Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 6.5 PRC 20-inch Burnt Bronze
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb (99.2 oz) unloaded — critically light for mountain hunting
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with factory match ammo — verified performance
- Carbon-wrapped 20-inch barrel reduces weight by ~1.5 lb vs a standard steel contour
- 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle — direct suppressor compatibility without adapters
Trade-offs
- 6.5 PRC ammo costs $2.80-$4.00 per round — high practice cost compared to .308 Winchester
- Lightweight design increases felt recoil — requires proper technique and may benefit from a muzzle brake
- Flush-fit magazine only holds 4 rounds — low capacity for some shooting disciplines
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 6.5 PRC 20-inch Burnt Bronze? It's a lightweight, precision hunting rifle built for mountain hunters who need to make first-round hits at extended ranges without carrying unnecessary weight. This rifle combines a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel with a flash-forged stock to achieve a 6.2 lb unloaded weight while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy. For shooters traversing steep terrain or stalking elk in open country, this rifle represents a specific engineering solution to a specific ballistic and physical challenge.
What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 6.5 PRC 20-inch used for?
The Ridgeline FFT is engineered for Western big-game hunting where shot distances routinely exceed 400 yards and every ounce in your pack matters. Its 6.5 PRC chambering provides ballistic performance superior to .308 Winchester at range, with less recoil than magnum cartridges like .300 Win Mag. The 20-inch barrel and 4+1 magazine capacity reflect a deliberate design for mobility rather than sustained fire, making it ideal for single-opportunity shots on animals like mule deer or elk across canyons.
How does the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334?
The Ridgeline FFT is a purpose-built, lightweight precision instrument, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a budget-conscious, durable workhorse rifle. The Christensen rifle weighs approximately 2.3 lb less (6.2 lb vs 8.5 lb for the Stevens), features a carbon-wrapped barrel for rigidity and weight savings, and carries a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee the Stevens does not match. For hunters covering serious vertical feet who require maximum ballistic performance, the Christensen is objectively better; for those prioritizing simple reliability and lower ammo cost in thick timber, the Stevens remains a valid choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.2 lb (99.2 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 40.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 20-inch barrel features a 5/8"-24 thread pitch at the muzzle, allowing direct attachment of muzzle devices or suppressors with a common thread pattern. The 1-in-9-inch twist rate stabilizes the long, high-BC bullets favored by the 6.5 PRC cartridge, such as the 147-grain ELD-M, which is critical for maintaining energy and accuracy beyond 500 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters, casual range plinkers, or hunters operating exclusively in dense Eastern woods where shots rarely exceed 100 yards. The 6.5 PRC ammunition costs nearly double that of .308 Winchester, and the rifle's lightweight construction transmits more felt recoil than heavier models, requiring proper shooting technique. If your hunting involves sitting in a box blind or you prioritize high-volume, low-cost practice, consider a more conventional platform like a Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one flush-fit 4-round AICS-pattern detachable magazine, and the manufacturer's documentation including the sub-MOA accuracy test target. The rifle ships without optics, rings, or a sling—common practice for firearms at this price point—so budget an additional $800-$2,000 for a capable scope and mount. The total package weight in its factory carton is approximately 9.5 lb, which is important for calculating shipping costs if ordering online.
Is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT worth it at $2,099.99?
At $2,099.99, this rifle justifies its price if you specifically need its combination of extreme lightweight construction and long-range precision. You are paying for advanced materials (carbon fiber wrapping, flash-forged stock) and labor-intensive manufacturing processes that save ounces without sacrificing accuracy. For a hunter who will cover 5+ miles a day at altitude, the weight savings directly translate to less fatigue and potentially more successful hunts. If you don't need that specific performance envelope, a $900 rifle will kill game just as dead at shorter distances.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290526398 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06494-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 20-inch barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel features a standard 5/8"-24 thread pattern at the muzzle, which is the most common thread pitch for .30 caliber and 6.5mm suppressors from brands like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire. You can install a muzzle device or direct-thread a compatible suppressor without requiring an adapter, provided the suppressor is rated for the 6.5 PRC cartridge's pressure and velocity.
- Does it use standard AICS magazines?
- Yes, it uses a detachable magazine system based on the AICS pattern. The rifle ships with one flush-fit 4-round polymer magazine. Aftermarket metal AICS-pattern magazines from companies like Accuracy International, Magpul, or Accurate-Mag will function, but verify fit with the specific magazine well dimensions as some brands have slight dimensional variations.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items shipped within the continental United States, processing and transit typically take 3-5 business days from order confirmation to arrival at your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Delivery times can extend to 7-10 business days for locations in Alaska, Hawaii, or during peak holiday seasons. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide them with the tracking number and ensure they are ready to receive the shipment.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet the guarantee?
- Christensen Arms guarantees the rifle will shoot a 3-shot group measuring 1 MOA or less with specific factory match-grade ammunition. If your rifle fails to do so with the recommended ammo, you must contact Christensen Arms directly within their warranty period—they will not accept returns to the retailer for accuracy issues. Their standard procedure involves requesting you ship the rifle to their facility for inspection and potential repair or barrel replacement, a process that typically takes 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with a standard bipod like a Harris?
- The stock features a standard sling swivel stud at the forend, which is compatible with most common bipod mounting systems, including the Harris HBRMS series that uses a swivel-stud attachment. For heavier bipods or precision shooting platforms like an Atlas, you may need to install a Picatinny rail section (like one from Area 419) to the stock's forend, which involves drilling and tapping two additional holes.