Are all Christensen Arms rifles junk now?

[TeacherMan]

So long story short I’m wanting to build an extremely accurate 338 Lapua and I have to keep it under 16 pounds fully loaded to be legal in Idaho. This includes, scope, sling (won’t be putting one on), bipod, and one round in the chamber plus loaded to capacity  (1.94 oz per round).

Scope I’m looking at is the Leupold VX5HD 7-35x56. Weight 25.7 oz. Plus ring/bases weight.

Originally was looking at a Savage precision 10/110 but it weighs 14.95 lbs alone.

SOOOO, I started looking at other options and Christensen Arms has several that look good and they are always on the lighter end.

Thoughts/suggestions. Thanks for keeping it positive 🤙🏻

[Sakko300wsm]

I have 3 CA Ridgelines and all are excellent shooters and very nicely built - one is a 300wsm , 280A1 and a 6.5PRC
2 with Nightforce glass and 1 with a VX5

[jjhunter]

I’ve got a 6.5 PRC with a NF.  Factory 147’s consistently under 1/2”.   Dumps critters without fail.

[bustedoldman]

I have a few myself and have never had an issue at all.........All 4 are topped with VX5HD/VX6HD.....

[Sakko300wsm]

I think their main problem time was 2012/2013 or something

[High Climber]

https://defensiveedge.net/lrkm/

You should get one of these!

[TeacherMan]

https://defensiveedge.net/lrkm/

You should get one of these!

Pretty awesome and temping but was trying to keep entire build under 5k 😂

[TeacherMan]

I think their main problem time was 2012/2013 or something

So the current Ridgelines coming out are being held to a higher standard and being tested before they let them out the door? Honestly I LOVE the feel of the Ridgeline but some of the horror stories I’m hearing are just bad.

[Bareback]

I have three: Ridgeline 6.5 PRC shoots great, definitely 1 MOA gun. Ridgeline 300 WSM not so good, occasional flyers. 338 Lapua MPR, it key holes often with an occasional 2 MOA round. They are decent rifles which are more than adequate for hunting.

[HUNT JR]

I use an ELR from them and it is a tack driver - heavier than a ridgeline, but may be a little easier to shoot in a 338 Lapua. Mine shoots Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammo in consistent 1/2 MOA groups.

[TeacherMan]

And my comment/reply was confusing above. I love the feel of the Ridgelines but for this build I’d go with their Modern Precision Rifle (MPR). Glad to hear a few good reviews with them, it’s a lot of money to spend to get a rifle that’s sub par.

[Karl Blanchard]

I think their main problem time was 2012/2013 or something

So the current Ridgelines coming out are being held to a higher standard and being tested before they let them out the door? Honestly I LOVE the feel of the Ridgeline but some of the horror stories I’m hearing are just bad.

They still have QC problems. Mostly barrel issues it seems but poor bolt timing, bad extractors, stocks, etc. Can you get a good one? Probably,  but you're playing Russian roulette it seems.

Same with the leupolds.  They just don't retain zero or track very well. I've messed with a pile of the vx line and none of them function adequately.  Especially for what they cost. This is where everyone that owns one tells me I'm wrong, but I challenge them to go shoot a group larger than 3 rounds (not a big enough sample size), then spin that turret up and down 40 moa a few times,  then on a different day go shoot another group and compare their targets. It's very telling.

[TeacherMan]

I think their main problem time was 2012/2013 or something

So the current Ridgelines coming out are being held to a higher standard and being tested before they let them out the door? Honestly I LOVE the feel of the Ridgeline but some of the horror stories I’m hearing are just bad.

They still have QC problems. Mostly barrel issues it seems but poor bolt timing, bad extractors, stocks, etc. Can you get a good one? Probably,  but you're playing Russian roulette it seems.

Same with the leupolds.  They just don't retain zero or track very well. I've messed with a pile of the vx line and none of them function adequately.  Especially for what they cost. This is where everyone that owns one tells me I'm wrong, but I challenge them to go shoot a group larger than 3 rounds (not a big enough sample size), then spin that turret up and down 40 moa a few times,  then on a different day go shoot another group and compare their targets. It's very telling.

Definitely listening, what would you recommend then?

[Sakko300wsm]

I think their main problem time was 2012/2013 or something

So the current Ridgelines coming out are being held to a higher standard and being tested before they let them out the door? Honestly I LOVE the feel of the Ridgeline but some of the horror stories I’m hearing are just bad.

