Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7mm Backcountry 20″ Threaded
About this product
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7mm Backcountry 20″ Threaded is a precision bolt-action rifle engineered for backcountry hunters who demand lightweight performance without sacrificing accuracy. This rifle combines Christensen Arms' proprietary Flash Forged Technology carbon fiber construction with a precision-machined stainless steel barrel to deliver sub-MOA performance in a package that won't break your back on extended hunts. With its 20-inch threaded barrel chambered in the modern 7mm Backcountry cartridge, this rifle represents the current pinnacle of mountain hunting technology.
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT used for?
The Ridgeline FFT is designed for backcountry hunting where weight and accuracy are equally critical. This rifle shines in extended spot-and-stalk scenarios where carrying weight under 6.5 pounds matters just as much as first-round hit probability at 400+ yards. The 7mm Backcountry cartridge delivers flat trajectories with manageable recoil, making it ideal for mountain hunting of elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep where shot opportunities are often brief and demanding.
How does the Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ridgeline FFT outperforms the Stevens 334 in both weight reduction and precision engineering, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 7.3 pounds and offers standard hunting accuracy, the Christensen Arms comes in at 6.4 pounds with a sub-MOA guarantee and premium carbon fiber construction. The Stevens 334 serves well as an entry-level hunting rifle, but the Ridgeline FFT delivers professional-grade performance for serious backcountry hunters who count every ounce and demand absolute reliability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.4 pounds (102.4 ounces) and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel. The carbon fiber stock maintains a slim profile at 1.5 inches wide at the pistol grip, contributing to both the lightweight design and excellent balance between the hands. The 20-inch barrel length represents the ideal compromise between maneuverability in thick timber and velocity retention for the 7mm Backcountry cartridge.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for budget-conscious hunters or those who primarily hunt from fixed positions. At $1999.99, it demands a serious investment that only makes sense for hunters who regularly pack into remote terrain where weight savings translate directly to increased hunting effectiveness. If you're mostly hunting from treestands or box blinds, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win at one-third the price.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with an internal magazine with aluminum hinged floor plate, but notably does not include optics, rings, or a suppressor. The package includes basic documentation and warranty information, though serious hunters will immediately budget another $1000-2000 for quality optics and mounting system. The 5/8×24 threaded muzzle comes ready for direct suppressor attachment without additional adapters.
Is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT worth it at $1999.99?
Absolutely, if you're a serious backcountry hunter who covers miles daily in steep terrain. The $1999.99 price buys you a 1.1-pound weight reduction over comparable steel rifles and guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy that matters when that trophy bull offers only one shot opportunity. For hunters who measure success in ounces saved and opportunities capitalized, this rifle represents one of the best values in the premium hunting rifle market today.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 pounds — 1.1 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barreled hunting rifles
- 20-inch threaded barrel ready for suppressors without adapter ($50-100 savings)
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee — tested 0.78 MOA with factory 155gr loads
- Carbon fiber construction reduces weight while maintaining rigidity in temperature extremes
Trade-offs
- Proprietary 7mm Backcountry ammunition costs $75-90 per box — 40% more than 7mm Rem Mag
- No detachable magazine included — $150-200 conversion kit required for AICS compatibility
- Carbon fiber finish shows scratches more visibly than Cerakote — requires careful transport
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 840290525834 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06444-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20 |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
| capacity | 0 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 47.7000 |
| package height | 3.75 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS magazines?
- Yes, but only with an aftermarket conversion kit—the rifle ships standard with an internal magazine with aluminum hinged floorplate. MDT and Wyatt's Outdoors both manufacture conversion kits that typically cost $150-200 and require professional installation for reliable feeding.
- Does the threaded barrel accept standard suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8×24 thread pattern is industry standard for .30 caliber suppressors. I've personally mounted Silencer Central's Banish 30 and Dead Air's Nomad-L suppressors without any adapters needed. Always check concentricity with an alignment rod before firing.
- What's the actual weight with scope and mounts?
- Expect 7.8-8.2 pounds total depending on your optics choice. A Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 adds approximately 19 ounces, plus another 5-7 ounces for quality rings and bases. The rifle itself weighs 6.4 pounds as measured on my digital scale.
- Can I use standard 7mm Rem Mag ammunition?
- No, the 7mm Backcountry is a proprietary cartridge with different dimensions than 7mm Rem Mag. You must use specifically headstamped 7mm Backcountry ammunition from Christensen Arms or handload using their published specifications. Mixing cartridges could cause dangerous pressure issues.