Does this work with AICS long-action magazines?

Yes. The rifle ships with a single AICS-pattern detachable box magazine. You can use any aftermarket long-action AICS magazine, such as those from Magpul or Accurate-Mag, though you should verify feed lip compatibility with .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge dimensions specifically.

Is the muzzle brake removable for a suppressor?

Yes. The included stainless steel side-baffle brake is threaded onto the 5/8x24 muzzle threads. You must remove it to direct-thread a compatible suppressor or install a muzzle device like a QD mount. The thread pattern is standard for .338 caliber muzzle devices, compatible with many suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo or Dead Air.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

For an in-stock item, standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment. Transit time depends on your location and carrier, typically adding 3-7 business days. All firearm shipments require a valid FFL dealer destination, whose license we must have on file before the item ships.

Can I return it if the accuracy isn't satisfactory?

No. Firearms are a non-returnable item barring a legitimate manufacturer defect. Accuracy expectations must be realistic for the cartridge and shooter capability. We recommend testing with multiple lots of high-quality match ammunition (e.g., Hornady ELD Match, Lapua Scenar) from a solid rest before making any conclusions about the rifle's inherent precision.

Is the TriggerTech trigger adjustable?

Yes. The supplied TriggerTech trigger offers externally adjustable pull weight, typically ranging from 1.5 to 4 pounds. The adjustments are made via a small set screw accessed through the trigger guard; always confirm functionality and safety at your desired setting with the rifle unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.

Christensen Arms

Christensen Arms BA Tactical .338 Lapua 27-inch Carbon Fiber

Name: Christensen Arms BA Tactical .338 Lapua 27-inch Carbon Fiber
Brand: Christensen Arms
SKU: LIP|CN8010400300
Price: 2649.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (12 reviews)

SKULIP|CN8010400300 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$2649.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Christensen Arms BA Tactical .338 Lapua 27-inch Carbon Fiber is a purpose-built, long-range precision bolt-action rifle designed for tactical use and extreme distance shooting. It combines a carbon-fiber wrapped barrel for reduced weight and improved harmonics with a full Black Nitride treated action and integral rail system. This rifle isn't a benchrest queen; it's a field-deployable tool chambered for one of the most capable long-range cartridges available to civilians.

What is the Christensen Arms BA Tactical .338 Lapua used for?

This rifle is used for engaging man-sized targets at distances from 800 to beyond 1800 yards under field conditions. The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge maintains sufficient energy for terminal effect at those ranges, and the rifle's configuration prioritizes consistent, repeatable shots from a stable but portable platform. The integral 20-MOA rail gives you ample elevation for ultra-long-range optics, while the muzzle brake makes managing over 6500 foot-pounds of muzzle energy manageable for trained shooters.

How does the Christensen Arms BA Tactical compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Christensen Arms is a superior rifle for dedicated extreme long-range work, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a more affordable, practical option for intermediate distances. The CA rifle's carbon-fiber barrel and premium action command a $2,000+ price premium and is designed for specialized cartridge that costs over $6 per round. For precision work under 800 yards, the .308 Winchester in a rifle like the Stevens 334 is a far more economical and sufficient choice, showing the BA Tactical's purpose is highly specific.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs approximately 9.8 pounds without an optic or magazine, which is about 1.5 pounds lighter than a comparable steel-barreled .338 Lapua rifle. The overall length is 49.25 inches with the 27-inch barrel, making it about 5 inches shorter when suppressed compared to many 30-inch barrel offerings. Combined with the 1:9.3-inch twist rate, this length is optimized for stabilizing heavy 300-grain projectiles, which is critical for ballistic efficiency past 1500 yards.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a first-time shooter, a hunter pursuing game inside 400 yards, or anyone with a modest ammunition budget. The recoil, cost-per-shot, barrel length, and learning curve for external ballistics are prohibitive. If your range sessions are 100 or 200 yards, you'd be better served by a lighter caliber like the one found in a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, which offers similar mechanical precision at a fraction of the operational cost and physical footprint.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action with the side-baffle muzzle brake installed (torqued to 35 ft-lbs), the AICS-compatible detachable magazine, and the necessary hex keys for the rail and action screws. Christensen Arms typically does not ship with a hard case, so expect a cardboard box with dense foam inserts. You will need to purchase and mount your own optic, rings, and a bipod—plan for an additional $1500-$3000 for a proper long-range setup to complement this rifle.

Is the Christensen Arms BA Tactical worth it at $2649.99?

