Christensen Arms Traverse Stainless Steel Bolt Action Rifle – 338 Lapua Magnum – 27in

For Tennessee hunters and long-range shooters who face the variable terrain from the Cumberland Plateau to the Mississippi Delta, the Christensen Arms Traverse Stainless Steel Bolt Action Rifle in 338 Lapua Magnum offers a reliable platform for reaching out to extended distances. Whether you are glassing fields for whitetail in West Tennessee or targeting steel at 1,000 yards near the Smoky Mountains, this rifle provides the ballistics and build quality to handle the job. At tn-guns.com, we stock this model for customers who require a production-grade rifle that delivers consistent performance without the need for custom gunsmithing.

Product Overview and Intended User

The Christensen Arms Traverse is a bolt-action rifle built around the 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, featuring a 27-inch stainless steel barrel and a synthetic stock. This rifle is designed for the shooter who needs a production-level firearm capable of sub-MOA accuracy at extended ranges, making it suitable for long-range target shooting, precision competition, and big-game hunting where shot distances may exceed 400 yards. It is not intended for home defense or concealed carry, given its caliber, barrel length, and overall weight. Instead, it serves the dedicated hunter or competitive shooter who values repeatable accuracy and durability in a factory-built rifle. Collectors may also appreciate the stainless steel construction and the reputation of Christensen Arms for producing consistent, quality firearms.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 338 Lapua Magnum
• Action: Bolt-action, three-lug bolt with 60-degree throw
• Barrel Length: 27 inches
• Barrel Material: Stainless steel, fluted to reduce weight and aid heat dissipation
• Barrel Finish: Satin stainless steel
• Twist Rate: 1:9.35 inches (optimized for heavy, high-BC bullets in 338 Lapua)
• Stock: Synthetic, carbon fiber-reinforced with a molded cheek rest and textured grip panels
• Stock Color: Flat Dark Earth or Black (depending on production run)
• Overall Length: Approximately 49 inches
• Weight: 9.5 pounds (unloaded, without optics)
• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 rounds, detachable box magazine
• Sights: No iron sights; drilled and tapped for one-piece scope base (included)
• Trigger: Adjustable trigger, factory set at approximately 3.5 pounds
• Safety: Two-position tang safety
• Receiver Material: Stainless steel, bedded into the stock
• Length of Pull: 13.5 inches

Feature Deep-Dive

The 27-inch stainless steel barrel on the Traverse is a primary feature that contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential. Stainless steel offers greater resistance to corrosion compared to blued carbon steel, which is an advantage for Tennessee shooters who may encounter humid conditions during early morning hunts or during storage. The fluting on the barrel serves two purposes: it reduces overall weight by approximately 0.4 pounds compared to a non-fluted barrel of the same contour, and it increases surface area for faster cooling during sustained fire at the range. The 1:9.35 twist rate is specifically chosen for the 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, stabilizing heavy bullets in the 250-300 grain range that are commonly used for long-range hunting or target work.

The synthetic stock is reinforced with carbon fiber, which provides stiffness without adding significant weight. This material choice helps maintain consistent bedding pressure against the stainless steel receiver, which is important for shot-to-shot consistency. The stock includes a molded cheek rest that is adjustable for comb height, allowing the shooter to align their eye with a mounted scope. Textured grip panels on the forend and pistol grip provide a secure hold in wet or gloved conditions, a practical consideration for Tennessee deer hunters who may be out in rain or cold weather. The stock also includes sling swivel studs (two on the forend, one on the butt) for bipod and sling attachment.

The three-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw allows for a shorter bolt lift compared to traditional two-lug designs. This can be a benefit when cycling rounds quickly from a prone position or when using a scope with a large objective lens, as the bolt handle clears the scope more easily. The bolt is fluted and features a spiral-fluted body, which reduces friction and helps clear debris from the action. The bolt face is fully enclosed and features a controlled-round feed mechanism, which can improve feeding reliability with the large 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. The detachable box magazine is constructed from steel and locks securely into the stock with a paddle release located at the front of the trigger guard.

