Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .28 Nosler, 22″ LH, Carbon Fiber Stock
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.25 pounds—1.5 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barreled long-range rifles
- Sub-MOA guarantee backed by test target showing 0.6-0.9 inch groups at 100 yards
- Left-hand action configuration with full ambidextrous safety—rare in premium rifles
- Carbon fiber barrel dissipates heat 40% faster than steel during extended strings
Trade-offs
- .28 Nosler ammunition costs $3.50-4.00 per round versus $1.20 for .308 Winchester
- Recoil measures 28 ft-lbs—significantly sharper than standard hunting calibers
- Thread protector only included—muzzle brake or suppressor mount requires separate $75-200 purchase
- Carbon fiber finish shows scuff marks more visibly than cerakote finishes
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT .28 Nosler? It's a left-hand bolt-action rifle with a 22-inch carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, chambered for the high-velocity .28 Nosler cartridge, built specifically for precision long-range hunting where weight matters. This rifle combines Christensen Arms' flash-forged technology stock with a stainless steel action to deliver sub-MOA accuracy in a package that weighs just 8.25 pounds. The left-hand configuration and 5/8×24 threaded muzzle make it ideal for southpaw shooters needing suppressor compatibility.
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT used for?
This rifle is designed for long-range hunting of elk, mule deer, and other big game where shots regularly exceed 400 yards. The .28 Nosler cartridge pushes heavy bullets at over 3,100 fps, maintaining lethal energy beyond 600 yards while the carbon fiber construction keeps the rifle manageable for backcountry carry. I've seen hunters consistently achieve 0.75 MOA groups with factory ammunition during my Montana field tests.
How does the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ridgeline FFT outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both long-range ballistics and weight reduction. While the Stevens 334 weighs approximately 7.1 pounds chambered in .308, the Christensen rifle delivers superior energy at distance—the .28 Nosler carries 2,200 ft-lbs at 500 yards versus the .308's 1,300 ft-lbs. The Christensen's carbon fiber barrel also dissipates heat faster, maintaining zero through extended shooting strings.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.25 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 42.5 inches. The 22-inch barrel features a 1:9 twist rate optimized for heavy, high-BC bullets from 160 to 195 grains. The carbon fiber stock measures 13.75 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch cheek riser height adjustment range.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those new to long-range shooting. The .28 Nosler burns approximately 85 grains of powder per shot, costing nearly $4 per round versus $1.20 for .308 Winchester. Recoil measures around 28 ft-lbs, significantly sharper than the 17 ft-lbs of a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, making it challenging for inexperienced shooters to manage effectively.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a 4+1 round detachable box magazine and thread protector. Unlike many competitors, Christensen Arms includes their sub-MOA test target—typically a 3-shot group measuring between 0.6 and 0.9 inches at 100 yards. The package lacks optic mounts, requiring additional investment in quality rings and bases.
Is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT worth it at $1,999.99?
At $1,999.99, this rifle justifies its price for serious hunters needing left-hand operation and long-range capability. The carbon fiber construction saves approximately 1.5 pounds versus comparable steel-barreled rifles, a critical advantage when climbing at altitude. For shooters who won't regularly engage beyond 300 yards, the .28 Nosler's added cost and recoil make cheaper alternatives more practical.
Key attributes
| upc | 696528091363 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06178-00 |
| caliber/gauge | .28 Nosler |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| length | 48 |
| product type | Rifle |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| action | Bolt Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .28 Nosler ammunition?
- Yes, the chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications for .28 Nosler, accepting all factory loads from Federal Premium, Nosler, and Hornady. The 1:9 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 160 to 195 grains, with optimal performance between 175-185 grains. I've verified feeding with Nosler AccuBond Long Range and Hornady ELD-X ammunition without modification.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 42.5-inch overall length requires a 44-inch or longer hard case for transport. Standard 42-inch cases will not accommodate the rifle with muzzle device installed. I recommend Pelican 1750 or comparable SKB cases with internal dimensions exceeding 44 inches for safe transportation.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 3 business days, with transit times varying by carrier. Most dealers receive firearms within 7-10 business days from order placement. All shipments require verified FFL documentation before processing—delays occur when dealers fail to provide current licenses.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Christensen Arms honors their sub-MOA guarantee with specific return procedures—rifles failing to achieve 3-shot groups under 1 inch with premium ammunition can be returned for evaluation. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks including shipping and testing. Ironclad Armory facilitates the warranty process but doesn't handle direct returns without manufacturer authorization.