The new Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT is turning heads in the hunting community. This lightweight, feature-packed rifle offers impressive accuracy and precision, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting. With a stock inspired by Formula One racecars, it’s designed to be both performant and visually striking.
Hunters value the Ridgeline FFT for its numerous premium features. Its advanced design ensures durability without sacrificing performance. Plus, the unique ergonomic build means it’s comfortable to handle during those long hunting trips. If you’re considering a rifle that offers a balance of function and form, this one is worth a closer look.
Customization options for the Ridgeline FFT add to its appeal. Available in multiple calibers, it caters to different hunting requirements. Whether you need a reliable rifle for mountain hunts or other challenging terrains, this versatile option stands out. If you’ve been searching for a comprehensive review, keep reading to find out more about what makes this rifle exceptional.
Key Takeaways
- The Ridgeline FFT is a top choice for long-range hunting.
- Premium features and ergonomic design enhance handling and performance.
- Customization options ensure it meets diverse hunting needs.
Overview of Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT offers a unique combination of cutting-edge design and advanced features to deliver a standout rifle for serious hunters and shooters. Explore the brand’s history, key specifications, and an insight into their design philosophy.
Brand History and Reputation
Christensen Arms, founded in 1995, has built a strong reputation in the firearms industry. Known for pioneering the use of carbon fiber in rifle barrels, the company prioritizes innovation and quality.
Their rifles are favored by hunters and marksmen for their exceptional accuracy and lightweight design. The Ridgeline FFT exemplifies Christensen Arms’ commitment to producing state-of-the-art firearms.
Key Specifications
The Ridgeline FFT boasts several impressive specifications that cater to hunters and long-range shooters. It’s available in multiple calibers and features a featherlight contour.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 5.3 pounds |
| Barrel Length | 20-26 inches |
| Stock Material | Carbon fiber FFT |
| Trigger | Adjustable Match-grade |
| Muzzle Device | Stainless steel or muzzle brake |
These specs make the rifle versatile, lightweight, and highly accurate.
Design Philosophy
Christensen Arms designed the Ridgeline FFT with a focus on combining lightweight materials with robust performance. The use of carbon fiber in the stock reduces weight without sacrificing strength.
Inspired by Formula One racecars, the sleek design enhances handling and ergonomics. This rifle offers a practical blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship, embodying the company’s mission to create high-performance firearms for all conditions.
With its careful balance and precision components, the Ridgeline FFT stands out as a top choice for hunters who demand reliability and accuracy in the field.
Performance and Accuracy
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT stands out for its cutting-edge barrel technology, precision-crafted trigger mechanism, and impressive field test results. These features collectively contribute to the rifle’s notable performance and accuracy.
Barrel Technology
The Ridgeline FFT features a carbon fiber barrel, which is both lightweight and strong. This barrel design reduces the overall weight of the rifle, making it easier to carry during long hunting trips.
The use of carbon fiber also improves heat dissipation, ensuring consistent accuracy even after multiple shots. Additionally, the barrel’s rifling is designed to enhance bullet stability, which is crucial for long-range shooting.
With calibers ranging from 6.5 PRC to .300 Win Mag, shooters can expect reliable performance across various hunting scenarios. This attention to barrel construction ensures top-tier accuracy and durability.
Trigger Mechanism
The rifle is equipped with a TriggerTech trigger, known for its crisp and consistent pull. This type of trigger allows for precise shot placement, which is vital for hunting and target shooting.
The pull weight is adjustable, enabling shooters to customize it to their personal preference. The trigger mechanism incorporates a frictionless release technology, reducing the creep and over-travel that can mar shooting accuracy.
This results in a smooth and predictable trigger pull, translating to better overall shot consistency. Experienced shooters often appreciate these subtle yet significant enhancements in the trigger mechanism.
Field Test Results
Field tests showcase the Ridgeline FFT’s high accuracy and performance under various conditions. During testing, the rifle consistently achieved sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at distances up to 300 yards, affirming its capability for long-range hunting.
Testers noted the ergonomics and balance of the rifle, which contribute to steady aim and reduced shooter fatigue. The lightweight construction did not compromise stability, even with a heavier scope mounted.
