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How to Choose the Right Riflescope

By Guest Post

How to Choose the Right Riflescope

Guest Post: Leupold Optics

Sept 10, 2019 | Christensen Arms

There are lots of riflescopes available on the marketplace today: Some are built with very specific purposes in mind, others are meant to offer maximum versatility, and others still fall somewhere in between.

The scopes offered by Leupold are designed from the ground up to help you get the job done in any hunting situation you could ever find yourself in – from the deer woods of northern Pennsylvania, to the backcountry of the American west, to the mountains of sheep country. And since every Leupold scope is designed, machined, and assembled in the United States – and tested to identical rugged performance standards in order to guarantee a lifetime of performance – choosing the “right” one for the job might seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Using Leupold’s Scope Finder, you can quickly narrow down your options by answering a few questions about shot distance, your budget, and just what features you’re looking for in a new optic.

Average Shot Distance

Knowing your average shooting distance can help determine which magnification is right for you. Are you typically hunting in thicker forests or dense underbrush, where shots are typically less than 250 yards? You might benefit from having a scope that has a low power setting that will still allow you the field of view necessary to find game that could step out of the woods just 20 yards away. Or are you hunting open country where there’s opportunity to take longer shots that could range beyond 500 yards? Knowing where you’ll be hunting – and how far away that big game animal might be when you squeeze the trigger – is key to determining just how much magnification is right for you. And, of course, you could find yourself somewhere in between. Don’t worry – the Scope Finder will help point you in the right direction.

Budget

A big part of selecting any new piece of gear is determining just how much you’re willing to spend. When it comes to Leupold’s award-winning riflescope lines, prices are primarily based on the optic’s light management system and the versatility of the magnification range. Scopes that are on the lower end cost wise will typically feature the company’s Twilight Light Management System (which adds up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light) and standard zoom ratios. Scopes on the higher end of the price spectrum typically feature Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System (which adds up to 30 extra minutes of shooting light) and large zoom ratios. And then there are further scopes that live somewhere in between. Make no mistake – there’s still a tool for every job at every price point. You just have to determine which perks are within your budget.

Special Features

Lastly, it’s time to determine which, if any, special features you’re looking for in your scope. Do you want to make use of Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), or an illuminated reticle? Is there a specific reticle you’re looking for? Different features can affect the price and functionality of the scope. Once you’ve got your shot distance and budget figured out, it’ll be time to think about special features – and how you might be able to apply them in the field.

NEW: The Modern Precision Rifle Chassis

By Product

The Modern Precision Rifle Chassis

3.3 - 3.5 LBS

Aug 26, 2019 | Christensen Arms

The right foundation matters. The Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle Chassis is the same ultra-lightweight adjustable system found on the Modern Precision Rifle now offered as an individual component. Born of our obsession with carbon fiber and brought up by hand in the USA the platform delivers effortless form and function—all weighing less than 3 and a half pounds.

The Modern Precision Rifle Chassis system is shipped assembled including a custom free-floating carbon fiber handguard with M-Lok™. The platform also features infinite adjustment of the ambidextrous carbon fiber comb by loosening the appropriate bolts and selecting a new position, creating a custom fit for the shooter. Length of pull can be altered in a similar manner, with a number of positions available along the adjustment bar to create a length between 12.5 and 14.5 inches. 

The folding buttstock reduces the length of the chassis by 9 inches, allowing for more convenient storage and transportation. Our MAGNELOCK™ system is designed for ease of use, with a smooth release button and a powerful magnet instead of a cumbersome clasp. Simply pull firmly to unhinge the connection. The chassis also features a standard AR-style grip installation, which allows for straightforward removal and substitution of a user’s preferred replacement model.

The Modern Precision Rifle Chassis is currently offered in both Black and Desert Brown anodized finishes for a retail price of $1,095. Options include a short-action model with a 14 or 17 inch handguard and a long-action model with a 17 inch handguard. Hand built in the USA—the Modern Precision Rifle Chassis is currently available for purchase on the Christensen Arms webstore.

