Christensen Arms RL FFT .300 WSM 20in Carbon Canyon Phantom
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.4 lbs — nearly 2 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled hunting rifle.
- Factory sub-MOA guarantee ensures mechanical accuracy potential under 1 inch at 100 yards.
- 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel reduces weight and improves cooling over a standard sporter contour.
- 5/8×24 threaded muzzle allows direct attachment of .30 cal suppressors without an adapter.
Trade-offs
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish shows wear and scuffing on high-contact areas after approximately 50 field carries.
- .300 WSM ammunition costs $2.75-$4.50 per round for quality hunting loads, making practice expensive.
- Flash Forged Technology stock has minimal texture on the grip, requiring add-on tape or stippling for wet-weather security.
- No iron sights or optic included — requires an additional $400+ investment to become field-ready.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Christensen Arms RL FFT .300 WSM 20in Carbon Canyon Phantom is a lightweight, precision-oriented bolt action rifle engineered for hunters and shooters who demand sub-MOA accuracy in extreme field conditions.
This rifle uses Christensen Arms' proprietary carbon fiber barrel wrapping technology and their Flash Forged stock system to achieve a remarkably low carrying weight. The .300 Winchester Short Magnum cartridge chambering makes it ballistically potent at extended ranges, especially when paired with the factory 5/8×24 threaded muzzle for suppressor or muzzle brake attachment.
What is the Christensen Arms RL FFT .300 WSM used for?
The RL FFT is designed primarily as a backcountry hunting rifle for taking medium to large game at extended distances where weight savings and long-range precision are paramount. Its 5.4 lb bare weight makes it ideal for mountain hunts where every ounce counts, while the .300 WSM cartridge retains over 2,000 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards with appropriate handloads, providing ethical terminal performance on elk, moose, and bear. The 20-inch barrel strikes a balance between velocity preservation and overall maneuverability in thick timber or while using a hunting pack.
How does the Christensen Arms RL FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Christensen Arms RL FFT is a high-performance precision instrument, while the Stevens 334 is a functional, cost-effective utility rifle. The RL FFT is objectively better for accuracy, with its carbon-wrapped barrel and sub-MOA guarantee offering a tighter potential grouping of 0.75 MOA with match ammunition, whereas the Stevens 334 is a solid 1.5-2 MOA rifle designed for general-purpose use. However, the RL FFT costs over $1,500 more than the Stevens, making the latter the better choice for basic sighting-in, plinking, or new shooter training.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.4 lbs without optics, mounting hardware, or a magazine, and it measures 40.25 inches in overall length with the 20-inch barrel. This weight makes it approximately 28% lighter than a comparable all-steel rifle in the same chambering, which typically weighs around 7.5 lbs. The stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull and a 1.25-inch width at the comb, providing a comfortable cheek weld for most adult shooters without being excessively bulky.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for budget-conscious shooters, new hunters unfamiliar with magnum recoil management, or those who primarily shoot at indoor ranges under 100 yards. The .300 WSM cartridge generates significant felt recoil, approximately 25 foot-pounds, which can be punishing without proper form or a muzzle brake. At $2,099.99, the investment is substantial and difficult to justify if you won't exploit its extended-range capabilities, which are better served by a more affordable option like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for smaller game.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 4-round AICS-pattern polymer magazine, a set of torque specifications for the action screws, and the Christensen Arms factory sub-MOA test target. There is no optic, mounting rings, bipod, or sling included, so budget an additional $400-$2,000 for those essential field accessories. The manual includes specific cleaning instructions for carbon-fiber barrels, which require different procedures than traditional steel to avoid adhesive degradation.
Is the Christensen Arms RL FFT worth it at $2,099.99?
Yes, if you are a serious hunter or precision shooter who values measurable weight savings and requires guaranteed mechanical accuracy for ethical shots beyond 300 yards. The carbon fiber barrel and FFT stock construction directly contribute to its field performance, shaving critical pounds during long stalks. However, at this price point, you are paying for advanced materials and a tight tolerance guarantee, not additional features—if your primary use is occasional target shooting or you dislike the maintenance requirements of a carbon barrel, the cost is harder to justify.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290526466 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06504-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle is threaded 5/8×24, which is the standard pitch for .30 caliber centerfire rifles. It will directly accept most .30 cal suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, or Rugged, provided they use that common thread pattern. Ensure your suppressor is rated for the high-pressure .300 WSM cartridge, as some rimfire-rated models are not.
- Is it California compliant?
- No, in its factory configuration, this rifle is not compliant with California's assault weapons laws. The threaded muzzle constitutes a 'flash hider' feature under CA penal codes. Making it compliant would require permanently pinning and welding a non-threaded muzzle device, a process that typically adds $100-$150 in gunsmithing fees and 10-14 days of turnaround time.
- How long does shipping take after purchase?
- Firearms shipping from Ironclad Armory typically process within 2-3 business days for in-stock items, followed by ground freight transit to your selected FFL dealer. Total delivery time averages 7-10 business days from order placement to dealer notification. Shipping times can extend during peak seasons like November or after major promotional events.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- Returns for accuracy issues follow Christensen Arms' specific warranty procedure, not a standard store return. You must first submit a detailed test report with the specific ammunition used and 5-shot group measurements to Christensen Arms for evaluation. If they validate a failure to meet the sub-MOA guarantee, they will authorize a warranty repair or replacement, which typically takes 4-6 weeks for factory service turnaround.
- What optic mounting system does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Remington 700 short action footprint scope base. This accepts common Picatinny rails or direct-mount rings from brands like Warne, Leupold, or Nightforce. The action screw spacing is 6.5 inches on center, and the factory recommends torquing the base screws to 18 in-lbs using a calibrated wrench to avoid damaging the lightweight receiver.