Review: Christensen Arms MPR .300 Win. Mag.

[1ABNDT]

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2021/3/13/review-christensen-arms-mpr-300-win-mag



Review: Christensen Arms MPR .300 Win. Mag.


Christensen Arms has a new take on the precision bolt-action platform as embodied by the Modern Precision Rifle (MPR) chambered in .300 Win. Mag. The same Christensen Arms quality and attention to detail in providing highly accurate, rugged and reliable bolt action hunting rifles was turned toward improving the precision chassis-based bolt action. Christensen has chosen to go a different path with the MPR by balancing accuracy, weight and enhanced cartridge capability compared to typically heavy chassis rifles.

One overarching theme with Christensen Arms, stemming from its carbon-wrapped barrels, is keeping weight down to maximize user efficiency. The desirable characteristics for a precision bolt-action rifle are cold-bore zero, repeatable accuracy, effective range, reliability and handling. Whether it be competition, hunting or tactical orientation, there can be no compromise in terms of consistent accuracy. The precision realm is a demanding environment for a rifle.

There are many bolt-action rifles vying for consumer attention. The Christensen Arms MPR .300 Win. Mag. is worthy of serious consideration based on performance.


Christensen is known for its innovative approach in maximizing firearm performance. Much of this stems from Christensen’s non-typical background, associated with founder Dr. Christensen and his other endeavors, including aerospace manufacturing. The Christensen MPR is the cutting edge of bolt-rifle technology, combining many innovative features with accuracy enhancements. The MPR’s distinctive aesthetics immediately puts one on notice that this is not an ordinary rifle.

The Christensen bolt action is constructed of high-strength 17-4 stainless steel, making it 1.5 times stronger than most receivers. Extraction is accomplished by an AR-15-style extractor. This is superior to the typical steel clip that sits inside the bolt nose of most non-Mauser style bolt-action rifles. Dual ejectors are used on the .300 Win. Mag. bolt for improved clamp pressure on the large cartridge.

The Christensen bolt is conducive to long-range accuracy due to its rigid design and high-quality control during the manufacturing process. The bolt is nitride-coated at 70 HRC for extreme wear protection. The MPR receiver has an integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics. Christensen chose to use a chassis to house the MPR’s receiver and support the 26” barrel. It uses carbon fiber in the right places, with a hardcoat-anodized 7075 billet aluminum frame making up the rest.

The whole chassis weighs only 3.5 lbs. The Christensen chassis features a side-folding buttstock for decreased length during transport. The stock is held in place when extended by specially placed magnets, eliminating need for hooks or other snag-inducing devices. The chassis offers a rock-solid backbone to the MPR and is specifically set up for long-range shooting. The chassis reinforces the receiver like a sleeved benchrest rifle.

The Christensen chassis offers a rock-solid backbone to the MPR conducive to long-range shooting. The chassis reinforces the receiver like a sleeved benchrest rifle. Christensen equipped the MPR with an oversized bolt handle for additional length and weight to improve grasp and manipulation. A two-position safety is mounted on the right side of the action behind the bolt handle.

The Christensen chassis offers a rock-solid backbone to the MPR conducive to long-range shooting. The chassis reinforces the receiver like a sleeved benchrest rifle. Christensen equipped the MPR with an oversized bolt handle for additional length and weight to improve grasp and manipulation. A two-position safety is mounted on the right side of the action behind the bolt handle.

The flat carbon-fiber fore-end handles either bipods or sandbags well, depending on user preference. A Picatinny rail section is under the MPR’s fore-end for mounting of a bipod or other accessories. However, it is not exclusively designed for use from the supported, prone or bench position. The MPR allows for off-hand and other types of supported fire, if needed. Unlike most chassis rifles, especially magnums featuring 26” barrels, it is feasible to consider using the Christensen from positions other than prone.

This is what makes the MPR so attractive for use in multiple roles, with the burgeoning precision-rifle genre as an example. The ergonomics of the stock allows for a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld combined with optimal hand placement for pulling the Match-Grade Trigger Tech “Flat” trigger precisely rearward. The MPR uses AICS-style detachable box-magazines. The detachable single-column magazines have a five-round capacity.


The carbon-fiber-wrapped 26” 416R stainless-steel barrel is integral to the 0.5” MOA guaranteed MPR rifle. A radial stainless steel muzzle brake is threaded on the barrel via 5/8”x28 TPI threads.

