Chirstensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Natural Stainless Black Bolt Action

For Tennessee hunters who know the challenge of chasing whitetail across the rugged ridges of the Cumberland Plateau or glassing for elk in the Cherokee National Forest, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Natural Stainless Black Bolt Action in .300 WSM offers a tool built for the terrain. This rifle combines a remarkably lightweight carbon-fiber stock with a durable natural stainless finish, making it a practical companion for long days in the field where every ounce matters and reliability is non-negotiable. Whether you’re navigating the steep hollows of East Tennessee or working a food plot in the Volunteer State’s southern farmlands, this bolt-action platform delivers the precision and portability that serious hunters demand.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT (Field Firing Technology) is a premium, lightweight bolt-action rifle engineered for the backcountry hunter who prioritizes weight savings without sacrificing accuracy. This specific configuration is chambered in .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM), a cartridge known for its flat trajectory and retained energy at extended ranges, making it suitable for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and black bear. The rifle is not designed for home defense or concealed carry; it is a dedicated hunting platform for shooters who spend significant time on foot in demanding environments. Target shooters and collectors will also appreciate its precision-machined action and high-end components, though its primary role is as a field-ready hunting tool for those who need a reliable, accurate rifle that can handle the elements.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .300 Winchester Short Magnum (.300 WSM)
• Action: Bolt-action, short-action length
• Barrel Length: 24 inches, fluted, with a threaded muzzle (5/8×24 thread pattern)
• Barrel Material: 416 stainless steel, natural satin finish
• Stock: Carbon-fiber FFT (Field Firing Technology) with black textured overmold
• Stock Features: Adjustable length of pull (via spacers), adjustable cheek riser, aluminum bedding block, sling swivel studs
• Finish: Natural stainless steel barrel and action with black anodized aluminum components
• Weight: Approximately 6.5 pounds (unloaded, without optics)
• Overall Length: 44.5 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 rounds (detachable box magazine, AICS pattern)
• Sights: None (drilled and tapped for optics, includes Picatinny rail)
• Trigger: Christensen Arms adjustable trigger (factory set at approximately 2.5–3.5 lbs)
• Safety: Two-position tang safety
• Bolt: Fluted, with a spiral-fluted body and a knurled handle
• Recoil Lug: Integral, one-piece

Feature Deep-Dive

The Ridgeline FFT’s defining feature is its carbon-fiber stock, which uses Christensen Arms’ Field Firing Technology to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. This stock is hand-laid with a high-pressure molding process that eliminates voids and ensures consistent bedding. The result is a chassis that resists warping from moisture or temperature changes—a real advantage during Tennessee’s humid summers or cold November hunts. The stock also includes an aluminum bedding block that interfaces directly with the action, providing a stable foundation for consistent accuracy shot after shot.

The 24-inch fluted stainless steel barrel is another key component. The fluting reduces weight and increases surface area for faster cooling, which is useful during extended shooting sessions at the range or when multiple follow-up shots are needed in the field. The barrel is button-rifled and hand-lapped, a process that produces a smooth, consistent bore for improved accuracy potential. The natural stainless finish resists corrosion better than blued steel, a practical advantage for hunters who encounter rain, sweat, or morning dew in the Tennessee woods.

The action itself is a three-lug design with a 60-degree bolt lift, which provides ample clearance for scope mounting and speeds up cycling. The bolt is fluted and features a spiral-fluted body that reduces friction and helps clear debris. The knurled bolt handle offers a positive grip even with wet or gloved hands. The trigger is fully adjustable for pull weight, and the factory setting is crisp with minimal overtravel. This adjustability allows the shooter to fine-tune the trigger to their preference without needing a gunsmith.

The detachable box magazine is a notable upgrade over fixed internal magazines. It uses the AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern, which means replacement or spare magazines are widely available from multiple manufacturers. The magazine releases cleanly with a push-button latch, and the 3+1 capacity is standard for a magnum hunting rifle. The magazine is constructed from steel with a polymer follower for reliable feeding of .300 WSM cartridges, which have a slightly rebated rim.

Christensen Arms includes a one-piece Picatinny rail pre-installed on the receiver, which simplifies scope mounting and provides a stable platform for rings. The rail is machined from 7075 aluminum and is black anodized to match the rifle’s accents. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard bases, but the included rail is a practical feature that saves the buyer time and money. The two-position tang safety is intuitive to operate, with a forward position for fire and a rear position that locks the bolt and trigger.

