Christensen Modern Precision Rifle

[zog]

How are all of you MPR hunters liking the chassis style versus a solid tactical synthetic/fiber stock?

Do you like the pistol grip out in the field? Do you wrap the grip like a pistol when you pull the trigger, or do you keep your thumb outside the grip above your trigger finger?

If you were to buy it again, would you stay with the chassis/pistol grip style, or go to a solid stock?

 

[Aaron47pb]

I shot a nice whitetail near Peck last year.

Is your rifle in the photo still aimed at the buck? Was he near the lower left far edge of the stubble?

Yeah, he was about 10-15 yards into the stubble when I hit him and he ran up and to the right another 20 before falling over.

How are all of you MPR hunters liking the chassis style versus a solid tactical synthetic/fiber stock?

Do you like the pistol grip out in the field? Do you wrap the grip like a pistol when you pull the trigger, or do you keep your thumb outside the grip above your trigger finger?

If you were to buy it again, would you stay with the chassis/pistol grip style, or go to a solid stock?

I like it a lot, but I’ve been shooting pistol grip chassis for years. So I’m biased. I don’t wrap my thumb and just leave it relaxed on the outside of the grip.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

So I got my Christensen MPR back yesterday.

-They replaced the non color matching folding stock with one that matched the correct shade of desert brown. (Poor QA/QC in the first place)
-They pulled the broken scope rail screw out and replaced it.
-They shot it and were satisfied with its accuracy. I wish they did 5 shot groups...

I’m having a hard time figuring out what was causing the poor accuracy for me. Maybe it was the one broken scope rail screw, wouldn't think that one screw would affect accuracy that much? Maybe it was my Night Force? Who knows, I really hope it shoots today.

I am taking it to the range after work today and will report on how she shoots.

 

[j741]

first, nice user name there.

second, hope it works better for you. But although that meets their guarantee, it's just barely. Hopefully you can shoot yours better than they did.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

Alright, here is my range report. Still not satisfied.

I shot 7 5-shot groups using Hornady 212 ELDX and 225 ELDM for a total of 35 rds. I have attached pictures of all the groups. The pictures should be in chronological order.

The first one I shot was promising, but it quickly went downhill after that.

The sixth group was very weird. It started off at the normal POI then walked down and left, I have no idea why it would do that randomly and not during the other groupings. The barrel had cooled for 15+ mins when it walked, so it was not hot.
I then shot the last group without the suppressor, to eliminate all variables, to no avail.

FYI: ELD-M avg. 2900fps SD 19 ES 69
ELD-X avg. 2925fps SD 21 ES 70

I am going to call CA again today and see what they have to say. This could have all been solved it they actually did some testing on the rifle, instead of shooting 3-shot groups and picking your favorite shots.
VERY DISAPPOINTED! Was really looking forward to using this rifle for opening weekend here in TX.

Side note: Anybody want to buy an MPR that shoots an avg. 2 MOA??

 

[Aaron47pb]

What scope/rings? 300 PRC out of a light rifle like this produces a lot of recoil. And scopes do slip. Perhaps double check torque or try rosin.

Can you have another experienced shooter shoot it?

 

[LongRangeAggie]

What scope/rings? 300 PRC out of a light rifle like this produces a lot of recoil. And scopes do slip. Perhaps double check torque or try rosin.

Can you have another experienced shooter shoot it?

NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50 with NightForce Ultra Light Titanium rings. I doubled checked all torque on scope, rings and rail before shooting yesterday.

Yes, I had my buddy out there and he shot the 5th group (ELDX). Meanwhile both of us were clover-leafing his Bergara Approach 300 wm with Berger 185s.

 

[IanHusaberg]

You might call ca and ask, “what ammo are you using?”. Also, what type of lock down lead sled are you using to get those results?

 

[LongRangeAggie]

You might call ca and ask, “what ammo are you using?”. Also, what type of lock down lead sled are you using to get those results?

They used the Hornady 212 ELDX, it is listed in their report I posted above. There are only two factory offerings for 300 PRC, the 225 ELD-M and 212 ELD-X. So it needs to shoot with one or the other.

I was using bags.