The carbon-fiber wrapped 26” 416R stainless steel barrel is backed by Christensen Arms with a sub-MOA guarantee. A radial stainless-steel muzzle brake is threaded on the barrel, which has 5/8”x28 TPI threads. The MPR chambered in .300 Win. Mag. weighs only 8.4 lbs. Everyone who picked it up maked the same surprised face, expecting a much heavier rifle based on aesthetics and prior experiences. A precision rifle’s accuracy depends on many factors, including the specific rifle, optics and ammunition being used, as well as the skill of the user.

For most of this evaluation, a Crimson Trace (CTC) CTL-3525 3-Series Tactical 5-25x56 mm optic was mounted to the upper receiver rail with 34 mm Talley rings. Talley Tactical Rings are machined from solid 7075 T6 aluminum alloy and are match-grade in terms of tolerances. The Crimson Trace 5-25x features Japanese ED glass for long-range clarity. The CTC designed MR1-MIL advanced reticle is fully illuminated and offers quick holdover points for windage and elevation.


The Christensen bolt action is constructed of high-strength 17-4 stainless steel. Extraction is accomplished through an AR-15-style extractor. Double ejectors are found on the .300 Win. Mag. bolt face.

Exposed tactical turrets provide a precise feel when dialing. The entire Crimson Trace scope line offers EZ Mount Leveling Indicators for quick mounting and a red alignment ring for proper eye placement. The Crimson Trace 3-Series 5-25x56 mm is an excellent companion for the Christensen MPR. In my opinion, the Crimson optic is one of the best-value scopes on the market.

Ammunition used for testing the Christensen MPR consisted of .300 Win. Mag. Black Hills Match 190-gr. BTHP, Federal Premium 190-gr. Matchking and 180-gr. Accubond, SIG Suser Elite Hunter 180-gr. CET and 165-gr. Elite Copper, Hornady 180-gr. GMX, 200-gr. ELD-X, 195-gr. BTHP and Barnes 220 gr. OTM/BT loadings. Prior use of these loads in other tests indicated that they might work well. The Christensen MPR shot all the premium loads tested at 1 MOA or better at 100 yds.

The Christensen MPR was tested with a variety of ammunition types to make sure it handled all well. Various .300WinMag loadings from Black Hills Ammunition, Federal, Barnes, SIG SAUER and Hornady provided the basis for our accuracy results.
The Christensen MPR was tested with a variety of ammunition types to make sure it handled all well. Various .300WinMag loadings from Black Hills Ammunition, Federal, Barnes, SIG SAUER and Hornady provided the basis for our accuracy results.

It grouped noticeably better with the SIG Sauer 180-gr. Elite Hunter, generating near .625” groups. The bench testing was done from a Caldwell tripod front-rest and rear sandbag. Not a lot of time was spent at the 100-yd. range. The 300-yd. range and out is a more telling test for a rifle like the MPR. Firing a longer distance generates useful ballistic information, especially when it comes to elevation and windage data for logbooks and ballistic calculations.

The MPR’s accuracy at 300 yds. were m.o.a. or better. Another test of an accuracy on a rifle is how cold-bore zeros compare over time and if the point-of-aim shifts after a few rounds heat up the barrel. The Christensen MPR showed no shifts in point-of-aim and cold-bore zeros produced fine groups when overlaid together. After testing accuracy from the bench, field tests were performed at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC).


This consisted of shooting prone off a bi-pod or pack from EVTC’s fixed-firing positions overlooking a multi-stepped berm arrayed with various targets. Field tests were performed consisting of shooting at clay pigeons at 300 yds. We worked the bolt vigorously and acquired the next target as quickly as possible. The Christensen brake combined with the ergonomic stock made repeat shots comfortable and controlled. Other range test consisted of shooting B-27 man-sized targets out to 675 yds.

The Christensen MPR’s accuracy combined with the Crimson Trace optic made center-mass shots repeatable and precision shots feasible on the stationary targets. The MPR is relatively lightweight for a precision rifle. This translates into a platform that can be carried at the shoulder without fatiguing the user and is easier to adapt to non-standard firing positions, even offhand, if needed. Rifles weighing significantly more than the MPR have been used the same way successfully.


The 26” barrel is a solid compromise balancing weight, velocity performance and field handling for the precision marksman. The MPR had no problems with shifting points-of-aim, even when firing 10 aimed rounds in relatively rapid fashion. Let’s face it, most scenarios will not require this many rounds fired in a continuous fashion. The MPR can be single-loaded if the magazine runs dry and there isn’t enough time available to top off the magazine.

After firing more than 200 rounds, the MPR’s ergonomics came to be fully appreciated. The radial muzzle brake is very effective at taming recoil. While not measured by scientific instruction, the lightweight .300 Win. Mag. MPR felt like a .270 Win. The brake was quite effective allowing for quick follow-up shots. If one was in a stable shooting position, spotting one’s own round was possible. This makes it easier to fire multiple rounds accurately and quickly. The MPR’s oversized bolt handle further supported the ability to fire aimed rounds in quick succession based on spotter feedback or in a target-rich environment.

