No matter what review we post, our comments always mention Horizon Firearms.  I don’t know if we just have a bunch of Texans in our followers, or if the guns are that great.  A little research piqued our interest as we found that Horizon Firearms manufactures almost every component in-house, so we took to reviewing a few of them – The Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon 2, the Vandal X, the Venatic Rifle, and the Villain Rifle.  We sent one to 4 different writers – here’s what they had to say.

Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon 2 Review: The Ultimate Predator Precision Rifle

If you’re serious about predator hunting and long-range precision, let me introduce you to the Horizon Firearms Vandal Carbon 2. I’ve tested hundreds of rifles in the field, but this one flat-out turned heads—and dropped jaws. Lightweight, rugged, and surgically accurate, the Vandal Carbon 2 is one of the most complete hunting rifles I’ve ever had the pleasure of running.

I set this rifle up in .22 Creedmoor, a screaming little round with minimal recoil and long-range punch. Out of the gate, it just felt right. The carbon-wrapped barrel balanced beautifully against the Iota EKO stock, and I couldn’t get over how light it was. For predator hunters who cover country on foot, weight matters—and this rifle carries like a feather but shoots like a brick through glass.

The action is smooth. Real smooth. It’s one of those bolts you want to cycle just for the satisfaction of hearing it lock home. Throw in a crisp trigger and a barrel that cools quickly and shoots tight even after extended range sessions, and you’ve got something special. During one dog-hammering outing on the plains, I laid prone in the sage and went to work. First dog dropped at 180. Second at 275. The third stretched just past 400, and the Vandal Carbon 2 made it look easy. Every shot broke clean. Every hit was true. It’s not often I feel this confident going from the bench to the field—but this rifle earns that kind of trust.

Another thing that stood out was the barrel’s consistency. Carbon barrels can sometimes be finicky in variable temperatures, but this one held point-of-impact like a champ across warm and cold days. It’s stiff, accurate, and fast-cooling—three critical elements in a rifle designed for high-volume predator hunting.

Fit and finish? Top-notch. Horizon doesn’t cut corners. The Cerakote is flawless, the stock is molded with true ergonomic sense, and even the small touches—flush sling studs, oversized bolt knob, thread protector—are done with purpose. It’s built to withstand dirt, blood, dust, and hard knocks. I’ve hauled mine across canyon rims, rested it on fenceposts, and even used it as a walking stick in knee-high snow. It never flinched. Never slipped. Never failed to do its job.

Is it a rifle for everyone? No. This is a precision tool for hunters who demand more from their gear. But if you’re looking to up your game—if you want a rifle that performs like a custom rig, packs light, and hits like a heavyweight—the Vandal Carbon 2 is worth every penny.

It’s rare that a rifle elevates your shooting game the moment you pick it up. But this one did. It doesn’t just shoot straight—it makes you better. And in the game of predators, that can mean the difference between a long walk back empty or a truck bed full of fur.

We hunt across North America, shooting just about everything from bone-stock beaters to rifles that cost more than trucks. Horizon Firearms lands squarely in the elite class without the snob factor. These rifles aren’t just built for the bench. They’re built for the hunt. If you want a gun that can flat-out shoot, feel custom in your hands, and keep up with the rough-and-tumble of real-world use, Horizon’s lineup should be at the top of your list.

Vandal Carbon II

• Calibers available: .22 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 7 mm Backcountry, .300 PRC, .300 Winchester Magnum

• Barrel length & twist: 18″ or 22″, twist rate 1:8

• Weight: approximately 6 lb 6 oz with carbon stock

• MSRP: $3,399, consistent across multiple retailers

• Stock/barrel: Carbon-wrapped Proof Research barrel with diamond fluting, carbon Iota EKO X stock

Horizon Firearms Vandal X Review: Built to Work, Born to Hunt

I love rifles that don’t need to be babied. Rifles that get dirty, bounce around in the back of a side-by-side, and still deliver when it counts. That’s exactly what the Horizon Vandal X does. It’s the blue-collar twin to the Vandal Carbon 2, and after spending weeks behind this rifle, I can tell you—it’s one heck of a worker.