Has anybody seen walking shots from a carbon fiber barrel? Shown in picture 6.

 

[IanHusaberg]

"I was using bags"

I meant christensen arms. They are clamping the rifle into a lock down device, like a lead sled to get the results. Their set up might even eliminate the human element out of the process to get better results. You should try another scope? Just to eliminate that. Try a bi-pod. I have heard of Ca barrels walking during shots, over say proof barrels.

Like what was mentioned above. Your shooting a magnum caliber in a light weight rifle, expecting benchers results. I would lower your expectations a little, don't be hard on yourself/the rifle/results. In looking at your targets. I see a few overlapping holes punched. I would be happy with the results from a factory rifle/ammo. You had a extreme spread of 69 Fps in there.

I'm not busting ball here. I imagine you flinched more than once in shooting the 35 rounds on those targets. Lets be real here.

How many rounds are down the barrel, total?

 

[LongRangeAggie]

"I was using bags"

I meant christensen arms. They are clamping the rifle into a lock down device, like a lead sled to get the results. Their set up might even eliminate the human element out of the process to get better results. You should try another scope? Just to eliminate that. Try a bi-pod. I have heard of Ca barrels walking during shots, over say proof barrels.

Like what was mentioned above. Your shooting a magnum caliber in a light weight rifle, expecting benchers results. I would lower your expectations a little, don't be hard on yourself/the rifle/results. In looking at your targets. I see a few overlapping holes punched. I would be happy with the results from a factory rifle/ammo. You had a extreme spread of 69 Fps in there.

I'm not busting ball here. I imagine you flinched more than once in shooting the 35 rounds on those targets. Lets be real here.

How many rounds are down the barrel, total?

I wouldn't mind if the gun hovered around 1-1.5 moa because at that point I can hand load to where I want it, but the rifle should not be printing 3 moa groups and randomly walking shots.

120 rounds.

 

[zog]

I meant christensen arms. They are clamping the rifle into a lock down device, like a lead sled to get the results. Their set up might even eliminate the human element out of the process to get better results. You should try another scope? Just to eliminate that. Try a bi-pod. I have heard of Ca barrels walking during shots, over say proof barrels.

I was going to ask the same question. It would be great if they would describe exactly their testing procedure. I just now tried to find it on their website, and if it's there it is not easy to find. It would not bother me if they had a laser controlled robot doing the shooting, and had extra special QC select loads provided by Hornady, as long as they were up front about it. If they did test that way, there shouldn't be a reason to be secretive about it.

On the other hand, they could be shooting more than six shots, and hand-picking the 3 shot groups they like, as you mentioned. I'd hate to think they threw out bad shots without telling you so. If there is a human doing this on rifle after rifle for a living, he is bound to pull a bad one now and then. He could mark it "Ignore - Jack farted right when I shot" or whatever. It frankly almost seems too perfect . . . Six shots, six MOA's, done.

I'm NOT accusing CA of anything, just hoping they will tell you exactly how they test fire when you get back to them.

I was going to ask if you were confident with your own shooting (no offense - I question my own), but you say you were side-by-side shooting clovers with your buddy's Bergara. I assume you have satisfied yourself that it's not you. I can imagine CA has to deal with others who aren't proficient or who aren't well set up, saying it's the rifle's fault.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

Just got off of the phone with Cade at CA. I explained to him my whole situation and in short he said that if the rifle passed their accuracy test then they can not refund me the rifle, which I understand. He did say I can send it back in for another accuracy test if I want, but what's the point. He explained the accuracy test. They clean the gun, shoot it out of a lead sled and usually ignore the first shot due to being a fouler (as seen crossed out in the report I posted above).
He didn't have an explanation for the walking shots.

At this point I am going to sell the rifle. I might purchase another one with the hope that this one was just a lemon...we will see. Or get the Bergara Ridgeback in 300 PRC.

 

[zog]

He explained the accuracy test. They clean the gun, shoot it out of a lead sled and usually ignore the first shot due to being a fouler (as seen crossed out in the report I posted above).

Yep - sure enough they have a crossed out flier - good on them. Wish you could figure out how your results can be so different.