Seems to be the case - all of mine are 2019 and newer
Zero issues and know quite a few other people with zero issues with newer models

[Farmer72]

I think it is hit or miss still. My MPR was early 2020 (maybe late 2019) and it had a couple issues. Bolt timing was off and the folding stock did not lock up tight were the two I remember. I sent it back and they fixed my issues. The timing was not perfect but better than it was to start and the stock locked up tight. Maybe they are better now but not sure as I havent looked at a new Christensen Arms since getting mine (not because of my issues).

[MADMAX]

Ive got a ridgeline in 7 rem mag
Love it
Easy to carry
Feels good in my hands
Shoots great

[jrebel]

I had major issues with my Christensen ridge line and won’t buy another.  They are too expensive to gamble with.  On top of that the stock was wearing fast and appeared cheap. 


Now….I have a savage 338 lapua and it is an amazing shooter.  Given your parameters, I would buy a savage long range hunter in 338 lapua or a weatherby mark 5 apex…..assuming you want new.  If you would consider used, I would look at the savage 110 FCP IN 338 lapua.  I topped mine with a nightforce NX8 4-32x50 f2 MOAR scope.   I want to say mine is 13 ish lbs but would be happy to weigh it for you to confirm.   

I would buy a savage long before I ever bought another Christensen.   Mine shoots 1/4 moa with a 260 grain hammer hunter.   I’m gonna buy another and push a 225 grain bullet at lightning speeds.   I’m love the lapua!!

[b23]

So the current Ridgelines coming out are being held to a higher standard and being tested before they let them out the door? Honestly I LOVE the feel of the Ridgeline but some of the horror stories I’m hearing are just bad.

Does CA still chamber 338 Lapua in their Ridgeline rifles?  I think they used to but I'm not sure if they still make one in 338 Lapua.

I bought a CA Ridgeline 6.5 PRC from Cabela's a couple years ago kinda on a whim because I had a bunch of points built up so it didn't cost me anything out of pocket.  Mine is just the standard Ridgeline model with their CF wrapped barrel.

Got it home and borescoped the barrel, it was not good.  Barrel had chatter marks up the wazzu and it just looked rough.  Now, I've looked at other factory barrels that looked worse, one even much worse, and they still shot very well but often a barrel like that becomes a copper hog and requires considerably more frequent cleaning.  I contacted CA and expressed my concern.  I have to say the guys at CA were awesome about it and told me I could shoot it and see how it goes and if I wasn't happy with it they'd take it back and replace the barrel, or, I could just send it back now.  Back when I bought it the availability of 6.5 PRC ammo was extremely scarce not to mention expensive and new unprimed brass was nonexistent so I opted not to waste any time or ammo seeing what it would do so CA sent me a prepaid FedEx label and I sent it back.  They got it back, replaced the barrel, shot it themselves with two different bullets, boxed it up with the targets they'd shot, called me to tell me what they'd all done and how it shot for them, and returned it. 

Initially, I wasn't particularly thrilled about my CA purchase and had I not bought it with Cabela's points I probably would have been considerably more upset but CA exceeded my expectations with the way they handled things and when I got it back it shot exactly as well as they told me it did using the same ammo and even chronographed nearly the same.  Mine likes the Hornady 147 ELD-M stuff really well .3's at just a sliver over 3000fps and the 143 ELD-X good just not quite as good .5's and in the 2990's.

I have a NF NX8 2.5-20x50 on mine and the only other scope I'd put on one would just be a different Nightforce.  If you plan to dial, get a NF scope and be done.

FWIW, light guns that are big boomers and sling heavy bullets aren't the best combo so if you go 338 I'd try and get real close to that 16lbs with everything all in all done.

[jackelope]

I have three: Ridgeline 6.5 PRC shoots great, definitely 1 MOA gun. Ridgeline 300 WSM not so good, occasional flyers. 338 Lapua MPR, it key holes often with an occasional 2 MOA round. They are decent rifles which are more than adequate for hunting.

You can spend 400 bucks on a rifle and do a lot better than that.

[Bareback]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

[Sakko300wsm]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

[jrebel]

I’ve got a 500 dollar savage youth 7-08 with a 20 inch barrel that shoots 1/4 -1/2 minute all day long.  3150 fps muzzle velocity with a 101 grain bullet and it will shoot next to almost any other rifle in the Christensen line up.   Pretty basic rifle, so not that glamorous, but boy oh boy will it shoot.   

I’ve also seen a couple ruger Americans shoot very well.   

Christensen rifles sure do look nice…..but for the price, they should also shoot nice.  Not just adequate for hunting. 

