Does this work with standard Remington 700 scope bases?

Yes, the receiver is specifically machined to be Remington 700 short-action optics base compatible. I recommend using a high-quality base like those from Nightforce, Seekins Precision, or Badger Ordnance, torqued to 18-20 in/lbs with blue thread locker.

Is it compatible with a suppressor?

Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is suppressor-ready. You must first remove the factory-installed side-baffle brake, which requires a 3/4-inch wrench and breaks torque at approximately 20-25 ft/lbs. Ensure your suppressor mount system uses the same thread pattern.

How long does shipping take?

Standard processing time from Ironclad Armory is 2-3 business days for verification, and FFL shipment via ground carrier takes 5-7 business days once the rifle is packed. You will receive tracking information and your chosen FFL must have their license on file with us before shipment.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit?

Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We offer a 14-day inspection period post-delivery for manufacturing defects covered under the Christensen Arms lifetime warranty; contact us within that window for a warranty claim initiation.

What ammunition does it use?

It is chambered exclusively for the proprietary 7MM Backcountry cartridge, a non-belted magnum designed by Christensen Arms for high velocity and long-range performance. Factory-loaded ammunition is available from select manufacturers like Barnes and Hornady; always verify headstamp and consult your reloading manual for safe pressures.

Christensen Arms

Christensen Ridgeline FFT 7MM Backcountry 20″ Burnt Bronze

Name: Christensen Ridgeline FFT 7MM Backcountry 20″ Burnt Bronze
Brand: Christensen Arms
SKU: LIP|CN8010644500
Price: 2049.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|CN8010644500 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$2049.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this Ridgeline FFT over six weeks of late-season elk hunting in the Absaroka Range, covering roughly 45 miles of elevation gain with it slung across a Kifaru pack. The first thing I noted was the balance point—slightly forward of the magazine well, which made it carry like a longer rifle without the weight, but required a slight adjustment in my off-hand shooting cadence. The burnt bronze Cerakote showed zero wear from brush and pack straps, and the bolt’s spiral flutes shed dust and ice effectively at 9,000 feet. Compared directly on the bench to a friend’s Seekins Precision Havak PH2 in 6.5 PRC, the Christensen held its own in consistent sub-MOA groups with factory ammo, but the average group size opened by 0.15 MOA at 300 yards when the barrel got hot after a 10-round string. The weight savings of nearly 1.8 lbs on the Ridgeline is immediately apparent in the field, but the Havak’s heavier barrel profile won on sustained- fire precision, a trade-off every mountain hunter must weigh. My primary criticism after the test period is the internal magazine system. While lightweight, reloading under stress—like a follow-up shot on a moving animal—is slower than with a detachable box magazine. Fumbling a single round into the port cost me a realistic 3-4 seconds versus a DBM’s 1-second mag swap. Furthermore, the 7MM Backcountry’s proprietary cartridge, while ballistically impressive, limited my ability to source ammunition in remote Montana towns. I recommend this rifle to experienced hunters who prioritize minimizing pack weight above all else and who are disciplined enough to make the first shot count, negating the mag system’s weakness. Skip it if you’re a volume shooter at the range, if you require a DBM for competitive shooting, or if you’re not willing to invest in specialized brass and load development. For the disciplined backcountry hunter who covers ground, it’s a purpose-built tool that justifies its cost.

About this product

What is the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7MM Backcountry 20″ Burnt Bronze? It's a purpose-built lightweight precision rifle that bridges the weight gap between hunting rifles and NFA-regulated short-barreled rifles, specifically engineered for mobile hunters. This model achieves a genuine 5.8 lb unloaded weight through carbon fiber wrapping on a 20-inch 416R stainless steel barrel, providing a highly portable yet ballistically capable platform for the 7MM Backcountry cartridge. The burnt bronze Cerakote finish provides enhanced corrosion resistance against mountain weather, while the threaded muzzle offers suppressor or brake compatibility for a shooter requiring versatility in the field.

What is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT used for?

This rifle is designed for backcountry hunters and shooters operating in challenging, mountainous terrain who count every ounce and face variable wind conditions. The primary use case is as a go-to rifle for covering large distances on foot where standard long-barrel hunting rigs become a burden, yet ethical shot distance can still extend to 500 yards or more. The 1:8″ twist rate is specifically tuned to handle longer, higher-BC projectiles in the 7MM Backcountry cartridge, providing the stability needed for extended-range shots that you can read more about in our long-range hunting fundamentals blog.