 

[j741]

I do recall another thread on here where a Christensen owner had walking shots. I don't recall what the end result was though. Regardless, it doesn't help you here. Sorry to hear this one didn't work out.

I had been waiting on the brown 300 PRC MPR for about 2 months before giving up on the lying dealer. I was annoyed at the time but now maybe it's better I am building my own on a long action origin with proof barrel. I have 3 Christensen rifles, including a 300NM MPR and a 6.5PRC MPR, and I've been very happy with their accuracy. Maybe I won't press my luck by buying another.

gig 'em.

 

[IanHusaberg]

Those factory loads are a joke. You couldn’t shoot long range if you tried. With those es’s and sd’s. I don’t think you could have consistent results on a f class target or any hope of a ipsc silhouette at distance. Let alone hunting. Without low sd’s in the single digits your just pissing in the wind and deflating any chance of feeling confident in your system.

Those loads are meant for hunting dudes with small dicks who want the biggest caliber in hunting camp. Hunters don’t expect benchrest results or one hole. Results you got are normal.

Factory rifles are like the lottery.

 

[knuckleballz]

I had the chance to shoot a friend's mpr in 6.5 creedmore at lowlights class I attended in September. Shooting prone with a rear bag and bipod with factory hornady 140 eldm, 6mph cross wind, 1000 yards, I shot a three shot group with the first 3 rounds touching vertically. It was about a minute between trigger pulls. That was a .18 moa group! The next 2 shots were touching each other as well, but were 3 inches to the right of the first 3 shots. It is possible the wind variation played into things. I did notice a verticle stringing. Each shot was above the previous one. Either way it resulted in a half moa 5 shot group. I was very impressed with the accuracy. I was hesitant to post but I feel the CA rifles are really hit or miss. It seems like the 6.5 creedmoor rifles by CA shoot more consistently accurate than other calibers they sell? I attribute my shooting success to all the good teaching and instruction I got from Frank. It was the best money I've ever spent to improve my groups.

 

[rndmrider]

So....got my 16" MPR today in .308 and just wondering whether the buttstock is supposed to lock up tight when extended? There is some slight play/movement which feels, frankly, terrible. My Tikka TAC A1 has zero movement.

 

[dirthead1]

So....got my 16" MPR today in .308 and just wondering whether the buttstock is supposed to lock up tight when extended? There is some slight play/movement which feels, frankly, terrible. My Tikka TAC A1 has zero movement.

Mine locks up tight. No movement whatsoever.

 

[rndmrider]

Mine locks up tight. No movement whatsoever.

Thanks, figured that would be the case - waited for this rifle for 6 months. Enjoyed it for exactly 10 seconds...back to the factory she goes.

 

[Colohunter]

Mine locks up tight. No movement whatsoever.

Mine locks up tight as well.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

Thanks, figured that would be the case - waited for this rifle for 6 months. Enjoyed it for exactly 10 seconds...back to the factory she goes.

Welcome to the club!

 

[Tengo1]

In the same weekend I found a Bonanza CO-AX reloading press for $140, I also found a 6.5 Creedmoor MPR for $1,525. To cheap to pass up:

I definitely need a slimmer bipod like an ATLAS for it. Just slapped the Harris on it for the pic.

I actually really like the flat trigger tech trigger. I got it tuned down to 1 pound 15 ounces. It was always within 2 ounces on 10 pulls with a Lyman gauge.

I haven’t got a chance to shoot it since picking it up yesterday but will the weekend.

One question... does anyone know why the MLok Slots on the bottom are like this? You have a regular size, then a tiny one, the a gap, before reverting back to a regular MLok pattern?

 

[Tengo1]

Does anyone know what height 30mm scope rings are needed to get a 50mm bell to clear the front hand guard? I tried moving my Mark 4 with Leupold Mark 4 medium rings and the front bell was touching just enough I couldn’t mount it.

Im gonna add a Nikon FX1000 on top and need to know what height Seekins rings to order....

 

[j741]

Does anyone know what height 30mm scope rings are needed to get a 50mm bell to clear the front hand guard? I tried moving my Mark 4 with Leupold Mark 4 medium rings and the front bell was touching just enough I couldn’t mount it.