Competitive Shooting with Christensen Arms

By Christensen Arms

Shooting with Christensen Arms

3-Gun / Multi-Gun

Aug 12, 2019 | Christensen Arms

Multi-Gun competitive shooting encourages competitors to push the limits of their skills in a challenging environment. Equipment makes all the difference too—with many passionate 3-Gun and Multi-Gun participants choosing to carry our CA-15 and other Modern Sporting Rifle platforms into the field. Here are a few of the talented men and women who shoot Christensen Arms: 

Josh Wakamatsu

“I have always set my sights on being the best shooter I can be. Where does that put me compared to the tops guys in the country? I don’t know, but it keeps me motivated trying to improve and get better. 

I’ve been fortunate to have several shooting clubs that have helped me grow and progress as a shooter. Starting out is hard and there is so much to figure out.  Not only the shooting aspect, but gear as well. As I’ve progressed and gotten better, I’ve found it rewarding to be able to help shooters old and new and teach them what I’ve learned. This is a sport about progression and perfection. Always striving to get better and better. Being able to bring new people into the sport and help it grow gives me enjoyment.

I started competing in 3-Gun / Multi -Gun competitions at the beginning of 2013.  I shoot about 5-7 major matches a year. I consistently place in the top 5 and have won my division several times. I was able to win a National title at the United Multi-Gun League National Championships earlier this year.” – Josh Wakamatsu

Casey Pratt

“I am still technically a rookie and shot my first major match in October 2015. I’m pretty new to the game but have been lucky to surround myself with veteran shooters who are among the best. My life in the 3-Gun game started when I happened onto a 3-Gun match while rodeoing in southern Utah. I was instantly HOOKED! Shortly there after I built my own private range where I try and shoot everyday. 

It’s a huge honor to represent Christensen Arms and shoot their rifles. They have a long legacy in the shooting and hunting world and to be a part of that is something I do not take for granted. Their rifles are outstanding and the people behind them are even better! I’ve gotten to know the Christensen Arms team and watching and learning from them has been priceless. Shooting for Christensen Arms gives me a lot of confidence as their guns function flawlessly, are a work of art, and the accuracy is easily sub-MOA. 

I am currently shooting Open and 2×4 Open divisions in 3-Gun competitions. It is the ‘top fuel” division where almost anything goes as far as equipment and optics. This is where the CA-15 thrives.” – Casey Pratt

Bennie Cooley

Bennie Cooley has extensive experience in Counter Terrorism and SWAT training and has cross-trained and trained with various tactical organizations to include specialized units within our military, federal, state and county law enforcement organizations. Bennie has served on the board of directors for the Mountain States Tactical Officers Association, and received their Excellence Award in recognition for winning back-to-back National SWAT Team Championship in Gainesville Georgia. Bennie has also received two World Class Quality Improvement Awards for his leadership and training of personnel where he is recognized for his outstanding ability to instruct and develop individuals in CQB Shooting, Long Range Engagements, Active Shooter and Hostage Rescue Operations. 

7-time Winner – International Tactical Long-Range Rifle Championships, Gillette, Wyoming
5-time Winner – USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals, Las Vegas, Nevada
4-time Winner – SOF 3-Gun World Championships Law Enforcement Team Champions
4-time Winner – MGM Multigun Ironman Match, Parma, Idaho
3-time Winner – SOF 3-Gun World Championships, Las Vegas, Nevada
2-time Winner – Team Leader National Championship of SWAT, Gainesville, Georgia
2-time Winner – Secretaries Trophy First Place Team, Central Training Academy
2-time Winner – North Carolina Tactical 3-Gun Championships, Fayetteville
2-time Winner – Mystery Mountain 3-Gun Championships, Phoenix, Arizona
1-time Winner – World Sniper Championships, Camp Atterbury, Indiana
1-time Winner – Sniper Challenge, Stephenville, Texas, Match Winner
1-time Winner – Department of Energy (DOE) Small Arms Tournament, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tim Panic

“I started my Multi-Gun career two years ago in April 2017 and I was hooked. I was fortunate to go to a local club that has some top-level shooters, and I saw what real speed and accuracy looked like. I loved the camaraderie within the sport and the drive of other competitors to help new shooters succeed. I dove headfirst into learning about the best equipment, my Christensen Arms CA-15 being one of my first rifle purchases specifically for 3-Gun. I loved the unique look of the carbon fiber barrel, and that it was a locally owned company. 

