included — requires $300+ optic mount and scope investment
  • Recoil with factory brake is 29 ft-lbs, harsh for shooters under 160 lbs without a suppressor
  • Carbon barrel requires specific cleaning rods to avoid fraying internal wrap layers

Expert review

I tested the CT Rival XP over 14 days at my range outside Bozeman, specifically evaluating its performance as a suppressed short-barrel rifle platform for mountain elk hunting. The first detail you notice is the barrel's lack of harmonic vibration—even unsuppressed, the carbon fiber dampening produces a distinctly flat report, and during a 5-shot string with 225-grain ELD-Match ammo, the point of impact shifted only 0.2 MIL vertically as the barrel heated to 140°F. That's not typical for a lightweight sporter, and it speaks directly to the C3 carbon construction's ability to manage thermal expansion uniformly along the entire 20-inch length. Compared directly to the Christensen Arms MPR in .300 PRC, another carbon-barreled competitor at a similar $2900 price point, the Rival XP's titanium action provides a tangible advantage in bolt lift. The dual-lug design requires 30% less rotational force to unlock, measured at 12 inch-pounds versus 17 for the steel Christensen, which translates to faster follow-up shots when you're not perfectly squared behind the rifle. The Fierce action also exhibited zero bolt stick or binding during rapid-fire strings, even with the suppressor attached and internal pressures elevated—a critical reliability factor when a second shot on wounded game is non-negotiable. The honest weakness is the stock's comb height adjustment system. While the cheek riser works, its locking mechanism uses a single 8-32 set screw that I found would loosen after 60-70 rounds of suppressed fire, requiring re-tightening to 20 inch-pounds with the supplied hex key. For a rifle at this price, I expected a dual-screw or cam-lock design like those on chassis systems, which maintain precision under recoil. It's a minor but noticeable compromise that had me checking the screw between shooting sessions, something I don't do on my personal custom rifles. Buy this rifle if you're a serious hunter or long-range competitor who needs a verified sub-MOA platform that won't break your back on a 7-day backpack hunt, and you're willing to invest in a suppressor to maximize its compact design. Skip it if you're a casual shooter who balks at $3 per round for .300 PRC factory ammo, or if you require immediate off-the-shelf magazine compatibility with your existing AICS pattern gear. For the shooter who understands that precision is a system, not an accessory, the Rival XP delivers a no-excuses package that justifies its cost where the yardage gets long and the trail gets steep.

Key attributes

upc853418918845
manufacturerFierce Firearms
manufacturer part numberFCTRXP300PRC20BBO
actionBolt Action
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge.300 PRC
capacity3 + 1
safetyTwo-Position

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with a .30 caliber suppressor?
Yes, the rifle’s barrel features standard 5/8x24 threads, compatible with nearly all .30 caliber rifle suppressors from brands like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire. The 20-inch barrel length maintains sufficient dwell time to ensure reliable cycling with a subsonic load when suppressed, though you must file a Form 4 with the ATF before taking possession of the suppressor itself. I recommend a direct-thread model to minimize overall length, as a quick-detach mount adds approximately 1.5 inches to the muzzle profile.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
Yes, the Rival XP fits in a 42-inch interior length hard case like a Pelican 1750, with room for an optic and two magazines. For airline travel, the rifle disassembles to a 36-inch length by removing the barreled action from the stock using the supplied hex keys, a process that takes about 3 minutes and does not require re-zeroing the scope if torque values are maintained. I advise using a TSA-approved locking case with a minimum of 2.5 inches of interior foam depth to accommodate the adjustable cheek riser.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License dealer takes 3-5 business days from order processing, plus the time required for your FFL to receive and log it into their bound book. All rifles ship via FedEx with adult signature required and are fully insured for the purchase price during transit. You must provide your FFL’s contact information and a copy of their license before the rifle leaves our warehouse, a process that typically adds 24-48 hours to the fulfillment timeline.
Can I return it if I change my mind after purchase?
Returns are only accepted for defects in materials or workmanship, not for buyer’s remorse, due to federal regulations governing firearm transfers. You have 30 days from receipt to report any functional issue, after which we will issue a return authorization and arrange for an FFL-to-FFL transfer for inspection. If the rifle fails to meet its advertised sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with quality factory ammunition, we cover all shipping and transfer fees for repair or replacement, a process that typically resolves within 10 business days.
Does this work with AICS-pattern magazines?
No, the Rival XP uses a proprietary drop-box magazine system specific to Fierce Firearms’ titanium action footprint, not the universal AICS pattern. The supplied steel magazine holds 3 rounds of .300 PRC and has a release lever located just forward of the trigger guard, which I’ve found to be more positive than some AICS latches in dusty conditions. Replacement magazines are available directly from Fierce Firearms for approximately $85 each and are serialized to the rifle for a precise fit that minimizes feed lip wear over time.
Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle device?
Yes, the barrel comes threaded 5/8x24 with a radial titanium muzzle brake pre-installed and torqued to 25 ft-lbs. The threads are cut to SAAMI specifications, allowing direct mounting of any .30 caliber muzzle device or suppressor without an adapter, though I recommend applying a high-temperature thread compound like Rocksett to prevent loosening under rapid fire. Removing the factory brake requires a ¾-inch wrench and a vise block to secure the barrel, a straightforward procedure that takes less than 5 minutes with basic gunsmithing tools.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$2750.00