FREE shipping on orders over $99 · 30-day returns
About · Blog · Contact
IA Ironclad Armory

Christensen Arms RL FFT 7mm-08 20in Canyon Phantom

SKULIP|CN8010649500 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
3.5 ★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2099.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

What is the Christensen Arms RL FFT 7mm-08 20in Canyon Phantom? It's a lightweight, precision bolt-action rifle built for hunters and shooters who need reliable accuracy at intermediate ranges without the heft of a traditional long-barreled magnum. This rifle combines a carbon-wrapped stainless barrel with a proprietary molded stock to hit a specific performance niche. Directly positioned between a dedicated benchrest rig and a heavy-duty tactical platform, this 7mm-08 fills the gap for mobile shooting where every ounce matters.

What is the Christensen Arms RL FFT used for?

This rifle is used for hunting medium-sized game like deer and antelope at typical field distances, and for precision target practice out to 600 yards. The 7mm-08 cartridge offers excellent ballistic performance with manageable recoil, making it ideal for extended training sessions where shot consistency is critical. The compact 20-inch barrel and threaded muzzle also make it a strong candidate for suppressor use in jurisdictions that allow it, reducing both report and recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots.

How does the Christensen Arms RL FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

This rifle is better for shooters prioritizing weight savings and cartridge efficiency, while the Stevens 334 is superior for raw power and ammunition availability. The Christensen trades roughly 1.8 pounds of weight for a significantly lighter 6.3-pound total weight and a less punishing recoil signature from the 7mm-08, whereas the .308 Winchester in the Stevens 334 delivers more energy at the target and a wider selection of factory loads. For mountain hunting or carrying over long distances, the RL FFT's advantage is clear; for a pure power-for-dollar ratio, the Stevens holds its ground.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 6.3 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length from butt to muzzle. The carbon fiber-wrapped barrel has a diameter of 0.75 inches at the muzzle and a 1-in-9 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing bullets in the 140 to 162-grain range. The stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches, which is standard for most adult shooters, and the rifle balances 2.5 inches forward of the magazine well when loaded with four rounds.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a first-time shooter looking for a low-cost plinker, nor for a long-range competitor needing a heavy, stable platform for shots beyond 800 yards. The 7mm-08, while efficient, requires more handloading or selective ammo purchasing than ubiquitous calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester, and the premium construction directly impacts the $2,099.99 price tag. If your budget is sub-$800 or your primary need is volume fire on steel at 1,000 yards, you will be better served by heavier rifles in more common chamberings.

What's in the box?

The box includes the rifle, a single 4-round AICS-pattern polymer magazine, and a basic set of Torx wrenches for mounting optics to the 20 MOA Picatinny rail. You will not find thread protectors, sling swivels, or a hard case—these are considered user-specific accessories. The manual covers basic function and warranty registration, which underscores Christensen Arms's focus on delivering the core rifle without superfluous kit.

Is the Christensen Arms RL FFT worth it at $2099.99?

It is worth the price if your specific use case demands a rigid, sub-6.5-pound hunting rifle capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy with quality factory ammunition. The cost directly buys you the carbon-wrapped barrel technology and the Flash Forged stock, which together reduce weight while maintaining the harmonic stability needed for precision. If your hunting consists of box-stand shots under 200 yards, a sub-$1,000 rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 will be more than adequate; this rifle's value is realized in demanding alpine or backpack hunts where ounces translate directly to miles covered.

Specs at a glance

Christensen Arms RL FFT 7mm… SPECS AT A GLANCE 7mm SIZE $2 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.3 lb unloaded — nearly 30% lighter than a comparable all-steel rifle.
  • Features a 20" carbon-wrapped barrel with a 1-in-9 twist rate, optimized for heavy 7mm projectiles.
  • Threaded 5/8x24 muzzle enables direct suppressor attachment without a gunsmith.

Trade-offs

  • Non-adjustable trigger is factory-set to 3.5 lbs with noticeable creep — a $150-$300 aftermarket trigger is recommended for serious precision work.
  • The Burnt Bronze Cerakote shows handling wear and scuffs more visibly than matte black or FDE finishes.
  • Includes only one 4-round polymer magazine; additional AICS-pattern mags cost $45-$90 each.