The trigger assembly is adjustable for pull weight, but it comes from the factory set at a crisp 3.5 pounds with minimal take-up and overtravel. This trigger design is consistent with what one would expect from a production rifle in this price range, offering a clean break that aids precision shooting. The two-position tang safety is located at the rear of the receiver, directly under the shooter’s thumb. In the rear position, the safety locks the trigger and bolt handle; in the forward position, the rifle is ready to fire. The safety is audible and tactile, providing clear feedback without requiring the shooter to look away from the target.

The receiver is machined from a single piece of stainless steel and is drilled and tapped for a one-piece scope base, which is included with the rifle. The base is a 20-MOA rail, which provides additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting without needing a scope with an extreme range of internal adjustment. The receiver is bedded into the stock using a proprietary system that applies pressure at the recoil lug and the action screws, which helps maintain zero even when the stock is exposed to temperature or humidity changes. This bedding system reduces the need for frequent re-torquing of action screws, a common maintenance point on less consistent rifle designs.

Ideal Use Cases

The 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge is best suited for long-range target shooting and big-game hunting where shot distances exceed 500 yards. For Tennessee hunters pursuing elk or bear in the western part of the state, or for those who travel to western states for larger game, this rifle provides sufficient energy at extended ranges. It is also a strong choice for precision rifle competitions such as PRS or NRL Hunter, where the 338 Lapua’s ballistics allow for effective engagement of steel targets at distances beyond 1,000 yards. The rifle is not recommended for whitetail deer hunting at typical Tennessee woods ranges (under 200 yards), as the cartridge is over-powered for that application and may cause excessive meat damage. It is also not suitable for home defense or concealed carry due to its size, weight, and muzzle blast.

Compatibility Notes

This rifle is chambered for 338 Lapua Magnum ammunition, which is distinct from 338 Winchester Magnum or 338 Federal. Do not use any other cartridge in this rifle. Factory ammunition from manufacturers such as Federal, Hornady, Norma, and Lapua is recommended for consistent performance and to avoid pressure issues. The detachable box magazine is specific to the Christensen Arms Traverse platform; aftermarket magazines are not currently available from other manufacturers. The included 20-MOA scope base is compatible with standard one-piece rings for 30mm or 34mm scope tubes. For optics, a scope with at least 6-24x magnification is recommended to take advantage of the cartridge’s long-range potential. The stock accepts standard 1/4-inch sling swivel studs, and a bipod with a Harris-style adapter will mount directly to the forward stud.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this rifle be shipped to my address in Tennessee?
Yes, we can ship this rifle to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in Tennessee. We do not ship firearms directly to residential addresses. Once your order is placed, we will require your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for a Tennessee buyer?
After you place your order, you will need to provide the name and address of a licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee who is willing to process the transfer. We will ship the rifle to that dealer. You will then visit the dealer to complete a Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price. We recommend contacting the dealer ahead of time to confirm their transfer policies and fees.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this rifle?
This rifle is chambered for 338 Lapua Magnum ammunition only. Do not use 338 Winchester Magnum, 338 Federal, or any other cartridge. Factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers is recommended. Reloaders should follow published load data for 338 Lapua Magnum and use projectiles within the 250-300 grain range for best accuracy with the 1:9.35 twist rate.

4. What warranty does Christensen Arms provide?
Christensen Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the barrel, receiver, stock, and bolt assembly. It does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from improper use, or the use of reloaded ammunition. For warranty claims, you would contact Christensen Arms directly with proof of purchase from an authorized dealer like tn-guns.com.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. We inspect each firearm before shipment to ensure it meets factory specifications. If you receive a rifle with a manufacturing defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Christensen Arms to address the issue under warranty. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or for issues caused by improper handling or ammunition.

Closing Call to Action

This Christensen Arms Traverse in 338 Lapua Magnum is available for purchase now at tn-guns.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across Tennessee, including locations in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and all counties in between. Contact our team if you have questions about FFL transfer procedures or compatibility with your existing optics. Order directly through our website or call us to complete your purchase.