Dec 10, 2018 | Christensen Arms

It is not in our nature to do anything uninspired. Thus, you would expect the BA Tactical (Ballistic Advantage Tactical) from Christensen Arms to have been strategically designed and artfully assembled from the recoil pad to the muzzle brake. You would count on a firearm that handles long range tactical and precision shooting applications with ease. You would envision the American-made quality we’re known for and the range results to match. You would expect something like this:

In order to create a remarkable long-range precision firearm, you have to build it from the ground up. Our BA Tactical receiver is machined from 416R Stainless Steel, including a 20 MOA integral rail to provide additional rigidity and support for optic systems, and is completed with a Black Nitride™ finish. The action is fitted to a target-contour Christensen Arms Carbon Fiber Barrel to ensure superior accuracy and performance. The threaded muzzle is paired with one of our Stainless Steel Side-Baffle Brakes, and an adjustable match-grade trigger as well as our enlarged bolt knob are installed.

When the firearm is spot bedded into the BA Tactical Carbon Fiber Composite Stock, it gains a multitude of additional features. The palm hook assists a shooter in establishing a solid seat against their shoulder, while the vertical grip with palm swell and modified beavertail forearm help secure a stable platform wherever it may be needed. Styling is straightforward—the BA Tactical gunstock is offered in our classic Black with Gray Webbing finish.

The length of pull and comb height are adjustable in fixed quarter-inch increments with Stock Spacers. For additional fitting, the butt cant and height can also be modified. A Bottom Picatinny Rail offers versatility for accessories. Five flush cup mounts are located throughout: on the forearm, the grip, and the rear of the gunstock. The BA Tactical is finished with a Detachable Box Magazine (compatible with all AICS magazines) which features an extended tactical mag release for ease of use.

The BA Tactical is currently offered in eight chamberings, with barrel lengths ranging from 16 to 27 inches. Once complete, the rifle weighs between 7.4 and 8.5 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 BA Tactical is built here in the USA and is available to order from any Christensen Arms dealer.

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Nov 13, 2018 | Christensen Arms

There are many great hunting rifles in life, but few which are truly unprecedented or without equal. The Summit Ti delivers that sentiment. Inspired by our decades of carbon fiber and custom firearms experience, the rifle is a refinement of our passion for composite materials and the advantage they can bring to a bolt-action platform. We’re serious about craftsmanship too: every Summit Ti is built by hand and assembled in our Utah factory.

The extensive process begins with a Christensen Arms Carbon Fiber Barrel, which is machined from a 416R stainless steel bar. The steel is precision drilled, button rifled, and then turned down to an exceptionally slim profile before being wrapped in carbon fiber. Our proprietary carbon fiber is an Aerospace grade composite originally used in aircraft. This process creates a light target contour barrel with a match chamber that performs at or above the standards associated with a traditional barrel, without the weight of additional steel. The barrel is threaded, and shipped with one of our Titanium Radial Brakes.

Once finished, the barrel is installed on a precision titanium action with a fully adjustable match-grade trigger. All Christensen Arms titanium actions are made from a bar of Ti-6AL-4V and machined to include an integral 0 MOA Picatinny split rail. Lighter than steel, titanium complements the carbon fiber elements of the Summit Ti well. The various components are blueprinted with hand-lapped lugs and paired with a bolt.

The firearm is then equipped with one of our Aerograde Carbon Fiber Stocks. These gunstocks are hand laid at our facility by trained composite technicians to ensure an exceptionally high quality stock with the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio. The monocoque stocks are finished with full receiver glass bedding and carbon fiber pillars. For the Summit Ti, stock options include both a sporter style and a thumbhole style. The Thumbhole Stock features a modified beavertail forearm and an enhanced comb, while the Sporter Stock option can help eliminate all unnecessary elements for an ultra-lightweight setup. Finishes range from natural carbon fiber to multiple painted options.

Building a Summit Ti rifle is no small task—but the result is a striking and distinguished firearm. Currently offered in 16 chamberings and weighing between 5.5 and 6 pounds, there are few places it cannot go. Hunters who seek the very best will find there is no substitute. Backed by a .5 MOA guarantee, the Summit Ti exemplifies the finest design, quality, and performance Christensen Arms has to offer.