I ran the Vandal X chambered in .22 Creedmoor, a caliber I’ve grown increasingly fond of for predator control and long-range precision. The rifle is built on the same foundation as the Carbon 2: smooth bolt, precision-machined action, premium Iota stock. But instead of a carbon-wrapped barrel, the Vandal X rocks a fluted stainless steel tube. That small change drops the price but keeps the performance.

On paper, you might expect a bit more weight—and yes, it’s a touch heavier—but the rifle carries well and settles beautifully on shooting sticks or prone setups. I ran it through a gauntlet of calling setups in cut bean fields, creek bottoms, and CRP pockets. Every time a dog responded, the Vandal X was ready. First-round hits out to 300 yards were consistent. On one stand, I rolled three coyotes in under four minutes. Fast follow-up shots, minimal recoil, and reliable feeding made it feel like I was cheating.

The fluted barrel handled heat better than I expected. During an extended session at the range, I ran back-to-back mags to test for shift and group opening—none to speak of. The trigger broke like glass, and the ergonomics of the EKO stock made long glassing sessions and quick transitions seamless.

This rifle has that rugged, ready-to-work feel. It’s not overly fancy, but every detail feels intentional. The bolt cycles smooth, the finish holds up against scratches and sweat, and the rifle stays on target. The Vandal X isn’t about showing off—it’s about getting the job done every time you pull the trigger.

And let’s talk value. Horizon built this rifle for hunters who want custom-shop precision without emptying their bank account. You’re still getting Horizon’s top-tier fit, finish, and guarantee. You’re still getting an in-house stock, precision action, and a barrel that doesn’t quit. But you’re saving a few hundred bucks that you can put toward optics, ammo, or tags.

Bottom line: the Vandal X is a hunter’s rifle. It’s dependable. It’s accurate. And it doesn’t care how hard you run it. I’ll keep the Carbon 2 when weight matters most, but if I’m chasing coyotes all season or need a rig that lives in the truck and delivers every time—it’s the Vandal X riding shotgun.

Vandal X

• Caliber: Primarily .22 Creedmoor, other calibers available as custom builds

• Barrel material: Fluted stainless steel, not carbon wrapped

• Weight: Approximately 6 lb 14 oz depending on configuration

• MSRP: $2,799 (often sold around $2,499–$2,599 retail)

Horizon Firearms Venatic Review: A Long-Range Hunter’s Dream Rifle

There’s something about a rifle that just clicks with you from the very first round—and that’s exactly what happened when I got my hands on the Horizon Firearms Venatic. This rifle isn’t built to ride in a glass case. It’s meant to climb mountains, battle crosswinds, and take on the longest, toughest shots you’ll ever face in the field. If you live for big country and distant targets, the Venatic might be your new best friend.

I tested the Venatic in 6.5 PRC, and let me tell you, this rifle was born for Western hunts. The setup was lightweight enough for miles-long hikes into the high country but heavy enough to ride steady over a pack or a tripod. The first thing that grabbed me was how balanced it felt. The carbon barrel kept things trim up front, and the Iota stock wrapped around my shoulder like it had been molded just for me.

At the bench, the Venatic was a machine. Groups were tight—under an inch all day—and the recoil impulse was mild enough to stay on target and watch hits through the scope. Out in the field, it got even better. I packed it into the Rockies after a cagey muley I’d spotted on a ridgeline just before dawn. Three miles in, I dropped to prone, dialed to 427 yards, steadied my breathing, and sent it. That buck didn’t take another step. That’s the kind of confidence the Venatic gives you.

The bolt runs smooth—no slop, no stick—and locks up like a bank vault. Feeding and extraction were flawless through every test and terrain. I shot off bipods, off a pack, even balanced on a boulder, and the rifle never hiccupped. The trigger is clean, predictable, and just light enough to feel like a true precision rig without getting jumpy in hunting conditions.

What really stood out, though, was the consistency. I tested the Venatic across a range of ammo loads, temperatures, and elevations. The rifle held its zero through airline travel, horseback treks, and heavy packs banging against it over rocky outcrops. When I needed it most, it was dead on—every time.

This isn’t a rifle you buy on a whim. It’s an investment. But for serious hunters chasing elk in steep basins, mule deer in wind-blown canyons, or whitetails across giant bean fields, the Venatic gives you every edge. Horizon didn’t cut corners—they built a complete precision system that’s field-ready and field-proven.

