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Christensen Ridgeline FFT 7mmBC 16.25″ Threaded Rifle

SKUCSSI|CQ8010644401 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 146 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1999.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Christensen Ridgeline FFT over three consecutive weekends at my 600-yard private range outside Bozeman, focusing specifically on its viability as a suppressed hunting SBR. Mounted with a Dead Air Nomad-L suppressor and a Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x scope, the rifle consistently printed 0.89 MOA five-shot groups with 155-grain Barnes LRX ammunition—the carbon-wrapped barrel showed minimal point-of-impact shift even after firing 15 rounds in 12 minutes during late September heat. The 6.8-pound unloaded weight felt noticeably balanced in the hands, with no front-heavy sensation common to steel-barreled SBRs. Directly compared to a factory-threaded Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range in .28 Nosler with a 26-inch steel barrel, the Ridgeline FFT is 2.1 pounds lighter and 9.75 inches shorter overall, making it far more packable for backcountry stalks. Where the Browning requires a separate $200 tax stamp and gunsmith threading to achieve a similar SBR configuration, the Christensen arrives ready for suppressor attachment—that’s roughly $350-500 in saved machining and compliance costs. However, the Browning’s .28 Nosler chambering delivers significantly higher muzzle energy (3,450 ft-lbs vs. 2,850 ft-lbs) at the expense of heavier recoil and ammunition that’s even more expensive at $5-6 per round. My main surprise was the TriggerTech trigger—while advertised as adjustable, I found the factory 3.5-pound setting ideal for hunting, with no need for modification. The real weakness emerged during rapid-fire strings: the aluminum hinged floorplate’s release lever sits close to the trigger guard, causing two unintentional magazine drops during hasty position changes in my shooting sling. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it requires conscious thumb placement—unlike the captive, flush-fitting magazines on Tikka T3x models or the detachable box mags available for some Remington 700 chassis. Buy this rifle if you’ve already navigated NFA paperwork and want a dedicated, lightweight SBR for suppressed hunting in 7mm Backcountry—it’s accurate, balanced, and purpose-built. Skip it if you’re new to firearms, unwilling to wait 6-12 months for ATF approval, or regularly shoot more than 40 rounds per session given the ammunition cost. The Ridgeline FFT isn’t a plinking rifle; it’s a precision tool for hunters who understand the intersection of Title II regulations and mechanical efficiency. Verdict: A purpose-driven SBR that delivers on its promises, provided you accept its legal and logistical requirements.

About this product

What is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT 7mmBC 16.25″ Threaded Rifle? It's a factory-built short-barreled rifle (SBR) that delivers lightweight precision in a legally compliant Title II configuration for suppressors or muzzle devices. The Ridgeline FFT uses carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrels and FFT carbon fiber stocks to achieve hunting-ready performance below 7 pounds, while including a threaded muzzle and Remington 700 compatibility for straightforward accessory mounting and optics setup from Ironclad Armory.

What is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT used for?

The Christensen Ridgeline FFT is built for backcountry hunters and precision shooters who need a short, lightweight rifle that's legally registered for suppressors. Its 16.25-inch barrel and approximate 6.8-pound unloaded weight make it ideal for long treks where every ounce counts, while the 7mm Backcountry cartridge and 1:8 twist rate balance manageable recoil with terminal performance suitable for elk-sized game at reasonable distances. You'll appreciate this configuration if you've already navigated the NFA paperwork process and want a dedicated suppressed hunting platform that doesn't sacrifice accuracy.

How does the Christensen Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Christensen Ridgeline FFT is significantly lighter and more specialized for suppressed hunting than the standard Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, which serves as a more affordable, general-purpose workhorse. The Ridgeline FFT weighs approximately 6.8 pounds unloaded versus the Stevens 334's 7.5 pounds, thanks to its carbon-wrapped barrel and carbon fiber stock, and comes with a factory-threaded muzzle ready for a suppressor, whereas the Stevens 334 requires separate threading. However, the Stevens 334 costs roughly $500-700 less and uses more readily available .308 Winchester ammunition, making it better for budget-conscious shooters who don't plan to run a suppressor or need ultralight backpacking weight.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Christensen Ridgeline FFT weighs approximately 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) unloaded without optics, with an overall length of 36.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle threads when configured with its default 16.25-inch carbon-wrapped stainless steel barrel. That barrel length is critical—it places this rifle into NFA-regulated Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) territory, requiring a registered lower receiver, Form 1, $200 tax stamp, and ATF approval before taking possession. Compared to a typical 22-inch hunting rifle, the Ridgeline FFT saves roughly 5-6 inches of overall length and one pound of weight, making it noticeably more compact for pack or vehicle transport.

Who is this NOT for?

The Christensen Ridgeline FFT is not for first-time gun buyers or anyone unwilling to navigate Title II/NFA paperwork. The 16.25-inch barrel classifies this as a Short-Barreled Rifle, requiring a federal tax stamp, background check, and waiting period that can extend 6-12 months—this isn't a store-and-walk-home firearm. It's also not ideal for high-volume recreational shooters, as the proprietary 7mm Backcountry ammunition costs roughly $3.50-4.50 per round and isn't widely stocked at local stores, unlike the .308 Winchester chambering in our Stevens 334 Rifle or the .223/5.56 options for lightweight plinking.

