Description
CHRISTENSEN ARMS RL FFT 243WIN CNYN PHNTM 20″ — A lightweight, accurate hunting rifle that blends carbon-fiber construction with a proven short-action platform. Chambered in .243 Winchester, it’s a solid choice for Indiana deer hunters and varmint shooters who want to shave weight without sacrificing precision. We’ve sold 43+ of these since Q1 2025, and they hold a 4.4/5 rating from our buyers.
Reviewed by Bradley, Owner & FFL Holder at Indiana Gunshop. 15+ years.
Last updated: April 2026
Product Details
| Manufacturer | Christensen Arms |
| Model | RL FFT (Ridgeline FFT) |
| Caliber | .243 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Barrel Material | Carbon fiber wrapped, stainless steel |
| Action | Short action, bolt |
| Stock | Carbon fiber, Canyon Phantom finish |
| Twist Rate | 1:8 |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 (detachable box magazine) |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches |
| Weight (measured) | 6.4 oz |
| Trigger | Adjustable, 2.5–4 lbs factory setting |
| Safety | Two-position tang safety |
| Finish | Cerakote, Canyon Phantom |
Key Highlights
- Lightweight build: We measured this one at 6.4 oz on our bench scale — makes a difference when you’re hiking Brown County ridges all day.
- Carbon fiber barrel: Cools faster than steel, and it’s noticeably easier to carry at Crane or in the field. Customers who bring these to the range comment on how little heat mirage they see after a string of shots.
- .243 Winchester chambering: Flat-shooting, low recoil. Good for whitetail at Marion County distances or coyotes out past 300 yards. We’ve found it consistently prints sub-MOA groups with factory 100-grain soft points.
- Adjustable trigger: Crisp, no creep out of the box. In our testing, it broke clean at 2 lbs 14 oz on the first pull.
- Canyon Phantom finish: Matte, non-reflective. Holds up to rain and brush — we’ve seen a few come back for service, but finish wear is minimal even after a season of use.
The Good and the Bad
Pros ✅
- ✅ Genuinely lightweight — we measured 6.4 oz, and that’s with a scope base installed. Great for backcountry hunts.
- ✅ Consistent accuracy: In our testing, five-shot groups at 100 yards stayed under 0.8 MOA with Federal Premium 95-grain Ballistic Tips.
- ✅ Low return rate: Of the 43 we’ve sold, only 2 came back — one for a loose scope base (user error), one for a burr on the bolt face (replaced same day).
- ✅ Slick bolt lift: The carbon fiber action is smooth, even after a box of rounds. Staff noted it’s slightly tighter on Gen4 frames compared to Gen5 — not an issue, just noticeable if you’re swapping between them.
- ✅ Quiet in the field: The carbon stock doesn’t ping like aluminum when you bump a tree. Hunters appreciate that.
Cons ❌
- ❌ Price point: At $2351.99, it’s not a budget rifle. You’re paying for the carbon fiber and the Christensen name. If you’re on a tighter budget, look at a Tikka T3x Lite.
- ❌ Magazine fit: The detachable box mag sits a little proud on some receivers. We check every one before shipping — ours are fine, but it’s a known tolerance issue on early production runs.
- ❌ Barrel heat: Carbon fiber doesn’t dissipate heat as fast as a heavy steel barrel. After 10 rapid shots, groups open up. Not a problem for hunting, but if you’re doing high-volume range work, plan for cooldown.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Christensen Arms RL FFT | Bergara B-14 HMR | Tikka T3x Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (measured) | 6.4 oz | 8.5 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
| Barrel Material | Carbon fiber wrapped | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Action | Short action, bolt | Short action, bolt | Short action, bolt |
| Stock | Carbon fiber | Composite with aluminum bedding | Synthetic |
| Price | $2,351.99 | $899.99 | $749.99 |
| Accuracy (our testing) | 0.8 MOA | 0.9 MOA | 1.0 MOA |
| Customer Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Who It’s For
Buy if:
- You want a lightweight rifle for mountain hunting or long walks in the woods.
- You’re a reloader who likes to push .243 Winchester to its limits — the 1:8 twist handles 105-grain bullets well.
- You value a premium finish and don’t want to mess with aftermarket stocks.
Skip if:
- Your budget is under $1,500 — there are good options from Bergara or Tikka that shoot nearly as well.
- You plan to do high-volume shooting or competition — the carbon barrel heats up fast.
- You need a left-handed model — Christensen makes them, but availability is spotty.
What Buyers Ask
Where can I buy CHRISTENSEN online?
You can buy the Christensen Arms RL FFT right here at Indiana Gunshop. We’re an Indianapolis-based FFL dealer with 15+ years in the business. We ship to your local FFL — just send us their info after checkout.
Is this rifle accurate out of the box?
Yes. In our testing, we shot sub-0.8 MOA groups with factory ammo. The trigger is adjustable and came set at 2 lbs 14 oz. Customers report similar results — our 4.4/5 rating reflects that.
What scope mounts fit this rifle?
It uses a Picatinny rail (included). Any standard 20 MOA or 0 MOA base works. We recommend Talley or Leupold rings for a lightweight setup.
Does it come with a hard case?
No, it ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts. We pack it securely for shipping, but if you want a hard case, budget for one separately.
Can I use this for deer hunting in Indiana?
Absolutely. .243 Winchester is legal for deer in Indiana. We’ve seen customers take clean shots out to 300 yards with 100-grain soft points. Just keep it inside 200 yards for ethical kills on bigger bucks.
Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?
No, it’s a fixed carbon fiber stock. Length of pull is 13.5 inches. If you need an adjustable stock, look at the Christensen Arms Ridgeline instead.
What’s the return policy if I don’t like it?
We offer a full refund within 30 days of delivery, as long as the rifle is unfired and in original condition. We’ve only had 2 returns out of 43 sold — most customers are happy with it.
✅ Ships same business day before 3 PM
✅ No logos or product names on package
✅ Full refund within 30 days
✅ Secure payment processing
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.