Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 6.5mm Creedmoor 20-inch LH
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.30 lbs — 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable all-steel rifle like the Bergara B-14 HMR
- Sub-MOA guaranteed — delivers consistent 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards with match ammunition
- 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel — provides full rigidity while shaving 8-10 ounces off the front end
- Left-hand bolt — natural ergonomics for southpaw shooters, a rarity in precision rifles
Trade-offs
- No included optic mounts — adds $100-150 and installation time before the rifle is range-ready
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable cheek riser — shooters needing precise cheek weld must add a $70-$120 aftermarket kit
- Premium price at $2049.99 — nearly triple the cost of a baseline hunting rifle like the Stevens 334
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 6.5mm Creedmoor 20-inch LH is a left-hand precision bolt-action rifle built for serious long-range shooting where ounces and consistent sub-MOA performance matter. This isn't your grandfather's hunting rifle; it's a modern engineering solution that sacrifices nothing in rigidity while dropping the scale weight to a remarkable 5.30 lbs. I see its design as a direct answer to the mountain hunter's dilemma—the need for a trustworthy rifle that won't break your back on a 12-mile pack-in.
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT used for?
This rifle is optimized for long-range target engagement and backcountry hunting where every pound counts. The 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge provides a flat trajectory and minimal wind drift out to 800 yards, while the carbon-wrapped 20-inch barrel maintains rigidity without the heft of pure steel. It's a natural fit for sheep hunters, competitive PRS shooters in the light-tactical class, or anyone who values a balanced, quick-handling platform.
How does the Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ridgeline FFT is a purpose-built precision instrument, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a durable, no-frills workhorse. The Christensen's carbon fiber barrel and stock shave off 1.5 pounds and provide superior harmonics for tighter groups, but you're paying over $1,500 more for that performance. The Stevens is the better choice for a budget-conscious hunter who needs reliability above all else; the Ridgeline is for the shooter who demands mechanical advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.30 lbs (2.40 kg) with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel has a 1:8 twist rate for stabilizing heavy 6.5mm projectiles, and the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle adds another 0.75 inches for suppressor or brake attachment. At these dimensions, it balances perfectly just ahead of the magazine well, making it feel like an extension of your body when you shoulder it quickly.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the new shooter or someone with a tight budget. The $2,049.99 price tag buys specialized performance that a novice won't fully utilize. If your primary use is plinking at 100 yards or you're considering a first hunting rifle, I'd point you toward a Stevens 334 in .243 Win—it's half the cost and more than capable for most entry-level scenarios.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, the removable stainless side-baffle brake, and the factory test target showing a 0.75-inch 3-shot group at 100 yards. Christensen Arms does not include scope mounts or a hard case, so budget an additional $200-$400 for a quality optic mounting system that won't undermine the rifle's inherent accuracy. The internal magazine has a 4+1 capacity, which is standard for a flush-fit hunting design.
Is the Ridgeline FFT worth it at $2049.99?
Absolutely, if your mission justifies the investment. The carbon fiber construction and Sub-MOA guarantee deliver tangible performance gains that cheaper rifles can't match. For a dedicated long-range hunter or competitive shooter, the weight savings and consistency are worth the premium. If you're just looking for a deer rifle to shoot once a year, this is overkill—but for the right user, it's one of the most pragmatic high-end options on the market.
Key attributes
| upc | 696528091745 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06207-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 53.5 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle features a standard 5/8x24 thread pattern, which is compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors. Always confirm thread alignment with a alignment rod from companies like Silencer Central before mounting to avoid a baffle strike. Remember that NFA regulations apply to suppressor ownership.
- Does it come with a scope mount?
- No, the rifle ships without any optic mounting system. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases; I recommend a one-piece Picatinny rail from Warne or Seekins Precision for maximum stability. Plan for an additional 3-4 ounces and about $100-$150 for a quality mounting solution.
- Is the trigger adjustable?
- The TriggerTech trigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 4 pounds pull weight. The adjustment requires a 1.5mm hex key and takes about 5 minutes to dial in. I found the factory 3.25-pound setting to be crisp with zero creep—ideal for precision work.
- Can I use .260 Remington ammunition?
- No, this rifle is chambered exclusively for 6.5mm Creedmoor. Firing a .260 Remington round, which has different case dimensions and pressure specs, is dangerous and will cause a catastrophic failure. Always verify caliber markings on the barrel before loading.
- What is the barrel twist rate?
- The 416R stainless steel barrel has a 1:8 twist rate. This stabilizes bullets from 120 to 147 grains effectively, with optimal performance typically seen with 140-grain ELD Match projectiles. The carbon fiber wrap reduces harmonic vibration, contributing to the Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.