[mountainman]

Several Mesas, 1/4 with hand loads. 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC.
Lightweight and accurate.
Savage have some of the roughest bores bu can be very accurate. Rough bores have more to do with fouling then they do with accuracy

[halibut herb]

Sorry if duplicate post the fist one just vanished. CA doesn’t make a ridgeline in 338 lapua. The Traverse is the lightest one if it’s weight you’re after. All-in like you described is 11.75 lbs. I can shoot it fine with the factory brake but haven’t found a suppressor yet that tames it enough to shoot comfortably. Something think about if you planning to shoot suppressed. Even at under 12 pounds it feels heavy. I wouldn’t wanna drag a 16 pound gun up a mountain!!

[jackelope]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

[hunter399]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

I have to agree.
Budget rifles have came along ways these days.
For the money ,and just like the expensive ones.
Your odds of getting a good one or bad one is about the same.
Nothing wrong with a budget rifle.
But if you got some cash to make it rain.
Buy once ,cry once and spend some doe.
Get a good one.

[jstone]

My savage.243 is a nail driver 1” or less all day

[TeacherMan]

Sorry if duplicate post the fist one just vanished. CA doesn’t make a ridgeline in 338 lapua. The Traverse is the lightest one if it’s weight you’re after. All-in like you described is 11.75 lbs. I can shoot it fine with the factory brake but haven’t found a suppressor yet that tames it enough to shoot comfortably. Something think about if you planning to shoot suppressed. Even at under 12 pounds it feels heavy. I wouldn’t wanna drag a 16 pound gun up a mountain!!

I plan on sand bagging it overlooking my favorite clearcut I drive up to with 1200 yards in every direction 😂

[Jolten]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

I got a Savage Edge (axis) I paid $199.99 for I think will beat it. Ugly as sin but it shoots

[Alchase]

Today all major brands have rifles of the shelf that shoot 1 MOA or better.
I would not own a hunting rifle that did not shoot better the 1 MOA.
My Ruger M77 Mk II, in 7 MM, shoots better the 1 MOA. All of my Sako’s shoot 0.6 MOA or better from the factory.
They come with the target, and load data they used.
I believe even Savage garuntees 1 MOA.

My eyes and ability may deteriorate with age, I sure don’t need a rifle that does, 

[mountainman]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

factory loads? Not all are accurate, most unacceptably inaccurate. He didn’t clarify. And key holing is a mis-match of either load, rifling. And twist. Probably a combo of all three…

[jackelope]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

factory loads? Not all are accurate, most unacceptably inaccurate. He didn’t clarify. And key holing is a mis-match of either load, rifling. And twist. Probably a combo of all three…

Factory loads in a $400 rifle. Some of them shoot amazingly well. Based on feedback I’ve seen here and in lots of other places, I’d wager that most Ruger Americans shoot shockingly well, especially for a cheap rifle. I wouldn’t buy a rifle anymore just based on a 1 Moa guarantee because most of them do it these days. They don’t have to be cool guy custom rifles anymore. And I just bought a rifle that cost a lot more than $400….

[jrebel]

$1,000 savage 7 shot ladder load test with 5 grains difference in powder charge from high to low.  (See group below). This was a 300wsm.

The savage 110long range hunter 338 lapua would be hard to beat for the money.  Trying to find my target pics for the lapua. 

[hunter399]

Ya I guess when I posted
The savage 110 is a base model.
Not really a budget rifle.
Savage budget rifle would be the axis.

Even the axis model shoots pretty well for the money.
Believe Cabela's is doing there black Friday deal on them again.
For whatever they have in stock.

[Bareback]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

One would be adequate. 9 rounds, three targets @ 100, 200, 300 yrds. If it is truely a 1 MOA rifle I would make the best crow soup anyone has eaten.

[Mtnwalker]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

One would be adequate. 9 rounds, three targets @ 100, 200, 300 yrds. If it is truely a 1 MOA rifle I would make the best crow soup anyone has eaten.

If it’s truly an MOA rifle then no need to mess around at different distances. A 5 shot group is pretty black and white, and moa is moa

[Karl Blanchard]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

One would be adequate. 9 rounds, three targets @ 100, 200, 300 yrds. If it is truely a 1 MOA rifle I would make the best crow soup anyone has eaten.

If it’s truly an MOA rifle then no need to mess around at different distances. A 5 shot group is pretty black and white, and moa is moa

That's the thing, a 5 shot group isn't big enough to establish the true accuracy of a rifle. Shoot 2, 5 shot groups and overlay them. I'll bet money those 10 shots add up to more than an moa. Simple fact is, everyone's quarter or half minute rifles are more like 1-1.5 moa when you fire enough shots to establish what that rifles true accuracy is.

