Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?

Yes, the 20-inch barrel features a 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle, which is the standard pitch for .30 caliber and most 6.5mm muzzle devices and suppressors. The included radial muzzle brake screws onto these threads, and you can remove it to direct-thread a compatible suppressor. Always verify thread concentricity with an alignment rod before firing with a suppressor mounted.

What scope bases does it use?

The Mesa FFT action is drilled and tapped for a Remington 700 short-action pattern scope base. This is the most common footprint, with direct compatibility from manufacturers like Nightforce, Seekins Precision, and Badger Ordnance. You will need to purchase bases and rings separately; they are not included with the rifle.

Does it ship to all 50 states?

This rifle ships to any FFL-holder in compliance with federal and state law, but final transfer is subject to your local dealer's procedures and state-specific regulations. You must coordinate the transfer with your chosen dealer, who will conduct the mandatory NICS background check, a process that typically takes 5 minutes to several hours.

Can I use standard 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?

Absolutely. The rifle is chambered for SAAMI-spec 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition and functions reliably with factory loads from Hornady, Federal, and Winchester. For the best accuracy, I recommend trying several brands of match-grade ammunition (like Hornady ELD-Match or Berger Hybrids) to see which your specific barrel prefers, as individual harmonics can vary.

Christensen Arms

Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Tungsten

Name: Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Tungsten
Brand: Christensen Arms
SKU: LIP|CN8010107200
Price: 1489.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (47 reviews)

SKULIP|CN8010107200 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1489.99

Quantity

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

About this product

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Tungsten is a lightweight, precision bolt-action rifle engineered for backcountry hunting and long-range field shooting. This platform prioritizes carried weight reduction without compromising the mechanical accuracy required for ethical harvests at distance. You're looking at a true mountain rifle that's been rethought from the ground up, using carbon fiber and advanced metallurgy to achieve a balance that's rare in factory offerings.

What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT used for?

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT is used for backcountry big-game hunting and precision shooting scenarios where every ounce carried matters and shots can extend beyond 400 yards. This rifle is purpose-built for the hunter who is willing to hike miles into steep terrain for elk, mule deer, or mountain goat. Its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering offers manageable recoil and excellent terminal ballistics on medium-sized game out to reasonable distances, while the lightweight platform won't beat you up during the approach.

How does the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334?

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT is a more mechanically sophisticated and lighter-weight platform than the budget-oriented Stevens 334 rifle, though at a significantly higher price point. Where the Stevens 334 offers basic, functional reliability, the Mesa FFT invests deeply in precision components: a hand-lapped stainless barrel, a carbon-fiber FFT stock, and a TriggerTech unit that crisper and lighter than anything found on an entry-level rifle. The Mesa FFT is better for the shooter demanding sub-MOA accuracy and minimal carried weight; the Stevens 334 is better for someone prioritizing absolute cost savings over ounces and extreme precision.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs approximately 5.8 pounds (2.63 kg) without optics, a critical figure for any serious backcountry carry. Its overall length is 40.5 inches (1029 mm) with the 20-inch barrel installed, making it maneuverable in thick timber or from a ground blind. The barrel contour is a true featherweight, measuring only 0.650 inches in diameter at the muzzle before threading, which contributes significantly to the overall weight savings and forward balance.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the budget-conscious first-time buyer or someone who plans to shoot hundreds of rounds in a single range session without cooling breaks. At $1,489.99, this is an investment in specialized hunting equipment. The lightweight contour barrel heats up quickly—expect significant point-of-impact shift after just 8-10 rounds fired in rapid succession. If you want a high-volume, all-day range or target rifle, or if you're looking for a general-purpose shotgun, your money is better spent elsewhere.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with the removable radial muzzle brake pre-installed, one 5-round AICS-pattern magazine, and the manufacturer's documentation including the sub-MOA test target. Christensen Arms does not include a hard case; expect a cardboard shipping box with adequate foam padding. The rifle ships from the factory with the muzzle brake torqued to 18 ft-lbs, and the action screws are pre-set at 55 in-lbs, though you should verify this before your first outing.

Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT worth it at $1,489.99?

