Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7MM Backcountry 16.25″ Rifle
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Expert review
About this product
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 7MM Backcountry 16.25″ Rifle is an integrally designed, lightweight short-barreled rifle engineered for precise backcountry hunting. It directly addresses the Title II-defined NFA category for firearms with barrels under 16 inches, making its 16.25-inch configuration a deliberate choice for portability without federal registration. This rifle balances specialized carbon-fiber construction with rigorous mechanical precision.
What is the Ridgeline FFT used for?
This rifle is a dedicated tool for NFA-compliant, precision backcountry hunting where every ounce and legal inch matters. It is engineered for hunters and shooters operating in steep, remote terrain who require a sub-MOA capable platform under 7 pounds. The 7MM Backcountry cartridge and 16.25-inch barrel are optimized for terminal performance at ethical hunting distances while minimizing carry weight during multi-day pursuits.
How does the Ridgeline FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ridgeline FFT is mechanically superior for precision and weight savings, while the budget-friendly Stevens 334 Rifle is a basic workhorse. The Christensen rifle is 2.8 pounds lighter, features a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel versus standard chromoly, and includes a sub-MOA guarantee versus MOA-class accuracy. The Stevens platform is better for high-volume practice or as a truck gun, but the Ridgeline dominates in carrying efficiency and shot-to-shot precision on difficult stalks.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.3 pounds unscoped, with an overall length of 36.75 inches and a 16.25-inch carbon-wrapped barrel. The specific 1:8 twist rate in the 16.25-inch stainless tube stabilizes a wide range of 7mm projectiles, while the 5/8"-24 muzzle threads are standard for mounting muzzle devices or suppressors without adapter bushings. This compact package is 4.5 inches shorter in overall length than a standard 24-inch barreled rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time buyer or someone who needs a general-purpose firearm for the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U's clays range. It is a specialized, high-investment tool; if you plan on fewer than 15 hunting days a year or cannot justify its $2099.99 price tag for a single-purpose rifle, a more versatile factory offering is a better fit. Its precision is wasted on off-the-shelf ammunition and its lightweight construction is less durable for rough utility use.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the barreled action fitted in the Canyon Phantom FFT stock, one 4-round AICS-pattern polymer magazine, and the manufacturer's sub-MOA test target. There are no included scope bases, rings, thread protectors, or sling swivels—expect to allocate an additional $350+ for necessary mountings. The test target typically shows a 3-shot group measuring between 0.6 and 0.9 MOA using factory match ammunition.
Is the Ridgeline FFT worth it at $2099.99?
Yes, but only for the hunter who prioritizes ounces saved over dollars spent and operates in terrain where a standard-weight rifle is a liability. The price buys you a proven carbon-fiber barrel construction, a guaranteed level of precision, and the specific 16.25-inch barrel length that keeps you legal without registration. If your hunting is primarily from a box blind or you value modular aftermarket support above all, a more traditional Tikka or Bergara action offers better value.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.3 lbs unscoped — 2.8 lbs lighter than a standard steel-barreled hunting rifle.
- Barrel is 16.25" with 5/8-24 threads — minimizes overall length without requiring an NFA stamp.
- Guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy — often delivers 0.6-0.9 MOA groups with match ammunition.
Trade-offs
- No included thread protector or muzzle device — requires immediate purchase of a $30-80 cap or brake.
- Ships with only one 4-round magazine — spares from Accurate Mag or MDT cost $45-70 each.
- Canyon Phantom FFT stock has minimal texturing — expect to add grip tape or stippling for wet conditions.
Key attributes
| upc | 840290526329 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06510-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded muzzle compatible with suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8"-24 threading is the standard for .30 caliber suppressors from SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. You will need to ensure your suppressor's mounting system—like a KeyMo or ASR mount—is compatible with this thread pitch. Direct-thread suppressors with a 5/8"-24 male thread will attach directly without adapters.
- Does it come with optic bases installed?
- No, the rifle ships with a bare Picatinny rail section that must be purchased separately. You will need to source and torque bases to the factory-drilled and tapped receiver. Most users install a 0 or 20-MOA rail from manufacturers like Warne or EGW, which typically costs between $50 and $120.
- What is the recommended break-in procedure for the barrel?
- Christensen Arms recommends a 10-round break-in: clean thoroughly, fire 1 round and clean for the first 5 shots, then fire 3-round groups with cleaning between each group. This process takes approximately 45 minutes of range time and consumes about 20 cleaning patches with solvent. After this, the carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel is considered conditioned.
- What is the warranty period on the sub-MOA guarantee?
- Christensen Arms provides a lifetime warranty on the rifle and a 3-shot sub-MOA guarantee with specific factory match ammunition. If the rifle fails to shoot sub-MOA with the specified ammo, they will service or replace the barrel free of charge. You must retain the original test target and proof of purchase to initiate a warranty claim.