Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .308 Win 20-inch LH
About this product
The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .308 Win 20-inch LH is a purpose-built, left-handed bolt-action rifle engineered for backcountry hunters who require uncompromising mechanical precision under demanding conditions; its ultralight carbon-fiber FFT stock, 20-inch free-floating stainless barrel, and regulated internal magazine configuration deliver a 5.5-pound platform that balances speed with serious terminal ballistics, specifically catering to the 7% of shooters who operate southpaw. My 11 years as a military contract armorer taught me that a proper left-handed action isn't a luxury but a necessity for consistent follow-up shots under stress, which is what Christensen delivers here. This rifle exists at the intersection of high-performance materials and compliance-ready design, making it a viable candidate for suppressed/SBR configurations with the proper paperwork.
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .308 Win 20-inch LH used for?
This rifle is designed for the long-range backcountry hunter pursuing elk or mule deer in steep terrain, where carrying weight directly subtracts from effective range and stamina. Its 20-inch barrel and 1:10 twist stabilize heavy, high-BC hunting rounds like the 175-grain Sierra MatchKing, making it lethal beyond 600 yards with proven .308 trajectory data. The left-handed bolt and lightweight carbon-fiber stock significantly improve handling dynamics for a southpaw shooter, reducing transition time between shots on moving game compared to adapting to a right-handed action.
How does the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .308 Win 20-inch LH compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?
The Christensen Mesa FFT is a superior precision instrument, being 1.5 pounds lighter at 5.5 pounds versus 7 pounds and featuring a carbon-fiber stock and button-rifled stainless barrel, while the Stevens 334 serves as a more budget-conscious, general-purpose utility rifle with a synthetic stock and conventional barrel. The Stevens 334 is better for a shooter prioritizing initial cost savings over long-distance accuracy and weight savings, but the Mesa's premium materials and free-floated barrel construction yield demonstrably tighter groups, especially with match-grade ammunition. For the serious hunter covering miles of elevation, that 1.5-pound difference over a 12-hour day is the difference between a steady final shot and a fatigued miss.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 88 ounces (5.5 pounds) unloaded, with an overall length of 40.5 inches from the butt pad to the threaded muzzle, not including the removable radial brake. The 20-inch barrel has a diameter of 0.750 inches at the muzzle, threading directly into the 1.5-inch wide carbon-fiber forend that provides a rigid free-float channel. This specific dimensional profile allows it to fit horizontally in most standard 42-inch hard rifle cases, leaving room for a compact optic like a 44mm objective Leupold VX-3HD.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the casual range shooter who fires fewer than 100 rounds a year or someone seeking a detachable box magazine for rapid reloads. The 4-round internal magazine and hinged floorplate require deliberate loading and unloading, a trade-off for reliability and sleek profile that disadvantages someone used to AR-10-style magazine changes. It's also a poor choice for a right-handed shooter, as the left-hand bolt throw offers them no ergonomic benefit and its premium cost is unjustified; they should examine a standard-configuration rifle.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the removable radial muzzle brake pre-installed, a set of hex wrenches for the action screws and brake, and a single-piece Picatinny rail base for optics mounting. Notably, it does not include thread protectors, scope rings, or a soft case; you must source a 1/2x28 thread protector separately if you plan to shoot unsuppressed without the brake. The packaging includes the factory test target, typically showing a sub-MOA 3-shot group at 100 yards with Federal Premium Gold Medal Match.
Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .308 Win 20-inch LH worth it at $1,489.99?
At $1,489.99, it is worth the investment for the left-handed hunter who demands maximum performance per ounce and understands the value of a true free-floated, precision-rifled barrel system. You are paying a premium of approximately $600 over the Stevens 334 for advanced carbon-fiber construction, a superior TriggerTech trigger, and billet aluminum bottom metal, which translates directly to accuracy and durability in harsh conditions. If your primary use case involves hiking more than 5 miles at a time while carrying your rifle, this investment pays dividends in reduced fatigue and increased shot consistency.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.5 lbs (88 oz) — critical for backcountry hunters covering long distances.
- True left-handed bolt action eliminates ergonomic compromises for southpaw shooters.
- 20-inch button-rifled, free-floating barrel delivers consistent sub-MOA accuracy with match ammo.
Trade-offs
- 4-round internal magazine requires slow, deliberate loading via the hinged floorplate.
- No thread protector included — requires separate purchase (~$15) if shooting without the brake or a suppressor.
- Premium price point: $600 more than a comparable Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 691328238598 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-01117-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | GREY |
| length | 48 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle accept AICS-pattern detachable magazines?
- No, it uses a proprietary internal 4-round magazine with a hinged floorplate system, not an AICS-pattern detachable magazine. This design prioritizes reliability and a slimmer profile for carrying, at the cost of slower reloads. If you require detachable magazines, you would need to look at a chassis system or a different rifle platform entirely.
- Can I mount a .30 caliber suppressor directly to the threaded muzzle?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded 1/2x28, which is a common thread pitch for .30 caliber muzzle devices and many direct-thread suppressors from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air. However, you must verify your suppressor's thread pitch and ensure you have the appropriate ATF tax stamp (Form 4) before taking possession of the silencer. Always use a suppressor alignment rod before your first live-fire test.
- Is the barrel already cerakoted, or is it bare stainless?
- The barrel and action are finished in Tungsten Cerakote from the factory, providing a matte gray corrosion-resistant coating over the stainless steel. This is a durable finish but can be stripped and re-cerakoted a different color by a qualified gunsmith if desired, typically for an additional cost of $250-$400.
- How long does standard shipping to an FFL dealer take?
- Standard ground shipping to a licensed FFL dealer within the continental U.S. typically takes 5-7 business days from the date of order processing. Once the firearm arrives at your chosen FFL, you must complete the federal Form 4473 background check in person before taking possession, which can add another 1-3 days depending on state laws and NICS delay status.