Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .22 WMR 18″ Desert Brown
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire .22 WMR 18″ Desert Brown is a chassis-style precision rimfire rifle built for shooters who demand packable accuracy without compromising on mechanical refinement. It combines a carbon fiber tension barrel with a billet aluminum chassis that accepts Remington 700-pattern triggers, making it a serious tool for both range training and field use. At 8.5 pounds and 18 inches of barrel length, it bridges the gap between a full-size trainer and a truly portable field rifle.
What is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire used for?
This rifle is designed for precision rimfire shooting, small-game hunting, and suppressor-friendly training. The 1:14" twist rate stabilizes .22 WMR ammunition effectively out to 150 yards, while the threaded muzzle (1/2x28) accepts common rimfire suppressors without adapters. I've used it for prairie dog control in Montana, where its folding stock and 32-inch overall length when collapsed make it easy to carry in a pack.
How does the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Christensen MPR outperforms the Stevens 334 in accuracy and features but costs $800 more. Where the Stevens 334 offers basic .308 Win functionality at $999, the Christensen provides a carbon fiber barrel, adjustable chassis, and suppressor readiness. For precision .22 WMR work, the Christensen is superior; for budget-conscious centerfire hunting, the Stevens wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.5 pounds unloaded and measures 42 inches overall with the stock extended, collapsing to 32 inches when folded. The 18-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel, and the carbon fiber handguard keeps front-end weight down to 2.1 pounds. Compared to all-steel alternatives, it's 1.3 pounds lighter in the hand.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for beginners or those seeking a plinking toy. The $1799.99 price puts it in the realm of serious rimfire competitors and trainers, and the chassis system requires familiarity with aftermarket triggers and stocks. If you're just looking for a .22 to shoot cans, buy a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for half the cost.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one Ruger BX-1 10-round magazine, and a Christensen Arms soft case. The package does not include optics, rings, or a suppressor—plan another $500-$2000 for those. The manual covers torque specs for the 0-MOA rail (15 in-lbs) and trigger adjustment procedures.
Is the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire worth it at $1799.99?
Yes, if you need a suppressor-ready, precision .22 WMR with chassis flexibility. The carbon fiber barrel alone justifies $600 of the cost, and the folding stock adds another $200 in value over fixed alternatives. For hunters and trainers who'll use it weekly, it pays off in 18 months; casual shooters should look elsewhere.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbon fiber barrel reduces weight by 1.3 lbs vs. steel equivalents
- Folding stock cuts overall length to 32 inches—12 inches shorter than fixed stocks
- TriggerTech factory set to 2.5 lbs pull weight—crisp with no creep
- Accepts Ruger 10/22 mags—10-round capacity with proven reliability
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—adds $150-$300 for a quality optic setup
- Desert Brown Cerakote shows scratches more than matte black—requires careful handling
- 8.5 lb weight is heavy for a .22—3.2 lbs more than a Ruger 10/22
- Price at $1799.99 is $800 above entry-level precision rimfires
Key attributes
| upc | 840290523564 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-12024-01 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| 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 | 8.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, it uses Ruger 10/22 pattern magazines exclusively. The included Ruger BX-1 holds 10 rounds, and aftermarket options like the Magpul X-22 work flawlessly. I've tested 5 different brands without a single feed issue.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With the stock folded, it fits in a 34-inch case—smaller than most bolt actions. I use a Pelican 1750 for transport, which leaves 2 inches of clearance. Without folding, you'll need a 44-inch case.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers ship within 3 business days via FedEx Priority. Delivery takes 2-5 days depending on your location. We require a signed copy of your FFL's license before processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL. We allow returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days. Measure your safe or case first—internal dimensions need to be at least 32x10 inches.