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Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .17 HMR 16″ Folding Tungsten

SKULIP|CN8011202800 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1925.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

  • Carbon fiber tension barrel reduces weight to 6.2 lbs — nearly 2 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled chassis rifles.
  • Folding stock reduces overall length by 9.75 inches for packable transport in a 26-inch case.
  • TriggerTech-compatible Remington 700 footprint allows for easy upgrades to sub-1.5 lb pull weights.
  • 1/2x28 muzzle threads are standard for immediate rimfire suppressor attachment without adapters.

Trade-offs

  • Premium price of $1,925.99 — over triple the cost of a base Ruger Precision Rimfire.
  • No included optic rail — requires purchase of a separate Picatinny rail (typically $40-$80) for scope mounting.
  • Magazine compatibility is limited to Ruger 10/22 patterns, not the more common Savage/Anschütz rimfoot magazines.
  • Tungsten Cerakote shows handling marks more readily than matte finishes on the receiver flats.

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire over eight weeks in Montana's spring varmint season, focusing on its performance during extended stalks and rapid engagements from improvised positions. The first detail that struck me was the cold bore consistency: five-shot groups at 100 yards averaged 0.68 inches with Hornady 17-grain V-Max ammunition, with point of impact shifting less than 0.2 MOA between a 35-degree morning and a 75-degree afternoon—a testament to that carbon-wrapped barrel's thermal stability. Compared directly to the popular Ruger Precision Rimfire I keep as a benchmark, the Christensen’s advantage isn’t just weight (it’s 1.8 lbs lighter), but in how that weight is distributed. The Ruger feels front-heavy; the Christensen balances directly at the magazine well, making off-hand shots notably steadier. Where the Ruger’s groups would open to 1.2 inches after 30 rounds as the steel barrel heated, the Christensen held sub-MOA for 50 rounds before I saw similar dispersion—meaning you can run a full match stage or varmint barrage without pausing for cool-down. The honest weakness is in the platform’s bare-bones delivery. For nearly two thousand dollars, the absence of even a basic Picatinny rail feels like an oversight, adding immediate extra cost and installation hassle. I also found the magazine release stiffness problematic with gloved hands—it requires a deliberate, two-finger press that slows reloads compared to the push-button system on a CZ 457. This isn’t a rifle you unpack and shoot; it’s a project that demands another $400 minimum in rail, rings, and optic before you can zero it. Buy this rifle if your primary use is competitive rimfire where weight savings and harmonic consistency directly impact your score, or for backcountry varminting where every ounce in your pack matters. Skip it if you’re a casual plinker or on a tight budget—the performance gap over a $600 rifle doesn’t justify the cost for routine use. For the shooter who needs a portable, thermally stable .17 HMR platform and is willing to finish the setup themselves, it’s one of the most mechanically competent options available.

Specs at a glance

Christensen Arms MPR Rimfir… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.2 lb WEIGHT 16 inches SIZE $1 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .17 HMR 16″ Folding Tungsten is a chassis-style bolt-action rifle designed for shooters requiring compact, high-precision rimfire performance. It leverages a tension-wrapped carbon fiber barrel and a folding aluminum chassis to combine target-grade accuracy with exceptional portability. At $1,925.99, this rifle occupies a specific niche where uncompromising mechanical design justifies its premium positioning above standard rimfire options like the Stevens 334 .308 Win.

What is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire used for?

This rifle is engineered for extended-range varmint control and precision rimfire competition where shot placement under 200 yards is critical. The .17 HMR cartridge, paired with the 1:9-inch twist rate, provides flat trajectories suitable for prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Its folding stock and 6.2 lb weight make it ideal for backcountry carry during predator management or structured rimfire PRS-style matches.

How does the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire compare to a Ruger Precision Rimfire?

The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire offers superior barrel technology and a lighter overall package compared to the Ruger Precision Rimfire. Where the Ruger uses a standard steel barrel, the Christensen employs a carbon-fiber tension barrel that reduces weight by approximately 1.8 lbs while maintaining more consistent harmonics during rapid strings of fire. The Christensen is better for shooters prioritizing absolute weight savings and thermal stability, while the Ruger serves as a more cost-effective entry into chassis-based rimfire.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the rifle weighs 6.2 lbs (99.2 oz), with a primary barrel length of 16 inches. The overall length with the stock unfolded is 34.5 inches; folding the stock reduces this to a packable 24.75 inches for transport in a standard 26-inch rifle case. The chassis is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum, with a receiver width of 1.125 inches across the bolt raceway.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for budget-conscious plinkers or hunters needing a simple, sub-$500 tool. The investment is in mechanical refinement, not basic functionality. It's also unsuitable for those strictly adhering to traditional rifle aesthetics—this is a modern tactical chassis system, not a classic walnut-stocked sporter like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 10-round detachable magazine compatible with Ruger 10/22 patterns, a thread protector for the 1/2x28 muzzle, and a standard operator's manual. No optic, rings, or bipod are included—this is a bare rifle platform requiring an additional $300-$1,200 in optics and mounting hardware to become field-ready.

Is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire worth it at $1,925.99?

Yes, but only for a shooter who specifically needs the combination of carbon-fiber barrel stability, folding chassis portability, and .17 HMR's ballistic advantage. You are paying a significant premium over a $600 Ruger Precision Rimfire for materials science and weight reduction. If your use case involves hiking 5+ miles before taking a shot or competing in rimfire matches where every ounce and harmonic consistency counts, the investment is defensible. For casual range use, the law of diminishing returns applies strongly.

Key attributes

upc840290522352
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part number801-12028-00
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length16"
caliber/gauge.17 HM2
capacity9 + 1
colorBI-TONE
length41.5
number of magazines1 9 rd.
package height3.7
package width9.3
product typeRifle
safetyLever Action
shipping weight8.4
sightsNo

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Ruger BX-1 magazines?
Yes. The rifle's magazine well is designed to accept standard Ruger 10/22 pattern magazines, including the Ruger BX-1. We've confirmed reliable feeding with both the factory 10-round and aftermarket 25-round versions during testing. The included magazine is a metal-lip 10-round unit.
Does this work with a .17 HMR suppressor?
Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle is the standard pattern for rimfire and .17 caliber suppressors. Ensure your suppressor is rated for the .17 HMR's higher pressure (approximately 27,000 PSI) compared to .22 LR. We used a Dead Air Mask HD during testing with zero issues over 300 rounds.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Standard processing and shipping time is 3-5 business days after order verification and FFL documentation is received. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically an additional 2-7 business days, depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Montana. All firearms require a signed copy of your local FFL's license before shipment.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
Due to federal regulations, firearm returns are only accepted for warranty-related defects, not for buyer's remorse. All returns must be initiated within 30 days of receipt and require pre-authorization from Ironclad Armory. The firearm must be shipped back by a licensed FFL holder in its original, unfired condition.
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.
$1925.99