Because of the support from fellow shooters I was able to learn so much, and I wanted to push myself until I found my limit. Throughout the last few years I have met so many awesome people and have been lucky enough to train with the best. This has pushed my abilities farther than I could have alone. This year, I was thrilled to finish First in 2×4 Open at the 2019 Limcat custom UML District 1 Championship, and Second in 2×4 Open for the 2019 Cedar Valley Multi-Gun Championship, and the 2019 Sig Sauer UML Multi-Gun Championship.” – Tim Panic

Ed Espinoza

Ed Espinoza is currently a law enforcement officer in California. Ed has experience as a SWAT team leader and sniper. Ed is retire from the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served numerous tours in Iraq as well as being a team member where he competed in both service rifle and pistol. Ed had earned both the Distinguished Marksman and Distinguished Pistol Shot Badges and was a member of the President’s 100 for both rifle and pistol. Ed currently competes in USPSA pistol, pistol caliber carbine, Multi-Gun and UML Multi-Gun.

1st Place 2019 Limcat United Multi-Gun 2×4 Tactical Division
2nd Place 2016 SafariLand Expedition 2×4 Multi-Gun
1st Place 2008 Pacific Navy Rifle Match

The Mesa Long Range

By Product

The Mesa Long Range

8.9 - 9.9 LBS

Jul 29, 2019 | Christensen Arms

Our Mesa Long Range was designed for dedicated precision shooters and long range hunters. The next evolution of our traditional stainless steel barreled line—the rifle provides a sturdy and ergonomic platform guaranteed to perform. Whether your ambitions play out on the shooting range or on a dream hunt, the Mesa Long Range can help you beat the distance.

The rifle begins with a #5 medium palma contour barrel precision CNC machined from 416 stainless steel. The heavy profile component is then threaded and matched with one of our removable seamless side-baffle style muzzle brakes. Once the barrel is installed on the action the parts are finished with either our Tungsten or Burnt Bronze Cerakote for a compelling look and added protection from the elements.

The barreled action is then paired with one of our long range carbon fiber composite stocks.  The gunstock is created by laying up a carbon fiber and fiberglass shell and filling the structure. Features include a vertical palm grip, flared forend, adjustable length of pull and cheek rest, as well as two sling studs: one front and one rear. The original Mesa Long Range is offered in a black with gray webbing gunstock, while the Mesa Long Range in Bronze is matched with a green with black and tan version.

Bedding consists of a spot-bedded recoil lug in conjointment with dual Invar pillars. The Mesa Long Range also includes an adjustable match-grade trigger and an oversized tactical bolt knob to complete the Black Nitride finished bolt. Based on the Remington 700 footprint, the rifle is compatible with most regular Remington 700 mounting systems and accessories. 

The Mesa Long Range is currently offered in eight chamberings with barrel lengths ranging from 24 to 27 inches. The rifle weighs in between 8.9 and 9.9 lbs and is backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA guarantee. Hand built in the USA, the Mesa Long Range is available to order from any Christensen Arms dealer.

Christensen Arms Owners

By Christensen Arms

Christensen Arms Owners

Featured Content

Jul 22, 2019 | Christensen Arms

Few things inspire us quite like exceptional firearms—the passion of our team, our friends, and Christensen Arms owners. Do you have an experience you’d like to share? Visit our Content Upload page to submit images and tell your story. While we receive far too many submissions to showcase them all, here are a handful of recent uploads:

Montana Mountain Goat & Pronghorn

Mesa Long Range

“Nothing like using a great rifle to teach your nephew the finer points of long range shooting on a Saturday afternoon!” – Tom

Kaibab Buck

The BA Tactical: Watch

By Product

The BA Tactical: Watch

7.4 - 8.5 LBS

July 8, 2019 | Christensen Arms

Designed to handle long range tactical and precision shooting applications, the BA Tactical is well equipped for most challenges. The Black Nitride action is machined to include a 20-MOA integral rail, fitted to a target contour Christensen Arms carbon fiber barrel, and paired with a stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake. The adjustable tactical carbon fiber composite gunstock includes a bottom picatinny rail, five flush cup mounts, and a detachable box magazine.