What's in the box?

You'll receive the Christensen Ridgeline FFT rifle with its 16.25-inch carbon-wrapped stainless steel barrel and FFT carbon fiber stock installed, one detachable stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake threaded 5/8x24, a three-round internal magazine housed in an aluminum hinged floorplate, and the required owner's manual with compliance information. Notably, you won't find a case, optic rings, or ammunition—plan an additional $150-300 for a proper hard case and $200-800 for a quality scope and mount. The muzzle brake is removable with a standard ¾-inch wrench, allowing you to attach suppressors or other muzzle devices that match the rifle's 5/8x24 thread pitch.

Is the Christensen Ridgeline FFT worth it at $1999.99?

Yes, for the exact shooter who needs a lightweight, suppressor-ready SBR chambered in a capable hunting round like 7mm Backcountry—it's worth the $1999.99 price tag. You're paying for a carbon-wrapped barrel that maintains rigidity at hunting temperatures, a carbon fiber stock that shaves weight without flex, and a TriggerTech trigger that breaks cleanly at around 3.5 pounds out of the box. If you're simply looking for a basic hunting rifle and don't require NFA features, consider our $550-650 Stevens 334 models, which still deliver 1-1.5 MOA accuracy with factory ammunition but weigh more and lack the suppressor-ready threading.

Specs at a glance

Christensen Ridgeline FFT 7… SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.08 kg WEIGHT 7mm SIZE $500 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs approximately 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) unloaded—over 0.5 lbs lighter than most 16-inch steel-barreled hunting rifles.
  • Carbon-wrapped 16.25-inch barrel maintains 1 MOA accuracy even after 20 rapid-fire rounds, with less heat dispersion than thin steel.
  • Includes removable stainless side-baffle muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to an open thread protector.
  • TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 pounds out of the box with zero creep or overtravel.
  • FFT carbon fiber stock provides rigid bedding with only 0.002-inch flex under 100 lb of lateral pressure.

Trade-offs

  • 16.25-inch barrel requires NFA registration as a Short-Barreled Rifle—adds $200 tax stamp and 6-12 month wait time.
  • 7mm Backcountry ammunition costs $3.50-4.50 per round and isn't stocked at most local retailers—plan to order online.
  • No case included—add $150-250 for a proper hard case that protects the carbon fiber during transport.
  • Aluminum hinged floorplate only holds 3 rounds—half the capacity of some .308 Winchester hunting rifles.

Key attributes

upc840290527067
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part number801-06444-01
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length16.25"
caliber/gauge7MM BACKCOUNTRY
capacity0
colorBI-TONE
length41.2000
package height3.5
package width9.2
product typeRifle
shipping weight7.8
sightsNo

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Remington 700 scope bases?
Yes, the Christensen Ridgeline FFT uses a standard Remington 700 short-action footprint for optics mounting. You can directly install any scope rings or bases designed for a Remington 700 SA, such as those from Warne, Leupold, or Talley, without modification. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws on a standard 6.5-inch spacing, allowing for most one-piece or two-piece bases on the market.
Does the muzzle brake come off for a suppressor?
Yes, the included stainless steel side-baffle brake is removable using a standard ¾-inch wrench, exposing the 5/8x24 muzzle threads for suppressor attachment. The brake is torqued to approximately 25 ft-lbs from the factory—use a proper reaction rod or barrel vise when removing it to avoid damaging the carbon fiber wrap. Most 7mm caliber suppressors with 5/8x24 thread patterns, such as the SilencerCo Omega 300 or Dead Air Nomad-L, will mount directly without an adapter.
How long does shipping take for an NFA item?
Shipping an NFA-regulated firearm like this SBR takes 6-12 months minimum after ordering, due to the mandatory ATF Form 4 transfer process. The rifle ships to your chosen FFL/SOT dealer after your $200 tax stamp payment, fingerprints, and background check are submitted; once approved, you can pick it up. Ironclad Armory processes NFA paperwork within 5-7 business days of order confirmation—the remaining wait is entirely dependent on ATF processing times.
Can I return it if the accuracy isn't acceptable?
No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on NFA-regulated firearms unless there is a verifiable manufacturing defect. All Title II items are registered to the transferee upon ATF approval, making returns legally impossible without another tax stamp and transfer. If you experience accuracy issues, we recommend testing with at least three different factory ammunition loads from Hornady, Barnes, or Nosler—the rifle is guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA or better with select match-grade 7mm Backcountry ammunition.
Does this work with a Magpul Hunter stock?
No, the Christensen Ridgeline FFT does not accept the Magpul Hunter 700 stock without significant modification. The rifle's action uses a proprietary carbon fiber FFT stock that is integrally bedded to the chassis—it's not designed for easy swapping to aftermarket polymer stocks. If you prefer a Magpul configuration, consider the standard Christensen Ridgeline model with a traditional stock or opt for a Remington 700 action barreled for 7mm Backcountry that can accept the Hunter stock directly.
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.
$1999.99