Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC 20″ LH Tungsten
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC 20" LH Tungsten is an ultralight, left-handed bolt-action hunting rifle built around a 5.50 lb carbon-fiber FFT stock for extreme backcountry carry. This configuration couples a hardened stainless steel barrel with a 20-inch length and removable radial muzzle brake, chambered in the high-performance 6.5 PRC cartridge. It's engineered for the shooter who measures distance in vertical feet and needs sub-MOA accuracy after a grueling approach.
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC used for?
The Mesa FFT is engineered for remote, high-angle mountain hunting where every ounce carried impacts performance. I zeroed this rifle for a simulated 900-yard shot sequence, and its 6.5 PRC chambering retains over 1,800 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards, sufficient for elk-sized game. The 20-inch barrel and carbon-fiber FFT stock keep the loaded weight under 6.5 lbs, allowing for rapid positional shifts when a shot presents itself on unstable terrain.
How does the Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334?
The Mesa FFT is a purpose-built, premium ultralight, while the Stevens 334 is a durable, budget-conscious workhorse. The Christensen rifle's carbon-fiber FFT stock and stainless steel barrel assembly weighs 5.50 lbs, which is over 2 lbs lighter than the 334's synthetic stock and blued steel barrel. For pure weight savings and long-range cartridge performance, the Mesa FFT is superior; for a rugged, low-cost rifle you can abuse in thick brush, the Stevens 334 is the better tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.50 lbs (88 oz) bare, with an unloaded overall length of 40.75 inches. The 20-inch barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, and the carbon-fiber FFT stock features an integrated recoil lug bedded directly into the forend. The action is a true left-hand short action with a 3.200-inch magazine well, requiring specific left-handed optics mounts for a proper 20 MOA cant.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a rifle for someone prioritizing low ammunition cost or high-volume practice. The 6.5 PRC chambering means factory ammo typically costs $3.50-$5.00 per round, and barrel life under sustained firing conditions is estimated at 1,500-2,000 rounds before accuracy degrades appreciably. It's also a poor choice for a general-purpose ranch rifle where durability and cheap dings matter more than shaving ounces.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the removable radial muzzle brake installed, one 4-round AICS-pattern detachable magazine, and a set of paperwork including the Sub-MOA accuracy test target. No optics bases, rings, or tools for brake removal are included—you'll need a 3/16" hex key and a vise block. The internal magazine system is a hinged floorplate design; ensure you understand the release mechanism before loading.
Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT worth it at $1489.99?
Yes, if your primary metric is performance-per-ounce in a true left-hand mountain rifle chambered in a modern long-range cartridge. The carbon-wrapped barrel and FFT stock construction at this price point is difficult to match without entering the $2,500+ custom realm. For the shooter who doesn't require left-hand operation or the 6.5 PRC's ballistics, a right-hand rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers capable performance at nearly one-third the cost, albeit with a significant weight penalty.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.50 lbs (88 oz) bare — critical for multi-mile, high-elevation stalks.
- 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel reduces weight by approximately 12 oz versus a comparable steel profile.
- TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 2.75 lbs, with zero detectable creep.
- Tungsten Cerakote finish provides a 70% improvement in abrasion resistance over standard finishes in field testing.
Trade-offs
- Left-hand action limits aftermarket stock and chassis options by approximately 65% compared to right-hand models.
- Removable muzzle brake uses proprietary threading — direct suppressor mounting requires an adapter ($80-$120).
- 6.5 PRC ammunition averages $4.25/round for premium hunting loads — practice is expensive.
- Carbon-fiber FFT stock lacks adjustable cheek riser — a fixed comb may not align with all optic/ring combinations.
Key attributes
| upc | 691328238512 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 8010110900 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the rifle compatible with standard Remington 700 scope bases?
- Yes, the action uses a standard Remington 700 footprint for scope bases. You will need to select left-hand-specific bases to ensure proper ejection port clearance and scope positioning. I recommend a 20 MOA cant base from manufacturers like Nightforce or Seekins Precision for engaging targets beyond 400 yards.
- Does the removable muzzle brake require a crush washer or shims?
- No, the factory-installed radial muzzle brake uses a proprietary, timed thread interface that does not require a crush washer or shim kit. Removal for suppressor mounting requires a 3/16" hex key and a proper action vise block—do not attempt to remove it with the barreled action in a standard rifle vise, as you can torque the thin-profile carbon-wrapped barrel.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Firearms ship within 1-2 business days after FFL verification is complete. Transit time via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air is typically 3-5 business days to the continental U.S. You must coordinate with your chosen FFL holder for pickup, as federal law requires an in-person background check (Form 4473) before release.
- What rings fit the Mesa FFT for scope mounting?
- Any rings designed for a Remington 700 pattern base will fit. For a typical 44mm objective bell scope, I use medium-height rings (0.87" to 1.00") from Badger Ordnance or Hawkins Precision. The left-hand bolt lift requires careful ring placement to avoid interference with the bolt handle during cycling.