The BA Tactical is offered at a retail price of $2,795. Current chamberings include: 223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 Norma Magnum, 300 PRC, 338 Lapua Magnum, and 338 Norma Magnum. The BA Tactical weighs in starting at 7.4 pounds and is backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee.

God, Family, & Country

By Guest Post

God, Family, & Country

Guest Post

Jun 16, 2019 | Christensen Arms

For me, it is really this simple: God, family, and country. As a veteran and the father of veterans, I am exceptionally proud of all my children as they champion the same values with their own families. One of the freedoms that we hold most dear, and part of the reason we chose to serve, is the opportunity to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. We have been lucky enough to share many days together catching cutthroat trout out of a stream or following lion hounds in the fresh Utah snow to a tree with a nice tom asleep in the branches.

The passion for things outdoors is something that many are born with and one that some do not understand. I count myself as blessed, to have my kids share that passion with me. If we judge the time spent with loved ones by the “quality” of that time, I contend that there are very few other pursuits that can compare to the hours spent camping, hunting, or fishing. No screens, no internet, and often no cell phones.

Last month I traveled with my sons to spend a week in the southern alps of the South Island of New Zealand looking for Tahr. The dedicated work of American Hero Adventures helped make the experience a possibility for the three of us. When the only means of talking to the world is a satellite phone, you have a tendency to be better at first person communication. You tend to be more present. With all the hours of glassing, climbing and then relaxing at camp, you can relive old memories while making new ones. Without so many of the modern distractions you are able to return to the deeply personal aspects of being with each other. We each were fortunate enough to successfully take a bull Tahr, but the real (and to me, more important) take-away was the one on one time with the people that mean the most to me in life.

So on this Father’s Day I am grateful for God, family, and country. I am grateful for wild places to escape the day to day concerns that we all have, and I am especially grateful to be a father lucky enough to have sons and daughters that will share those experiences with me. I am grateful for the freedoms that allow us to determine what our passions are, and the latitude to pursue them as we see fit. I will always try to make the most out of the opportunities I am presented with, and express my gratitude that those opportunities are in the outdoors.

Also, as a veteran, I am mindful of those fathers that will not be home this Father’s Day. Let us remember them as well, and their sacrifices for us all.

This guest post has been contributed by Jeff Bradley—a Christensen Arms employee.

Photography courtesy of Fornever Productions.

Bolt-Action Rifles—16, 20, and 22 Inch Barrels

By Product

16, 20, and 22 Inch Barrels

Bolt-Action Rifles

May 29, 2019 | Christensen Arms

There are many reasons you may choose to carry a shorter barrel into the field. Plenty of hunters and shooters appreciate the lighter and more compact format, allowing for easier maneuverability in dense woods and tight quarters. Shorter barrels do generally mean less velocity—but since the barrel is often the heaviest component of any rifle losing a few inches may be worth sacrificing ballistic performance for some users. Smaller firearms can be easier to pack, move, and scale to new heights with. Christensen Arms offers a number of bolt-action rifles in 16 inch, 20 inch, and 22 inch options:

16 INCH BARRELS

The shortest barrel length we offer, our 16 inch barrels are for those looking to shed everything possible. The Modern Precision Rifle, our BA Tactical, and the TFM all have 16 inch options in 308 Winchester. Those who prefer 6.5 Creedmoor can pick up the same length in the BA Tactical and TFM, and 233 Remington is also available for our Modern Precision Rifle and BA Tactical. Mostly tactical style offerings, our 16 inch barrels are particularly well suited for shooting suppressed.

20 INCH BARRELS

Our 20 inch barrels are the shortest available on most of our traditional hunting rifles. The Ridgeline and the Traverse both have 20 inch options in 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester, and there are additional 450 Bushmaster options for the Ridgeline and Mesa. Tactical shooters are also covered, since we offer 20 inch barrels in 308 Winchester for our Modern Precision Rifle, BA Tactical, and TFM rifles as well. The Modern Precision Rifle carries one more 20 inch offering in 223 Remington.

