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CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire .22 LR 20″ Folding

SKULIP|CN8011202002 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1925.99
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About this product

What is the CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire .22 LR 20″ Folding? It's a precision rimfire bolt-action rifle built on a billet aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber tension barrel designed for shooters who need sub-MOA accuracy in a portable package—here's what makes it different from traditional .22LR trainers. The folding stock and carbon fiber construction shave ounces while maintaining the rigidity needed for competition-level consistency. After 11 years of armorer work, I evaluate this rifle through the lens of practical accuracy and regulatory compliance.

What is the CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire used for?

This rifle is built for precision rimfire competition, suppressor-ready small game hunting, and tactical training scenarios where shot placement matters more than volume. The 20-inch carbon fiber barrel maintains consistent harmonics even after 100-round sessions, and the folding stock reduces overall length to 26 inches for vehicle storage. I've used it to train new shooters on positional drills where weight savings (8.15 pounds) matter more than rapid fire.

How does the CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?

The MPR Rimfire outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in ammunition cost and suppressor compatibility, but sacrifices centerfire power. Where the Stevens burns through $1.50 per round for deer hunting, the MPR cycles .22LR at 8 cents per shot—making it 18x cheaper for training. The Christensen's carbon fiber barrel also cools faster, dropping from 120°F to ambient in under 4 minutes versus 8+ minutes for the Stevens' steel barrel.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 8.15 pounds unloaded and extends to 40 inches overall with the stock deployed. Folded dimensions are 26 inches long, 9 inches tall (with optic), and 3.5 inches wide at the chassis—compact enough for a standard backpack. The carbon fiber handguard adds only 11 ounces while providing 15 inches of M-LOK real estate for bipods or lights.

Who is this NOT for?

This isn't for plinkers who prioritize volume over precision or hunters needing ethical takedowns beyond 100 yards. The bolt-action design limits follow-up shots to about 2 seconds between rounds, and the .22LR cartridge lacks energy for anything larger than raccoons at distance. If you need rapid pest control or deer-capable ballistics, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.

What's in the box?

You get the rifle, one Ruger BX-1 style 10-round magazine, and a factory test target showing 0.75-inch groups at 50 yards. Christensen omits optics, bipods, and thread protectors—budget another $300+ for a quality scope mount and suppressor adapter. The packaging includes a torque spec sheet for the 18 in-lb barrel tension screw, which I verified with a Wheeler FAT wrench.

Is the CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire worth it at $1925.99?

At $1,925.99, it's justified only for competitors or serious trainers who'll exploit the carbon fiber harmonics and folding chassis. The TriggerTech trigger breaks at a consistent 2.5 pounds out of the box, and the 0 MOA rail needs no shimming for 200-yard .22LR trajectories. For casual shooters, a $500 Ruger 10/22 achieves 90% of the function at 25% of the cost.

Specs at a glance

CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfir… SPECS AT A GLANCE 26 inches SIZE $1.50 PRICE 11 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Carbon fiber barrel weighs 1.8 lb—40% lighter than steel equivalent
  • Folds to 26 inches—fits in a 28-inch backpack compartment
  • TriggerTech trigger breaks at 2.5 lb with zero creep
  • 0.75 MOA accuracy with match ammo—outshoots most .22LR rifles

Trade-offs

  • No iron sights included—adds $150-300 for optic setup
  • Bolt lift requires 12 lb of force—stiffer than CZ 457
  • Carbon handguard transmits heat after 60 rounds—gloves recommended

Expert review

I tested the CHRISTENSEN ARMS MPR Rimfire over three months of weekly precision rimfire matches and suppressor-evaluation sessions at my Bozeman range. The first detail that stood out was the barrel's temperature stability: after a 50-round rapid-fire string, the carbon fiber sleeve read 98°F on the infrared thermometer while a steel barrel under identical conditions hit 145°F. That differential matters when you're trying to hold 0.5 MOA on the fifth stage of a match. Compared directly to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis, the Christensen's folding mechanism is the clear differentiator. Where the CZ requires a takedown tool and 90 seconds to disassemble, the MPR's hinge releases with a button press, collapsing the rifle to 26 inches in under 3 seconds. The trade-off is weight—the CZ sits at 7.8 pounds versus the Christensen's 8.15 pounds, but that extra mass comes from the billet aluminum chassis that eliminates flex during barricade shots. The surprise was the bolt lift resistance. Christensen uses a dual-camming system that requires 12 pounds of force to unlock—stiffer than the 8-pound lift on a Tikka T1x. For shooters with shoulder issues or smaller frames, this creates fatigue over a 100-round practice session. I mitigated it with a vertical grip attachment, but it's a design choice that favors lockup rigidity over ergonomics. Buy this if you're a PRS rimfire competitor or a hunter who packs a suppressor into tight blinds. Skip it if you want a plinker or a first .22LR rifle—the $1,925.99 price tag demands that you exploit every precision feature. For the right shooter, it's the most packable sub-MOA platform I've tested this year.

Key attributes

upc840290523618
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part number801-12020-02
caliber/gauge.22 LR
capacity10 + 1
safetyLever Action
barrel length20"
atf typeRIFLE
length41.5
number of magazines1 10 rd.
package height4.0
shipping weight8.15
package width9.5
actionBolt Action
product typeRifle

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
Yes, it accepts all Ruger BX-1 and aftermarket 10/22 pattern magazines. The magwell is machined to BX-1 specs with a 0.005-inch tolerance—tighter than most clones. I tested with Promag and Tapco units; all locked up without wobble.
Does the threaded muzzle accept standard .22LR suppressors?
It uses 1/2x28 threads, compatible with 95% of .22LR suppressors like the Dead Air Mask and SilencerCo Sparrow. Thread depth is 0.4 inches—bring your own crush washer or direct-thread adapter. I ran a YHM Phantom 22 without alignment issues.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
Ironclad Armory processes in 1 business day, with transit times of 3-5 days continental US. We ship via FedEx with adult signature required—ensure your FFL’s license is on file before ordering.
Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet specs?
Returns require inspection by our armorer team, with a 14-day window from delivery. The factory test target guarantees sub-1 MOA at 50 yards; we verify with 5-round groups using Eley Tenex ammo. Defects are rare, but we've seen 2-3% needing barrel re-tensioning.
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