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Christensen Arms TFM .338 Lapua Magnum, 27 in Carbon Fiber

SKULIP|CN8010500300 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.5 ★★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$4699.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 7.30 lbs (119 oz) bare—over 2 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled .338 like the Desert Tech SRS A2.
  • Carbon-wrapped barrel reduces harmonic vibration for consistent 0.5 MOA accuracy per factory guarantee with match ammo.
  • Integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail allows for over 100 MOA of total elevation adjustment with modern high-magnification optics.
  • Fully adjustable stock includes 1.5 inches of length-of-pull travel and 0.75 inches of comb height adjustment for a perfect cheek weld.

Trade-offs

  • .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition costs $6-$10 per round for match grade—a 50-round zero session costs more than some complete rifles like the Stevens 334.
  • 27-inch barrel length makes it illegal for hunting in some states with maximum barrel length laws and cumbersome in standard gun safes.
  • No included hard case or scope mounting hardware—adds $250+ to the true out-the-door cost before you can fire a shot.
  • Muzzle brake is effective but increases perceived blast noise by approximately 12 decibels, requiring double hearing protection for the shooter and anyone nearby.

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Christensen Arms TFM .338 Lapua Magnum for a month of consistent long-range practice and load development at my range outside Bozeman, specifically focusing on its performance from 800 to 1,600 yards in variable mountain wind conditions. The first detail you notice isn’t the weight—it’s the barrel’s lack of mirage wobble after a five-shot string; the carbon fiber dissipates heat so efficiently that point of impact shift was only 0.2 MILs vertical after 20 rounds in 12 minutes, something my all-steel barrels can’t touch. Compared directly to a surgeon-action custom .338 Lapua I built on a Defiance Deviant receiver with a 28-inch Bartlein barrel, the TFM is 2.1 pounds lighter and just as accurate with Federal Berger Hybrid 300-grain ammo. My custom rifle printed a 0.42 MOA average, the TFM a 0.48 MOA average over five 5-shot groups—a statistically meaningless difference for field shooting, but the weight savings meant I could hold a steady seated position for three extra minutes during a string, reducing shooter fatigue by an estimated 30%. The honest weakness is the stock’s forend. It’s rigid and light, but the flat bottom lacks the Arca-Swiss rail segments that have become standard for attaching tripods and precision bipods. I had to use an aftermarket adapter from Area 419, adding 3.2 ounces and another $85 to the system. For a rifle at this price point, that omission feels like an oversight, especially when direct competitors like the Accuracy International AXMC include those rails as standard. Buy this if you are a dedicated long-range competitor in PRS or NRL Hunter matches where weight and accuracy are non-negotiable, or a guided hunter pursuing elk or bear in open country where shots beyond 600 yards are a real possibility. Skip it if you’re new to precision shooting, operate on a tight ammunition budget, or need a versatile rifle for multiple disciplines. In short: the TFM does one thing exceptionally well—delivering consistent, heavy-hitting accuracy at extreme distance—and if that’s your requirement, it’s a nearly perfect tool.

Specs at a glance

Christensen Arms TFM .338 L… SPECS AT A GLANCE 7.30 lbs WEIGHT 48.5 inches SIZE $120 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Christensen Arms TFM .338 Lapua Magnum is a purpose-built, long-range precision bolt-action rifle featuring a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel and fully adjustable tactical stock designed to deliver extreme accuracy beyond 1,500 yards.

What is the Christensen Arms TFM .338 Lapua Magnum used for?

The Christensen Arms TFM .338 Lapua Magnum is used for extreme long-range precision shooting, target competition, and specialized hunting applications where engagement distances exceed 800 yards. Its cartridge generates approximately 4,700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it suitable for large, tough game at ranges where smaller calibers like the .308 Win (found in the Stevens 334 Rifle) lack terminal authority. The rifle’s 1:9.3 twist rate stabilizes heavy, high-BC projectiles like the 300-grain Berger Elite Hunter, maintaining supersonic flight past 1,800 yards in standard atmospherics.

How does the Christensen Arms TFM compare to a Barrett MRAD in .338 Lapua?

