SHOT Show 2016: Christensen Arms showcases new long guns

Christensen Arms, a builder of custom carbon fiber barreled firearms, has teamed up with Kyle Lamb and pro shooter Benny Cooley to produce a pair of carbon fiber barreled AR style carbines, the VTAC CA-15 and the VTAC CA-15 3 Gun Carbine. Weighing in around 5.5 pounds a pair with 16-inch one in eight twist barrels, proprietary compensators and carbon fiber handguards, these look really good. They are similar in build but the 3 gun model will feature a lightened bolt carrier to enhance sight tracking and recovery and an adjustable gas system for tuning. Both are mid-length gas systems. They are very well balanced in the hand and should do well for both speed and control.

I really like the carbon fiber forend. It is trim and without all the rail systems that remind one of a runaway railyard going nowhere. In cold weather it should be better than aluminum for not conducting cold into the hands of the shooter.

Also from Christensen Arms are some new tactically oriented bolt action rifles with carbon fiber stocks and barrels. The ELR looks to be a winner for long range hunting, steel shooting or even competition in events such as the Precision Rifle Series. Coming in at 7.5 pounds with a 26” barrel and adjustable comb and LOP, this is lighter than many of the so called “lightweight rifles” with the non-adjustable hardware. The TFM, which stands for “Tactical Force Multiplier” features a detachable box magazine that takes AI magazines and a 20 MOA rail as standard features. In addition to the standard .308, they also are available in the 6.5 Creedmoor. The ELR also has long action calibers available.

After carrying around 14-16 pound bolt action precision rifles over the years, I can appreciate a rifle that will come in around 9-10.5 pounds, depending on optics and rings, yet still give me the same tack driving accuracy I am looking for.