The Fierce Firearms FCTRG280AI24BBO CT Rage in .280 Ackley Improved is a lightweight hunting rifle built for serious backcountry use. It combines a titanium 3-lug action, a carbon fiber barrel, and a carbon fiber Monte Carlo stock with an integral bipod rail to keep weight down without sacrificing accuracy. This rifle comes with a 3+1 detachable drop box magazine, a Bix’N Andy trigger, and a radial muzzle brake. It is chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, a flat-shooting cartridge that gives you extra reach on elk, mule deer, and similar game. The fixed Fierce Tech C3 stock has a Titanium Blackout Camo finish, and the barrel is threaded for a suppressor. Right-handed shooters will appreciate the smooth cycling and solid lockup.
| Manufacturer | Fierce Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | CT Rage |
| Material | Titanium action, carbon fiber barrel, carbon fiber stock |
| Compatibility | .280 Ackley Improved |
| Finish | Black Cerakote with Titanium Blackout Camo |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 3-Lug Triad Titanium Action – WHY IT MATTERS: This gives you a fast 60-degree bolt lift and a smooth cycle, even with gloved hands in cold weather. The titanium keeps the rifle light for long hikes.
- Match Grade Carbon Fiber Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: The 24-inch carbon fiber barrel maintains stiffness for consistent accuracy while cutting weight. It is threaded 5/8×24 for a suppressor or brake.
- Adjustable Bix’N Andy Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: You can dial in pull weight from about 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, letting you fine-tune the break for your shooting style or hunting conditions.
- Carbon Fiber Monte Carlo Stock with Integral Bipod Rail – WHY IT MATTERS: The stock is rigid and lightweight, and the built-in rail lets you attach a bipod without extra hardware. It keeps the rifle stable on uneven ground.
- Detachable Drop Box Magazine – WHY IT MATTERS: Reloads are quick, and the magazine feeds the .280 Ackley Improved cartridges reliably. It also lets you unload without working the bolt.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who covers ground in steep country and wants a rifle that carries easy but shoots flat. If you are after elk, mule deer, or antelope at extended ranges, the .280 Ackley Improved gives you a ballistic edge over standard .280 or .270 rounds. It is also a good choice for the shooter who wants a lightweight custom-style rifle without the custom wait time. New gun owners who are serious about long-range hunting will find this platform forgiving and accurate.
Pros / Cons
- Pro: Lightweight build – under 7 pounds fully dressed, so you can carry it all day.
- Pro: Flat-shooting cartridge – the .280 Ackley Improved pushes a 140-grain bullet at over 3,100 fps, giving you a 500-yard point-blank range.
- Pro: Quality trigger – the Bix’N Andy is adjustable and crisp, which helps you make precise shots.
- Con: Ammo availability – the .280 Ackley Improved is less common than .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, so you may need to order online or reload. The rifle itself is a premium product and carries a premium price.
Comparison
| Feature | Fierce CT Rage .280 AI | Geissele Super 700 | Timney Triggers Remington 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Titanium 3-lug | Steel 2-lug (Rem 700 clone) | Steel 2-lug (Rem 700) |
| Barrel | 24″ carbon fiber, match grade | 24″ stainless steel, match grade | 24″ stainless steel, factory |
| Trigger | Bix’N Andy, adjustable 1.5-3.5 lbs | Geissele Super 700, 2-stage | Timney 510, adjustable 1.5-4 lbs |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~9.5 lbs | ~7.5 lbs (rifle only) |
| Stock | Carbon fiber Monte Carlo with bipod rail | Aluminum chassis (sold separately) | Factory synthetic (sold separately) |
| Price | $3,199 | $2,500+ (action only) | $150 (trigger only) |
This comparison shows that the Fierce CT Rage is a complete, lightweight rifle designed for hunting, while the Geissele and Timney options are components for building a custom rig. If you want a ready-to-hunt rifle that saves weight, the Fierce is the better choice.
FAQ
What is the barrel twist rate on the Fierce CT Rage .280 Ackley Improved?
The barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, which stabilizes bullets from 140 to 175 grains well. This is ideal for the .280 Ackley Improved’s heavier long-range projectiles.
Does the Fierce CT Rage come with a muzzle brake?
Yes, it includes a radial muzzle brake that reduces recoil by about 40%. The brake is removable if you prefer to run a suppressor or a thread protector.
Can I use standard .280 Remington ammunition in this rifle?
No. The .280 Ackley Improved has a different chamber shape with a sharper shoulder angle. You should only shoot .280 Ackley Improved ammunition. Firing standard .280 Remington can cause case head separation or pressure issues.
What is the magazine capacity?
The detachable drop box magazine holds 3 rounds, plus 1 in the chamber, for a total of 4 rounds.
Is this rifle available in left-hand?
The model listed here is right-hand only. Fierce does offer some left-hand models in the CT Rage line, but availability varies. Check with us for current left-hand options.
Last updated: April 2026
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