Fierce CT Rival review

[Youngpatriot]

Anyone have one that can give some insight. I am thinking 7mm Mag. Recoil is a concern as it will be for my wife. I've never owned a rifle with a brake on it. Not sure what to expect. Also torn between 6.5 PRC and 7mm Mag. I te tons, whitetail, antelope, muleys and elk.
Will these guns shoot that .5 MOA as advertised?

Thanks,

 

[Mark37082]

I can't comment on the Fierce as I do not have one. A good brake can make a world of difference in recoil mitigation. They are loud as heck, but felt recoil is significantly reduced.

 

[Jbar280]

I have a Fierce Edge in 300 Win Mag- the model with fluted steel barrel and brake, not carbon. I have shot it only with 180 grain bullets so far and it is a very mild recoiling gun. I think that the stock design and brake contribute to that as well as it coming with a quality recoil pad. I would be surprised if the Rival in 7 mag isn't similar. The 1/2" accuracy is definitely there as well, though I have only shot handloads. My first 3 shot group with the first handload I ever tried was right under 1/2". I don't think I have ever shot a group over 1" at 100 yards with the gun and most have been 1/2" ish or less..

 

[Youngpatriot]

I have a Fierce Edge in 300 Win Mag- the model with fluted steel barrel and brake, not carbon. I have shot it only with 180 grain bullets so far and it is a very mild recoiling gun. I think that the stock design and brake contribute to that as well as it coming with a quality recoil pad. I would be surprised if the Rival in 7 mag isn't similar. The 1/2" accuracy is definitely there as well, though I have only shot handloads. My first 3 shot group with the first handload I ever tried was right under 1/2". I don't think I have ever shot a group over 1" at 100 yards with the gun and most have been 1/2" ish or less..

Tha k you very much for your response. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Jbar280]

You are welcome. The only thing I forgot to mention is that my Edge does have marginal ejection with a 30mm scope on the gun - known Sako/Fierce problem. My understanding is that you shouldn't have that issue with the Rival since it has a remington style ejector.

 

[Recon$$]

I have a CT Rival in 300 PRC. Shot 1/2 moa with the factory 225 eldms. Was finicky with my handloads but I got it shooting 1/2 moa. Fit and finish is nice and it's light. Definitely has some kick because of the weight. If your concerned about recoil maybe go 6.5 PRC unless you need a larger cartridge. I found the grip to be a little small and the bolt will eat up my hand unless I change how I shoot the rifle. Probably perfect for your wife. Overall I am happy with it. I shoot a seekins havak in 6.5 PRC as well. If I had to choose I'd pick up my havak everytime but it is a lb heavier. Both nice rifles. My 2C.

 

[Youngpatriot]

I have a CT Rival in 300 PRC. Shot 1/2 moa with the factory 225 eldms. Was finicky with my handloads but I got it shooting 1/2 moa. Fit and finish is nice and it's light. Definitely has some kick because of the weight. If your concerned about recoil maybe go 6.5 PRC unless you need a larger cartridge. I found the grip to be a little small and the bolt will eat up my hand unless I change how I shoot the rifle. Probably perfect for your wife. Overall I am happy with it. I shoot a seekins havak in 6.5 PRC as well. If I had to choose I'd pick up my havak everytime but it is a lb heavier. Both nice rifles. My 2C.

Ironically, I looked that the Havak as well. How's it shoot? For some reason, I like how the Rival feels, especially in the prone position. I shot an antelope with my buddies Fierce this past fall, definitely nicer than my Remington 700s.
As fat as recoil, she has a 5.6 lbs Browning 270 wsm now, it's a thumper on the shoulder, she doesn't complain, but prone maybe a different situation. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Recon$$]

My only complaint with the havak was the bolt was stiff out the box. Little lube and a night on the sofa running the bolt while I watched TV fixed that issue. My havak shoots lights out with my handloads. I'm running 140 vlds at 3125 and it's 1/3 moa gun easily. It was very easy to load for. Right now it's my favorite rifle in the stable. Not bashing my fierce but I think all that extra money bought me a pound and that's it. The chamber on my fierce is a bit tight, I do have to bump the shoulders a tiny bit more than my other rifles. They both shoot great just depends what features you want. Both stocks are very nice. Slap a muzzle break and scope on and your gtg.

 

[Youngpatriot]

My only complaint with the havak was the bolt was stiff out the box. Little lube and a night on the sofa running the bolt while I watched TV fixed that issue. My havak shoots lights out with my handloads. I'm running 140 vlds at 3125 and it's 1/3 moa gun easily. It was very easy to load for. Right now it's my favorite rifle in the stable. Not bashing my fierce but I think all that extra money bought me a pound and that's it. The chamber on my fierce is a bit tight, I do have to bump the shoulders a tiny bit more than my other rifles. They both shoot great just depends what features you want. Both stocks are very nice. Slap a muzzle break and scope on and your gtg.

How does the Havac feel? .333 MOA is awesome. Def be interested in that. So you had to put your own muzzle break on it?
Did you you say what caliber you had in the Havac?

 

[Recon$$]

I put the seekins brake on myself. Pretty sure if you order one with the rifle they do it for you. 6.5 prc

 

[Trm82]

I have a rival twisted steel in 7 rem ( well it used to be ) it's now a 270 wby.
Recoil wasn't bad with the brake but I'm not overly sensitive but for a lady it could be a little lively still if she's not shot a lot of magnums. But my magnums run full house reloads so my load could be a little crispier than factory ammo.
It will shoot 1/2 moa , I've had a few 5 fierce now and they all have.

 

[S2r1820jc]

I've got a fierce carbon rival in 28 nosler, fit and finish isn't the greatest and it leaves ejector marks on any ammo I shoot in it but it does shoot .5"@100yds. The radial muzzle brake does help with the recoil

 

[Recon$$]

I've got a fierce carbon rival in 28 nosler, fit and finish isn't the greatest and it leaves ejector marks on any ammo I shoot in it but it does shoot .5"@100yds. The radial muzzle brake does help with the recoil

Mine does the same with ejector marks.

 

[Youngpatriot]

I have a rival twisted steel in 7 rem ( well it used to be ) it's now a 270 wby.
Recoil wasn't bad with the brake but I'm not overly sensitive but for a lady it could be a little lively still if she's not shot a lot of magnums. But my magnums run full house reloads so my load could be a little crispier than factory ammo.
It will shoot 1/2 moa , I've had a few 5 fierce now and they all have.

Thank you very much for your feed back. Truly appreciate it.