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.

Second-generation Mini Rogue: TriggerTech trigger, drop box magazine, Fierce C3 carbon barrel and an Arca-Swiss forend, built around the same dual-lug action with a 70-degree bolt throw.

6mm Creedmoor is known for flat trajectories and low recoil, a combination that suits varmints, predators and deer at sensible ranges.

This rifle has a 20 in barrel. Finish: Smoked Bronze / Sonora.

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? 6mm Creedmoor.

Specifications come from Fierce Firearms' published data for part number ROGM26CM20BRS, UPC 853418413333.