Im gonna add a Nikon FX1000 on top and need to know what height Seekins rings to order....

Scope Ring Height and Clearance Calculator

 

[zog]

Follow-up on my MPR lousy action rant, in case anybody was interested.

I confirmed my theory that they must have had a bad batch . . .

I bought a Christensen Mesa 6.5 CM, same caliber as my MPR. This Mesa action is fantastic. It is nothing at all like the awful action on my MPR.

CA told me by email that the Mesa and the MPR are identical actions - same metal and same machine/assembly group.

Makes me certain that there was a bad machining run when my MPR was made, and they sold them anyway.

 

[BuLLet]

Picked up an MPR @ Eurooptic last month. I'm wondering what the serial number range would be with this bad batch your talking about. Could you give us the range you think might be the problem. I'll pull mine out and have a look for what you've documented so far.

Thanks

Follow-up on my MPR lousy action rant, in case anybody was interested.

I confirmed my theory that they must have had a bad batch . . .

I bought a Christensen Mesa 6.5 CM, same caliber as my MPR. This Mesa action is fantastic. It is nothing at all like the awful action on my MPR.

CA told me by email that the Mesa and the MPR are identical actions - same metal and same machine/assembly group.

Makes me certain that there was a bad machining run when my MPR was made, and they sold them anyway.

 

[zog]

Picked up an MPR @ Eurooptic last month. I'm wondering what the serial number range would be with this bad batch your talking about. Could you give us the range you think might be the problem. I'll pull mine out and have a look for what you've documented so far.

Thanks

CM 23995. Delivered to my sporting goods in May 2019.

Like I said, its a theory. Since this came up I have asked several owners via forums and in person. Some agree they suck and are raspy and some say they are great and smooth.

Then my own trials - every chance I get now, when I see a CA Model 14, I ask to give the action a try. I've cycled about 8-9 actions plus the ones I bought- MPR, Ridgeline, and Mesa. Different calibers. All new this year; most were in sporting goods stores. 3-4 great, 2-3 lousy, 2-3 in-between.

So, I know it's not just me being too particular - the quality definitely varies.

At first I thought it was better with larger caliber, like a 338 I cycled that was smooth as silk. It felt like the Wby that was next to it on the rack. As I keep cycling different actions there seems to be a pattern toward the larger calibers being in the "great" category, while the smaller ones are erratic.

 

[Duck888]

I was using bags.

Has anybody seen walking shots from a carbon fiber barrel? Shown in picture 6.

I saw another post where a guy had the same walking issue. His shots were walking down and left as the barrel heated up. He took the time to Chronograph and document all of his load information along with pictures before he sent it to CA. They ended up replacing the barrel. His last post says that it shoots like it should now (sub MOA & no walking).

 

[rndmrider]

So....got my 16" MPR today in .308 and just wondering whether the buttstock is supposed to lock up tight when extended? There is some slight play/movement which feels, frankly, terrible. My Tikka TAC A1 has zero movement.

Need some advice. I sent my MPR back to the dealer who determined that there was an issue with the bushing in the buttstock. As I understand it, CA is sending the dealer a new chassis and it will be switched out with mine. Should this be cause for concern? The rifle will not have been tested in its new configuration and I won't be able to get it to the range for several months. I am located in Canada so dealing direct with CA is next to impossible.

Could switching the chassis have any impact on the precision of the rifle? I assume not. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Colohunter]

Any ideas if there is a top rail that would work on this things handguard?

The holes in the top of the handguard are very small and there is almost no clearance between the barrel and the handguard. There might be a way to mount something on there, but I doubt there are any off the shelf options.

 

[Kells81]

I saw another post where a guy had the same walking issue. His shots were walking down and left as the barrel heated up. He took the time to Chronograph and document all of his load information along with pictures before he sent it to CA. They ended up replacing the barrel. His last post says that it shoots like it should now (sub MOA & no walking).

The walking is going to be stress in the steel. Cryo treating might fix it but it’s tough to say. Some of y’all may remember the 90’s era savages that would start walking off of the paper after round 3-4 if you kept firing.

