Field Tested: How the Fierce Carbon Rival Exceeds Its Sub-MOA Guarantee

August 25, 2024
Greg Ray

Hey everyone, Greg Ray here from Outdoor Solutions. Today, I’m excited to share my experience with the Fierce Carbon Rival XP, a rifle that’s been turning heads in the long-range shooting community. As many of you know, accuracy is the name of the game when it comes to precision shooting, and the Sub-MOA guarantee is a critical promise that every serious shooter values. The Fierce Carbon Rival comes with this guarantee, and I had the chance to put it to the test on the range. Let’s dive into how this rifle performed.

First Impressions: The Fierce Carbon Rival XP

Before we even talk about accuracy, let’s look at what makes the Fierce Carbon Rival stand out. At just 6.3 pounds without the optic, this is a light weight rifle designed with hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts in mind. It features a 22-inch carbon fiber barrel, known for its durability and consistency. The Bix’ n Andy trigger is adjustable from 1 to 3 pounds, allowing for a crisp, customized pull that’s perfect for precision shooting. The stock is also carbon fiber, with an adjustable cheek comb, and a design that fits comfortably in hand, especially when using our recommended grip techniques.

For this test, I topped the rifle with a Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x scope and added a suppressor, both of which contributed to maximizing the rifle’s accuracy potential.

Putting the Sub-MOA Guarantee to the Test

The Sub-MOA guarantee from Fierce Firearms means the Carbon Rival should consistently shoot groups under one inch at 100 yards using premium factory ammunition. To see if this rifle lives up to its promise, I performed a series of three-round and five-round groups using Barnes Precision Match 140-grainammo, the same we use in our long-range shooting schools.

  • First     Three-Round Group: The first shots resulted in a     group spread of 0.51 inches. Not a bad start.
  • Second     Three-Round Group: This group was impressive, with     all shots almost in the same hole, measuring just 0.223 inches.
  • Third     Three-Round Group: We saw a bit more spread here     at 0.69 inches, but still within the Sub-MOA range.
  • Fourth     Three-Round Group: The group tightened up again     with a spread of 0.366 inches.

Next, I moved on to a five-round group to see how the rifle held up under more continuous fire.

  • Five-Round     Group: I knew I pulled one shot as soon as it broke, but excluding that,     the group was still tight at 0.48 inches. Including the pulled shot, the     group measured 0.87 inches, still under one MOA.

Key Takeaways: Fierce Carbon Rival and Outdoor Solutions

The Fierce Carbon Rival XP didn’t just meet the Sub-MOA guarantee—it exceeded it. Over four three-round groups, we averaged a spread of 0.395inches, proving this rifle is more than capable of delivering precision right out of the box. This performance makes it an excellent choice for anyone serious about long-range shooting.

One thing to note from this test is the importance of letting the rifle cool down between groups. Even with the durable carbon fiber barrel, overheating can affect your accuracy. This is especially crucial when you’re shooting in hot conditions like we were in Texas.

Conclusion: Is the Fierce Carbon Rival Worth It?

Absolutely. The Fierce Carbon Rival XP is a lightweight, accurate, and reliable rifle that lives up to its Sub-MOA guarantee. Whether you’re hunting or refining your long-range shooting skills, this rifle offers exceptional value. At Outdoor Solutions, we’re always on the lookout for gear that performs as advertised, and the Fierce Carbon Rival certainly does. If you’re in the market for a rifle that’s both portable and precise, this one should be at the top of your list.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next review where we’ll be putting a fully custom Altera rifle through its paces. See you on the range!

 

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