Elk timber in the Bitterroot, mule deer in the breaks and pronghorn on the open country east of Billings make Montana a place where a light rifle earns its keep. Every pound counts on a long climb out of a drainage with a pack on.

Fierce Firearms built the Mini Rogue family for youth, women and smaller-framed hunters, and the CT Mini Rogue XP weighs about 6 lb with a 12.75 in length of pull. Carbon fiber stocks, C3 carbon barrels on the XP, Mini Rogue 2 and CT models, and TriggerTech or Bix'n Andy triggers keep it light and accurate. Choose 6.5 PRC or 308 Winchester for elk, or 6.5 Creedmoor for deer, pronghorn and coyotes on the ranch. An integral bipod rail helps on the long prairie shots.

7mm Remington Magnum is a long-reaching big-game magnum for elk, moose and open-country deer; expect noticeably more recoil than the short-action rounds. Be honest with yourself about recoil: a magnum in a light rifle kicks. It is a rifle for experienced adult hunters, not a first rifle.

Fierce's Carbon Rogue keeps the weight near 5.8 lb with a carbon stock and C3 carbon barrel on a stainless two-lug action; the stock has a negative comb for long-range shooting.

This rifle has a 22 in threaded barrel, 3+1 capacity, and weighs about 5.8 lb. Finish: Sonora Ambush Camo.

Out on the plains or in elk timber, a young hunter may shoot prone, off a pack or kneeling. Length of pull decides whether the rifle fits in all those positions, so go shorter rather than longer. Set the comb so the eye finds the scope without hunting for it. Learn with a 25 or 6.5 Creedmoor first; the 308 and magnums can wait.

Montana has no purchase permit, no waiting period and no registration. Name the licensed dealer nearest you at checkout, in Billings, Glendive, Libby or anywhere between, and the rifle ships there for the federal background check. Ammunition, optics and parts come straight to your door.

Questions buyers ask: What Mini Rogue caliber is best for Montana elk? 6.5 PRC, 7mm-08 Remington or 308 Winchester with a quality bullet are sound choices. Keep shots within the range the shooter has practiced. How does pickup work in Montana? The rifle ships to the Montana dealer you name. There is no permit or waiting period, and the dealer runs the federal check at pickup. What caliber is this Fierce rifle? 7mm Remington Magnum, 3+1 capacity.

Specifications come from Fierce Firearms' published data for part number ROG7RM22BRS, UPC 853418902134.