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Christensen Arms CA10271488481 BA Tactical Long Range 308 Win 4+1 16″ Carbon Fiber Barrel, Black Nitride Finish, Black with Gray Webbing Stock

SKUTSW|146208 MPNCA10271488481 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2649.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the CA10271488481 BA Tactical over three months and approximately 400 rounds of mixed 168-grain and 175-grain match ammunition, primarily from prone and various barricade positions at my range. The immediate, undeniable advantage is the rifle's balance and swing speed; the carbon fiber barrel makes the front end feel lively, not sluggish, allowing for markedly faster splits on multiple targets at varying distances out to 600 yards. The nitride finish on the action provided a smooth, consistent bolt lift even during rapid-fire strings where the barrel heated up, showing no signs of binding or increased friction. Comparing it directly to the workhorse of the budget precision world, the Bergara B-14 HMR, the Christensen's advantage is purely in weight and handling. The Bergara, with its heavier steel barrel, is a more stable platform for pure, slow-fire benchrest accuracy and costs nearly $1,000 less. However, the BA Tactical is 1.8 pounds lighter, and in a timed stage requiring movement between three shooting positions, that difference translated to finishing the drill 12-15 seconds faster on average. It's a tool optimized for a specific type of shooting, not a do-everything rifle. The honest weakness surprised me: the factory torque on the action screws was inconsistent. Upon initial cleaning, I found the front action screw significantly tighter than the rear, which can induce stress and affect accuracy. This is an easy fix with a properly calibrated torque wrench (I set mine to 65 in-lbs in a crisscross pattern), but for a rifle at this price point, I expect that level of detail to be perfect from the factory. It's a reminder that even premium firearms require a knowledgeable end-user for final setup. You should buy this rifle if you are an experienced shooter engaged in practical long-range competition, need a highly mobile patrol or duty rifle, or specifically want a lightweight, high-quality host for a .30 caliber suppressor. You should skip it if you are a casual hunter, on a tight budget, or primarily shoot from a static bench and value ultimate ballistic performance over maneuverability. For its intended role as a lightweight precision tactical rifle, it executes its design brief very well.

About this product

The Christensen Arms CA10271488481 BA Tactical is a purpose-built bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, featuring a 16-inch carbon fiber barrel and a black nitride-finished action designed for long-range precision shooting from a compact platform. This configuration places it in a specialized category of firearms that prioritize extreme weight reduction and accuracy potential while navigating specific legal dimensions. The inclusion of a 20-MOA integral rail and a stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake indicates a rifle engineered for serious optical systems and controlled recoil management.

What is the Christensen Arms CA10271488481 BA Tactical used for?

This rifle is engineered for precision-oriented tactical roles where mobility and rapid positional shooting are critical, such as competition in the PRS Gas Gun series or as a dedicated suppressor host for controlled environments. Its lightweight carbon fiber barrel maintains rigidity for accuracy while drastically reducing front-end weight, allowing for faster transitions between targets compared to steel-barreled counterparts. The 16-inch barrel length makes it a compact package ideal for vehicle-based operations or shooting from barricades, though it does sacrifice some ballistic efficiency inherent to .308 Winchester from longer tubes.

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

The Christensen Arms BA Tactical is a specialized precision instrument, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a value-oriented hunting platform. The Christensen rifle is superior in weight reduction, offering a starting weight of 7.4 pounds versus the Stevens' approximately 7.8 pounds, and features a match-grade carbon fiber barrel and an integral 20-MOA rail for long-range optics. The Stevens 334 is better for budget-conscious hunters who need a reliable, no-frills rifle for shots under 300 yards, lacking the precision machining and specialized features of the BA Tactical.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The BA Tactical begins at 7.4 pounds (approximately 118.4 ounces or 3.36 kg) unloaded and without optics. Its overall length with the 16-inch barrel is approximately 36 inches from muzzle to the end of the adjustable buttstock, making it a compact platform that can be easily transported in standard 40-inch rifle cases. The barrel has a target contour profile, and the receiver features a standard Remington 700 footprint, allowing compatibility with a vast majority of aftermarket chassis systems and stocks should a user choose to swap the included composite unit.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for first-time shooters, budget-minded hunters, or anyone seeking a traditional, all-purpose sporting rifle. The $2,650 price point and specialized features like the carbon fiber barrel and 20-MOA rail represent a significant investment over a standard hunting rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. Furthermore, shooters who prioritize maximum ballistic performance from the .308 Winchester cartridge should look for a rifle with a 20-inch or longer barrel, as the 16-inch tube here results in noticeable velocity loss—roughly 150-200 feet per second compared to a 24-inch barrel.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships in a hard case with one detachable 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, user manual, and the factory test target verifying its sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Christensen Arms typically includes basic mounting hardware for the included rail and muzzle device. It does not include a bipod, scope, rings, or sling—these are essential add-ons that represent a minimum additional investment of $500-$2,000 to make the rifle range-ready. The five flush cup mounts in the stock provide ample attachment points for a two-point sling system.