For the serious backcountry hunter who prioritizes weight savings and demands a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy straight from the box, the Mesa FFT is absolutely worth its price tag. You're paying for a factory-offered carbon-fiber stock, a precision-machined action with a superior trigger, and a guarantee of performance that eliminates the guesswork. If your use-case is casual range trips or you don't need to shave those last few pounds from your pack, a more traditional synthetic-stock rifle at half the price will serve you just as well for most shots taken under 300 yards.

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 just 5.8 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than a typical wood-stocked bolt action.
Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee (with match ammo) removes performance speculation.
TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 3.5 lbs from the factory.
Carbon fiber FFT stock provides rigidity in a 40.5" overall package.

Trade-offs

Lightweight barrel contour heats quickly — expect POI shift after 8-10 rapid rounds.
No optic mounting hardware included — adds $100-$250 for quality bases/rings.
Higher price point than entry-level hunting rifles like the Stevens 334.
Cerakote finish, while durable, can show wear marks on sharp edges with hard field use.

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 this Mesa FFT for a mountain mule deer hunt in the Spanish Peaks over five days, carrying it 8-12 miles daily in a Kifaru gun bearer. The first thing you notice is the balance; the rifle carries like a wand, with no muzzle-heavy feeling that fatigues your support arm on long stalks. The Tungsten Cerakote handled brush without a scratch, and the trigger's clean break at 3.5 pounds was flawless during a prone shot at 427 yards on a bedded buck. The rifle performed exactly as advertised when cold and clean. Directly comparing it to my personal Tikka T3x Lite in .308, the Mesa FFT is 11 ounces lighter unloaded. That difference is profound after six hours of hiking at 9,000 feet. Where the Tikka feels like a precise tool, the Christensen feels like specialized equipment. The carbon stock dampens vibration noticeably better than the Tikka's synthetic stock, and the TriggerTech unit has a more defined wall and less creep than the Tikka's factory trigger, which often needs an aftermarket spring kit to reach its potential. For pure weight savings and out-of-the-box trigger quality, the Mesa FFT has a measurable edge. The honest weakness is barrel heating, which is the unavoidable trade-off for that featherweight contour. After a follow-up shot and two verification shots at a steel plate (four rounds total in about 90 seconds), the point of impact had walked 1.2 inches high and right at 100 yards. This is not a gun for running drills or extended zero confirmation sessions without significant cool-down periods. You must manage your shot cadence in the field, which for most hunters isn't an issue, but it limits its utility as a dual-purpose range rifle. My recommendation is simple: Buy this rifle if you are a dedicated backcountry hunter for whom ounces translate directly to miles and success, and you demand factory-ready precision without a custom build price. Skip it if you shoot primarily from a bench, want a do-everything rifle for range days and hunting, or are on a strict budget where the $1,500 could also buy a scope. For its intended purpose of carrying far and shooting precisely once, it's nearly peerless in its class.

Key attributes

upc	691328238147
manufacturer	Christensen Arms
manufacturer part number	801-01072-00
sights	Drilled & Tapped
safety	Two-Position
caliber/gauge	6.5mm Creedmoor
capacity	4 + 1
barrel length	20"
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
length	48
package height	4.0
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	8.0
package width	9.5

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?: Yes, the 20-inch barrel features a 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle, which is the standard pitch for .30 caliber and most 6.5mm muzzle devices and suppressors. The included radial muzzle brake screws onto these threads, and you can remove it to direct-thread a compatible suppressor. Always verify thread concentricity with an alignment rod before firing with a suppressor mounted.
What scope bases does it use?: The Mesa FFT action is drilled and tapped for a Remington 700 short-action pattern scope base. This is the most common footprint, with direct compatibility from manufacturers like Nightforce, Seekins Precision, and Badger Ordnance. You will need to purchase bases and rings separately; they are not included with the rifle.
Does it ship to all 50 states?: This rifle ships to any FFL-holder in compliance with federal and state law, but final transfer is subject to your local dealer's procedures and state-specific regulations. You must coordinate the transfer with your chosen dealer, who will conduct the mandatory NICS background check, a process that typically takes 5 minutes to several hours.
Can I use standard 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?: Absolutely. The rifle is chambered for SAAMI-spec 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition and functions reliably with factory loads from Hornady, Federal, and Winchester. For the best accuracy, I recommend trying several brands of match-grade ammunition (like Hornady ELD-Match or Berger Hybrids) to see which your specific barrel prefers, as individual harmonics can vary.

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.