Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire 18-inch Desert Brown

The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire 18-inch Desert Brown is a production-ready precision rimfire chassis rifle that delivers sub-MOA accuracy out of the box without the weight penalty of a full steel barrel. The carbon fiber tension barrel—18 inches, threaded 1/2×28—keeps the balance point rearward, so it carries like a hunting rifle but shoots like a bench gun. The Desert Brown Cerakote finish on the billet aluminum receiver and folding stock resists reflection and corrosion, making it a viable field companion for small-game, varmint, and NRL22 competition. At $1,925.32, it sits at the intersection of production precision and custom performance.

Manufacturer	Christensen Arms (per manufacturer specs)
Model	MPR Rimfire 18-inch Desert Brown
Material	Carbon fiber tension barrel, billet aluminum receiver, carbon fiber handguard
Compatibility	Remington 700-style trigger interface; TriggerTech-compatible
Finish	Desert Brown Cerakote
Weight	Approx. 5.9 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Carbon Fiber Tension Barrel (18″) — Reduces barrel harmonics and heat soak, maintaining consistent zero over long strings of fire. Why it matters: You get match-grade accuracy without the weight of a steel bull barrel, critical for positional stages in NRL22.
• MagneLock Folding Stock — The stock locks rigidly when deployed and folds compact for transport or one-handed carry. Why it matters: No play in the lockup means your cheek weld and eye relief stay repeatable from stage to stage.
• FFT Carbon Fiber Handguard with M-LOK — Provides a rigid, lightweight mounting surface for bipods, barricade stops, and thermal clamps. Why it matters: You can run a competitive bag-rider or Arca rail without adding measurable weight forward of the magazine.
• Adjustable Cheek Piece & Length of Pull — Tool-less adjustments let you dial in comb height and LOP in seconds. Why it matters: A proper cheek weld is the foundation of consistent cheek-to-stock indexing, which translates directly to vertical spread control at 100+ yards.
• TriggerTech-Compatible Trigger Interface — Uses the R700 footprint, so you can drop in a TriggerTech Diamond or F2S for a crisp, sub-pound break. Why it matters: The factory trigger is good, but swapping to a TriggerTech removes creep and overtravel, tightening your groups by 0.2–0.3 MOA on average.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the shooter who wants one rimfire that pulls double duty: NRL22 base-class competition on Saturday and squirrel hunting at dawn on Sunday. It suits the precision nut who already runs a centerfire chassis gun and wants a rimfire trainer with identical ergonomics. It is also a strong pick for the backpack hunter who needs a lightweight, accurate .22 LR for high-country small game.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Sub-MOA out of the box with quality match ammo (CCI Standard Velocity, SK Standard+, Eley Club).
• Pro: MagneLock folding stock is genuinely rigid—zero play when deployed.
• Pro: Desert Brown Cerakote blends into arid environments and resists holster wear.
• Con: The carbon fiber handguard can feel slick with wet or gloved hands—plan on adding grip tape or an M-LOK rail cover if you shoot in rain or snow.
• Con: Magazine compatibility is limited to the factory 10-round rotary; aftermarket options are sparse.

Comparison

Feature	Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire	Bergara B14R	Tikka T1x MTR
Barrel	Carbon fiber tension, 18″	Steel, 22″	Steel, 20″
Weight	~5.9 lbs	~8.2 lbs	~6.1 lbs
Stock	Folding, MagneLock, adj. cheek/LOP	Fixed chassis, adj. cheek	Fixed wood laminate, adj. cheek
Trigger Interface	R700 (TriggerTech-compatible)	R700 (TriggerTech-compatible)	Proprietary
Price	$1,925.32	$999–$1,199	$649–$749
Best For	NRL22 base class, backpack hunting	Budget precision, PRS rimfire	Hunting, plinking, club matches

FAQ

What twist rate is the barrel?

The Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire 18-inch barrel uses a 1:16 twist rate, which stabilizes standard 40-grain bullets and most match loads up to 45 grains. It does not stabilize subsonic 60-grain rounds—stick to 36–45 grain ammunition for best accuracy.

Can I use AICS-pattern magazines?

No. The MPR Rimfire uses a proprietary 10-round rotary magazine. It does not accept AICS, Ruger BX, or any other standard rimfire magazine. Spare magazines are available through Christensen Arms directly.

Is the trigger adjustable without replacing it?

The factory trigger is adjustable for pull weight via a small Allen screw (range: 2.5–4.5 lbs). However, the adjustment range is limited, and the trigger still has some take-up. For competition use, most shooters swap to a TriggerTech Diamond (sold separately) for a sub-1-lb, zero-creep break.

Does the folding stock lock open securely for offhand shooting?

Yes. The MagneLock mechanism uses a magnetic latch combined with a mechanical lock. When deployed, there is zero perceptible play—it feels as rigid as a fixed stock. The release button is located at the hinge and is easy to actuate with your support hand.

What is the barrel threaded for?

The muzzle is threaded 1/2×28 and comes with a thread protector. It accepts standard .22 LR suppressors (like the SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask) and muzzle brakes.

Trust & Delivery

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✓ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✓ 30-day returns
• ✓ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

According to NSSF data, rimfire precision rifle participation grew 38% from 2020 to 2025, and the MPR Rimfire is one of the few production chassis rifles under 6 lbs that can hold 0.5 MOA at 100 yards with match ammunition.

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