Short Action vs. Long Action Rifles: What Hunters and Shooters Need to Know

When choosing a precision hunting rifle or long-range setup, one of the most important decisions is whether to go with a short action or a long action rifle. Both configurations offer unique advantages depending on your shooting style, preferred cartridges, and hunting applications.

What Is Rifle Action Length?

The action of a rifle is the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. Action length refers to the distance the bolt travels to cycle a cartridge. This is directly tied to the cartridge’s overall length:

• • Short Action Rifles are designed for cartridges up to about 2.8 inches in overall length.
  • Long Action Rifles are built for cartridges up to about 3.34 inches in overall length.

Benefits of Short Action Rifles

Short action rifles are popular for their speed and efficiency. Key advantages include:

• • Faster Cycling – The shorter bolt throw allows quicker follow-up shots.
  • Reduced Weight – Less material in the action often means a lighter rifle, which matters in backcountry hunting.
  • Increased Rigidity – A shorter action can add stiffness, improving accuracy potential.
  • Cartridge Options – Common short action calibers include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington.

Benefits of Long Action Rifles

Long action rifles are designed for larger, more powerful cartridges. Key advantages include:

• • Cartridge Flexibility – Capable of chambering popular big-game rounds like .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7mm Remington Magnum.
  • Extended Range & Energy – Longer cartridges often deliver higher velocities and more downrange energy.
  • Big Game Hunting – The additional power makes long action rifles well-suited for elk, moose, and other large game.

How to Choose Between Short and Long Action

The choice between short and long action rifles often comes down to your intended use:

• • For long hikes, mountain hunts, and lightweight builds: a short action rifle may be the better option.
  • For maximum power, long-range shooting, and larger game: a long action rifle is often preferred.

Christensen Arms Options

At Christensen Arms, we offer both short action and long action rifles built with lightweight carbon fiber barrels and premium components. Whether you need a mountain rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or a magnum-caliber rifle for elk hunting, our lineup provides versatile options designed to perform in the field.

Find the right action for your next hunt—choose between short or long action rifles from Christensen Arms and make every shot count.