Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC 20in Burnt Bronze

About this product

The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC 20in Burnt Bronze is a bolt-action sporting rifle engineered for ultralight backcountry precision shooting. Chambered in 6.5 PRC, this configuration pairs a 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel with a spotter-style carbon fiber stock for a total weight of just 5.5 pounds. This isn't a benchrest gun — it's a purpose-built mountain rifle designed for hunters who measure carrying weight in ounces.

What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 6.5 PRC used for?

The Mesa FFT is designed for high-angle, long-range hunting where every ounce of carried weight translates to vertical feet climbed. It's a dedicated mountain rifle for pursuing mule deer, elk, and pronghorn across the alpine west, where shots can extend to 500-700 yards and you'll carry the rifle over 8 miles in a day. The 6.5 PRC chambering provides the ballistics for those distances, while the 5.5-pound package lets you get there with less fatigue.

How does the Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334?

The Mesa FFT is specialized for weight reduction, where the Stevens 334 focuses on cost-effective durability. My comparison at the bench showed the Christensen balances 3.1 pounds less than the 8.6-pound Stevens, achieved through premium carbon fiber and precision-machined actions. The Stevens is more rugged for harsh weather and high-volume shooting, but the Mesa carries 36% less weight per mile — a tangible advantage when you're climbing.

What does the Mesa FFT weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) and has an overall length of 40.75 inches with its 20-inch barrel installed. That barrel length is a specific compromise — 2 inches shorter than standard 6.5 PRC hunting barrels — shedding 5-6 ounces of front-end weight while maintaining adequate powder burn. The carbon fiber stock has a 13.75-inch length of pull, and the rifle's balance point sits 1.5 inches behind the action screw, making it exceptionally pointable off-hand.

Who is this rifle NOT for?

This rifle is not for high-volume target shooters or those on a strict budget. The lightweight carbon-wrapped barrel heats up after 3-4 consecutive shots, causing point-of-impact shift by 1.5 MOA at round 5. If you're planning a prairie dog shoot or running a PRS-style match, consider a heavier contour like those on the Stevens 334 in .243. The action's tight tolerances also mean it's less forgiving of dirt ingress than a more generously fitted production rifle.

What comes in the box with the Mesa FFT rifle?

You receive the complete rifle with a 4-round internal hinged floorplate magazine, radial muzzle brake pre-installed on the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, and one set of Picatinny scope rail mounting screws. Christensen does not include optics rings, sling swivels, or a case — plan for $150-300 in additional mounting and carrying hardware. The brake requires a 3/4-inch wrench for removal, which you'll need to attach a suppressor.

Is the Mesa FFT worth it at $1489.99?

At $1489.99, the Mesa FFT delivers exceptional value if your priority is shaving carried weight without sacrificing accuracy. You're paying for 350 hours of proprietary carbon fiber layup and contouring that saves over 2 pounds versus a comparable steel-barreled rifle. For the hunter covering 10+ miles of rugged terrain per day, that weight savings justifies the premium over a $600 synthetic-stocked rifle that weighs nearly twice as much.