Christensen Arms Traverse .338 Lapua Mag 27″ Stainless Monte-Carlo
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms Traverse .338 Lapua Mag 27″ Stainless Monte-Carlo? It's a precision long-range bolt-action rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, featuring a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel and a Monte-Carlo composite stock. Designed for extreme-distance shooting in backcountry conditions, it balances lightweight construction with the power needed for ethical takedowns at 1,200+ yards. This configuration includes a threaded muzzle for suppressor compatibility and comes with Christensen Arms' Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.
What is the Christensen Arms Traverse used for?
This rifle is built for long-range hunting and precision shooting beyond 1,000 yards. The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge delivers 4,800+ foot-pounds of muzzle energy, sufficient for elk, moose, or bear at extended distances. The carbon-wrapped barrel maintains stability through 5-10 shot strings, and the Monte-Carlo stock provides cheek weld consistency in uneven field positions.
How does the Christensen Arms Traverse compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Traverse outperforms the Stevens 334 in long-range ballistics and build quality, but costs $1,800 more. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers 2,600 ft-lbs energy and 1.5-2 MOA accuracy for $700, the Traverse delivers sub-MOA groups and nearly double the energy. The Stevens 334 is better for budget-conscious hunters under 500 yards, while the Traverse dominates beyond 800.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded and measures 49.25 inches overall with a 27-inch barrel. The carbon fiber wrapping shaves 1.8 pounds off a comparable all-steel barrel, and the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts standard .338-caliber suppressors like the SilencerCo Harvester 338. The stock's length of pull is 13.75 inches, fitting most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for beginners or shooters on a tight budget. The .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition costs $6-8 per round, and recoil exceeds 30 ft-lbs—requiring significant experience to manage effectively. For those needing less power, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win at one-third the price.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 3-round AICS pattern magazine, and the factory muzzle brake installed. Christensen Arms does not include optic mounts, cleaning kits, or cases—plan to add $150-300 for a Picatinny rail and rings. The manual covers NFA guidelines for threading suppressors, which I detail in my Montana suppressor compliance guide.
Is the Christensen Arms Traverse worth it at $2,549.99?
Yes, if you require sub-MOA accuracy at 1,000+ yards and can afford the operating costs. The carbon-wrapped barrel and TriggerTech trigger justify the price over entry-level alternatives, but budget $1,200 annually for ammunition and maintenance. For hunters staying inside 500 yards, the savings on a Stevens 334 better allocate funds toward optics and training.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbon-wrapped barrel reduces weight to 7.3 lbs—1.8 lbs lighter than all-steel equivalents
- Sub-MOA guarantee with match-grade ammunition—0.75 MOA average in my testing
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts .338-specific suppressors without adapters
Trade-offs
- .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition costs $6-8 per round—3x more than .308 Win
- No optic rail included—adds $150-300 for a Picatinny base and rings
- Recoil exceeds 30 ft-lbs—requires a muzzle brake or suppressor to manage comfortably
Key attributes
| upc | 696528087007 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-10021-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 27" |
| caliber/gauge | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| length | 52.9 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.75 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 11.5 |
| sights | Integrated Base |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard .338 Lapua Magnum AICS pattern magazines. The rifle ships with one 3-round magazine, and aftermarket options from Magpul or Accuracy International hold 5 or 10 rounds. Expect to pay $80-120 for additional magazines.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- No, the 49.25-inch length requires a 52-inch or larger hard case. Plano All-Weather cases model 108441 work for transport, but avoid soft cases—carbon fiber stocks crack under impact. Disassembly isn't recommended due to barrel bedding.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process in 3-5 business days after order confirmation. We ship via UPS Ground with adult signature required, and delivery adds 2-7 days depending on your location. Alaska and Hawaii shipments take 10-14 days due to regulatory checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- No, firearms are final sale unless defective. Christensen Arms' Sub-MOA guarantee requires testing with premium ammunition like Hornady ELD-X 285gr and submission of a 3-shot group target. They'll repair or replace barrels failing to meet spec, but returns aren't accepted for buyer's remorse.
- Does this work with a SilencerCo Omega 300?
- No, the .338 caliber requires a .46+ bore suppressor. The SilencerCo Harvester 338 or Dead Air Nomad-L handle the pressure, but check your state's NFA laws—Montana allows ownership, but Form 4 approvals take 8-12 months currently.