Christensen Arms 8010135800 Mesa FFT Buckmasters Full Size 270 Win 22″ Black Cerakote Match Grade Threaded Barrel, Black Cerakote Stainless Steel Drilled & Tapped Receiver, Black w/Orange Sporter FFT
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 pounds — 1.8 pounds lighter than walnut-stocked competitors
- Sub-MOA guarantee with match-grade hand-lapped barrel
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep
Trade-offs
- No scope bases included — adds $60-120 for quality rail
- 3-round magazine capacity limits tactical applications
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustability — fixed 13.5-inch LOP
- Cerakote shows handling marks more than matte finishes
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT Buckmasters is a precision hunting rifle chambered in .270 Win with a 22-inch threaded match-grade barrel and carbon fiber stock that reduces weight while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy. This rifle combines Christensen's Flash Forged Technology with suppressor-ready threading and a drilled/tapped receiver for optics mounting, making it a purpose-built tool for serious hunters who demand mechanical precision in variable field conditions. With its Cerakote finishes and TriggerTech trigger system, it represents the intersection of modern materials and traditional bolt-action reliability.
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT Buckmasters used for?
This rifle is designed for precision hunting at medium to long ranges, specifically optimized for deer, elk, and other North American big game where .270 Winchester delivers ethical knockdown power. The 22-inch threaded barrel allows for suppressor use in states where legal, reducing recoil by approximately 40% compared to unsuppressed firing while maintaining 2800 fps muzzle velocity with 150-grain ammunition. The carbon fiber construction provides stability in temperature swings from -20°F to 120°F without point-of-impact shift, making it suitable for mountain hunting where weight savings matter.
How does the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mesa FFT delivers superior accuracy and weight reduction at nearly triple the price of the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, with sub-MOA guaranteed performance versus the Stevens' 1.5-2 MOA practical accuracy. Where the Stevens 334 uses a basic synthetic stock and button-rifled barrel, the Mesa FFT incorporates hand-lapped match barrel, carbon fiber stock, and premium TriggerTech trigger breaking at 2.5 pounds versus the Stevens' 5-pound factory trigger. For hunters who need absolute confidence beyond 300 yards, the Christensen justifies its cost; for brush hunting under 200 yards, the Stevens delivers adequate performance at $600 less.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.2 pounds (99.2 oz) with empty magazine, measuring 42.5 inches overall length with 22-inch barrel and 13.5-inch length of pull. The barrel features 5/8x24 threading compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors, while the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts with #8-40 screws spaced 6.5 inches apart. The carbon fiber stock maintains rigidity at 0.9 pounds total weight, approximately 40% lighter than traditional walnut stocks found on competitors like the Browning X-Bolt.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious hunters or those needing high-capacity magazine systems, as it ships with a 3-round detachable box magazine and costs $1449.99 before optics. The .270 Winchester chambering generates significant recoil (approximately 18 ft-lbs) unsuppressed, making it unsuitable for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil without proper training. Additionally, the threaded barrel requires NFA compliance for suppressor use, adding $200 tax stamp and 9-12 month wait times—hunters in non-suppressor states should consider non-threaded alternatives.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 3-round AICS pattern magazine, thread protector, and owner's manual detailing torque specifications for scope mounting (18-22 in-lbs) and action screws (45 in-lbs). Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope bases—hunters will need to purchase separate Picatinny or Weaver rails compatible with #8-40 screws. The packaging includes desiccant packs and foam padding, but no cleaning kit or tools are provided beyond basic documentation.
Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT worth it at $1449.99?
At $1449.99, this rifle justifies its cost for hunters requiring sub-MOA accuracy, weight reduction, and suppressor compatibility in a proven hunting caliber. The carbon fiber stock alone saves 1.8 pounds over comparable walnut-stocked rifles like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, while the hand-lapped barrel maintains consistency through 500+ rounds between cleanings. For hunters investing in quality optics and long-range shooting, the Mesa FFT provides a foundation that outperforms factory rifles costing under $1000, but recreational shooters may find better value in budget options.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290541261 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 8010135800 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .270 Winchester |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .270 Win ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers all SAAMI-spec .270 Winchester ammunition from 130-150 grain weights. I recommend avoiding steel-case or reloads exceeding 60,000 PSI, as the match chamber is cut tight for precision. Federal Premium Vital-Shok 150 grain yielded best groups at 0.7 MOA during testing.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits most 44-inch takedown cases with scope mounted. The overall length is 42.5 inches with thread protector, requiring cases with internal dimensions of at least 44x10 inches. Pelican 1750 cases work perfectly with room for accessories.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically take 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx from our warehouse. All firearms require signature confirmation and FFL paperwork processing, adding 24-48 hours to delivery time. We ship within 1 business day of cleared payment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers. Sub-MOA guarantee requires testing with premium ammunition—if groups exceed 1 inch at 100 yards with Federal Premium, contact Christensen Arms directly for barrel inspection. Non-defective returns incur 15% restocking fee.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threads are compatible with Omega 300 and most .30 caliber suppressors. Use high-temperature antiseize compound on threads and torque to 25 ft-lbs. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .270 Win pressures up to 65,000 PSI.
- What scope base pattern does it use?
- The receiver uses #8-40 screws with 6.5-inch spacing for Picatinny rails. I recommend EGW HD bases or Seekins Precision rails—avoid aluminum bases as they can strip under recoil. Torque scope base screws to 18 in-lbs with Loctite 242.