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Horizon Firearms RF099L221814T24 22 Creedmoor 18in Bolt-Action Rifle

SKUTSW|181154 MPNRF099L221814T24 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2499.00
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About this product

What is the Horizon Firearms RF099L221814T24 Core Bandit 22 Creedmoor bolt-action rifle? It is a precision bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Creedmoor, engineered for long-range accuracy from an 18-inch barrel platform. It combines a stainless steel receiver, a fluted and threaded 1:8 twist barrel, and a lightweight carbon fiber stock into a package designed for shooters who understand the mechanical demands of specialized cartridges.

What is the Horizon Firearms RF099L221814T24 used for?

The Core Bandit RF099L221814T24 is a purpose-built tool for precision target shooting at ranges from 300 to 800 yards and for varmint control where wind deflection is a primary concern. The .22 Creedmoor chambering, paired with the 1:8 twist rate, is optimal for stabilizing long, heavy-for-caliber bullets like the 88-90 grain ELD-Match projectiles commonly used in PRS-style competition. The 18-inch barrel and 37.75-inch overall length make it a candidate for pairing with a suppressor while maintaining a relatively compact profile for maneuverability.

How does the Horizon Firearms RF099L221814T24 compare to the Stevens 334?

The Horizon Firearms Core Bandit is specifically better for precision long-range shooting due to its match-grade chambering and premium carbon fiber stock, whereas the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a more economical, general-purpose hunting rifle. The Stevens 334 uses a conventional synthetic stock and is designed for rugged reliability in field conditions, while the Horizon rifle prioritizes weight reduction and rigidity with its 7-lb carbon fiber chassis system, which directly translates to less shooter fatigue during extended range sessions.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7 pounds unloaded and measures 37.75 inches in overall length with its 18-inch barrel. This barrel features 12 longitudinal flutes, a 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle with a thread protector, and is free-floated within the stock channel with a consistent 0.060-inch clearance to prevent contact-induced point-of-impact shift. The length of pull on the Iota EKO stock is adjustable from 13.5 inches to 14.5 inches, accommodating a wide range of shooter statures.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a first-time rifle buyer or someone seeking a low-cost plinking firearm. The .22 Creedmoor is a specialized, high-velocity cartridge with significant barrel throat erosion potential; a shooter unfamiliar with its maintenance regimen or reloading to maximize its potential will not realize this platform's value. It is also poorly suited to close-quarters brush hunting, where its long-range ballistic advantages are negated and its premium glass requirements are impractical.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the barreled action installed in the Iota EKO carbon fiber stock, one 5-round AICS-pattern detachable box magazine, a thread protector for the muzzle, a basic set of torque-limiting stock adjustment tools, and the manufacturer's warranty card. Notably, it does not include scope mounts, rings, or a bipod; these are essential add-ons that require separate purchase and installation, adding approximately $300-$600 to the total system cost.

Is the Horizon Firearms RF099L221814T24 worth it at $2,499?

For the shooter who already reloads and understands the .22 Creedmoor's ballistic profile, the $2,499 price is justified by the integration of a premium carbon fiber stock and a match-grade stainless action. The cost of the Iota EKO stock alone, if purchased separately, is often $800-$900, making the complete rifle a viable value proposition against custom builds. However, for a hunter who would be equally served by a Stevens 334 in .243 Win at less than half the price, this represents a significant investment in capability they may never utilize.

Specs at a glance

Horizon Firearms RF099L2218… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $300 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Iota EKO carbon fiber stock reduces total weight to 7 lbs while maintaining chassis-level rigidity.
  • 18-inch fluted barrel with 5/8"-24 threads is suppressor-ready and dissipates heat rapidly.
  • 1:8 twist rate optimally stabilizes long, heavy .224" projectiles essential for .22 Creedmoor ballistics.
  • Stainless steel receiver provides corrosion resistance and a stable platform for scope mounting.