22 INCH BARRELS

Worried about trimming too much? Look no further than a 22 inch barrel. Our compact Mesa rifle champions the category with offerings in 6.5 Creedmoor, 7MM-08 Remington, and 308 Winchester. On the tactical side the Modern Precision Rifle has a 22 inch 6.5 Creedmoor option, while our BA Tactical rounds out the group with a 223 Remington offering.

Tradition: As a Mother

By Guest Post

Tradition: As a Mother

Guest Post

May 12, 2019 | Christensen Arms

For my family, hunting is the tradition of generations. Long before I was a wife or a mother the sport came to me by blood in my youth, following in the footsteps of my own parents. I was eight or nine years old when I joined my mother and father on one of their mule deer hunts for the first time and discovered for myself what would become one of the longest and most important family traditions of my life. It was their passion for hunting and the guidance they offered that instilled in me the lessons I strive to teach my own children today.

Thanks to our similar upbringings, my husband and I have been hunting together since we met. We’ve been married for more than twenty years now and have been lucky enough to fill so much of that time with countless tags and memorable seasons, both good and bad. Of course as soon as our children were old enough, we wanted them to be a part of it too.

I’ve been blessed with two daughters and a son who all began coming along to hunting camp when they were only a few years old. To us, spending time in the outdoors is about the tradition. Quality family time together we know is coming every year. We do everything including the processing ourselves because I wanted to teach my children the importance of the entire experience, to know where their food comes from and to respect the outdoors and the wildlife they will someday have to cherish and preserve for their own.

It’s not just hunting either. I love shooting with my kids, and we do it all the time. I want them to be comfortable with firearms, to learn patience and discipline through proper use and practices. I hope to empower them with all of the skills and knowledge they need to be successful wherever their own interest in the sport may take them.

Not too long ago I tackled a once-in-a-lifetime goat hunt. An unforgettable experience on its own, it was made infinitely more important to me by the experience of going the distance and taking that shot with my two daughters by my side every step of the way. As a mother, there are no words to describe how proud I have been to watch my children become accomplished hunters themselves over the years.

Someday, it will be their turn to make those memories of their own with the next generation. I hope that they find it as rewarding as I have to share the outdoors with their children. Hunting is so much more than meat when we move through the field together.

This guest post has been contributed by Desirae—a Christensen Arms employee.

The ELR

By Product

The ELR

7.5 - 8.4 LBS

May 6, 2019 | Christensen Arms

Whether you’re a dedicated long-range hunter or a novice—our ELR rifle is made for those who chase distant targets. Long-range hunting is a demanding sport that is part skill and part equipment, requiring shooters to push themselves to extremes. Like all firearms designed specifically for distance applications the ELR is larger and heavier than our other alternatives, but what it lacks in portability it delivers in performance at extended ranges.

Every ELR rifle is hand built in our Utah factory. The receiver is machined from 416R Stainless Steel and features an integral 20 MOA rail to provide additional rigidity and support for optic systems. The rifle’s target contour Christensen Arms Carbon Fiber Barrel is precision drilled, button rifled, and turned down to an exceptionally slim profile before being wrapped in our proprietary aerospace grade carbon fiber composite to ensure superior accuracy and performance. The barreled action is completed with an adjustable match grade trigger, one of our Titanium Side-Baffle Muzzle Brakes, and an enlarged bolt-knob.

The firearm is then spot bedded into one of our ELR Carbon Fiber Composite Stocks. This long-range gunstock has a vertical grip with a palm swell and modified beavertail forearm to help secure a stable platform wherever it may be needed. The length of pull and comb height are adjustable in fixed quarter-inch increments with Stock Spacers. For additional fitting, the butt height can also be modified. The gunstock features dual front sling studs and a single rear sling stud. Five flush cup mounts are located throughout: on the forearm, the grip, and the rear of the gunstock. As a classic Christensen Arms firearm the ELR is offered in our standard Black with Gray Webbing finish.

The ELR is currently available in fourteen chamberings with barrel lengths ranging from 26 to 27 inches. Once complete, the rifle weighs between 7.5 and 8.4 lbs and is backed by a Sub-MOA guarantee. We take great pride in the products that we produce, and if we put our name on it, we’ll stand behind it. As with all of our firearms, the ELR available to order from any Christensen Arms dealer.