The overall build quality is evident in the fit and finish. The action-to-stock fit is tight with no gaps, and the metal surfaces show a consistent satin finish. The black overmold on the stock provides a non-slip grip in wet conditions, and the adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull spacers allow the shooter to customize the fit for different clothing layers or shooting positions. This rifle is not a lightweight compromise; it is a carefully engineered tool that balances portability with the structural integrity needed for precise shooting.

Ideal Use Cases

This rifle is primarily intended for hunting, specifically for backcountry and mountain hunting where weight is a critical factor. The .300 WSM cartridge is effective on game from whitetail deer to elk at ranges out to 500 yards, making it a versatile choice for Tennessee hunters who may encounter varied terrain and shot distances. The rifle’s lightweight design is particularly beneficial for hunters who cover significant ground, such as those pursuing public-land deer in the Cherokee National Forest or bear hunters in the Smoky Mountains. It is also suitable for long-range target shooting and steel plate matches, thanks to its accuracy potential and the availability of high-BC bullets in .300 WSM. However, it is not ideal for home defense or concealed carry due to its size and intended purpose.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This rifle is chambered for .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM). It will function with all factory-loaded .300 WSM ammunition from major manufacturers such as Federal, Hornady, Winchester, and Nosler. Reloaders should note that .300 WSM uses a large rifle magnum primer and standard .308-inch diameter bullets. The rifle has a standard SAAMI chamber, so handloads should be kept within published pressure limits.

Magazines: The rifle uses AICS-pattern short-action magazines designed for .300 WSM. These are available from Christensen Arms, Accuracy International, Magpul, and other aftermarket suppliers. Standard AICS .308 magazines will not feed .300 WSM reliably due to the cartridge’s larger diameter; use only magazines specifically marked for WSM cartridges.

Holsters and Accessories: This is a full-size rifle; no holsters are applicable. The rifle includes sling swivel studs (1/4-inch) and a Picatinny rail. It is compatible with any standard rifle sling, bipod (Harris, Atlas, Magpul), and scope rings (Picatinny or Weaver). The muzzle is threaded 5/8×24, so it accepts standard .30-caliber muzzle brakes, suppressors, or thread protectors.

Optics: The pre-installed Picatinny rail accepts any scope base with a Picatinny or Weaver interface. For a .300 WSM hunting rifle, a variable-power scope with a 3-9x or 4-16x magnification range is recommended. Ensure the scope has sufficient eye relief for a magnum cartridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this rifle be shipped to my address in Tennessee, or does it have to go to an FFL?
Federal law requires that all firearms be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer for transfer. We ship to the FFL dealer of your choice within Tennessee. You will need to coordinate with that dealer to complete the transfer, which includes a background check. We cannot ship directly to a residential address.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for Tennessee residents?
After you place your order, we will need a signed copy of your chosen FFL dealer’s license (or a verification from the FFL via email). Once we receive and verify the FFL, we ship the rifle. The dealer will then contact you to complete the ATF Form 4473 and conduct the NICS background check. Transfer fees are set by the individual dealer and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this rifle?
This rifle is chambered exclusively for .300 Winchester Short Magnum (.300 WSM) cartridges. Do not use .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, or any other cartridge. Use only factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers. If you reload, follow published load data from sources like Hodgdon or Lyman.

4. What warranty does Christensen Arms offer on this rifle?
Christensen Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the barrel, action, and stock under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or aftermarket modifications. For specific warranty claims, contact Christensen Arms directly or reach out to us for assistance.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to the regulated nature of firearms, all sales are final. We do not accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped. If your rifle arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, please contact us immediately. We will work with Christensen Arms to address any issues under warranty. We strongly recommend inspecting the rifle at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.

Closing Call to Action

This Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Natural Stainless Black Bolt Action in .300 WSM is available now for shipping to your licensed FFL dealer across Tennessee. Whether you’re in Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, or the Tri-Cities, we can help get this rifle into your hands for your next hunt. Contact our team with any questions about the transfer process or compatibility, and we will provide straightforward answers based on our experience as a Tennessee-based FFL