Hunting rifles here are picked for real seasons: whitetail from the Southeast to the plains, mule deer and pronghorn out West, and hogs along the Gulf. Next to the familiar bolt rifles from Tikka, Bergara and Savage, the Mini Rogue line is a lighter, carbon-built choice sized for youth, women and smaller-framed hunters.

Fierce Firearms fits each one with a shorter length of pull, a carbon fiber stock and an adjustable comb or push-button cheek piece. Actions are Fierce dual-lug designs with TriggerTech or Bix'n Andy triggers, and the XP, Mini Rogue 2 and CT models carry C3 carbon barrels. Calibers run from 22 Creedmoor to 6.5 PRC, 7mm-08 Remington and 308 Winchester. The CT Mini Rogue XP weighs about 6 lb.

308 Winchester is the classic all-round hunting round: proven on deer, hogs and black bear, with factory ammunition available everywhere. In a rifle this light, 308 recoil is noticeable for a small shooter; a 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 is the gentler start.

Under the carbon stock sits Fierce's stainless steel dual-lug action with a 70-degree bolt throw and a spiral-fluted bolt. The trigger is a Bix'n Andy Dakota, adjustable, and the barrel is match grade and hand lapped.

This rifle has a 20 in barrel, 4+1 capacity, and weighs about 5.8 lb. Finish: Purple Carbon Fiber Camo.

Most factory stocks are cut for an average adult, which leaves youth and smaller hunters stretching. A quick check: with the butt in the crook of the elbow, the finger should reach the trigger comfortably. Set the comb so the scope is clear without craning the neck. A 6mm or 6.5 Creedmoor makes a forgiving first deer cartridge.

Name any licensed dealer in your state, and the rifle ships to them for the background check. Our state guide shows where deer rifles must be straight-walled, so read it before choosing a bottleneck Creedmoor for your home season. Stock and price are re-checked against the distributor the moment you order.

Questions buyers ask: Is a Mini Rogue legal for deer in my state? Most states allow bottleneck rifle cartridges for deer, but some require straight-walled cartridges. Check the state guide before you buy. Which caliber covers the most game for a young hunter? 6.5 Creedmoor handles deer, pronghorn and hogs with recoil most young hunters manage well. What caliber is this Fierce rifle? 308 Winchester, 4+1 capacity.

Specifications come from Fierce Firearms' published data for part number ROGM308WIN20BP, UPC 853418901427.