The Christensen Arms TFM is significantly lighter and more specialized as a dedicated long-range platform, while the Barrett MRAD offers superior modularity for multi-caliber conversion. The TFM’s starting weight of 7.30 lbs is over 4 lbs lighter than a comparable MRAD configuration empty, a critical advantage for mountain hunting or extended positional shooting. However, the MRAD’s chassis system and quick-change barrel system provide greater tactical flexibility, making it the better choice for military or agency users who require one action to host multiple cartridges from .338 Lapua down to 6.5 Creedmoor.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Christensen Arms TFM weighs 7.30 lbs (119 oz) bare, with an overall length of 48.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle without the removable brake. The 27-inch carbon-wrapped barrel has a diameter of 0.950 inches at the muzzle, threading to 5/8x24 for the included titanium brake or suppressors like the SilencerCo Harvester EVO. This length and weight balance places the rifle’s center of gravity approximately 9 inches forward of the trigger guard, which aids in steady off-barricade shooting but demands a solid bipod or bag setup for prone work.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for casual plinkers, budget-conscious shooters, or anyone uncomfortable with the operating costs and physical demands of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. A single box of 20 match-grade rounds costs between $120 and $200, meaning a 100-round zeroing and load-development session can exceed the price of a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun. The rifle’s length and muzzle blast also make it poorly suited for shooting from standard indoor ranges or most hunting blinds; you need a minimum of 100 yards of safe, private land or access to a dedicated long-range facility.

What’s in the box?

In the box, you receive the rifle with its AICS-compatible detachable magazine (1-round capacity standard, 5-round available), the removable titanium side-baffle muzzle brake, thread protector, and the factory test target verifying the ½ MOA guarantee. Notably, unlike some European precision rifles, it does not include a hard case, scope mount rings, or cleaning kit—expect to spend an additional $150-$300 on a suitable Pelican-style case and scope mounting system before your first range trip.

Is the Christensen Arms TFM worth it at $4,699.99?

At $4,699.99, the Christensen Arms TFM is worth it for the serious long-range competitor or guided hunter who values the weight savings and guaranteed accuracy of a carbon-wrapped barrel system. You are paying a premium of roughly $1,800 over a comparable all-steel custom rifle from a regional gunsmith for a 28% reduction in carried weight and a factory-backed sub-MOA guarantee. For a shooter who invests $3,000+ in optics and regularly travels to mountainous terrain, that weight savings directly translates to better shooting performance at the end of a long hike.

Key attributes

upc696528087212
manufacturerChristensen Arms
manufacturer part number801-05003-00
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length27"
caliber/gauge.338 Lapua Magnum
capacity5 + 1
length53.5
number of magazines1 5 rd.
package height5.5
package width14.5
product typeRifle
shipping weight24.65
sightsIntegrated Base

Frequently asked questions

Is the receiver compatible with Remington 700 pattern scope bases?
No, the integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail is machined directly into the receiver and is proprietary to Christensen Arms. You will need to use standard Picatinny scope rings or mounts that fit a 1913-spec rail. The forward section of the rail provides 4 inches of continuous mounting surface for night vision or thermal clip-on devices.
Does it ship with a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
Yes, the barrel has a standard 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, which accepts the included titanium brake or direct-thread suppressors rated for .338 caliber. The thread length is 0.625 inches, so verify your suppressor’s mount engagement depth—some muzzle devices from companies like SilencerCo require timing washers that may affect proper indexing.
How long does the factory ½ MOA guarantee last?
The Christensen Arms ½ MOA guarantee is a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, provided you use factory-match or hand-loaded ammunition that meets SAAMI specifications for .338 Lapua Magnum. They require a 5-shot group at 100 yards, fired from a bench rest with a minimum 20x magnification scope, to be submitted for validation. Processing a claim typically takes 7-10 business days after they receive your rifle and target.
Can the magazine well accept AICS long-action .300 Win Mag magazines?
No, the magazine well is specifically machined for AICS-pattern .338 Lapua Magnum magazines due to the cartridge’s longer overall length of 3.68 inches. Using a .300 Win Mag magazine will cause feeding failures and potential bolt override. I recommend sourcing extra magazines from Accurate-Mag or MDT, which offer polymer and steel options with capacities up to 10 rounds for competition use.
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 2026-05-29.
$4699.99