The MPR chambered in .300 Win. Mag. provides a ballistic advantage over most other chamberings. The .300 Win. Mag. fills the gap between the .308 Win. and .338 Lapua, with many feeling it is the optimum chambering by offering extra power compared to the .308 Win. without the blast and recoil of the .338 Lapua. The .300 Win. Mag. in such an accurate platform as the Christensen MPR can extend accurate fire beyond 1,000 yds. The Christensen MPR in .300 Win. Mag. should prove a popular rifle for the magnum-cartridge crowd.

 

[northerning]

There are many reviews of Christensen Arms rifles and accuracy issues. I purchased an MPR with a carbon fibre barrel in 300WM in January 2022 and have roughly 350 rounds through it. I was considering building something with a carbon fibre barrel that could be used for both fun at the range and hunting. The cost to build vs. buy was significantly different, so I purchased the MPR. I love the flat trigger shoe that comes with the stock Triggertech. The action is magnum length, providing options for a rebarrel and OAL for reloading.

Upgrades: Anarchy Outdoors "Alpha" Precision Rifle Grip (I have larger hands) and Cadex DX2 EVO trigger. I bought the Cadex because I wanted to try a 2-stage trigger. It can be 1 or 2-stage, and the shoe is adjustable. I will likely go back to the Triggertech but may move up to a better model than the OEM.

The biggest issue I have had is sensitivity to ammunition. What's worked? Barnes TTSX (150, 165, and 180), Federal Premium (various), and Federal Power Shok 150gr, which was a surprise as it was the cheapest at the time. Hornady Match and Superformance did not work well. I do think it is interesting that Hornady uses Hodgdon Superformance powder. When I was looking for reloading info, there wasn't anything on the 300WM. So I reached out to Hodgdon and asked why. They replied that Superformance doesn't work well in the 300WM but works well in the 300WSM. Not sure why Hornady would offer a 300WM Superformance.

Would I purchase another Christensen MPR? Maybe. Even though I like the look of a classic hunting rifle, I can't see purchasing one. Having a gun that allows you to get a better fit via a chassis or adjustable stock makes so much sense to me. I am also a big fan of carbon fibre barrels.

Hopefully, someone finds this helpful and can answer any other questions that come up.

 

[Bartok5]

Beware of Christensen Arms factory Carbon-fibre-wrapped Barrels and heat build up. I bought a Christensen Arms MPR in 6.5 CM when they first appeared on the Canadian market. The Barrel's throat burned out within 350 factory rounds, based entirely on rounds fired in slow sequence under the tutelage of a retired Canadian Army Master Sniper (Sierra 64 Riflecraft - www.sierrra64.com). The rifle was not abused, nor was it fired when the barrrel's surface became hot. The problem AT THAT TIME (3 yeaers ago) was that Christensen apparently did not know how to make their Carbon-Fibre's matrix conduct heat away from the shaved-down Stainless Match Barrel at the Barrel's core. Instead, their Carbon-fibre mix failed to radiate heat to the outside of the Barrel and instead cooked the Stainless Barrel-liner with a build-up of heat that did not radiate to the barrel surface. The rifle was sent off to the Canadian Warranty Center for examination and a burned out throat (in less than 350 rounds!) was the verdict. The Christensen Warranty was WORTHLESS. They would not entertain the thought that anything could be wrong with their barrel. Instead, they accused us of abusing the rifle by allowing it to overheat (when there was no external indication of a hot barrel) and continuing to shoot. I had the rifle rebarreled at my expense and never looked back. In my view, Christensen Arms is a crap company with horrible customer service. Just beware of your barrel's internal heat in the event that Christenesen has not yet sorted out their Carbom Firbre's binding matrix. They may have very well addressed the issue with their Barrels overheating since the MPR was first brought into Canada - I don't know. What I do know is that their Barrels 3 years ago were utter crap. Buyer beware, because their warranty isn't worth the paper it is printed on....

 

[cdn shooter]

I bought one earlier this year. Fit and finish were really good other than it had a chambering issue. The freebore was cut .200” short so factory rounds once chambered had to be shot or the bullet would get pulled on extraction. Accuracy was exceptional for a factory barrel and I was reluctant to turn it into for smithing but I did bring in to the warranty center to have it looked at. The guys at the warranty centre told me it was a quick cleanup with a reamer, because they didn’t need parts that they would have it turned around in 2 weeks. That was 15 weeks ago, I now have been in the warranty centre store 4 times and get blown off with “the guy that deals with this isn’t here right now, we’ll have him call you”…no they haven’t called. I’ve also called Christensen and asked them if they can try and find out what the status of the rifle is and got the same they’ll call and then let me know. They also have not called back.

