Rifle review: Fierce’s Carbon Rogue offers top quality at a competitive price

With its reputation for producing well-built, accurate rifles, Fierce Firearms has definitely gained a secure foothold in the Canadian marketplace. In 2021, I tested the Fury, a Fierce bolt-action chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. It certainly did not disappoint, besting the promised 0.5-inch accuracy guarantee. That same year, Fierce moved its manufacturing operations from Quebec to Utah, where it soon began producing the Rogue, offering hunters a lightweight bolt-action with a carbon-fibre barrel. That left me wondering whether the U.S.-made Rogue, with its 6.5 PRC chambering, would overshadow the Canadian-made Fury.

The Rogue line actually features four models: the Carbon and Carbon Mini, and the CT and CT Mini (the Mini models are designed for women and younger hunters). The Carbon features a steel action with a carbon-fibre barrel, while the CT boasts a titanium action and a carbon-fibre barrel. The CT weighs a few ounces less, but it also costs more, so I opted for the Carbon as my test model to keep the price point within the financial wheelhouse of more hunters.

Carbon-fibre barrels are all the rage these days, so let’s take a look at the nitty gritty of the Rogue’s C3 carbon-fibre barrel, which includes a 0.75 MOA accuracy guarantee. It is Cryo-stress treated, match grade and hand-lapped, and has a 416 stainless steel liner. It’s also 5/8-24 threaded for a brake, and includes a titanium muzzle brake.

Sticking with mechanics, the rifle also features a 700 Remington pattern action, a Fierce Rival Receiver made of precision machined stainless steel, a two-lug fluted bolt, a 70-degree bolt-throw, a Tac bolt handle and a Bix’n Andy Dakota trigger that’s adjustable from one to three pounds.

As for the lightweight carbon-fibre stock, it offers rigidity, as well as a carbon V-Block chassis bedding system, and an integrated Pic bi-pod rail (with access from the front). It also features QD flush cup mounts, sleek ergonomics, an LR negative comb design, and a Limbsaver recoil pad. It comes in two colour schemes, black action-forest or glacier action-phantom.

TEST RESULTS

Out of the box, the Carbon Rogue did not disappoint. Not only was the styling appealing, but the fit and finish were first rate, revealing Fierce’s commitment to building a rifle any hunter would be proud to own. The lightweight carbon-fibre stock was as solid as dense walnut, while the action, despite the fluted bolt, was smoother than I expected. On my postal scale, the rifle weighed in at six pounds five ounces, while the trigger pull broke crisply with absolutely no creep at a tad over three pounds. As this was my first exposure to a Bix’n Andy Dakota trigger, I must admit I was impressed.

On the range, the rifle cycled flawlessly, while surprising me with its lack of recoil and muzzle jump. The titanium muzzle brake was no doubt a contributor to both. The only minor negative was the lack of a three-position safety, so the bolt won’t open accidently while being carried in the safe position.

As for the Zeiss V8 test scope, the optics were simply outstanding. Along with the large eye box and sight picture, I was also impressed by the scope’s BDC-LR system, the multifunction button illumination adjustability, and the outstanding 8x zoom range (one of the most versatile magnification ranges I have yet encountered).

This was my first exposure to a Bix’n Andy Dakota trigger, and I was impressed

It is not my intention to compare the Rogue to the Fury, as they are two very different rifles. It’s worth noting , however, that the overall accuracy of the two rifles was quite similar. Comparatively, the Fury’s 0.762 handload average nudged the Rogue’s 0.764 average, while the Rogue’s 0.702 bested the Fury’s 0.809 average for factory ammo. Those comparisons aside, the Fury’s best accuracy was delivered by match ammo. With the Rogue, however, Federal Premium 130-grain Terminal Ascent shattered the rifle’s 0.75-inch accuracy guarantee with a one-hole 0.21 group. That’s simply outstanding performance from any ammo, let alone hunting rounds.

As for my recommended hunting loads for the Rogue, Federal Terminal Ascent 130-grain would top my list for medium-sized game because of its outstanding accuracy and downrange performance. It’s followed closely by a Nosler AccuBond 140-grain bullet handloaded with Reloder 22 powder. As for larger game, both Nosler Trophy Grade 142-grain AccuBond Long Range and Hornady Precision Hunter 143 grain ELD-X provided excellent sub-0.75 accuracy, with plenty of long-range potential.

Fierce set out to manufacture a lightweight rifle that would rival a custom build, but at half the price. Starting at US$2,199, the Carbon Rogue accomplished that in spades, making it well worth the wait.

For the complete test results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/roguetest.

THE RIFLE SPECS

• Calibre: 6.5 PRC
• Total length: 45.5″
• Barrel length: 24″
• Weight: 6.5 lb
• Twist rate: 1 in 8″
• Magazine capacity: 3+1
• Length of pull: 13¾”
• Drop at comb/heel: LR negative comb design

ZEISS V8 1.8-14X50

I decided to pair my test model Carbon Rogue with the Zeiss V8 riflescope for two simple reasons. First, Zeiss and premium optics are viewed synonymously worldwide—you can’t hear about one without thinking of the other. Then there was the realization I’d yet to try the premium V8 hunting scope, even though I’ve owned and tested numerous other Zeiss scopes over the years. It was time for a correction.

Zeiss refers to the V8 1.8-14×50 as an “all-rounder,” and for good reason. Whether you’re on a close-quarters whitetail hunt or an open plains pronghorn hunt, this shockproof scope covers all the bases. Along with ultra-premium optics and a rugged design, it offers a wide field of view, an extra-large eye box for quick target acquisition, and a most impressive 8x zoom ratio.

Among the many features, the highlights include Schott FL and HT glass, 92 per cent light transmission, Zeiss T* multi-layer lens coatings, side parallax adjustments, a 30 mm tube, and a fast-focus diopter. It also has LotuTec coating for a clear view no matter the weather, and its nitrogen filled for water- and fogproof integrity. Finally, it offers the most advanced illumination system on the market. Easy to access and operate, even while wearing gloves, it deactivates when the rifle is put down, but instantly reactivates when you’re taking aim.

The advanced illumination system is easy to access and operate, even while wearing gloves

My test scope also came equipped with the BDC-LR system (bullet-drop compensator, long range). In short, it utilizes a series of rings that can be installed in the elevation dial to provide elevation adjustments based on the ballistics of your rifle and ammo (you can use the free Zeiss Hunting App to determine which ring best suits your set-up). Once the proper ring is installed, it’s just a matter of establishing the distance to your target and adjusting the elevation dial for dead-on hold, with no guesswork.

THE SCOPE SPECS

• Magnification: 1.8-13.5x
• Total length: 13.5″
• Objective diameter: 50mm
• Weight: 25.4 oz
• Eye relief: 3.6″
• Field of view at 100 yards: 69′ to 9′
• Tube diameter: 30mm
• Parallax: 54 yards to infinity
• Reticle: #60 illuminated