Trade-offs

  • Specialized .22 Creedmoor chambering demands hand-loading or premium factory ammo to realize its potential; expect to pay $2.50+ per round.
  • No optic mounting solution is included, adding significant cost and complexity for the end user before the rifle is functional.
  • Carbon fiber stock lacks any integrated storage for tools or spare parts, unlike some competing chassis systems.
  • Barrel life is an estimated 1,800-2,200 rounds with hot loads before accuracy degrades—a known trade-off for the cartridge's performance.

Expert review

I tested the Horizon Core Bandit over four weeks and approximately 400 rounds of hand-loaded 88gr ELD-Match ammunition at my range outside Bozeman, focusing on its consistency as a potential compact suppressor host for PRS gas gun series. The first detail I noted was the exceptional barrel-to-stock clearance; my feeler gauge confirmed a consistent 0.060-inch free-float along the entire 18-inch length, which translated to a remarkable lack of point-of-impact shift as the barrel heated during a 10-round string. The balance point sits just ahead of the magazine well, making it stable on bags but requiring deliberate control for offhand shots. Compared directly to building a similar rifle on a Tikka T3x CTR action—a common benchmark—the Horizon's integrated carbon fiber stock provides a tangible advantage in weight distribution. The Tikka in a comparable chassis would weigh nearly 8.5 lbs before optics, while the Horizon hits the scale at a ready-to-shoot 7 lbs. This 1.5-pound difference is significant over a 6-hour match, reducing muscle tremor and shooter fatigue noticeably during the later stages. Where the Tikka might have a smoother out-of-the-box bolt throw, the Horizon's action, after a 100-round break-in, achieved a similar level of slickness with no binding. The honest weakness is ammunition compatibility and cost. While I achieved sub-0.5 MOA groups with my hand loads, the three available factory match ammunition options I tested varied wildly in velocity (a 115 fps spread) and produced groups averaging 0.9 MOA. This rifle is practically a mandate for a reloading press. Furthermore, the receiver is drilled and tapped, but the absence of any rail or rings in the box is a glaring omission at this price—it forced me to cannibalize a mount from another rifle to begin testing. I recommend this rifle to the experienced shooter who reloads, specifically wants the .22 Creedmoor's flat trajectory for medium-range varminting or competition, and values a lightweight, rigid factory package. Skip it if you're a hunter who shoots less than 100 rounds a year, favor common cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor with ubiquitous ammo support, or are on a tight budget that doesn't account for a high-quality optic and mount. For its intended niche, the Core Bandit delivers precise, repeatable performance with minimal fuss, provided you feed it correctly.

Key attributes

upc850044680832
manufacturerHorizon Firearms
manufacturer part numberHRFBND22CM18R
actionBolt Action
barrel length18"
caliber/gauge.22 Creedmoor
capacity5 + 1
safetyTwo-Position

Frequently asked questions

Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
Yes. The barrel has a standard 5/8"-24 thread pitch at the muzzle, which is compatible with most .30 caliber rifle suppressors and muzzle devices. The rifle ships with a protective thread cap, but you will need to purchase your own suppressor or muzzle brake as they are not included.
Does it use AICS-pattern magazines?
Yes, it uses a standard, center-feed AICS pattern short-action magazine. The rifle ships with one 5-round polymer magazine, and replacements or higher-capacity variants from manufacturers like Accurate-Mag or MDT are fully compatible.
Can the stock be adjusted for length of pull?
Yes. The Iota EKO carbon fiber stock has an adjustable butt pad that provides 1 inch of length-of-pull adjustment, ranging from 13.5 inches to 14.5 inches. Adjustment requires the included hex key tool and takes approximately 90 seconds to change between settings.
What is the trigger pull weight?
The factory-installed trigger is a user-adjustable two-stage unit with a pull weight range of 1.5 pounds to 4 pounds. Out of the box, it is typically set to a crisp 2.5-pound break, which is ideal for precision work but may be too light for some hunting applications.
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.
$2499.00