A modern, ultra-light bolt-action hunting rifle: we tested the Fierce Firearms MTN Reaper in 6.5 Creedmoor

Founded in 2012, Fierce Firearms is truly one of the newcomers in the world of firearms, but can still boast a broad product portfolio consisting of bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and even muzzleloaders. However, the mainstay is certainly the bolt-action rifles manufactured in-house. The company offers four bolt-action series: the "Rogue" (5 models), "Rival" (6 models), "Rage" (7 models) and "Reaper" (2 models). The common denominator of all these repeaters available in a wide range of calibers is their lightweight construction and components made from modern materials such as titanium alloy actions, carbon stocks and carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. The Fierce Firearms Reaper H-Tac and Mountain (MTN) Reaper are based on an aluminum or magnesium chassis. Our test gun in the form of the Mountain Reaper model is offered in the following calibers/barrel lengths: .22 Creedmoor (20", 22"), 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC (all three calibers with 18", 20" or 22" barrel), 7 mm PRC (20", 22"), 7 mm Backcountry (18", 20" or 22"), 7 mm Remington Magnum (20", 22"), .308 Winchester (18", 20"), .300 Winchester Magnum and .300 PRC (both with 20" or 22" barrrel). For this practical test, we used an MTN Reaper in 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18"/457 mm barrel.

When we unpacked the rifle, we were immediately intrigued by its noticeable featherweight, so we first put the MTN Reaper on the scales. With solid mounting rings and a Leica Fortis 1.8-12x42i scope, the bolt-action rifle weighed in at just 3,722 grams! It's not often that a rifle including optics weighs less than four kilograms, which makes the MTN Reaper predestined as a mountain rifle, for example, in line with its model designation. In this weight class, you usually come across hunting rifles with very simple synthetic stocks and extremely thin barrels. However, the Reaper has a versatile, adjustable and foldable buttstock. The manufacturer also guarantees a shooting accuracy of 0.5 MOA. The extremely low weight is achieved by state-of-the-art, elaborately manufactured components in the form of a magnesium chassis, a titanium alloy action, a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and stock (buttstock, handguard) made of carbon fiber. In addition, during the complete disassembly of the rifle, we discovered that there is hardly a component on the gun where the weight has not been reduced to a minimum through millings.

Fierce Firearms MTN Reaper: an oldie sends its regards

The action including the bolt with two locking lugs and 70° throw, is reminiscent of the classic Remington 700, which has been on the market for more than six decades. A fine, adjustable direct trigger from the Austrian premium manufacturer "Bix'n Andy" is located on the underside. With very crisp characteristics, it was set to a trigger pull weight of 1,400 grams at the factory. The trigger group is combined with a conventional two-position slide safety on the tang above the free-standing, vertical Ergo-Grip pistol grip with integral thumb rest, which is easy to reach and can be operated safely and quietly. A screw-on MIL-STD-1913 optic mounting rail sits on the top of the action with no tilt, which makes sense, because with its short barrel length this MTN Reaper is not intended for long-range use in this configuration.

Design of the MTN Reaper bolt-action rifle

Another smart design detail, the carbon fiber handguard with M-LOK slots is not mounted concentrically to the barrel, but has been lowered so that the mounted optic can be positioned as close as possible to the bore axis. Equally practical is the extended top of the handguard with its Picatinny rail, as it allows a bipod to be mounted with the support point far forward, allowing the rifle to "hang" in the bipod. This results in a stable shooting position, even at long range. The height-adjustable cheek rest ensures a repeatable head position and a high level of comfort when shooting. However, there are no large star knobs or adjusting wheels for quick adjustment, as the selected cheek piece position is secured with four screws. Although this is more complex to adjust, it saves weight, which was the primary objective in the development of this rifle. Hunters certainly don't change their cheek rest position as frequently as target shooters, so this type of adjustment mechanism is likely acceptable. Pressing a button in the center of the joint is enough to fold the carbon buttstock fully to the side. This is a very welcome feature, as it significantly reduces the transport dimensions of the MTN Reaper on the hunting ground, even with the silencer fitted.

With the MTN Reaper in 6.5 Creedmoor on the shooting range

Hunting rifle manufacturers usually offer a precision guarantee of 1 MOA (29.1 mm at 100 m). However, Fierce Firearms is so confident in its firearms that it boasts a 0.5 MOA (approx. 15 mm at 100 m) performance guarantee for three shots. Using seven types of 6.5 Creedmoor factory ammunition with bullet weights from 95 to 147 grains, we managed to stay below this guarantee with two cartridges while sitting and using a benchrest, bearing in mind that we were working with the Leica Fortis with a comparatively low magnification of 12x and also shooting five instead of three shots at 100 meters. With the Lapua 123-grain Scenar – yes, a match cartridge, not a hunting cartridge – we achieved a 13 mm group and with the Hornady 95-grain V-Max hunting load we achieved a 14 mm group. 

In shooting practice, we liked the small but crucial details such as the highly iconic Bix'n Andy trigger or the ergonomically successful Ergo Grips pistol grip with its thumb rest, which allows the shooting hand to rest comfortably on the gun. The factory-fitted compensator contributed to the smooth firing behavior of the lightweight rifle, but in practice will probably make way for a silencer.

Fierce Firearms MTN Reaper bolt-action rifle technical specifications and price 

Wrapping up

The MTN Reaper from Fierce Firearms represents a rifle for the modern hunter who wants to go beyond a traditional hunting rifle with a wooden stock and carry a gun that belongs in the year 2025 and not from the 19th century. In terms of caliber and barrel length, the ultra-lightweight from Utah is available in many configurations, which has an impact on the overall weight of the ready-to-use rifle on the one hand and on its performance on the hunting ground on the other. So if you are looking for a lightweight and compact companion for hunting, the MTN Reaper, priced at $3,999 in the US, is certainly the right choice.

Text: Stefan Perey and Michael Fischer