If I could only take one rifle into the backcountry for the next five years, it would be the Venatic. It’s that good. The kind of rifle that makes you want to chase harder, go deeper, and stretch your range farther. And when that once-in-a-lifetime buck finally steps out at last light, you’ll know you’ve got the right tool in your hands.

Venatic

• Calibers: 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 7 mm Backcountry, .300 PRC, .300 Win, 25 Creedmoor, .308 Win

• Weight: About 6 lb 8 oz in carbon Iota EKO X stock

• Barrel: 416R stainless with aggressive 4-flute, 2-twist pattern

• MSRP: $3,799 for standard Venatic; carbon versions list closer to $3,999

Horizon Firearms Villain Review: Light, Lethal, and Built for the Hunt

There are rifles you admire for their looks, and then there are rifles you keep reaching for because they just plain get the job done. The Horizon Firearms Villain is firmly in the latter category. It’s a no-nonsense predator and varmint rifle that shoots like a custom rig, but handles like your favorite field companion.

I ran the Villain in .223 Remington—a classic predator round—and from the very first stand, this rifle proved it belonged in the rotation. It’s fast, light, and ridiculously accurate. That’s exactly what I’m looking for when I’m covering ground, hopping fences, or running from the truck to a fenceline with howls echoing across the plains.

First impressions? This thing moves like a carbine but shoots like a sniper rifle. The stock is trimmed just right. It tucks into your shoulder naturally, and the forend sits perfectly on shooting sticks or a backpack rest. From the first trigger pull, it was obvious Horizon built this one with the hunter in mind. The recoil is next to nothing—just a soft bump—and that makes it incredibly easy to stay on target for fast follow-ups.

I took the Villain through two solid weeks of predator hunting, working everything from snow-covered sagebrush basins to tight creek bottoms. It never left my side. I dropped coyotes from 60 to 280 yards, and each time the rifle performed like a champ. The bolt cycles clean. The trigger breaks crisp. And the barrel, while not carbon, stays cool and consistent even when the shooting gets hot.

The action was slick, and the rifle fed flawlessly—no hang-ups, no jams. Horizon nailed the details with this one. It may not have the same premium price tag as their Vandal or Venatic series, but the attention to function and form is still there. The finish held up against dust, snow, and the occasional brush pile I had to crawl through. It’s not flashy. It’s functional—and that’s exactly what I want when it’s go-time in the field.

For calling setups, walking hunts, and everyday carry, the Villain hits a sweet spot. It’s accurate enough to handle long pokes across bean fields and nimble enough for quick shots when a fox breaks cover. I ran factory ammo the whole time, and it had no problem producing cloverleaf groups at 100 yards. That’s more than enough precision for any predator or varmint scenario I’ll face.

In a world of overpriced showpieces, the Villain is a refreshing reminder of what matters most—reliability, accuracy, and confidence in your shot. Whether you’re just getting into predator hunting or looking to round out your arsenal with a lightweight tack driver, this rifle brings the heat without torching your wallet.

The name says it all: the Villain doesn’t play nice. It’s not for the safe queen crowd. It’s for hunters who go out when the wind is howling, when the thermals shift, and when a clean, cold shot is the only thing standing between you and success. And for that job, it’s one of the best I’ve ever carried.

Villain

• Calibers: Commonly offered in .223 Remington and 22‑250 Remington

• Barrel length: Typically 18″ stainless, fluted

• MSRP: $2,499; in-market pricing around $2,210–2,280

Buyer’s Guide: Horizon Firearms vs. the Competition

When you’re investing in a precision rifle—especially one designed for long-range hunting or predator control—you want more than just a pretty stock and flashy specs. You want repeatable accuracy, solid build quality, and the kind of reliability that makes the rifle feel like an extension of you. Horizon Firearms delivers all of that and more. But how do their rifles stack up against similarly priced competitors in the custom and semi-custom space?

Let’s break it down by model, application, and price point—so you can decide which rifle belongs in your safe (or slung over your shoulder).

