As a younger SWAT cop, my precision rifle was anything but lightweight. Like most at the time, the average response for a rifle being too heavy was to do “some more pushups” or “hit the gym.” Experience, time and better use of existing my brain cells cured that bravado. I began to look for lighter rifles that did not compromise when it comes to accuracy, reliability and effectiveness. Now that I’m retired but continue to test weapons for their merits, my mantra has turned to “the lighter the better.” I usually look for shorter barrels, lighter stocks, smaller scopes and less “stuff” hanging off the rifle. Then I was introduced to carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels, which weigh less than most barrels while maintaining their pinpoint accuracy—a truly impressive development, especially if you carry your rifle any distance.
- RELATED: Gun Review: Christensen Arms’ CA-15 Recon
- RELATED: An Inside Look at the Christensen Arms Facility
Christensen Arms has been at the forefront of carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel construction. The company’s origins lie in the aerospace industry, which provides it with unique insight in the gun world, and the company builds its entire weapons in-house to ensure quality control. I recently tested Christensen’s Tactical Force Multiplier (TFM), which may be the epitome of that process. With a carbon-fiber stock and magazine and a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, it weighs in at a mere 8 pounds empty. Even with a scope, ammunition and a titanium Gem-Tech suppressor installed, it is incredibly lightweight.
This rifle’s accuracy was excellent at the range. It was reliable, and with the Gem-Tech Sandstorm in place, its recoil was pretty tame. In the end, this rifle was a pleasure to shoot and a dream to carry.
Check out this video to see the TFM rifle in action, and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in an upcoming issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE. To subscribe, visit Tactical-Life.com/subscribe.
Discussion about this post