One point mentioned in reviews was its top-heavy feel with certain optics, as highlighted in American Hunter’s review. Despite this, the overall feedback praised the rifle’s accuracy and ease of handling in the field, solidifying its reputation among hunting enthusiasts.
Handling and Ergonomics
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT excels in different aspects that contribute to its handling and ergonomics. These include the craftsmanship of the stock, balance of the weapon, and its recoil management.
Stock Craftsmanship
The Ridgeline FFT features an innovative Flash Forged Technology (FFT) stock. This high-tech, lightweight stock is carefully constructed with a carbon-fiber weave. This makes the stock strong and light. The new design is visually pleasing with smooth finishes and no visible flaws. The stock also includes spot bedding and stainless steel bedding pillars, adding to its structural integrity and durability.
Weight and Balance
Weighing around 5.3 pounds, the Ridgeline FFT is lighter compared to the standard Ridgeline model. This rifle is well-suited for mountain hunting or situations requiring a lightweight firearm. There is a noticeable reduction in weight due to the efficient design of the FFT stock. Despite its light weight, some users may find it top-heavy with the scope attached, affecting the rifle’s balance.
Recoil Management
Recoil management is another strength of the Ridgeline FFT. The rifle comes equipped with a Trigger Tech trigger that can be easily adjusted to break around 3 lbs. This feature aids in controlling recoil. Additionally, the stock design and light weight assist in mitigating felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot over extended periods. The Cerakote finish on the action adds to its durability and smooth operation during recoil absorption.
Customization and Compatibility
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT is versatile with various customization options, including effective optics mounting and robust aftermarket support. This makes it a flexible choice for different hunting scenarios and user preferences.
Optics Mounting Options
The Ridgeline FFT offers several options for mounting optics. It features a drilled and tapped receiver compatible with popular scope bases and rings. Users can choose Picatinny rails or traditional scope mounts.
Key Points:
- Drilled and tapped receiver
- Compatibility with Picatinny rails
- Suitable for traditional scope mounts
These options ensure that users can mount a wide range of scopes, enhancing their shooting accuracy and experience.
Aftermarket Support
The aftermarket support for the Ridgeline FFT is extensive, allowing users to upgrade and customize their rifles further. Available parts include custom triggers, barrel upgrades, and different stock options.
Popular Aftermarket Parts:
- Custom triggers
- Barrel upgrades
- Stock options
This robust support ensures that users can tailor the rifle to their specific needs, whether for improved performance or personalized aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT offers innovative features and performance improvements. It stands out with the new Flash Forged Technology and its accurate, lightweight design.
What improvements does the FFT technology bring to the Christensen Arms Ridgeline series?
The Flash Forged Technology (FFT) uses advanced carbon-fiber materials. This results in a lighter rifle with improved strength and durability. The FFT stock also enhances the handling and accuracy due to its precise construction and reduced weight.
How does the Christensen Arms Ridgeline perform in terms of accuracy and precision?
The Ridgeline FFT is known for its exceptional accuracy and precision. During testing, the rifle demonstrated consistent performance with no failures to feed, extract, or eject. Its reliable Sako-style extractor and dual plunger ejectors contribute to its precise operation.
Are there any common issues with the Christensen Arms Ridgeline rifles?
Some users find the Trigger Tech trigger to be stiffer than expected. However, it is easily adjustable to individual preferences. No other major issues are commonly reported, indicating its robust build and reliability.
What are the key differences between the various calibers offered in the Christensen Arms Ridgeline series?
The Ridgeline series is available in multiple calibers to suit different hunting needs. Each caliber offers specific benefits, such as longer range or greater stopping power. The differences primarily affect ballistics, recoil, and the types of game they are best suited for.
How does the Ridgeline FFT compare to the original Ridgeline model in terms of weight and handling?
The Ridgeline FFT is lighter than the original model. The FFT model can weigh as little as 5.3 pounds, while the original weighs around 6.3 pounds. This reduction in weight improves handling, particularly in challenging terrains like mountains.
What are the benefits of choosing a titanium barrel for the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT?
A titanium barrel reduces the rifle’s weight without compromising strength. It also increases resistance to corrosion, extending the lifespan of the barrel. These benefits make it an attractive option for serious hunters looking for a durable and lightweight rifle.