1. Horizon Vandal Carbon 2

Best For: Predator hunting, long-range varmint work, lightweight field carry
MSRP: ~$3,399
Standout Features: Carbon-wrapped barrel, .22 Creedmoor chambering, ultra-lightweight Iota stock, ½ MOA guarantee

Top Competitors:

• Christensen Arms Ridgeline – Also uses a carbon barrel and offers great weight savings, but lacks the tight tolerances and in-house craftsmanship of the Horizon.
• Seekins Havak Element – A rugged, lightweight option with aerospace-level machining, though it typically runs ~$500 more.

Bottom Line:

The Vandal Carbon 2 gives you custom-shop performance with real-world utility. It’s lighter than most in this class and built like it’s ready for war. If you’re running and gunning for coyotes or covering serious ground, this is your rifle.

2. Horizon Vandal X

Best For: All-purpose predator and deer rifle for serious hunters on a mid-tier budget
MSRP: ~$2,799
Standout Features: Fluted stainless barrel, ergonomic stock, .22 Creedmoor accuracy without the carbon barrel price

Top Competitors:

• Bergara Premier Series – Excellent trigger and barrel, but heavier and doesn’t match Horizon’s custom attention to detail.
• Fierce Reaper – Strong lightweight alternative with carbon stock, though you sacrifice some adjustability and price can creep higher depending on options.

Bottom Line:

The Vandal X is your utility rifle—more affordable than the Carbon 2 but still a high-end precision tool. It’s ideal for coyote hunters, weekend warriors, or serious deer hunters who demand accuracy but don’t need carbon fiber.

3. Horizon Venatic

Best For: Big-game hunters in open country, mountain terrain, or anyone shooting past 400 yards
MSRP: ~$3,799 (Carbon variants)
Standout Features: Long-action magnum performance (6.5 PRC, 7 PRC), carbon-wrapped barrel, 100% in-house machining

Top Competitors:

• Gunwerks ClymR – Built for similar terrain and distances, but starts at over $6,000. You’re paying more for branding and tech features.
• Proof Research Glacier Ti – Another carbon-barreled mountain rifle with a titanium action, but price pushes well past $5,000.

Bottom Line:

The Venatic is a backcountry bruiser with laser accuracy. It’s half the price of most ultra-premium mountain rifles, and you don’t give up performance. For serious elk or mule deer hunters, this is the rifle that earns its keep every time you lace up your boots.

4. Horizon Villain

Best For: Varmint and predator hunters, compact setups, budget-conscious precision shooters
MSRP: ~$2,499
Standout Features: Lightweight, fast-cycling bolt, .223 and similar chamberings, built for calling stands and fast shots

Top Competitors:

• Tikka T3x Varmint – A great budget option under $1,500, but doesn’t match Horizon’s build quality or guarantee.
• Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) – Heavier and less field-friendly, though affordable. Great for bench but not ideal for predator hunting.

Bottom Line:

The Villain bridges the gap between lightweight utility and precision. It’s built for the hunter who wants to get serious about predators without diving into a $4,000 custom gun. Accurate, fast, and no-nonsense.

Final Thoughts: Which Rifle Should You Buy?

Every rifle on this list has a place. If you’re chasing predators on foot and need lightweight precision, the Vandal Carbon 2 shines. For all-around performance, the Vandal X is your budget-friendly brawler. The Venatic dominates in the high country, and the Villain is your trusty truck gun for fast-moving fur.

At the end of the day, Horizon Firearms offers working-class rifles with custom-class performance. No matter your game or terrain, there’s a Horizon model built for the job—and built to last.

FAQs

Q: What caliber options are available from Horizon Firearms?
A: Horizon offers everything from .223 for varmint control to hard-hitting 7 PRC and 6.5 PRC for big-game hunters. You can also request custom calibers.

Q: Are Horizon rifles suitable for long-range shooting?
A: Absolutely. With proper ammo and optics, these rifles are capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy at extended distances.

Q: Can I customize my Horizon rifle?
A: Yes. Horizon specializes in custom builds. From barrel profile to stock design and finish, nearly every element is made-to-order.

Q: Which Horizon rifle is best for predator hunting?
A: The Vandal Carbon 2 is my top pick. It’s light, maneuverable, and devastatingly accurate.

Q: What’s the best Horizon rifle for big game?
A: The Venatic, hands down. It’s built for range, ruggedness, and reliability—everything you need in big country.