 

[SNOW JW]

My stock is not tight on lockup as well do I have to send it back to CA or can they send my dealer the parts so I can install it myself as I know the dealer?? or is there a way to fix it without calling CA??

 

[Tater Salad]

I have been looking at the MPR as a hunting rifle for some time. There are no shortage of articles, forums and reviews on the CF barrels, but I have yet to see any feedback regarding the steel barreled MPR's. Maybe I've just been looking in the wrong places?

 

[USMCFO]

Has anyone changed out the trigger on the MPR?

 

[j741]

I have been looking at the MPR as a hunting rifle for some time. There are no shortage of articles, forums and reviews on the CF barrels, but I have yet to see any feedback regarding the steel barreled MPR's. Maybe I've just been looking in the wrong places?

The steel barrels only came out a month or so ago. Maybe they haven't had time for reviews yet?

 

[Tater Salad]

The steel barrels only came out a month or so ago. Maybe they haven't had time for reviews yet?

My thought with the MPR is I get the chassis, action, barrel and trigger. If I am not satisfied I should be able to drop any 700 clone in the chassis with a new barrel. I'm looking at the .300 Win Mag and 300 PRC and am more interested in the steel barrel to tame recoil a little. I just can't find any info on steel barrels from Christensen Arms.

I'm also thinking that an action, barrel and trigger for about $700.00 isn't too bad a purchase.

 

[lennyo3034]

Has anyone changed out the trigger on the MPR?

Yes, same as any 700 or clone. I went with a Huber.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

Well Christensen returned my MPR after sending it to them a second time for accuracy issues. Thankfully they replaced the barrel, if they had not I think I would have lost it with them. Nice to see them finally stand behind their product even though it took months of my time and not having a bolt action for hunting season.

Attached is the accuracy and repair report. I will take her to range soon and let y'all know how she shoots. So here's to another barrel break in ?

 

[country888]

Has anyone shot one of these in the 338 lapua? If so how was the accuracy and recoil in the light setup?
thanks!!

 

[SNOW JW]

Has anyone shot one of these in the 338 lapua? If so how was the accuracy and recoil in the light setup?
thanks!!

Shot my Dads with a muffler on it last weekend. More of a shove than a kick it wasn't bad at all in fact my wife shot it as well & didn't complain. Have to do load development yet.

 

[LongRangeAggie]

Had a chance to shoot the MPR this past weekend. I got about 65 rounds through it. The pics are the last two 5 shot groups, so it is showing signs of tightening up. Before these it was not holding a group but I guess that is normal during break in. The last group had a 5th round flier for some reason, I wonder what would cause that? Maybe copper built up? Hot suppressor?
FYI this was all with 212 ELDX factory ammo, I'm going to try the 225 ELDM next.

 

[Tengo1]

I just did the same thing after finally getting my scope mounted. Picked mine up in 6.5 CM in November, but the wife wouldn’t let me have my new Nikon FX1000 until Christmas. And then every weekend was windy and freezing until recently.

I bought some of the cheap Winchester white box 6.5 from Walmart for the barrel break in. It’s like $42 for 60 rounds. I did the whole “shoot three rounds, clean, repeat” cycle for the full 60. All while getting the scope sighted in and zero stops set.

I was running out of time, but pulled out my box of Ventura Arms 6.5 140 grain BTHP factory reloads I picked up here in Vegas. It was $94 for 100 rounds, so I had picked it up when I bought the gun. I haven’t bought any Hornady factory 6.5 yet due to steep local prices.

Anyways, with my scope finally zeroed and the break in done, I shot one quick 5 shot group with the Ventura ammo before I needed to leave:

It may look like 4, but that’s 5 shots. Needless to say I was pleased with the rifle and “cheap” ammo. I’m excited to see what it will do with some of the new factory ammo out there.

 

[Tengo1]

Finally got the chance to take it out and stretch it’s legs this Saturday. I used it in the light weight class of a local monthly match where you shoot at 5 distances from 560 yards out to 1,100.

