Fierce Rogue Review: One of my favorite rifles of all time
I own over 40 hunting rifles. Most of the rifles being produced today are frankly quite good compared to what came out of factories in years past. In fact, it can be tough for most buyers to really know how a rifle will perform when looking at a gun shop, because they all look so similar.
So, if you’re planning to drop $2,300 or so on a new Fierce Rogue, you may be wondering if it’ll really be that one rifle that you want to keep forever.
I’ve spent the last few weeks shooting the Fierce Rogue and overall, I can say it’s one of the finest rifles I’ve ever shot, and probably the best in its price point.
What Is the Fierce Rogue?
The Rogue is Fierce’s effort to create a less expensive rifle to compete in the $2,300 price point or thereabouts. It’s intended for use as a backcountry hunting rifle, so it’s incredibly lightweight and chambered in most common hunting cartridges.
Pros and Cons of the Fierce Rogue
Pros
- Extremely lightweight (between 5.3 and 5.8 lbs depending on if you get the titanium or steel action. I recommend the steel because it’s more smooth)
- Very accurate (my average group size in testing was 0.751″ at 100 yards)
- Crisp 1-3lbs adjustable trigger (Bix ‘n Andy Dakota)
- Feeds 100% reliably
- 70-degree bolt-throw, Remington 700 pattern action with 2-lug bolt
- Rigid carbon fiber stock
- Hand-lapped cryo-treated barrel
- Integral pic rail (with access from the front, so it’s compatible with the Ckypood and Hatch bipod)
- QD Flush cups for slings
- Limbsaver recoil pad
- Threaded muzzle, fluted bolt
- Available in 7mm PRC with a 20″ barrel! THE ANGELS ARE SINGING!
Cons
- I don’t love the grip angle (see picture below)
- Expensive (but great for what it is)
- Will make you hate your other guns
Cartridge Options
Cartridge | Barrel Lengths Available | Twist Rate |
.22 Creedmoor | 22″, 24″ | 1:7.5 |
6.5 Creedmoor | 20″, 22″ | 1:8 |
6.5 PRC | 20″, 22″, 24″ | 1:8 |
7mm Rem Mag | 20″, 22″, 24″ | 1:8 |
7mm PRC | 20″, 22″, 24″ | 1:8 |
.308 Win | 20″, 22″ | 1:9 |
.300 Win Mag | 20″, 22″, 24″ | 1:9 |
.300 PRC | 20″, 22″, 24″ | 1:9 |
Comparing the Rogue to Other Similarly-Priced Rifles
- Springfield 2020 Waypoint – About the same price – The Waypoint is the best rifle I’ve ever reviewed, but it has drawbacks to the newer Fierce Rogue. (1) It is only offered in a FEW chamberings which is quite limiting, and (2) It’s about a pound heavier than the Rogue. The two places I feel the Waypoint beats the Fierce are (1) a more shootable vertical grip, and (2) a higher comb (plus an option with an adjustable comb that adds weight and price).
- Bergara Premier Mountain 2.0 – Less expensive than the Rogue – I love Bergara rifles. In my opinion, they’re winning the price-for-performance game in the hunting rifle space right now. The Mountain 2.0 is a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Fierce and includes carbon stock from AG Composites. It’s only a few ounces heavier, but its stock is more of a traditional style with sling studs, swept back stock lines, and a rounded forend. I would prefer the Fierce Rogue, but reasonable minds can differ.
- Christensen Ridgeline – About the same price – I haven’t had the opportunity to review the Ridgeline yet, so I can’t speak much to it. It offers a carbon stock and barrel, is about 5 ounces heavier than the Rogue, and is readily available for sale at many retailers. The Ridgeline is a little less expensive than the Fierce Rogue.
- Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 – Slightly more expensive – People rave about this gun. It’s super lightweight at just 5.4 lbs, has a great recoil pad, and a carbon fiber stock. For me, I wish it had a carbon fiber wrapped barrel and shorter barrel offerings in more standard (non-Weatherby) cartridges.
- Seekins Havak PH2 – Less expensive than the Rogue – A lot of people love the accuracy from Seekins rifles. I just don’t get it. They stock feels really cheap for the price point. I haven’t shot it, so I’m open to be proven wrong, but I just don’t love the fit and finish.
- Seekins Element – More expensive than the Rogue – I simply don’t understand this gun. Steel barrel, and a “carbon composite stock” that feels like just regular plastic. In person, it just doesn’t feel like the kind of gun that commands a $2,800 price point. I’ve never actually shot one, but I can’t fathom spending that much on this level of fit and finish.
- Browning X-Bolt Pro – One version is less expensive, one is more expensive – I just don’t understand Browning. They insist on using metric threads so nobody’s suppressors or muzzle brakes fit, they refuse to put carbon-fiber wraps on even their premium rifles, and they’re triggers are WAY too heavy for a premium-priced rifle. The X-Bolt Pro is less than the Fierce Rogue by a few hundred dollars, and the X-Bolt McMillan is a couple hundred more than the Fierce Rogue.
- Proof Research Elevation – Slightly more expensive than the Rogue – Proof Research makes a heck of a barrel. Some of the most accurate groups I’ve ever recorded were with Proof barrels. The Elevation is a lightweight rifle, but still about 8 ounces heavier than the Rogue. If you have the money to step up to the Elevation MTR, you get an incredible stock.
- Savage 110 Ultralite – Much less expensive than the Rogue – A few people asked about this one in the comments, so I’ll include it even though I think the Rogue is in a different class than the Savage 110 Ultralite. The Ultralite uses a fantastic Proof Research barrel, making it super accurate. However, it still feels like a cheap Savage action and an even cheaper plastic stock. Feeding isn’t 100% on the Ultralite. The Ultralite is good for what it is, but I wouldn’t consider it on the same playing field as the Fierce Rogue.
Jim’s Verdict on the Fierce Rogue
There is very little to complain about on the Fierce Rogue. It’s extremely lightweight, feeds perfectly, has a great trigger, is accurate, and is built well.
Really, my biggest complaint about the rifle is the trigger angle. The swept-back grip is comfortable for standing shots, but really not ideal from supported positions. I love the palm swell behind the grip, but wish it had a more modern, vertical grip. Having said that, I was able to get great accuracy out of the gun and the carbon fiber parts are built very well.
The only real question in my mind is if the Fierce Rogue beats the Springfield 2020 Waypoint. The Waypoint is heavier and comes in a limited set of chamberings, but has a higher comb and more vertical grip. The price is about the same between the two. It’s a tough call because I love the Waypoint, but I think the Fierce edges it out due to the greater availability of chamberings and noticeable weight advantage.