The Horizon Vandal Dark 2 .22 Creedmoor 18″ barrel is a dedicated bolt-action rig built for shooters who want precision without the extra weight. Chambered exclusively in .22 Creedmoor, this rifle brings together a fluted, threaded 416R stainless barrel and a 1:8 twist rate to stabilize a wide range of projectiles. It ships with a Picatinny rail receiver and an ARCA rail forend, so mounting optics and bipods is straightforward. This isn’t a jack-of-all-trades rifle—it’s a focused tool for consistent, repeatable accuracy at the range or in the field.
| Manufacturer | Horizon Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | Vandal Dark 2 |
| Material | 416R stainless steel barrel, aluminum chassis |
| Compatibility | .22 Creedmoor only; accepts standard ARCA and Picatinny accessories |
| Finish | Matte black Cerakote on barrel and receiver |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 18″ Fluted, Threaded Barrel – The fluting reduces weight and aids cooling, while the 5/8×24 threading lets you attach a suppressor or brake without a gunsmith. Why it matters: less barrel whip and faster heat dissipation mean tighter groups on follow-up shots.
- 1:8 Twist Rate – Stabilizes 75- to 90-grain match bullets, giving you flexibility for long-range loads. Why it matters: you can tune your ammo to the barrel for sub-MOA accuracy without switching barrels.
- ARCA Rail Forend – Integrated ARCA rail lets you mount bipods, tripods, or bag riders directly. Why it matters: no extra adapters needed, so your setup stays solid and low-profile.
- Picatinny Rail Receiver – Standard 20 MOA rail for mounting scopes with plenty of elevation adjustment. Why it matters: you can zero for 100 yards and still dial out to 1,000+ yards without running out of turret travel.
- Dedicated .22 Creedmoor Chamber – Designed from the ground up for this cartridge, not a rechambered .308 or .243 action. Why it matters: optimized headspace and feed ramp geometry improve reliability and consistency.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for recreational shooters who want a lightweight, accurate platform for long-range plinking or competition. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a dedicated .22 Creedmoor setup that doesn’t require a lot of aftermarket work, the Vandal Dark 2 is a solid pick. It’s also a good fit for hunters chasing coyotes or varmints at extended distances, thanks to the 18″ barrel’s balance and the ARCA forend’s versatility. Just know that this is a single-caliber rifle—if you want to swap to .243 or .308 later, you’ll need a different gun.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight at 8.4 lbs; factory ARCA rail saves you $100+ on aftermarket parts; 1:8 twist handles heavy match bullets well; fluted barrel keeps weight down without sacrificing rigidity.
- Cons: Only available in .22 Creedmoor, so no caliber swaps; the 18″ barrel is shorter than typical long-range builds, which may reduce velocity slightly compared to a 22″ or 24″ tube.
Comparison
| Feature | Horizon Vandal Dark 2 | Geissele Super Sabre | Lone Wolf Distributors LWD-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Creedmoor only | Multiple (including .22 Creedmoor) | .22 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 18″ | 20″ | 16″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:8 | 1:8 | 1:9 |
| ARCA Rail | Integrated | Optional | Not included |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs | 9.2 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Price | $2,999 | $3,499 | $2,499 |
FAQ
Does this rifle come with a scope or rings?
No, the Vandal Dark 2 ships as a barreled action with a Picatinny rail and ARCA forend. You’ll need to add your own optics and rings. This lets you choose the glass that fits your budget and shooting style.
Can I use this rifle for hunting?
Yes, the 18″ barrel keeps the overall length manageable for field carry, and the .22 Creedmoor offers flat trajectories for varmints and medium game. Just check your local regulations on cartridge restrictions.
What twist rate is best for this barrel?
The 1:8 twist is ideal for bullets in the 75-90 grain range. It stabilizes heavy match bullets well for long-range work, but lighter varmint loads may not group as tightly. Stick with 80-90 grain bullets for best accuracy.
Is the barrel pre-threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8×24, which fits most .30-caliber suppressors and muzzle brakes. A thread protector is included if you’re not running a can.
How does this compare to the Vandal Dark 1?
The Dark 2 uses a heavier contour barrel and an integrated ARCA rail, while the Dark 1 had a lighter barrel and standard M-LOK forend. The Dark 2 is more rigid and accessory-friendly, but slightly heavier.
Call to Action
Ready to build a lightweight .22 Creedmoor rig that shoots flat and carries easy? The Horizon Vandal Dark 2 is in stock and ready to ship. Add it to your cart now and get it to your FFL in 1-2 business days.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Browse more options in our Bolt Action Rifles category, or check out .22 Creedmoor Ammunition and Barrels.
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