Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel Review

First Impressions of Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel promises to bring cutting-edge carbon fiber technology to the venerable Remington 700 platform. For years, I’ve trusted Christensen Arms for their innovation in barrel design. This particular barrel chambered in the .280 NOS cartridge intrigued me with its potential for enhanced accuracy and reduced weight.

My search began with the desire to build a lightweight, long-range hunting rifle. My goal was to balance packability with the ability to ethically harvest game at extended distances. Several companies offered carbon fiber barrels, but Christensen Arms consistently impressed me with their reputation for quality and precision.

Upon receiving the barrel, the first thing I noticed was its incredibly light weight. The carbon fiber weave was clean and evenly distributed. The stainless steel core appeared meticulously machined. Compared to a traditional steel barrel of similar length, the Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel felt like a feather. I had been considering barrels from Proof Research and Bartlein, but Christensen Arms offered a compelling combination of weight savings and established accuracy.

I was genuinely excited by the promise of improved heat dissipation and the potential for consistent shot-to-shot performance, even during rapid firing strings.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel to the Test

First Use Experience

The first range trip was dedicated to breaking in the barrel and establishing a baseline for accuracy. I mounted the Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel on a trued Remington 700 action with a Timney trigger. I topped it off with a Leupold VX-5HD scope. The weather was typical for late fall in Montana: crisp, with a slight breeze.

I began by carefully following the recommended break-in procedure, firing one shot and cleaning the barrel thoroughly for the first five rounds. Even with factory ammunition, the initial groupings were promising. After the break-in, I switched to handloads developed specifically for this project. The rifle consistently produced sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, which was very encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of dedicated range time and a successful hunting season, the Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel has proven its worth. There are no noticeable signs of wear or degradation of the carbon fiber wrap. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring the same routine as any other high-quality barrel.

The barrel’s ability to maintain accuracy even after multiple shots is impressive. During a prairie dog hunt, the barrel showed minimal shift in point of impact, even after sustained volleys of shots. In comparison to my previous experiences with all-steel barrels, the carbon fiber construction definitely offers a noticeable advantage in terms of heat management.

Breaking Down the Features of Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel

Specifications

• Caliber: .280 NOS (Nosler) – A flat-shooting, hard-hitting cartridge ideal for long-range hunting.
• Barrel Length: 22 inches – A good balance between velocity and maneuverability.
• Barrel Material: Carbon Fiber Wrapped Stainless Steel – Combines the strength of steel with the weight savings and heat dissipation of carbon fiber.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-9 – Optimized for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights commonly used in .280 caliber.
• Gun Make: Remington – Designed as a drop-in replacement for Remington 700 actions.
• Gun Model: Remington Model 700 – Ensures compatibility with a massive aftermarket of parts and accessories.
• Gun Type: Rifle – Specifically designed for rifle platforms.
• Country of Origin: USA – Christensen Arms barrels are proudly made in the United States.
• Color: Black – A classic, understated look that blends well with most rifle builds.

These specifications contribute directly to the barrel’s performance. The carbon fiber significantly reduces weight, while the stainless steel provides the necessary strength and rigidity. The 1-9 twist rate allows for excellent accuracy with popular hunting bullets.

Performance & Functionality

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel excels in both accuracy and consistency. My handloads consistently produce sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, and the barrel maintains this level of accuracy even after multiple shots. The .280 NOS chambering delivers flat trajectories and ample energy for ethical harvests at longer ranges.

One potential weakness is the cost, as carbon fiber barrels are typically more expensive than traditional steel barrels. However, the benefits in terms of weight savings and heat management often justify the investment. The barrel has met and exceeded my expectations, transforming my Remington 700 into a lightweight, accurate, and reliable hunting rifle.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel is exceptional. The carbon fiber weave is flawless, and the stainless steel core is precisely machined. The reduced weight makes the rifle more comfortable to carry on long hunts.

The barrel is a direct replacement for Remington 700 barrels, meaning there is no need for extensive gunsmithing. The design is clean and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There is a slight learning curve to cleaning carbon fiber barrels properly, but it is a quick process.

Durability & Maintenance

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel is built to last. The carbon fiber wrap protects the steel core from the elements. With proper care and cleaning, this barrel should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the barrel is similar to maintaining a traditional steel barrel. Regular cleaning with a high-quality bore cleaner is essential. It’s also important to use a bore guide to protect the rifling and prevent damage to the crown.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel is designed as a drop-in replacement for Remington 700 actions, which opens up a vast array of customization options. You can easily pair it with aftermarket triggers, stocks, and optics.

The barrel is compatible with most muzzle brakes and suppressors designed for the .280 caliber. Due to it being built on the Rem 700 platform, the options are virtually limitless.

Pros and Cons of Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel

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Who Should Buy Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel?

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel is perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight, accurate, and reliable rifle for long-range engagements. It’s also an excellent choice for competitive shooters looking to improve their performance with a high-quality barrel. Shooters and hunters looking to build an all-weather rifle would also benefit from the properties of a carbon fiber barrel.

Individuals primarily interested in casual target shooting may not find the added expense justified. Those who are new to firearms and unfamiliar with proper cleaning techniques might also want to consider a more forgiving steel barrel first.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality scope, a reliable bipod, and a bore guide for proper cleaning.

Conclusion on Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel

The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel is a premium product that delivers exceptional performance. While the price may be higher than traditional steel barrels, the benefits in terms of weight savings, heat management, and accuracy are well worth the investment.

I would highly recommend this barrel to anyone looking to build a lightweight, long-range hunting rifle. The Christensen Arms .280 NOS Rem 700 Carbon Barrel has transformed my Remington 700 into a true precision instrument, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Consider upgrading your rifle today and experience the Christensen Arms difference.