First Impressions of Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel
The Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel promises to bring together the legendary Remington 700 action with the lightweight and accurate performance of a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. Christensen Arms has built a reputation for precision and innovation in the firearm industry, and this barrel seeks to offer a significant upgrade to any Remington 700 platform chambered in the popular 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge. It aims to deliver enhanced accuracy, reduced weight, and improved heat dissipation compared to traditional steel barrels.
My interest in this barrel stemmed from a desire to upgrade my aging Remington 700. I was looking for a way to improve accuracy and reduce the overall weight of my rifle for longer hunting trips in the backcountry.
Unboxing the Christensen Arms barrel, my initial impression was one of quality and attention to detail. The carbon fiber weave was clean and uniform, and the stainless steel muzzle brake was precisely machined. The barrel felt surprisingly light compared to the factory steel barrel I was replacing.
I considered other options, including barrels from Proof Research and Bartlein Barrels. Ultimately, I chose the Christensen Arms barrel for its balance of reputation, price, and readily available Remington 700 compatibility. I was excited to see if the Christensen Arms barrel could live up to its promise of improved accuracy and performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel was at my local shooting range. The weather was sunny and clear, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for accuracy testing. I mounted the barrel on my Remington 700 action, torqued to manufacturer specification, and paired it with a high-quality scope and bipod.
The Christensen Arms barrel proved easy to zero, requiring only a few adjustments to get on target at 100 yards. Recoil felt noticeably reduced compared to the factory steel barrel, likely due to the carbon fiber construction and included muzzle brake. I did notice a slight change in the rifle’s balance due to the lighter barrel, but it didn’t negatively impact handling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve taken it on multiple hunting trips, ranging from deer hunting in wooded areas to longer range pronghorn hunts in open plains. The barrel has held its zero consistently and shown no signs of accuracy degradation, even after extended shooting sessions.
Durability has also been impressive. Despite being exposed to various weather conditions and the occasional bump and scrape, the carbon fiber finish shows no signs of damage. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only standard bore cleaning procedures. Compared to my previous experiences with steel barrels, the Christensen Arms barrel offers a noticeable improvement in weight and accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel
Specifications
Caliber: 6.5mm Creedmoor. This popular caliber is known for its excellent long-range performance and relatively mild recoil.
Barrel Material: Carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel. The carbon fiber provides lightweight rigidity and aids in heat dissipation, while the stainless steel ensures corrosion resistance and accurate rifling.
Barrel Twist Rate: 1-8. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 6.5mm bullets, typically from 120 to 147 grains.
Gun Make: Remington. It is explicitly designed for Remington actions.
Gun Model: Remington Model 700. This is compatible with the widely available Remington 700 rifle platform.
Gun Type: Rifle. It is explicitly designed for Rifle platforms.
Country of Origin: USA. Supporting Christensen Arms supports USA manufacturing.
Performance & Functionality
The Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel excels in accuracy and heat management. During range testing, I consistently achieved sub-MOA groups with factory match ammunition. The barrel’s stiffness and consistent harmonics contribute to this improved accuracy.
The carbon fiber wrap also significantly reduces barrel heat. This allows for longer shooting sessions without experiencing significant accuracy degradation due to heat-induced barrel expansion. A weakness is the price point, where similarly accurate steel barrels can be purchased for less.
Design & Ergonomics
The barrel’s design is clean and functional. The carbon fiber weave provides a modern and appealing aesthetic. The light weight of the barrel noticeably improves the rifle’s overall balance and makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Installation is relatively straightforward for anyone familiar with Remington 700 barrel swaps. However, it’s generally recommended to have a qualified gunsmith install and headspace the barrel for optimal performance and safety.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of stainless steel and carbon fiber offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The carbon fiber is also relatively scratch-resistant.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with standard bore cleaning solvents and brushes will keep the barrel performing optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel is compatible with any Remington 700-compatible accessories. This includes a wide variety of aftermarket stocks, triggers, and optics.
The muzzle is typically threaded to accept standard muzzle brakes and suppressors. This opens up a range of customization options to further enhance the rifle’s performance.
Pros and Cons of Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel
Pros
- Improved Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition.
- Lightweight Design: Significantly reduces rifle weight for easier carry and improved handling.
- Enhanced Heat Dissipation: Carbon fiber wrap allows for longer shooting sessions without accuracy degradation.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The carbon fiber weave provides a modern and appealing look.
- Remington 700 Compatibility: Drops into existing Remington 700 actions with minimal modification.
Cons
- Higher Price: The cost of a carbon fiber barrel is noticeably higher than a traditional steel barrel.
- Potential for Point of Impact Shift: Carbon fiber barrels can be more susceptible to point of impact shift due to temperature changes than steel barrels, although this has not been my experience.
Who Should Buy Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel?
The Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel is perfect for hunters and competitive shooters who prioritize accuracy and weight reduction. It’s also a great upgrade for anyone looking to improve the performance of their Remington 700 rifle.
Those on a tight budget or who are primarily concerned with extreme durability might want to consider a high-quality steel barrel instead. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality scope and bipod to fully capitalize on the barrel’s accuracy potential.
Conclusion on Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel
The Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel is a worthwhile investment for those seeking enhanced accuracy, reduced weight, and improved heat management in their Remington 700 platform. While the price is higher than a traditional steel barrel, the performance benefits justify the cost for serious shooters and hunters.
I personally recommend this barrel to anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 700 and experience the benefits of carbon fiber technology. If you are looking to take your Remington 700 to the next level, the Christensen Arms 6.5mm Creedmoor Remington 700 Carbon Barrel is the upgrade for you.