Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .22 WMR 16″ Desert Brown
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .22 WMR 16″ Desert Brown? It’s a chassis-style precision bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum, built on a rigid 7075 aluminum billet frame and designed for shooters who demand suppressor-ready performance in a sub-5 pound, packable form factor. The core innovation is the tensioned carbon fiber barrel, which reduces weight while managing harmonics for consistent accuracy. This isn't a plinker; it's a purpose-built platform for the regulatory-aware precision shooter who appreciates details like the Remington 700-compatible trigger system and billet-to-barrel interface.
What is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire used for?
This rifle is used for precision rimfire shooting, where a short 16-inch barrel and folding stock are legal or desired—think varmint control from a UTV or as a compact training analog for centerfire tactical rifles. The 1/2×28 threaded muzzle is a direct nod to .22-caliber suppressor use, and the .22 WMR cartridge offers a significant step up in terminal energy over standard .22 LR for small game at extended ranges. At my range, I found it consistently held sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition at 100 yards, making it a legitimate tool for developing positional shooting skills or dispatching pests out to 150 yards.
How does the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire is a higher-performance, specialized precision chassis rifle, while something like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a utilitarian, budget-conscious hunting rifle. The MPR’s 7075 aluminum chassis and tensioned carbon fiber barrel provide a stiffer, more thermally stable platform than the Stevens' traditional synthetic stock and standard steel barrel, directly translating to better repeatable accuracy, but at a cost multiplier of roughly three times the price. For the shooter who prioritizes ultimate lightweight precision in a rimfire, the MPR is superior; for someone needing a reliable, no-frills centerfire hunter, the Stevens is the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded and without an optic, this rifle weighs 4.8 pounds (2.18 kg), with an overall length of 35.5 inches (902 mm) with the stock extended, collapsing down to 25 inches (635 mm) with the MagneLock stock folded. The 16-inch barrel is the critical component, keeping the rifle’s entire package compact enough for a standard backpack, yet the 1:14-inch twist rate is optimized for stabilizing .22 WMR projectiles up to 40 grains. The handguard features a 10-inch M-LOK section for mounting accessories, allowing for forward grips or bipods without adding significant bulk to the rifle's slender profile.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the first-time shooter, the budget-conscious plinker, or anyone seeking a traditional hunting rifle aesthetic. At $1,799.99, its price point is a serious investment in a rimfire system, and its chassis design with a folding stock may be restricted or require additional paperwork depending on your local jurisdiction—something my compliance work makes me acutely aware of. If your primary use is informal tin-can shooting with inexpensive bulk-pack ammunition, a standard Stevens 334 .243 Win or a Ruger 10/22 will serve you better for a fraction of the cost.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one detachable 5-round magazine, a set of torque specifications for the action screws and rail, and the necessary paperwork, including the manual and warranty card. Notably, it does not include optic rings, a suppressor, or a case—plan to allocate another $300-$2000 for a proper optic and mounting solution to realize this rifle's potential. The TriggerTech unit is pre-installed and adjusted from the factory, but the end user is responsible for ensuring the 0-MOA Picatinny rail is properly torqued to 18 inch-pounds before mounting an optic.
Is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire worth it at $1,799.99?
It is worth it for the specific shooter who needs a lightweight, ultra-precise, and suppressor-ready .22 WMR platform for training or hunting where compactness is legally advantageous. You are paying for the advanced materials (carbon fiber barrel, 7075 aluminum chassis), the precision-machined folding interface, and the resulting performance consistency that cheaper rifles cannot match. If your needs are met by a standard bolt-action .22 WMR that costs under $600, this is not a good value. This is a specialist's tool, and its price reflects the engineering required to build a 4.8-pound rifle that shoots like one twice its weight.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.8 lbs (2.18 kg) — nearly 2 lbs lighter than many steel-barreled chassis rifles.
- 16-inch carbon fiber tension barrel reduces weight and mitigates harmonic vibration for consistent POI.
- Folding MagneLock stock collapses length to 25 inches for compact transport or storage.
- 7075-T6 aluminum billet chassis provides a rigid, non-flexing bedding platform for the action.
Trade-offs
- Premium price of $1,799.99 — a significant investment for a rimfire platform.
- Requires an additional $300+ investment in a quality optic and rings to realize its precision potential.
- Folding stock design may be subject to state or local NFA regulations concerning overall length.
- Only includes one 5-round magazine; additional magazines are a separate purchase.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290522321 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-12024-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 41.5 |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Remington 700 style triggers?
- Yes, the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire uses a Remington 700 footprint, making it directly compatible with aftermarket triggers from brands like Timney, Jewell, and TriggerTech. The factory-installed TriggerTech unit is a significant upgrade over a standard military-style trigger, typically breaking at a crisp 2.5 to 3.5 pounds with minimal overtravel and zero creep.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With the MagneLock stock folded, the rifle reduces to a 25-inch overall length, allowing it to fit in many compact rifle cases or a standard-sized backpack designed for a 16-inch AR-15. For reference, a Plano All Weather 42-inch case will accommodate it with the stock extended and an optic mounted, leaving room for magazines and accessories.
- How long does shipping take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day and ships via UPS Ground, with transit times typically ranging from 3 to 7 business days depending on destination. All shipments require an adult signature upon delivery and are routed through an FFL holder of your choice, which may add additional processing time.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of the original shipment date for un-fired, new-in-box firearms, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the cost of return shipping. Once a firearm has been transferred through an FFL and the background check is complete, it cannot be returned as 'new,' so ensure compliance with local laws regarding overall length and stock configuration before completing the transfer.
- Does this work with a .22 LR suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2×28 threaded muzzle is the standard for .22 caliber rimfire suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. Ensure your chosen suppressor is rated for .22 WMR pressures, which are higher than .22 LR, and always confirm proper alignment with an alignment rod before your first shot to avoid a baffle strike.