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Oct 22, 2018 | Christensen Arms

Recoil is an inevitable part of the shooting experience. However, if you want to reduce the felt recoil of your firearm you should employ a muzzle brake. It’s unclear exactly when or where the first muzzle brake was invented, but the intention of the device has remained roughly the same among the countless adaptations available. A muzzle brake is generally designed to reduce recoil felt by a shooter and to control the muzzle rise of a rifle by redirecting the propellant gases created when firing a shot. Every bolt-action rifle we build includes a muzzle brake to help provide an exceptional shooting experience.

Our standard hunting muzzle device is the Radial Brake. This accessory can be found on our Ridgeline, Classic, and Summit Ti rifles. A compact version is equipped on our Mesa rifle. The Radial Brake is a 360° brake which reduces felt recoil by redirecting gases through a number of small ports distributed in all directions. As a hunting brake, this device directs the muzzle brake “blast” evenly and effectively, but it can kick up debris when used in a prone or bench shooting position. The brake is offered in both stainless steel ($150) and titanium ($195).

Tactical shooters may prefer our Side-Baffle Brake. This muzzle device is installed on our Modern Precision Rifle, ELR, BA Tactical, and TFM rifles. The Mesa Long Range employs a compact version of this brake as well. The Side-Baffle Brake features four large side ports to effectively reduce felt recoil and four threaded top ports to dial in muzzle rise. This design is more effective than the Radial Brake at reducing felt recoil, but directs a greater “blast” back towards the shooter from the angled side ports. Installation requires a crush washer to ensure proper indexing. The brake is offered in both stainless steel ($175) and titanium ($225) as well as a black nitride option ($185).

It is important to consider felt percussion when shooting a firearm equipped with a muzzle brake. Hearing protection should be worn whenever you operate a firearm, but proper protection is especially important when operating a rifle with a muzzle brake in order to compensate for the redirection of the “blast” closer to the shooter. Every Christensen Arms muzzle brake is removable, although some are easier to reinstall than others. We advise reviewing your owners manual to ensure proper use and maintenance of any muzzle device.

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Oct 8, 2018 | Christensen Arms

The Modern Precision Rifle represents the best of our 25 years of carbon fiber and custom firearms experience. Each and every element was examined down to the smallest components to ensure that the firearm delivers effortless form and function. What makes the Modern Precision Rifle so unique? The proprietary ultra-lightweight chassis engineered and built by hand in the USA.

We began with one of our top-performing carbon fiber barrels to ensure the best shooting experience and built an adjustable stock around it. We threw out the book on traditional folding stocks and developed our new MAGNELOCK™ system for a simple transition. We went back to carbon fiber for the rest, with a custom free-floating handguard, adjustable comb and length of pull, and finished the whole thing off with a flat match-grade trigger.

A chassis rifle offers a number of features not found on a more traditional shooting platform. Modern Precision Rifle users can employ the infinite adjustment of the ambidextrous comb by loosening the appropriate bolts and selecting a new position. This creates 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. All adjustment bolts should be retorqued at 20 in-lb when any alteration is complete.

The folding buttstock reduces the length of the rifle by 9 inches, allowing for more convenient storage. 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 is currently offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum. All chamberings are available to order through any Christensen Arms dealer. The Modern Precision Rifle is designed to impress, and backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee.

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Sept 10, 2018 | Christensen Arms

Ready to take aim at targets beyond a few hundred yards? You may be in the market for a firearm designed specifically for long range performance. These rifles will often be larger and heavier than other alternatives, but what they lack in portability they deliver in performance at extended ranges. Long range shooting is part skill and part equipment, but those who commit the time and effort to master the sport stand in a class of their own.

It’s important to consider all the elements of a firearm when choosing a long range rifle. The best rifle will have the right stock, action, trigger, and barrel to suit your unique needs. A long range or precision stock will generally be bulkier and weigh more than lightweight hunting options in order to provide a solid platform for the firearm. Additional weight is often due in part to adjustable components or specialized features such as a flat forearm or vertical grip angle. A smooth and reliable trigger is a must. Offered in both traditional steel or carbon fiber, barrels on long range rifles will be longer and have a heavier profile than standard barrels to help ensure consistent shots.

Selecting the right chambering for your long range rifle is also critical. The needs of hunters versus the needs of tactical shooters may differ. Luckily, many popular chamberings are well suited for long range shooting. The energy and range of 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 Winchester Magnum will provide the ballistics necessary for the majority of challenges. For larger game at remarkable distances, hunters may want to shoot a large magnum cartridge such as .338 Lapua.

