Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT

The Ridgeline FFT is what you buy when ounces matter and you are willing to pay for them. The FFT, Flash Forged Technology, carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel cuts about a pound off a comparable stainless contour without sacrificing the heat dissipation or accuracy of a heavier profile. The Sporter FFT carbon-fiber stock saves another half-pound, the action is a stainless 700-pattern with a fluted bolt, and the muzzle ships with a titanium side-baffle brake on 5/8x24 threads that the buyer can swap for a suppressor or thread protector in under a minute.

Total bare weight runs 5.4 to 5.8 pounds across the 20 to 22 inch barrel options, depending on chambering. For perspective, a Tikka T3x Lite is 6.4 to 6.6 pounds and a Bergara B-14 Ridge is 7.5 pounds. For multi-day backcountry hunts where you are carrying the rifle, a spotting scope, a pack frame, and water, the Ridgeline's weight savings are meaningful. The trade is price, this is a $2,400 rifle, and a slightly more delicate barrel system that benefits from gentle handling around steel and rocks.