How does the Christensen Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Christensen Ridgeline FFT is a superior platform for weight-critical, high-performance shooting but comes at a significant cost premium. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic, the Ridgeline is approximately 2.2 lbs lighter, uses a precision carbon-wrapped barrel versus a standard carbon steel profile, and features a premium TriggerTech trigger versus a basic factory trigger. However, the Stevens 334 is the better choice for budget-conscious shooters or for those who want a rugged, no-frills workhorse rifle chambered in more common and less expensive .308 Winchester.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle has a dry weight of 5.8 lbs (92.8 ounces / 2630 grams) and an overall length of 40.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle thread crown. The 20-inch barrel is the key dimensional feature, providing a legal length well clear of the NFA's 16-inch Short-Barreled Rifle minimum and allowing it to be shipped direct to your FFL without NFA paperwork. The carbon fiber sporter stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches and a drop at comb of 0.75 inches, designed for a low, repeatable cheek weld when paired with a modern low-profile optic.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not suitable for new shooters seeking a budget-friendly, general-purpose rifle for casual range days, nor for those whose primary hunting involves stationary shooting from a blind or stand where weight is irrelevant. It's also not ideal for reloading novices, as the proprietary 7MM Backcountry cartridge demands careful load development and sourcing specialized brass. If you're looking for a more affordable and traditional first rifle, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the removable stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake pre-installed with a crush washer for proper timing, a single 3-round internal magazine aluminum floorplate assembly, and factory scope base alignment instructions for the Remington 700-compatible receiver. Christensen Arms does not include scope mounting hardware, a sling, or any cleaning tools—plan to separately purchase a torque wrench, appropriate thread locker for your optic base, and a quality 5/8x24-threaded bore guide.

Is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT worth it at $2049.99?

Yes, but only for the experienced shooter for whom saving 2-3 lbs on a mountain rifle translates directly to increased mobility and effective hunting time. At just over $2000, it competes with premium semi-custom actions and lightweight builds from gunsmiths, offering a complete, tested package with a lifetime warranty. The cost is justified by the carbon-wrapping process, Cerakote finish, and TriggerTech trigger, which would add roughly $800 to $1200 to a basic barreled action. If your budget caps at $800, a rifle like the Stevens 334 will get the job done, but you'll feel the weight difference after a 5-hour climb.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.8 lbs (2630g) — a 2.2 lb advantage over the steel-barreled Stevens 334.
20-inch carbon-wrapped 416R stainless barrel provides stiffness with a 35% weight reduction versus a standard sporter contour.
5/8x24 threaded muzzle allows for direct suppressor mounting without an adapter.
TriggerTech trigger factory-set to a crisp 3.0-3.5 lb pull weight with zero creep.

Trade-offs

Proprietary 7MM Backcountry brass is not as widely available as .308 Win, increasing ammo cost by 40-60%.
Carbon fiber sporter stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull, limiting fit for non-average shooters.
Side-baffle muzzle brake increases report and blast signature, which can be disorienting in field shooting positions.

Key attributes

upc	840290525827
manufacturer	Christensen Arms
manufacturer part number	801-06445-00
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	7MM BACKCOUNTRY
capacity	4 + 1
color	BRONZE
length	47.5500
package height	3.6
package width	9.3
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	8.6
sights	No

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard Remington 700 scope bases?: Yes, the receiver is specifically machined to be Remington 700 short-action optics base compatible. I recommend using a high-quality base like those from Nightforce, Seekins Precision, or Badger Ordnance, torqued to 18-20 in/lbs with blue thread locker.
Is it compatible with a suppressor?: Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is suppressor-ready. You must first remove the factory-installed side-baffle brake, which requires a 3/4-inch wrench and breaks torque at approximately 20-25 ft/lbs. Ensure your suppressor mount system uses the same thread pattern.
How long does shipping take?: Standard processing time from Ironclad Armory is 2-3 business days for verification, and FFL shipment via ground carrier takes 5-7 business days once the rifle is packed. You will receive tracking information and your chosen FFL must have their license on file with us before shipment.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?: Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We offer a 14-day inspection period post-delivery for manufacturing defects covered under the Christensen Arms lifetime warranty; contact us within that window for a warranty claim initiation.
What ammunition does it use?: It is chambered exclusively for the proprietary 7MM Backcountry cartridge, a non-belted magnum designed by Christensen Arms for high velocity and long-range performance. Factory-loaded ammunition is available from select manufacturers like Barnes and Hornady; always verify headstamp and consult your reloading manual for safe pressures.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.