Christensen Arms Mesa FFT — .22 Creedmoor, 20-inch

About this product

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT in .22 Creedmoor with a 20-inch barrel is a lightweight precision bolt-action rifle engineered for hunters and precision shooters who require a balance of portability and mechanical accuracy under demanding field conditions. It implements Christensen's proprietary Flash Forged Technology (FFT) in its carbon-fiber stock to strip weight without compromising structural integrity, paired with a hand-lapped, free-floating stainless steel barrel. This rifle is a purpose-built tool for the shooter who measures ounces and demands repeatable performance from factory ammunition.

What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT used for?

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT is a long-range hunting and precision shooting rifle optimized for varmint to medium-sized game in rugged terrain. I consider its primary application to be engaging targets from 300 to 800 yards with high-velocity .22 Creedmoor cartridges, where its low weight and 1:7 twist rate stabilize long, heavy-for-caliber projectiles like the 88-grain ELD-M. The 20-inch threaded barrel is suppressor-ready, making it ideal for hunters operating in states where sound suppression is legal and ethical.

How does the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334?

The Mesa FFT is fundamentally superior in weight reduction and out-of-the-box precision tuning compared to an entry-level rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 is a 7.5-pound utility rifle with a basic trigger, the Mesa FFT shaves over 2 pounds of weight through its carbon-fiber construction and features a fully adjustable TriggerTech unit. The Stevens is better for a budget-conscious plinker; the Mesa FFT is for the shooter who has already invested in quality optics and reloading equipment and needs a rifle to match.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 5.4 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The critical specification is the 20-inch, No. 5 contour barrel, which has a diameter of 0.750 inches at the muzzle thread. The carbon-fiber FFT stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches, and the magazine well accepts AICS-pattern magazines, contributing to the 4+1 round capacity with a flush-fit mag.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the first-time bolt-action buyer or someone seeking a general-purpose deer rifle for under 200 yards. The .22 Creedmoor cartridge, while incredibly flat-shooting, is a handloader's round with factory ammunition running nearly $3.00 per round—it's expensive to practice with. Furthermore, someone looking for a heavy, range-only precision rifle for benchrest competition would be better served by a chassis rifle weighing 12+ pounds; the Mesa FFT's lightweight nature demands more shooter technique to manage recoil and achieve consistent hits.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action seated in the FFT stock, one 4-round AICS-pattern steel magazine, a thread protector for the 5/8x24 muzzle threads, and the factory warranty documentation. Christensen does not include a hard case; expect a cardboard box with fitted foam. You will need to source your own optics, rings, and a quality torque wrench to mount them properly—budget an additional $50 for that tool if you don't own one.

Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT worth it at $1489.99?

At $1,489.99, the Mesa FFT justifies its price if your mission profile explicitly requires a sub-6-pound rifle capable of half-MOA accuracy. You are paying for the carbon-fiber FFT process, the hand-lapped barrel, and the TriggerTech trigger—components that would cost over $1,000 to replicate aftermarket on a donor action. If your hunting involves crawling through sagebrush for pronghorn or packing into high alpine elk country for mountain coyotes, this rifle's weight savings is a quantifiable tactical advantage worth the investment.