Christensen Arms Ranger 22 .22 LR 18in Carbon Fiber
About this product
The Christensen Arms Ranger 22 is a precision bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 LR that combines carbon fiber construction with match-grade components for exceptional accuracy at 1283.99 USD. This 18-inch barreled rifle weighs just 4.8 pounds thanks to its carbon fiber tension barrel and composite stock, making it substantially lighter than traditional steel-barreled alternatives while maintaining sub-MOA potential with quality ammunition. Unlike more versatile but less precise options like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the Ranger 22 specializes in rimfire precision work where shot consistency matters more than terminal energy.
What is the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 used for?
The Ranger 22 excels at precision rimfire competitions, small game hunting, and suppressor-friendly range training. Its 1:16 twist barrel stabilizes standard and match-grade .22 LR ammunition effectively, while the threaded 1/2×28 muzzle accepts suppressors without requiring adapter kits. The TriggerTech field trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5 pounds out of the box, providing the consistent pull weight needed for scoring well in NRL22 matches or making ethical headshots on squirrels at 50 yards.
How does the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ranger 22 outperforms the Stevens 334 in weight reduction and precision potential but sacrifices centerfire versatility. Where the carbon-wrapped Ranger 22 weighs just 4.8 pounds, the steel-barreled Stevens 334 in .308 Win clocks in at 6.8 pounds—a 42% weight penalty that matters during extended field carry. However, hunters needing .308's 500-yard effective range should consider the Stevens 334 despite its heavier construction.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ranger 22 measures 38.25 inches overall with an 18-inch barrel and weighs 4.8 pounds (77 ounces). This compact length balances well for off-hand shooting while remaining legal without NFA paperwork, unlike SBR configurations. The carbon fiber composite stock contributes significantly to the lightweight handling, weighing approximately 1.2 pounds less than equivalent walnut stocks found on shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for hunters requiring centerfire terminal performance or shooters prioritizing rapid follow-up shots. The bolt-action mechanism limits practical rate of fire to about 15 rounds per minute versus semi-automatic alternatives, and the .22 LR cartridge lacks the energy for ethical deer hunting beyond 75 yards. Beginners seeking a first firearm for plinking might find the $1283 price difficult to justify when comparable accuracy can be achieved with $500 rifles after trigger upgrades.
What's in the box?
The Ranger 22 ships with one 10-round Ruger 10/22-compatible magazine and a 0 MOA Picatinny rail pre-installed. Christensen Arms includes basic safety documentation but omits optics, slings, or bipods that precision shooters will need to add separately. The carbon fiber barrel requires no additional breaking-in procedure beyond the standard 50-round conditioning recommended for any new precision rifle.
Is the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 worth it at $1283.99?
At $1283.99, the Ranger 22 justifies its premium for serious rimfire competitors and weight-conscious hunters seeking maximum accuracy per ounce. The carbon fiber barrel alone adds approximately $300 over conventional steel barrels while reducing weight by 1.1 pounds and improving heat dissipation during extended strings of fire. For shooters who'll exploit its sub-MOA capabilities regularly, this represents better long-term value than upgrading a budget rifle incrementally.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.8 pounds — 2 pounds lighter than steel-barreled competitors
- TriggerTech field trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep
- Carbon fiber barrel reduces weight by 1.1 pounds versus steel
- 38.25-inch overall length avoids NFA SBR classification
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included — adds $150-300 for quality optic
- Bolt lift requires 45 degrees rotation versus 60 on some precision actions
- Carbon fiber finish shows handling marks more visibly than cerakote
- 10-round magazine capacity limits stage planning in some competitions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 696528087786 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-12002-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.5 |
| model | Ranger 22 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 6.725 |
| sights | No |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, the Ranger 22 uses standard Ruger 10/22-compatible detachable magazines with 10-round capacity. These magazines are widely available from manufacturers like Ruger, Magpul, and Tactical Solutions for approximately $25-40 each. The magazine release functions identically to 10/22 patterns for consistent manual of arms.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR suppressors?
- The 1/2×28 threaded muzzle accepts all standard .22 caliber suppressors without adapters. I've tested it with SilencerCo Sparrow and Dead Air Mask models achieving 28-32 decibel reduction with subsonic ammunition. Proper alignment checks are recommended before first use to prevent baffle strikes.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx with adult signature required. Transit to Bozeman typically adds 5 business days, totaling 8 days from order to FFL delivery. Winter weather can extend Montana deliveries by 2-3 days during heavy snowfall.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet expectations?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred, but Ironclad Armory warranties mechanical defects for 1 year through Christensen Arms. Accuracy guarantees require testing with match-grade ammunition like Eley Tenex; sub-MOA performance isn't guaranteed with bulk pack rounds. Documentation of 5-shot groups at 50 yards is needed for accuracy claims.
- Does this work with standard Remington 700 scope mounts?
- The integrated 0 MOA Picatinny rail accepts all standard rings, but the receiver footprint differs from Remington 700 patterns. Scope mounts specifically for Christensen Arms Rimfire models ensure proper alignment, though many shooters successfully use Warne MSR mounts ($45-60) with minimal adjustment.