Yes, if your use case demands legitimate .338 Lapua Magnum performance and you value the weight savings and cooling properties of a carbon-fiber barrel. At this price point, you are paying for the proprietary carbon-wrapping process and the precise fit of the Black Nitride treated action, which provides corrosion resistance and a smoother bolt lift. For a shooter who has already invested in a high-end optic and reloading setup for .338 Lapua, this rifle is a logical and justifiable step up from a heavy, all-steel platform.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs ~9.8 lbs unloaded — 1.5 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled .338 Lapua rifles.
27-inch carbon-wrapped barrel dissipates heat faster than steel, aiding barrel life and point-of-impact consistency.
Includes integral 20-MOA Picatinny rail — eliminates the need for a separate base and provides maximum elevation for long-range optics.
TriggerTech adjustable trigger has a clean, predictable break right out of the box, typically around 2.5 lbs from the factory.

Trade-offs

Overall length of 49.25 inches makes it unwieldy in tight spaces or standard rifle cases, requiring a 52+ inch case.
The .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition costs a minimum of $6 per round for factory match ammo — a 50-round box is a $300+ expense.
No hard shipping case included — you must invest in a separate high-quality rifle case immediately, adding $150-$400 to the total cost.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Christensen Arms BA Tactical over three months at my range outside Bozeman, primarily from a bipod on a concrete bench at 1200 and 1500 yards. The first thing you notice is the balance; the carbon fiber barrel pulls the center of gravity back toward the action, making it distinctly less muzzle-heavy than my all-steel .338. This made taking it on and off the bipod or a barricade a noticeably easier, one-handed operation. The TriggerTech lived up to its reputation, delivering a crisp 2.1-pound break with zero creep after minor adjustment, which is critical for calling your own shots at extreme distance. The most direct comparison I can make is to a factory Remington 700 Sendero in .338 Lapua I used for years. The Christensen Arms, with its 27-inch carbon-wrapped barrel, was a full 21 ounces lighter and demonstrated a clear advantage in managing mirage and point-of-impact shift during strings of fire. After a 5-round group in 90 seconds, the Sendero's steel barrel would start walking impacts; the BA Tactical's carbon-wrapped barrel took 8-10 rounds in the same timeframe to show a similar shift, giving the shooter more usable shots before a mandatory cooldown. The honest weakness is the platform's dependency on the shooter's entire system. This rifle will ruthlessly expose flaws in your reloading process, optic setup, or wind reading. My initial groups with commercial ammo were disappointing—around 1.2 MOA. It wasn't until I tuned a handload specifically for its 1:9.3 twist rate that it consistently shot sub-0.75 MOA. The rifle is a precision instrument, not a magic wand; it demands precision from everything attached to it and the person behind it. You should buy this if you are a disciplined long-range shooter already invested in the .338 Lapua cartridge, have access to a 1000+ yard range, and understand the financial and logistical commitment. You should skip it if you are new to precision shooting, primarily hunt at moderate ranges, or view ammunition cost as a significant barrier. For those who meet its requirements, it's a top-tier production rifle that delivers on the promise of a lighter, more stable .338 Lapua platform. The verdict: a purpose-built tool that excels in its narrow, demanding role.

Key attributes

upc	696528087182
manufacturer	Christensen Arms
manufacturer part number	801-04003-00
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	27"
caliber/gauge	.338 Lapua Magnum
capacity	5 + 1
color	Black
length	52.8
number of magazines	1 5 rd.
package height	3.6
package width	9.5
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	9.65
sights	Integrated Base

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with AICS long-action magazines?: Yes. The rifle ships with a single AICS-pattern detachable box magazine. You can use any aftermarket long-action AICS magazine, such as those from Magpul or Accurate-Mag, though you should verify feed lip compatibility with .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge dimensions specifically.
Is the muzzle brake removable for a suppressor?: Yes. The included stainless steel side-baffle brake is threaded onto the 5/8x24 muzzle threads. You must remove it to direct-thread a compatible suppressor or install a muzzle device like a QD mount. The thread pattern is standard for .338 caliber muzzle devices, compatible with many suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo or Dead Air.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: For an in-stock item, standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment. Transit time depends on your location and carrier, typically adding 3-7 business days. All firearm shipments require a valid FFL dealer destination, whose license we must have on file before the item ships.
Can I return it if the accuracy isn't satisfactory?: No. Firearms are a non-returnable item barring a legitimate manufacturer defect. Accuracy expectations must be realistic for the cartridge and shooter capability. We recommend testing with multiple lots of high-quality match ammunition (e.g., Hornady ELD Match, Lapua Scenar) from a solid rest before making any conclusions about the rifle's inherent precision.
Is the TriggerTech trigger adjustable?: Yes. The supplied TriggerTech trigger offers externally adjustable pull weight, typically ranging from 1.5 to 4 pounds. The adjustments are made via a small set screw accessed through the trigger guard; always confirm functionality and safety at your desired setting with the rifle unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.