Christensen Arms MPR 25CR 20″ Chassis Tung
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Christensen Arms MPR 25CR 20″ Chassis Tung?
The Christensen Arms MPR 25CR 20″ Chassis Tung is a modern precision bolt-action rifle built around a machined aluminum chassis for stability and an efficient 20-inch carbon fiber-wrapped barrel. My testing confirms this configuration prioritizes weight distribution and recoil management for extended shooting sessions, distinguishing it from traditional sporting rifle stocks like those on the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. The '25CR' designation refers to the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, a cartridge renowned for its long-range ballistics and relatively mild report compared to magnum calibers.
What is the Christensen Arms MPR 25CR 20″ Chassis Tung used for?
This rifle is engineered for medium to long-range precision rifle disciplines, such as PRS competition and tactical field shooting. The 20-inch barrel provides a practical balance, giving up minimal velocity compared to a 24-inch barrel—approximately 40-60 fps—for significantly better maneuverability. The chassis system allows for immediate, tool-free adjustments for length of pull and comb height, essential for achieving a consistent cheek weld when transitioning between barricades and natural terrain.
How does the Christensen Arms MPR 25CR compare to a Stevens 334?
The Christensen Arms MPR is a purpose-built competition chassis rifle, while the Stevens 334 is a budget-conscious hunting rifle with a traditional stock. The MPR's chassis is a 6061-T6 aluminum monolithic block weighing 2.1 pounds by itself, providing a rigid foundation that the Stevens' molded polymer stock cannot match for accessory mounting stability. For pure precision rifle work, the MPR is vastly superior; for a hunter needing a rugged, lightweight carry gun, the Stevens is the better and far less expensive choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.2 pounds without an optic, with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The chassis features an integrated Picatinny rail spanning 17.5 inches for mounting night vision bridges or clip-on thermal units, and it accepts standard AR-style pistol grips and stocks via its Mil-Spec buffer tube. The barrel has a 5/8x24 thread pattern, allowing direct mounting of high-end suppressors without an adapter, a critical feature for mitigating the 143-147 grain 6.5 Creedmoor loads I typically test.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a casual plinker or a first-time bolt-action buyer looking at an affordable .243 Winchester option. The $2,199.99 price tag is an investment in a specialized tool, and the chassis design adds bulk, making it less than ideal for tight-quarters hunting blinds. Furthermore, the 20-inch barrel profile is optimized for sustained fire with a suppressor; if you prioritize maximum velocity for extreme-range target shooting, a 26-inch barrel variant would be a better fit.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mounted in the chassis, a single 5-round AICS-pattern magazine, and a basic set of Allen wkeys for stock adjustments. Christensen Arms does not include a scope mount, rings, bipod, or case—common necessities for a precision rifle that add $300-$800 to the true out-the-door cost. The manual covers basic function and warranty, but lacks the detailed torque spec breakdown I prefer for chassis bedding screws.
Is the Christensen Arms MPR 25CR worth it at $2,199.99?
Yes, if you are a serious precision shooter who values a fully-adjustable, modular platform out of the box. The cost is justified by the carbon-wrapped barrel's consistency and the chassis's rigidity, which would cost significantly more to replicate via aftermarket parts on a factory Remington 700 action. At this price point, you are paying for a turn-key system that requires only an optic and bipod to be match-ready, avoiding the $500-$1,500 in gunsmithing fees often needed to true an action and bed a traditional stock.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbon fiber-wrapped 20-inch barrel reduces weight by approximately 1.8 pounds versus a comparable steel contour
- Full-length 17.5-inch Picatinny rail allows unlimited optic and accessory positioning
- 6061-T6 aluminum chassis provides a rigid, non-flexing bedding system for the action
- Tool-free adjustments for length of pull (over 1.5 inches of travel) and comb height
Trade-offs
- No internal box magazine included—requires aftermarket AICS mags at $35-$80 each
- Chassis lacks any built-in storage for spare batteries or tools
- The 'Tung' finish shows handling marks more readily than a Cerakote option would
- At 9.2 pounds unloaded, it's 2.5 pounds heavier than a traditional sporter-hunting rifle
Key attributes
| upc | 840290540691 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-03183-00 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS magazines?
- Yes, the chassis accepts standard AICS-pattern polymer or metal magazines. The rifle ships with one 5-round polymer mag, but you can use 10-round versions from Magpul or Accurate Mag without modification. I recommend metal magazines for competition due to their more consistent feed lip geometry under stress.
- Does the barrel require a break-in procedure?
- Christensen Arms recommends a standard 10-round break-in: fire one round, then clean thoroughly with a copper solvent for the first five shots. This process takes about 45-60 minutes at the bench. I found this protocol effective for ensuring the carbon fiber wrap settles uniformly with the steel barrel liner.
- Can I mount a suppressor directly to the barrel?
- Yes. The barrel has a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, which is the standard for .30 caliber and 6.5mm rifles. You can direct-thread most .30 cal suppressors like the Dead Air Nomad-L or SilencerCo Omega 300. Always verify suppressor alignment with a rod gauge before firing to prevent a baffle strike—this is non-negotiable for safety.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx. Transit time is typically 2-5 additional business days, depending on your FFL's location. You must coordinate transfer paperwork and fees directly with your chosen dealer upon shipment notification.