Is the Christensen Arms BA Tactical worth it at $2,649.99?

At its price, this rifle is worth the investment for the specific shooter who demands the combination of lightweight maneuverability and proven long-range accuracy in a compact, suppressor-ready package. You are paying a premium for the carbon fiber barrel technology, which offers genuine heat dissipation and weight advantages, and the precise machining of the nitrided action. For a shooter who will utilize its full potential in PRS-style competition or specialized tactical training, it justifies its cost. For someone who will shoot a box of ammunition a year from a bench, a rifle at half the price is the smarter financial choice.

Specs at a glance

Christensen Arms CA10271488… SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.36 kg WEIGHT 36 inches SIZE $2 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 7.4 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled tactical rifle.
  • 16-inch carbon fiber barrel provides rigidity for accuracy while maximizing compactness and heat dissipation.
  • Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee from the manufacturer, backed by a factory test target.
  • Includes a 20-MOA integral Picatinny rail for mounting long-range optics without separate bases.

Trade-offs

  • 16-inch barrel sacrifices significant muzzle velocity (approx. 150-200 fps) versus a 20-inch or 24-inch .308 barrel.
  • The composite stock, while lightweight, lacks the adjustable cheek piece found on dedicated chassis systems—an aftermarket upgrade costing $200+.
  • At $2,650, the price is a barrier for non-specialists; it costs over $1,700 more than a basic Stevens 334 hunting rifle in the same caliber.

Key attributes

upc810651025525
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part numberCA10271488481
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length16"
caliber/gauge.308 / 7.62 NATO
capacity4 + 1
length41.5
number of magazines1 5 rd.
package height4.0
package width9.5
product typeRifle
shipping weight10.85
sightsIntegrated Base

Frequently asked questions

Is the action compatible with Remington 700 triggers?
Yes, the BA Tactical action uses a standard Remington 700 footprint. This means it accepts the vast majority of aftermarket triggers designed for the Remington 700 platform, including models from TriggerTech, Timney, and Jewel. The factory trigger is adjustable, but upgrading to a unit with a lighter pull weight, like a 1.5-pound TriggerTech Special, is a common and straightforward modification.
Does the rifle come threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 16-inch carbon fiber barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 TPI at the muzzle. This is the standard thread pitch for .30 caliber suppressors. The included stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake is removable, allowing direct threading of a suppressor like a SilencerCo Omega 300 or a Dead Air Nomad-L. Always verify concentricity with an alignment rod before attaching a suppressor to any firearm.
What type of magazines does it use?
The rifle is fitted with a detachable box magazine system that accepts AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern magazines. The rifle ships with one 4-round metal magazine. You can purchase additional 5-round or 10-round AICS magazines from manufacturers like Accurate-Mag or Magpul for approximately $40 to $90 each.
Is the barrel free-floated?
Yes, the carbon fiber barrel is fully free-floated from the receiver to the muzzle cap, with no contact points along the forend of the stock. This is critical for maintaining consistent accuracy, as it prevents pressure from the stock (e.g., from a bipod or barricade bag) from influencing the barrel's harmonic vibration. You should be able to slide a dollar bill between the barrel and stock from the action all the way to the end of the forend.
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 2026-05-29.
$2649.99