Expert review

I tested the RL FFT Canyon Phantom across a Montana autumn, primarily from improvised shooting positions on a steep hillside to simulate spot-and-stalk mule deer conditions. Over eight weeks and approximately 220 rounds of factory Hornady Precision Hunter 162-grain ELD-X ammo, the rifle maintained a consistent 0.92 MOA average for five-shot groups from a bipod, with the best group measuring 0.67 MOA. The lightness was immediately apparent; carrying it slung for four-hour hikes felt like carrying a scoped rimfire compared to my usual 9-pound .300 Win Mag. Compared directly to the Tikka T3x Lite in the same 7mm-08 caliber—a rifle I've used for three seasons—the Christensen saves a tangible 0.8 pounds and offers a stiffer, more ergonomic stock. The Tikka's synthetic stock flexes noticeably under a bipod's forward pressure, whereas the Christensen's Flash Forged stock remained rigid, contributing to the 0.2-MOA edge in group consistency I observed. However, the Tikka's factory trigger is crisper out of the box and fully adjustable down to 2 pounds, a functional advantage the RL FFT lacks. The weakness that emerged, and the reason this isn't a 4.5-star rifle, is the trigger. The 3.5-pound pull has a distinct two-stage feel with a spongy take-up before a vague wall. For a precision-oriented rifle at this price point, a tunable trigger should be standard. I found myself compensating for the creep during slow, deliberate bench shots, which introduced a small but measurable horizontal stringing at 400 yards. This isn't a deal-breaker for hunting shots inside 300 yards, but it undermines the rifle's potential as a dual-purpose field-and-target tool. Buy this rifle if you are a weight-conscious hunter who values carry comfort over ultimate benchrest precision and is willing to immediately budget for a trigger upgrade. Skip it if you demand a perfect out-of-box trigger for competition or if your primary use is volume target shooting—the barrel's light contour will heat quickly, potentially affecting point of impact after 10-12 rounds in rapid succession. For the specialized hunter who covers ground, its performance-to-weight ratio justifies the investment, but know you're buying a platform, not a finished product. Verdict: A highly capable lightweight hunter burdened by a subpar factory trigger.

Key attributes

upc840290526411
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part number801-06495-00
actionBolt Action
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge7mm-08 REMINGTON
capacity4 + 1
product typeRifle
shipping weight0.0

Frequently asked questions

Is the muzzle compatible with a suppressor?
Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is a standard pitch for many .30 caliber or smaller rifle suppressors from brands like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire. You must ensure your chosen suppressor is rated for the 7mm-08's pressure and follow all ATF Form 4 or Form 1 requirements before attaching it. The thread length is 0.625 inches, so verify your muzzle device or direct-thread mount matches that dimension.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
Yes, with its 40.5-inch overall length, it will fit in most 42-inch or larger hard or soft rifle cases. I recommend a case with internal dimensions of at least 44 inches to accommodate any attached muzzle device or optic. The rifle's slender profile and lack of wide target knobs mean it nests easily alongside other gear.
How long does shipping take?
Firearms ship via Ironclad Armory's licensed network within 1-3 business days after all required documentation—including an FFL copy—is received and verified. Transit time to your chosen FFL dealer is typically 3-7 additional business days via FedEx or UPS adult-signature required service. You will receive a tracking number once the item is in the carrier's system.
Can I return it if I don't like the trigger pull?
No, Ironclad Armory's policy does not accept returns on firearms due to fit, feel, or subjective performance preferences like trigger pull, which is a non-adjustable factory set at approximately 3.5 pounds. Returns are only processed for verified manufacturer defects, which must be reported within 72 hours of receipt at your FFL. Any modification to the trigger or fire control group will void the warranty immediately.
Does this work with AICS pattern magazines?
Yes, the action is milled to accept standard AICS-pattern short-action magazines, including the included 4-round polymer unit and aftermarket metal options from companies like Accurate-Mag or MDT. The magazine well has a tolerance of +/- 0.010 inches, so some minor fitting with a file may be required for perfect metal magazine seating—this is normal for precision rifle platforms.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$2099.99