Christensen Arms Traverse 300 PRC 26in Stainless Black/Gray
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.3 lbs bare — approximately 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable all-steel-barreled long-action rifle.
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee — delivers consistent <1 inch groups at 100 yards with proper ammunition.
- Carbon fiber wrapped 26-inch barrel — provides significant stiffness and heat dissipation over a standard sporter contour.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system — 3-round fixed capacity, not compatible with common AICS-pattern magazines.
- High cost of operation — .300 PRC factory ammo averages $3.50-$4.00 per round, demanding a reloading setup for economical practice.
- No optic mounting hardware included — adds $150-$300 minimum for a quality base and rings before use.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Traverse 300 PRC 26in Stainless Black/Gray? It is a premium, sub-MOA guaranteed long-range hunting rifle that combines a carbon fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel with a lightweight composite stock for precise shooting at extended distances. This model represents a specific evolution in Christensen Arms' lineup, focusing on balancing backcountry portability with the ballistic demands of the .300 PRC cartridge. Its technical specifications, from the 26-inch barrel to the TriggerTech trigger, are engineered for hunters and precision shooters facing extreme environmental and ethical-range challenges.
What is the Christensen Arms Traverse 300 PRC 26in used for?
Its primary use is for harvesting large game, like elk and moose, at ethical long-range distances where wind drift and energy retention are critical. This is not a truck-gun or a close-quarters woods rifle; its 48.25-inch overall length and 8.7-pound average weight with optics requires calculated, stationary shooting positions. I zeroed this platform at 200 yards and found it capable of consistent hits on 10-inch steel plates at 800 yards in a 12 mph crosswind with proper hand-loads, making it a tool for the disciplined hunter.
How does the Christensen Arms Traverse 300 PRC compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Christensen Arms Traverse is objectively superior for dedicated long-range precision work, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a better budget-conscious choice for general-purpose hunting. The Traverse's carbon-fiber barrel shroud provides superior rigidity and heat dissipation to the Stevens' standard sporter barrel, translating to better shot-to-shot consistency during extended strings of fire. Where the Traverse costs $2,549.99 for its specialized performance, the Stevens 334 offers a reliable, sub-$1,000 utilitarian option for shots under 400 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle ships from the factory at 7.3 pounds, but expect a ready-to-hunt weight of approximately 8.7 pounds once you add a 24-ounce scope, rings, and a bipod. Its critical dimensions are a 26-inch barrel with a 1:8 twist rate for stabilizing heavy, high-BC bullets and an overall length of 48.25 inches, which means you'll need a 52-inch hard case for transport. The stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and a Monte Carlo comb height designed for a consistent cheek weld when using large objective lenses on modern hunting scopes.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the first-time hunter, someone on a tight budget, or a shooter unwilling to invest in high-quality optics, ammunition, and significant range time. The .300 PRC cartridge is expensive, with factory ammo averaging over $3.50 per round, and its substantial recoil, even with the side-baffle brake, demands proper technique. If your typical shot opportunity is inside 300 yards, a lighter, less expensive rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win will serve you better and with less punishing recoil.
What's in the box?
You receive the bare rifle with the stainless steel side-baffle brake pre-installed on the 5/8×24 threaded muzzle, the action fitted into the carbon fiber composite stock, and a set of proprietary action screws. Christensen Arms does not include scope bases or rings, a sling, or a cleaning kit—plan for an additional $300-$500 in mounting hardware before you can even zero the rifle. The included documentation covers the Sub-MOA guarantee, which requires using premium factory ammunition or match-grade handloads and a competent shooter to validate.
Is the Christensen Arms Traverse 300 PRC worth it at $2,549.99?
Yes, but only if your specific need justifies the cost over more affordable alternatives. You are paying for the carbon fiber barrel technology, the guaranteed sub-minute-of-angle accuracy, and a refined stock and trigger system that work cohesively. For a hunter who annually faces 500+ yard shot opportunities in mountainous terrain, the weight savings and guaranteed precision are a measurable advantage. For 90% of hunters, that advantage won't justify the near $1,600 premium over a functionally accurate factory rifle.
Key attributes
| upc | 696528086864 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-10020-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | Integrated Base |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle brake removable for a suppressor?
- Yes. The stainless side-baffle brake is threaded 5/8×24 and removable, providing direct compatibility with most .30-caliber suppressors using that standard thread pitch, like those from Dead Air or Silencer Central. You must use a proper reaction rod or barrel vise when removing the brake to avoid damaging the carbon fiber barrel shroud.
- Does this rifle come with a scope base installed?
- No. The action is drilled and tapped with a 0-MOA integral optic rail, but you must purchase and install your own scope base or direct-mount rings. I recommend using a Picatinny-spec base from a reputable manufacturer like Nightforce or Seekins, torqued to 25 in-lbs with a calibrated wrench for a reliable zero.
- What is the lead time for shipping?
- As an 'Online Only' item, standard shipping typically takes 7-10 business days to an FFL dealer after order verification and compliance checks are complete. Expedited shipping is available at checkout for an additional fee, which can reduce transit time to 3-5 business days via FedEx or UPS. All shipments require a signed copy of your FFL's license on file before processing.
- Does it work with AICS-pattern magazines?
- No, it does not. The Christensen Arms Traverse uses a proprietary hinged floorplate magazine system, not a detachable box magazine (DBM) system. The internal magazine capacity is 3 rounds of .300 PRC. If you require a DBM for competition use, you would need to look at Christensen's Mesa Long Range model or a custom-built rifle.