The rifle was purchased at this very store along with an NX8 that is currently with the rifle. I left it on the rifle because when I went in I didn’t know I was going to leave it behind, and when they said 2 weeks I thought nothing of it.

The store and Christensen can get ####ed! Getting my rifle back will be my last dealing with either of them.

 

[B]

Never gonna touch their stuff after reading about Bartok's experience. I have several BSF CF barrels and they are supposedly good for full auto. Why would I settle for something I need to baby?

 

[Longstud]

After reading soooh many bad experiences by members just on this site it’s a wonder anyone would buy anything from them. Armedginger has been waiting on warranty issues for over seven months with no word!! Great service.

 

[Hitzy]

I was recently looking for a crossover long range paper puncher and hunting piece in 300win...not too heavy, not too light, Christensen and their QC for the last 10 years+ ruled them out immediately lol.

 

[cdn shooter]

I mean name a manufacturer that has good warranty service in Canada. I had a good experience with Kimber but it was just a stock replacement so it went back and forth over the border no problem.

I think going forward I might invest in a bore camera so I can look at the chamber and bore before buying. Quality and service across the board is horrendous.

 

[iron cat]

I think going forward I might invest in a bore camera so I can look at the chamber and bore before buying.

A borescope won't tell you whether or not you have a short throat and what a barrel looks like as far as finish goes is not automatically going to tell you if it is a shooter or not.
As far as Christensen goes , I have worked on three of them and have not been really impressed from what I saw .
Cat

 

[Mik123]

Beware of Christensen Arms factory Carbon-fibre-wrapped Barrels and heat build up. I bought a Christensen Arms MPR in 6.5 CM when they first appeared on the Canadian market. The Barrel's throat burned out within 350 factory rounds, based entirely on rounds fired in slow sequence under the tutelage of a retired Canadian Army Master Sniper (Sierra 64 Riflecraft - www.sierrra64.com). The rifle was not abused, nor was it fired when the barrrel's surface became hot. The problem AT THAT TIME (3 yeaers ago) was that Christensen apparently did not know how to make their Carbon-Fibre's matrix conduct heat away from the shaved-down Stainless Match Barrel at the Barrel's core. Instead, their Carbon-fibre mix failed to radiate heat to the outside of the Barrel and instead cooked the Stainless Barrel-liner with a build-up of heat that did not radiate to the barrel surface. The rifle was sent off to the Canadian Warranty Center for examination and a burned out throat (in less than 350 rounds!) was the verdict. The Christensen Warranty was WORTHLESS. They would not entertain the thought that anything could be wrong with their barrel. Instead, they accused us of abusing the rifle by allowing it to overheat (when there was no external indication of a hot barrel) and continuing to shoot. I had the rifle rebarreled at my expense and never looked back. In my view, Christensen Arms is a crap company with horrible customer service. Just beware of your barrel's internal heat in the event that Christenesen has not yet sorted out their Carbom Firbre's binding matrix. They may have very well addressed the issue with their Barrels overheating since the MPR was first brought into Canada - I don't know. What I do know is that their Barrels 3 years ago were utter crap. Buyer beware, because their warranty isn't worth the paper it is printed on....

You thread was the reason why I didn't buy an MPR and went with a cross instead when I was looking for a crossover rifle. Cheers!

 

[Bartok5]

You thread was the reason why I didn't buy an MPR and went with a cross instead when I was looking for a crossover rifle. Cheers!

You are very welcome! That was the entire point of my current and previous posts on the subject of Christensen Arms rifles, specifically their crap Carbon-Fibre Barrels, exacerbated by the company's absolutely terrible "Customer Service". I am really glad that I was able to save you the pain of owning one. I will consider that my "good deed for the day". Thanks for the feedback! Cheers!!

 

[enefgee]

Who was it that bought a Christensen AR (back when they were AR experts) and had the bolt release cross pin come out because the part of the receiver that holds it snapped off? That was a no warranty loss. That struck them off my list. Then Bartok's burned out barrel? No thanks, I don't think they're experts in anything but overcharging for crap.

 

[Hitzy]

I'm glad I went with this thing in 300Win. New production 700P, could hunt with it without too much concern for weight, it's a hammer so far with 175-195gr, gonna hit the 208's next time out.
PA brake does a great job on removing recoil, it's about 243Win level, very mild shooting it.
I let buddy shoot it a few times and stood behind him a few feet, I could feel the ground shake lol.