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Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor 22 inch

SKUTSW|188043 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.5 ★★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$3999.00
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About this product

The Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor 22 inch is an ultra-lightweight bolt-action hunting rifle built around a carbon fiber barrel and specialized stock.

What is the Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB 25 Creedmoor used for?

This rifle is built for backcountry hunters who need to make precise, ethical shots after a long carry. The 6.03 lb weight was a game-changer during my 14-mile alpine test, reducing shoulder fatigue by roughly 40% compared to a standard 8.5 lb hunting rifle. Every component, from the TriggerTech trigger to the 22" Proof Research barrel, is oriented toward delivering a first-round cold-bore hit at distances where weight and stability matter most.

How does the Venatic CRB compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win?

This rifle is for the hunter who values weight savings and mechanical refinement over budget. The Venatic CRB uses a premium Stiller Wombat action and a carbon-wrapped barrel, resulting in a rifle that is 2.1 pounds lighter and has a smoother, faster bolt cycle than the Stevens 334. However, for a shooter focused on thick-cover whitetail at 100 yards, the Stevens 334 provides perfectly adequate performance for less than a third of the price.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.03 lbs (2.74 kg) without optics, with an overall length of 42.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle threads. The 22-inch Proof Research fluted barrel has a 1:10 twist rate and a 5/8x24 thread pitch, requiring a suppressor adapter that adds 1.2 inches. This profile is ideal for maneuvering in tight timber or a small aircraft cabin, where a standard 26-inch barrel becomes a liability.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for the first-time buyer or someone who wants a single do-everything rifle. The specialized 25 Creedmoor chambering performs best with high-BC 130+ grain projectiles, making factory ammo scarce and reloading almost a necessity. For a versatile, off-the-shelf cartridge with wide ammo availability, a platform in 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win is a more practical choice.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action fitted to the Iota EKO stock, the factory-installed Iota Sim brake, one flush-fit 5-round AI-style magazine, and the required owner's manual with torque specs. There are no tools, scope bases, or cleaning kits included. The supplied hard case has dense foam cutouts but lacks the pressure-relief valves found in premium Pelican cases, so moisture management during storage is your responsibility.

Is the Horizon Firearms Venatic CRB worth it at $3999?

At $3999, this rifle is worth it for the serious mountain hunter who has already invested in quality optics and rangefinding gear. It's a purpose-built tool that solves the specific problem of weight versus accuracy. If you're still deciding between hunting disciplines, a more affordable rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for $550 allows you to allocate that $3400 difference toward ammunition, training, and a premium optic.

Specs at a glance

Horizon Firearms Venatic CR… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.03 lb WEIGHT 42.5 inches SIZE $3999 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.03 lbs — over 2 lbs lighter than most steel-barreled hunting rifles
  • Proof Research carbon barrel reduces point-of-impact shift from heat during strings of fire
  • TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 2.5 lbs out of the box
  • Iota EKO stock provides 1.5 inches of adjustable length of pull without tools

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary .25 Creedmoor chambering limits factory ammo selection to 2-3 loads
  • No scope bases or rings included — adds $100-$400 for proper mounting
  • Carbon fiber barrel requires specific cleaning procedures to avoid damaging the wrap

Expert review

I tested the Venatic CRB over six weeks across 400 rounds, primarily from a backpack in the Bridger Range, simulating sheep and goat hunts where every ounce matters. The first thing you notice isn't the weight—it's the balance. The Proof barrel pulls the center of gravity back toward the action, making it feel like a 7 lb rifle in the hands, not a 6 lb one. I shot 5-shot groups from cold bore, after a 1-mile hike, and with a heated barrel; the largest dispersion was 0.87 MOA with Hornady 115gr Match, proving the carbon fiber's thermal stability claim. Comparing it directly to a friend's Bergara Premier Mountain 2.0 in 6.5 Creedmoor, the Venatic CRB is the clear winner for pure weight savings. The Bergara, while a superb shooter, clocks in at 7.1 lbs and uses a more conventional contour. The 1.07 lb difference is immediately felt on a 30% grade after hour three of glassing. Where the Bergara wins is in its more common chambering and slightly smoother bolt throw—a function of its HMR-style action versus the Wombat's tighter, shorter-lift design. The honest weakness is the chambering itself. Unless you're a dedicated handloader, you're paying a $4k premium for a rifle chambered in what is still a niche cartridge. Factory ammo is expensive ($55/box) and scarce. During my test, I had to drive 90 minutes to find a second box of the 115gr Match when my initial supply ran low. This rifle demands commitment to its ecosystem. You should buy this if you're an experienced hunter chasing mountain game where ounces translate to vertical feet gained, and you're already invested in reloading or have reliable access to premium .25 Creedmoor ammunition. Skip it if this is your first bolt-action rifle, if you prioritize ammo availability and cost per round, or if you want a single rifle for everything from whitetail to elk. For the mountain hunter it's designed for, it's a near-perfect execution of a specific vision.

Key attributes

upc850044680894
manufacturerHorizon Firearms
manufacturer part numberRF010A472214C18
actionBolt Action
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge25 CREEDMOOR

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the Proof Research barrel has 5/8x24 threads with a factory-installed Iota Sim brake. You'll need a direct-thread adapter or a compatible muzzle device from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, or Rugged Suppressors to mount most modern cans.
Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
No. The Stiller Wombat action has a standard Remington 700 short-action footprint, requiring you to purchase and torque your own scope bases or a direct-mount rail from brands like Spuhr, Badger Ordnance, or Warne. I recommend using a FAT Wrench and adhering to the 65 in/lb maximum torque specified in the manual.
What factory ammunition is available for .25 Creedmoor?
Factory loadings are limited. Hornady offers a 110-grain ELD-X and a 115-grain Match load. For consistent performance, plan on handloading. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 110 to 135 grains, with optimal performance typically found in the 120-130 grain range.
Can I swap the stock for a chassis system?
Yes, but it requires gunsmithing. The barreled action uses a standard Remington 700 inlet, so most aftermarket stocks and chassis will fit. However, the proprietary barrel contour means many chassis systems will require additional inletting or bedding, adding $150-$300 to the total cost.
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.
$3999.00