NRA Gun Of The Week: Christensen Arms Ridgeline Scout

by
posted on March 18, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Christensen Arms is a company with roots in aerospace design that has used its manufacturing abilities to create well-crafted, turn-bolt rifles. The Ridgeline Scout is one such rifle from the company that offers carbon fiber components to provide the end user with a durable, lightweight take on the quintessential hunting rifle. Though offerings were already light at 6.3 lbs. without glass, the Ridgeline series expanded with the Scout in 2021, a more compact and lighter weight model with a nod toward tactical. Watch the video above to see it in use on the range.

man wearing black shirt ballcap earmuffs glasses shooting rifle bolt-action Christsen Arms rifle scope carbon-fiber barrel white shooting range indoors


Weighing in at 5.9 lbs., empty, and measuring 37.5" long, the Ridgeline Scout is built much like its larger sibling. With it, you get Christensen’s machined Remington Model 700-style action, which means a cylindrical receiver and two-lug bolt. Like the Remington, there’s a right-side-mounted tang safety, pushing forward to fire. Black Nitriding is added for supreme corrosion and wear resistance, so for those who need a gun that is capable in extreme elements, rest assured that the Ridgeline Scout is capable.

left-side bolt-action rifle brown carbon-fiber barrel steel receiver black tan stock gun white background


Through the use of carbon fiber, Christensen Arms is able to create a sub-6-lb. hunting rifle that is fully featured with a detachable box magazine, full-length Picatinny rail and a muzzle device. For the stock of the Ridgeline Scout, Christensen supplies a carbon-fiber composite unit that is ultra-durable and stiff.

left-side view rifle bolt-action receiver metal steel black nitride christensen arms stamping brown paint splatter finish stock


On the range, the Ridgeline Scout performed admirably. Accuracy from the 16" carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless-steel barrel was found to be promising and more than adequate for hunting and long-range shooting scenarios. The addition of Trigger Tech’s flat-face trigger definitely helps make tight clusters on target and the bolt’s well-shaped and fluted knob is a handy feature. For most situations, the included three-prong flash hider will suffice, and it does a great job of mitigating the visual report, but you can easily swap it for your favorite brake or suppressor.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Christensen Arms
Model: Ridgeline Scout
Action Type: bolt-action centerfire repeating rifle
Chambering: .308 Win.
Receiver: stainless steel; Nitride finish
Barrel: 16" carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel
Stock: carbon-fiber
Sights: none: Picatinny rail
Magazine: 10-round detachable, AICS-pattern
Trigger: TriggerTech
Length: 37.5"
Weight: 5 lbs., 14.4 ozs.
MSRP: $2,200

Latest

NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge
NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.