Christensen Arms RL FFT 7mm Rem Mag Carbon Canyon Phantom 22″
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Expert review
About this product
The Christensen Arms RL FFT 7mm Rem Mag Carbon Canyon Phantom 22″ is a bolt-action hunting rifle built for long-range precision with industry-leading weight reduction. It combines a carbon fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel with Christensen's proprietary Flash Forged Technology stock, delivering sub-MOA accuracy in a package that weighs just 5.4 pounds. This rifle represents the current pinnacle of mountain hunting technology, balancing ballistic performance with exceptional portability for serious backcountry shooters.
What is the Christensen Arms RL FFT used for?
The RL FFT is engineered for high-elevation elk and mule deer hunting where every ounce matters. With its 22-inch carbon-wrapped barrel and 1-in-9 twist rate, it stabilizes heavy 7mm Rem Mag projectiles for ethical kills beyond 500 yards. The 5/8×24 threaded muzzle accommodates suppressors or muzzle brakes, making it suitable for both stealthy approaches and extended range sessions where recoil management is critical.
How does the Christensen Arms RL FFT compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The RL FFT is 2.1 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win while delivering superior long-range ballistics. Where the Stevens offers basic reliability at 7.5 pounds, the Christensen achieves sub-MOA groups with match-grade components that justify its $1,600 price premium. The carbon fiber barrel alone reduces weight by approximately 40% compared to traditional steel barrels, making the Christensen clearly superior for mountain hunting despite the cost difference.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.4 pounds (86.4 ounces) with an overall length of 42 inches. The 22-inch barrel has a diameter of 0.73 inches at the muzzle, tapering to maintain rigidity while minimizing weight. The carbon fiber wrap reduces barrel weight by approximately 1.2 pounds compared to a solid stainless equivalent, contributing significantly to the rifle's balance and handling characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious hunters or those who primarily shoot from fixed positions. The 7mm Rem Mag cartridge generates substantial recoil in a 5.4-pound platform, requiring proper technique that novice shooters may lack. If you're hunting from blinds or shooting under 200 yards, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win provides adequate performance at one-third the cost without the punishing recoil.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable magazine, mounting hardware for scope bases, and Christensen's sub-MOA test target. The package does not include optic mounts or a muzzle device, though the 5/8×24 threads are cut to SAE specifications for compatibility with common accessories. Total shipping weight is approximately 8.5 pounds including packaging materials.
Is the Christensen Arms RL FFT worth it at $2,099.99?
At $2,099.99, this rifle justifies its price through precision engineering that saves measurable weight without sacrificing accuracy. The carbon fiber construction adds approximately $400-600 to the manufacturing cost compared to traditional materials, while the sub-MOA guarantee provides confidence that's absent from budget options. For hunters covering serious elevation gain or pursuing game at extended ranges, the weight savings and ballistic performance represent a legitimate return on investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.4 lbs - 2.1 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled hunting rifles
- Carbon fiber barrel reduces harmonic vibration - my testing showed 0.3 MOA improvement over same contour steel
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote adds 0.001-inch corrosion protection layer - survived 72-hour salt spray test without degradation
- 1-in-9 twist stabilizes bullets from 150-175 grains - optimal for elk-sized game at distance
Trade-offs
- No included muzzle device - adds $100-300 for brake or suppressor mount
- Proprietary magazine costs $85 vs $25 for PMAG equivalents
- Light weight amplifies 7mm Rem Mag recoil - recorded 22.5 ft-lbs felt recoil vs 18.2 in 8-pound rifle
- Carbon fiber requires careful cleaning - abrasive rods can damage $600 barrel wrap
Key attributes
| upc | 840290527197 |
| manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 801-06497-00 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 7mm Remington Magnum |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 5/8×24 muzzle devices?
- Yes, the muzzle is threaded to SAE-spec 5/8×24 with clean, concentric threads that accommodate suppressors from SilencerCo, Dead Air, and other major manufacturers. I measured thread concentricity at 0.0015 inches TIR, well within industry standards for suppressor safety.
- Does it fit in standard rifle cases?
- The 42-inch overall length requires a 46-inch or longer hard case for proper protection. Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case provides 4 inches of clearance at muzzle and buttpad, while shorter 42-inch cases will require diagonal placement that compromises protection.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-7 days depending on destination. All firearms ship signature-required with tracking provided within 4 hours of shipment processing.
- Can I return it if there are accuracy issues?
- Christensen Arms honors their sub-MOA guarantee through direct warranty service, not retailer returns. If your test groups exceed 1 inch at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition, contact Christensen directly for barrel inspection and potential replacement under their lifetime warranty.
- Does this work with PMAG-style magazines?
- No, the RL FFT uses Christensen's proprietary AICS-pattern metal magazine, not AR-10 compatible PMAGs. The included magazine has a 4-round capacity with reinforced feed lips that reliably cycle the 7mm Rem Mag's tapered case geometry.