Whether your ambitions play out on the shooting range or on a dream hunt, Christensen Arms builds a rifle that can help you beat the distance. For those who prefer a steel barreled rifle, our Mesa Long Range is ideal for precision shooters and long range hunters. Marksmen who are looking to upgrade to a carbon fiber barrel may seek out our ELR for hunting or our BA Tactical for challenging shots on the range. If you refuse to settle for anything less than the very best—our TFM is the ultimate long range tactical rifle.

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August 1, 2018 | Christensen Arms

We’re expanding our 6.5 PRC offerings! While the chambering has been available in our Modern Precision Rifle, BA Tactical, and TFM models, we will now also be offering 6.5 PRC in our Mesa Long Range, Ridgeline, ELR, and Summit Ti rifles.

The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a relatively new long-range cartridge developed by Hornady. According to their team, the round has been “designed to achieve the highest levels of accuracy, flat trajectory and extended range performance in a sensibly designed compact package”. The use of moderate powder charges helps create a cartridge that is accurate and enjoys a reasonable barrel life without heavy recoil. Often represented as an attempt to improve on the wildly popular 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC is a well-balanced chambering suitable for both hunters and competition shooters.

Those who choose to shoulder a rifle chambered in 6.5 PRC should enjoy the high velocities and long-range potential possible with the short-action round. Hornady claims a muzzle velocity of 2,910 FPS from their 26” test barrel with a 1:8 twist and “performance well beyond 1000 yards”. Ammunition is currently offered in 147-grain ELD Match and 143-grain ELD-X bullets.

Although primarily designed for competition, hunters will find the round suitable for most North American game.

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July 10, 2018 | Christensen Arms

Are carbon fiber barrels difficult to maintain? Generally speaking, care and maintenance of a Christensen Arms rifle equipped with one of our carbon fiber barrels will not differ drastically from other more traditional firearms. Carbon fiber is used to reduce the weight of a firearm without sacrificing strength or durability. While you can find a quick breakdown of our recommended maintenance procedures below, you should always consult your manual for more information on safe and proper care before performing any maintenance.

All rifles need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the firearm functions safely and reliably. A Christensen Arms firearm should be cleaned after use, long-term storage, contact with moisture, dirt, etc. Before performing any type of maintenance always check the chamber and magazine to ensure that the rifle is unloaded. For general care you should clean the stock with a dampened rag using warm water or a mild household cleaner. Use a high quality gun oil on the exterior of the barrel and then wipe dry to restore the original look of the carbon fiber. Although they are unlikely, you should always inspect the components of your firearm for any cracks, bends, or breaks.

Cleaning the bore of your barrel is as important as the exterior. Badly fouled barrels can lead to accuracy issues and will corrode much easier than carefully cleaned ones. In addition to premium firearms cleaning solvents and lubricants you will need a few specific tools for this process: a cleaning rod, a brass or nylon bore brush, chamber brushes, patches or swabs, and a lint-free cloth. It is important to note that lead may be present in the fouling of a rifle. Avoid contact with it and clean hands afterwards to avoid any ingestion of lead.

After you have ensured that the firearm is not loaded, remove the bolt assembly and external magazine (if applicable) from the rifle. Place the firearm on its side with the ejection port facing upward. To clean the chamber install the chamber brush on the cleaning rod, dip it into a rifle bore cleaning solvent and insert into the chamber and locking lugs. Clean by pushing and twisting the cleaning rod. Select the correct caliber bore cleaning brush and attach the cleaning rod before dipping the brush into cleaning solvent. Push the cleaning brush through the barrel several times, always starting from the chamber and moving in the direction of the muzzle. Do not reverse the direction of the bore brush while it is in the bore.

Remove the brush from the cleaning rod and attach the patch or swab tip. Push a clean patch through the chamber and barrel several times until the patch is not dirty, then push a clean patch saturated with lubricating oil through the barrel. Finally, push a clean and dry patch through the barrel to remove excess oil. It is important to always lubricate your rifle with high quality firearms lubricants. You should lightly lubricate the bore, chamber, and outer surface of the barrel.

If you have any questions or concerns about proper maintenance of any Christensen Arms firearm, please contact our Customer Service team for assistance.

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