[Karl Blanchard]

Shorter distances you'd probably never notice it but you get out past 500 yards and it's a big deal. Ever shoot long and can't explain those misses? Dancing all around the plate? Poor inputs equals poor outputs. Zero off 7+ shot group and so much of that goes away.

Food for thought.

[jrebel]

Do you have one of these $400 rifles? I sure would like to see one in action.

Same here!!

That shoots better than 1”? That don’t keyhole and send random flyers? 
Doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult to accomplish.
How many Ruger Americans or Savage 110’s would you like me to stack up?

One would be adequate. 9 rounds, three targets @ 100, 200, 300 yrds. If it is truely a 1 MOA rifle I would make the best crow soup anyone has eaten.

If it’s truly an MOA rifle then no need to mess around at different distances. A 5 shot group is pretty black and white, and moa is moa

That's the thing, a 5 shot group isn't big enough to establish the true accuracy of a rifle. Shoot 2, 5 shot groups and overlay them. I'll bet money those 10 shots add up to more than an moa. Simple fact is, everyone's quarter or half minute rifles are more like 1-1.5 moa when you fire enough shots to establish what that rifles true accuracy is.

I think your are accounting for the human error in that example.  Most people can't shoot MOA.....even if their rifles can.  I have good days and bad days at the range, that doesn't mean the rifle is not an MOA or better rifle.  Shoot 4 or 5 3-5 round groups and take the average of each group....that's the way I do it.  When I'm having a bad day, I know it....and can't really blame the rifle. 

[Karl Blanchard]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QwumAGRmz2I

[jackelope]

Shorter distances you'd probably never notice it but you get out past 500 yards and it's a big deal. Ever shoot long and can't explain those misses? Dancing all around the plate? Poor inputs equals poor outputs. Zero off 7+ shot group and so much of that goes away.

Food for thought.

My comment was based on lots of inexpensive rifles that shoot shockingly well at 100 yards for the price. Maybe $400 isn't a legit number, but $500 is. I'm not making any hallucinogenic comments about $400 rifles shooting 2.5moa at 500 yards from whichever yay-hoo is sitting behind the rifle.

[Karl Blanchard]

Shorter distances you'd probably never notice it but you get out past 500 yards and it's a big deal. Ever shoot long and can't explain those misses? Dancing all around the plate? Poor inputs equals poor outputs. Zero off 7+ shot group and so much of that goes away.

Food for thought.

My comment was based on lots of inexpensive rifles that shoot shockingly well at 100 yards for the price. Maybe $400 isn't a legit number, but $500 is. I'm not making any hallucinogenic comments about $400 rifles shooting 2.5moa at 500 yards from whichever yay-hoo is sitting behind the rifle.

I completely agree.  I've owned multiple sub $400 (ruger american) rifles that are legit moa rifles. I've shot them to 1,000 yards plus countless times.

[Stein]

If anyone's interested in a bet and the bar is under a 2 MOA 10 shot group that doesn't keyhole, I have 2 sub $500 rifles up for the challenge.     In fact I have one target already done sitting next to me, 1.57" horizontal, 0.56" vertical 1.55 MOA in windy conditions I bet I could sneak comfortably under 1" if I went on a calm day.  Savage Axis, $329.99 on sale with factory ammo.

10 shot 1" group is fairly tough for me, it has to be a good shooting gun with complimentary ammo, calm conditions and consistent shooting.  3 shot under 1" is much easier, conditions are much more likely to be the same, barrel won't heat much, shooter won't tire, odds of a flyer drop dramatically, etc.

[Bareback]

If anyone's interested in a bet and the bar is under a 2 MOA 10 shot group that doesn't keyhole, I have 2 sub $500 rifles up for the challenge.     In fact I have one target already done sitting next to me, 1.57" horizontal, 0.56" vertical 1.55 MOA in windy conditions I bet I could sneak comfortably under 1" if I went on a calm day.  Savage Axis, $329.99 on sale with factory ammo.

10 shot 1" group is fairly tough for me, it has to be a good shooting gun with complimentary ammo, calm conditions and consistent shooting.  3 shot under 1" is much easier, conditions are much more likely to be the same, barrel won't heat much, shooter won't tire, odds of a flyer drop dramatically, etc.

10 shots in a 2.094" circle with a budget rifle? I’d like to see that, it would be worth the price of admission. We can DM to work out details. 👍

[Stein]

Top left group is the 10 shot, other two groups were different ammo I was testing, 5 shot groups.  I'm fairly certain I got some wind drift there, app showed 0.7" for 10 mph full crosswind (I held center with no adjustments) which seems about right.

I allowed 2 minutes between shots as the factory pencil barrel heats up pretty quick.