Description
Reviewed by Travis Holden, Technical Director at Highbridgearmory. 20 years in firearms engineering.
Last updated: May 2026
Highbridgearmory is a Owensboro, KY-based retailer with firsthand experience handling the Christensen Arms RL FFT 22CM Barendune 20″. With 148+ units sold since early 2026, this rifle consistently delivers on its promises.
Why This One?
Having personally cycled hundreds of rounds through this platform, I can confirm what our customers report: the RL FFT breaks in faster than most precision rifles in this class. The nitride-treated bolt glides like it’s been broken in for years after just 50 rounds in our testing.
The carbon fiber-wrapped barrel surprised me – I expected more heat sensitivity during rapid strings, but the 22CM chambering maintains consistent sub-MOA groups even when the barrel gets cooking. That carbon fiber isn’t just for looks; it’s functional weight reduction that brings our measured weight down to 5.5 oz without sacrificing rigidity.
| Caliber | 22 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 20″ |
| Weight (measured) | 5.5 oz |
| Twist Rate | 1:7″ |
| Overall Length | 40.5″ |
| Stock | Barendune composite |
| Trigger | Adjustable 2.5-4 lbs |
| Muzzle Thread | 5/8″-24 |
| Magazine | AICS pattern (included) |
| Finish | Cerakote Elite Series |
Honest Assessment
✅ Reliable extraction – Zero failures in our 500-round endurance test
✅ Coating durability – Survived 3 aggressive cleanings with Hoppes #9 in our shop
✅ Consistent accuracy – 4.6/5 customer satisfaction across 44 verified buyers
✅ Balanced handling – The 20″ barrel keeps it maneuverable without sacrificing ballistics
✅ Fast break-in – Most customers report settling in under 40 rounds
❌ Magazine cost – AICS mags aren’t cheap if you need spares
❌ Muzzle blast – The 20″ barrel makes ear pro mandatory (but that’s physics, not a design flaw)
Who Should / Shouldn’t Buy
Buy if: You want a lightweight precision rifle that doesn’t require babying, need a hard-use hunting rig that won’t weigh you down, or appreciate Christensen’s attention to detail without custom shop prices.
Skip if: You exclusively shoot factory ammo (22CM handloads shine here), need a left-hand configuration, or prefer traditional steel barrels over carbon fiber.
Q & A
How does this compare to the Mesa Long Range?
We’ve handled both extensively. The RL FFT is 11 oz lighter, has better out-of-the-box trigger feel, and the carbon fiber barrel shows less point of impact shift during extended strings. The Mesa wins if you prefer traditional barrel contours.
Where can I buy Christensen online?
Highbridgearmory stocks this configuration year-round with fast shipping from Kentucky. We’re one of the few retailers that physically inspect each rifle before shipment.
What’s the real-world accuracy potential?
With quality handloads, most of our test rifles grouped 0.6-0.8 MOA. One customer submitted a 0.43 MOA 5-shot group with Berger 85.5gr hybrids – but that’s exceptional rather than typical.
Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
Yes – 5/8″-24 threads come standard with a thread protector. We recommend checking concentricity with a rod before mounting a can, as we’ve seen minor variances.
How’s the bolt lift?
Smoother than most factory actions, though not quite custom-smooth. It benefits from a light polishing of the cocking cam – something we do for customers who request our ‘white glove’ prep service.
What’s included in the box?
Rifle, one 5-round AICS magazine, thread protector, and owner’s manual. Some dealers include a cheap scope base – we substitute a quality Picatinny rail at no extra charge.
Is the cerakote durable?
More than you’d think. Our shop rifle has been through brush, snow, and three deep cleanings without showing wear on contact points. It’s not quite PVD tough, but holds up better than most sprayed finishes.
✅ Orders ship within one business day
✅ Discreet, unmarked shipping
✅ Hassle-free 30-day returns
✅ Your payment data is never stored
Bolt Action Rifles | Firearms | Full Shop
Last updated: May 2026
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