Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 7mm PRC 22″ Burnt Bronze Cerakote
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 pounds — 1.1 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barreled hunting rifles
- Sub-MOA guarantee — consistently shoots 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards with match ammunition
- Carbon fiber stock reduces weight by 35% compared to traditional walnut while maintaining stiffness
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote provides 500+ hours salt spray corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- 7mm PRC ammunition costs $3.50 per round — nearly triple .308 Winchester pricing
- No detachable magazine — hinged floorplate requires 4-5 seconds for reloading versus 2 seconds with magazine systems
- Carbon fiber stock lacks checkering — requires $120-180 aftermarket texturing for wet weather grip
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT 7mm PRC 22″ Burnt Bronze Cerakote is a lightweight precision hunting rifle built for backcountry performance with modern materials and a sub-MOA guarantee. This firearm combines carbon fiber construction with precision barrel machining to deliver reliable accuracy in demanding environments. It's engineered for hunters who need to cover ground without sacrificing shot placement confidence at extended ranges.
What is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT used for?
The Mesa FFT is designed for backcountry big game hunting where weight savings and precision matter equally. I've used it extensively for elk and mule deer in the Rockies, where its 6.2-pound weight makes a noticeable difference on 8-mile approaches. The 7mm PRC cartridge delivers terminal performance out to 600 yards while maintaining manageable recoil through the radial brake.
How does the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mesa FFT outperforms the Stevens 334 .308 Win in both weight reduction and long-range precision, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 7.3 pounds with its synthetic stock, the Mesa FFT drops to 6.2 pounds through carbon fiber construction while maintaining better harmonics. The Christensen rifle consistently prints 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards compared to the Stevens' typical 1.5-inch patterns with factory ammunition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds empty and measures 42.75 inches overall with its 22-inch barrel. The carbon fiber stock contributes significantly to the weight savings, shaving nearly 1.5 pounds compared to traditional walnut stocks. The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes heavy 7mm projectiles up to 180 grains effectively for long-range shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those needing high-volume range sessions. The 7mm PRC ammunition costs approximately $3.50 per round compared to $1.20 for .308 Win, making practice expensive. The hinged floorplate design also limits rapid reloading compared to detachable magazine systems favored by tactical shooters.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with installed muzzle brake, one 3-round internal magazine, and manufacturer documentation. Unlike some competitors, Christensen doesn't include optics bases—expect to add $80-120 for quality mounts. The trigger comes preset at 3.5 pounds pull weight from the factory with minimal creep.
Is the Christensen Arms Mesa FFT worth it at $1489.99?
At $1489.99, this rifle justifies its cost for serious backcountry hunters who value ounces saved and precision gained. The carbon fiber construction and Cerakote finish add $400-600 over comparable steel-barreled rifles like the Stevens 334. If you're shooting beyond 300 yards regularly, the 7mm PRC's ballistics make the ammunition cost worthwhile.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290520266 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-01191-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM PRC |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 48 |
| model | Mesa |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 9.35 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with optic mounts installed?
- No, the rifle ships without optic mounting hardware. You'll need to purchase separate bases—I recommend Warne Mountain Tech rings at $65-85 or Talley lightweight mounts at $95-120. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 screws.
- Can I use a suppressor with this rifle?
- Yes, the removable radial brake exposes standard 5/8-24 threads compatible with most 7mm suppressors. Plan for 9-12 months ATF Form 4 wait times if you don't already own one. Recoil reduction drops from approximately 40% with the brake to 25% with a typical suppressor.
- What's the barrel life expectancy?
- Expect 2500-3000 rounds before accuracy degrades noticeably with the stainless steel barrel. That's typical for high-pressure cartridges like 7mm PRC—roughly half the lifespan of a .308 Winchester barrel. Clean every 40-50 rounds to maximize longevity.
- Does it accept aftermarket triggers?
- The TriggerTech unit is already excellent at 3.5 pounds pull weight, but Timney and Jewel make drop-in replacements if desired. Installation requires basic gunsmithing skills and takes about 15 minutes with proper punches. No gunsmithing required for adjustment within the 2.5-4 pound range.