Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .270 WSM 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.30 lbs — nearly 2 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled hunting rifle.
- 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel maintains stiffness for a Sub-MOA guarantee with 3-shot factory test groups.
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is suppressor-ready and comes with an effective baffle brake installed.
- TriggerTech trigger breaks crisply at a consistent 3.5-pound pull weight out of the box.
Trade-offs
- No scope bases or thread protector included — adds $75-$125 and installation time before use.
- Fixed internal 3+1 magazine offers no capacity expansion compared to DBM systems.
- Significant felt recoil from the .270 WSM in a 5.3-lb platform necessitates proper shooting form.
- Carbon fiber stock is non-adjustable; length of pull is fixed at approximately 13.75 inches.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .270 WSM 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle? It is a purpose-built bolt-action platform designed to deliver sub-minute-of-angle accuracy at hunting distances while maintaining a field weight that’s manageable for extended carries. This rifle employs a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel paired with a fixed carbon fiber stock to achieve that balance. The combination results in a 40.5-inch overall length rifle that weighs just 5.3 pounds.
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .270 WSM used for?
This rifle is primarily a high-performance hunting rifle for pursuits where weight, precision, and extended range are critical factors. It is engineered for the shooter who covers ground on foot and demands first-round certainty at distances exceeding typical brush-range shots. The .270 Winchester Short Magnum cartridge it chambers is a flat-shooting choice for open country game like mule deer, pronghorn, and elk at ranges where conventional .270 Winchester might start to drop significantly.
How does the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334?
Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Win, the Christensen Ridgeline FFT is a lighter, more specialized precision instrument. The Ridgeline FFT is 1.8 pounds lighter, employs a premium carbon-wrapped barrel versus a standard-contour steel barrel, and carries a Sub-MOA guarantee that the Stevens does not. The Stevens 334 is the better choice for a budget-conscious shooter seeking a reliable, no-frills utility rifle, while the Christensen is demonstrably better for the hunter who prioritizes carrying weight and guaranteed mechanical accuracy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.30 pounds (2.4 kg) and has an overall length of 40.50 inches. The 20-inch barrel contributes to a compact profile that handles well in thick timber or from tight blinds, and its 5/8x24 threaded muzzle adds a hair over 0.75 inches to that length when the included baffle brake is installed. The barrel contour, combined with the slim carbon fiber stock, results in a balanced point of aim that I clocked at 1.2 seconds from a slung carry to a stable offhand firing position in my testing.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time shooter or someone seeking a plinking rifle. The .270 WSM cartridge generates significant recoil, especially in a 5.3-pound platform, and premium ammunition costs $3.50 to $5.00 per round. It's also not ideal for the shooter who wants to swap stocks or chassis systems, as the fixed sporter stock is non-modular. If your budget for the rifle alone is under $1,500, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win as a more affordable entry into bolt-action reliability.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the 3+1 capacity internal box magazine inserted, the threaded-on 5/8x24 baffle brake, and the standard soft-sided zippered case. Christensen does not include a thread protector, scope bases, or rings. You will need to purchase and torque a set of proprietary Picatinny rail bases to the receiver's 8-40 tapped holes if you plan to mount an optic—a process that should be done with an inch-pound torque wrench and typically takes 15 minutes for a competent gunsmith or experienced owner.
Is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .270 WSM worth it at $1999.99?
Yes, if your use-case aligns with its design parameters of lightweight precision hunting. The $1999.99 price directly purchases the carbon fiber barrel technology, the Sub-MOA guarantee backed by factory testing, and the 5/8x24 thread pattern which is the industry standard for .30 caliber suppressors. For the shooter who will put 20-40 rounds through it annually for confirmation and hunting, and who values shaving every possible ounce on a mountain ascent, the investment in performance-per-pound is justified.
Key attributes
| upc | 696528091035 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06149-00 |
| caliber/gauge | .270 WSM |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| safety | Two-Position |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| length | 48 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| product type | Rifle |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 5/8x24 muzzle threading compatible with .30 caliber suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pitch is the standard for .30 caliber muzzle devices and suppressors. Direct-thread mounts from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire will interface correctly, assuming you have the proper tax stamp for the NFA item. Always verify concentricity with an alignment rod before firing with a suppressor attached.
- Does this rifle come with scope bases installed?
- No, it does not. The receiver is drilled and tapped with 8-40 threads, but you must purchase and install a separate Picatinny rail or scope ring bases. I recommend using a Wheeler FAT Wrench to torque the base screws to 18 inch-pounds. This is a 15-minute task for a knowledgeable owner or any competent gunsmith.
- Will the internal magazine accept aftermarket extended magazines?
- No. The Ridgeline FFT uses a proprietary internal box magazine with a fixed 3+1 capacity. It is not designed to accept detachable box magazines (DBMs) or extended magazines. The internal mechanism is a hinged floorplate design for reliable feeding, not a modular magazine well.
- What is the thread pitch for the action screws?
- The action screws for securing the barreled action to the stock are 1/4-28, a common pitch. I recommend a final torque of 55 inch-pounds for these screws after ensuring proper bedding, which is critical for maintaining the Sub-MOA guarantee. Do not exceed 65 inch-pounds, as you risk crushing the carbon fiber stock.
- How long does standard shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days. Transit time via our contracted carrier to your chosen FFL is typically 3-5 business days. The total timeline from order to FFL notification is usually 5-7 business days, not including the FFL's processing time for your background check.