I had the rest of my Ventura Munitions 140 grain BTHP factory reloads, and I also bought a box of Hornady American Gunner 140 grain BTHP rounds before I went.
It was roughly 48 degrees and started with barely a breeze, but halfway through the match the wind picked up and stayed at about 8-10 miles per hour from our side the rest of the match.

As decent as the Ventura ammo was at 100 yards sighting it in, at long distance it just didn’t seem to consistent. The targets are all 1 MOA at their distance, so essentially a 5.5” plate at 560 yards, 7.5” plate at 760, 11” plate at 1,100 etc. At 880 yards I got my elevation set, but only went 2 for 5 shots on the plate. My shooting buddy suggested I ditch the Ventura ammo and try the Hornady American Gunner. I noticed right away that my cycling was much harder. On the 5th round of my series at 960 yards, my bolt wouldn’t close. It was totally locked and I couldn’t get it to budge back open or closed. I was finally able to yank it back open, dropped the empty mag, and slammed a fresh mag in. Bolt barely closed but I got it. Fired off a round and missed. Ended up 2 for 5 at 960 as well.

Moved the next round to 1,100 yards and every time I tried to load a round I couldn't close the bolt. With my time constraints I tossed the Hornady ammo aside and went back to the Ventura. I went 0 for 5 at 1,100, but it was also at the peak of the 10mph wind. I tried and failed to load the 5 Hornady rounds afterword. After ejecting them, I noticed the marks on the bullets. It’s like they are seated to far out and hitting the lands to soon.

All 5 rounds had these marks after trying to load them. Two shooting buddies tried cycling them in their guns and had zero issues. Does the MPR have a very tight chamber?

After my ammo fiasco I moved the next round back up to 560 yards and my buddy gave me 5 rounds of his Hornady 147 grain ELD match ammo. This ammo was totally smooth loading with zero tightness. And I went 4 for 5 shoots on the small 5.5” plate.

Needless to say, I think I need to use better ammo. Or as my buddy told me “it’s like you drive a Ferrari but you put 85 octane in it”.

 

[Tengo1]

Another thing. And I don’t know if this should be a big gripe or a small one. As overall I’m very happy with the rifle, and I don’t appear to have the issues others have discussed. My bolt feels very smooth to cycle, doesn’t feel scratchy, etc. However, after the match on Saturday I took it home to clean it good and noticed all these small ticks in the metal and imperfections on the bolt. This gun has only roughly 150 rounds through it.
Does anyone else’s bolt look like this?

look at the metal around the ejector roll pin hole. And the guide slot in the middle of the bolt head. Is it supposed to open near the back like this?

Bolt face. Notice all the small dings along the edges.

 

[faya_snipershide]

I have been contemplating on getting MPR over the Tikka? Is this the better decision?
Then the 2nd question comes in, is it okay to just settle with the steel barrel over the carbon fiber wrapped? Some say it is okay for added weight for recoil management. Is there any other valid reason besides the price? Thanks!

 

[j741]

If you're primarily at the range, get the Tikka. The action is so much smoother than the Christensen, much easier to cycle (and quicker). I've not heard issues of Tikkas drifting when they have longer strings of shots, but there have been those reports on the MPR. The MPR weight is helpful if you're out carrying it around a good bit, but at the range you will appreciate the heft of the TAC A1 for stability and felt recoil. I have both an MPR and a TAC A1 and I greatly prefer the Tikka. Only keeping the MPR around for a hunting rifle.

 

[faya_snipershide]

That was a very helpful advice. I appreciate that. Thanks

 

[envy5000]

Question for MPR owners, I am considering dropping a Seekins action with a heavy palma barrel in the MPR chassis. Anyone know if it will fit?

Also thinking about whether it will be stable enough for PRS with a heavier barrel?

 

[dirthead1]

Question for MPR owners, I am considering dropping a Seekins action with a heavy palma barrel in the MPR chassis. Anyone know if it will fit?

Also thinking about whether it will be stable enough for PRS with a heavier barrel?

The barrel profile should fit. Heavy palma is very similar to the Christensen carbon barrel profile. You might have a problem with the Seekins Havak action though. If I remember correctly, the action extends forward about an inch or so in front of the recoil lug. I'm not sure how that would mesh with the chassis and handguard.