Christensen Arms Mesa LR .308 Win 24″ Threaded, Burnt Bronze
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory Sub-MOA guarantee—test target included validates performance before purchase.
- TriggerTech match trigger with a consistent 2.5 lb break—superior to most factory adjustable triggers.
- Adjustable carbon fiber stock—1.5" comb height and 1.25" LOP adjustment for a precise fit.
- 24" 416R stainless barrel with button rifling—provides excellent consistency and heat dissipation for strings of fire.
Trade-offs
- Starting weight of 8.9 lbs—adds 2-3 lbs with a scope and bipod, making it less ideal for extended carry.
- Supplied polymer magazine—an upgrade to a metal AICS magazine is a recommended $70-100 additional cost for competition.
- No optics or mounts included—requires an immediate additional investment of $500-$2000+ to be range-ready.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa LR .308 Win 24” Threaded, Burnt Bronze? It is a precision bolt-action rifle built for consistent sub-MOA accuracy at long range, combining a stainless steel barrel with an adjustable carbon fiber stock and a premium trigger. This platform targets shooters who need mechanical reliability for target shooting, hunting, or competition in .308 Winchester, a caliber known for its manageable recoil and widespread availability. The rifle ships with a removable muzzle brake and a guaranteed accuracy standard directly from the factory.
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa LR used for?
This rifle is used primarily for precision target shooting and long-range hunting out to 800-1000 yards. Its 24-inch barrel and 1:10 twist stabilize heavy (168-175 grain) .308 projectiles, making it suitable for F-Class, PRS production division, or taking large game like elk. The adjustable carbon fiber stock allows for a proper cheek weld and length of pull, which is critical for maintaining a consistent sight picture when shooting from varied positions over long sessions.
How does the Christensen Arms Mesa LR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Christensen Arms Mesa LR is objectively superior for precision long-range work, while the Stevens 334 is a more affordable hunting rifle. The Mesa LR's TriggerTech trigger breaks at a crisp 2.5 lbs versus the Stevens' 3-5 lb adjustable trigger, directly affecting shot-to-shot consistency. The Mesa LR also has a 24-inch barrel versus the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel, providing approximately 50-75 fps more muzzle velocity with most .308 loads, which translates to less bullet drop and wind drift downrange.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has a starting weight of 8.90 lbs (4.04 kg) without optics or a bipod, and an overall length of 44.5 inches (1130 mm) with the 24-inch barrel. The stock has 1.5 inches of vertical comb adjustment and a length of pull adjustable from 13.5 inches to 14.75 inches. Compared to a traditional wood-stocked rifle like a Stevens 555, the carbon fiber composite stock reduces weight and is impervious to moisture, a critical factor for field use.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time shooter on a tight budget, or someone solely focused on ultra-lightweight mountain hunting. At nearly 9 lbs before adding a scope and mount, its weight is a trade-off for stability and barrel harmonics. If your primary need is a sub-7 lb rifle for scrambling up steep ridges, a sporter-contour rifle would be a better fit. This platform requires a foundational understanding of ballistics to leverage its long-range capability.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the removable side-baffle muzzle brake installed, one AICS-pattern polymer 4-round magazine, and the factory test target from the 100-yard Sub-MOA verification. A proprietary Torx wrench for the stock adjustment screws and muzzle device is included, along with the standard owner's manual and warranty card. It does not include scope bases, rings, or a bipod—those are separate purchases necessary to make the rifle operational.
Is the Christensen Arms Mesa LR worth it at $1599.99?
Yes, the Christensen Arms Mesa LR is worth the price for a shooter who demands a guaranteed sub-MOA rifle out of the box, as it eliminates the cost and gamble of custom gunsmithing. The cost breaks down to roughly $1150 for the barreled action and trigger, and $450 for the premium adjustable carbon fiber stock—a combination you cannot replicate for less. For those who only need a 2-3 MOA hunting rifle, the much lower-cost Stevens 334 at approximately $500 is the logical choice, but you get exactly what you pay for in terms of mechanical precision.
Key attributes
| upc | 810651029493 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-02007-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48 |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 11.1 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- What optics bases does this rifle use?
- The action is machined for standard Remington 700 short-action footprint bases. I recommend using a one-piece Picatinny rail from a quality manufacturer like Warne or Seekins Precision for maximum rigidity, which requires two 8-40 screws torqued to 25 in-lbs.
- Is the muzzle brake removable for a suppressor?
- Yes. The muzzle device is threaded 5/8x24 and is removable. It can be replaced with any standard .30 caliber suppressor mount or direct-thread adapter, after applying a proper anti-seize compound and torquing to manufacturer specifications.
- What shipping carrier do you use for firearms?
- All firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory go via FedEx with Adult Signature Required. Transit time from our warehouse to your selected FFL is typically 3-5 business days after the order clears background check and compliance review.
- Can this rifle accept M5-style magazines?
- No. It uses the proprietary Christensen Arms metal-bottomed AICS-pattern magazine or compatible aftermarket AICS mags, which have a maximum advertised capacity of 10 rounds depending on local regulations. The supplied magazine is a 4-round polymer version.