This year, Christensen Arms opted to replace their Classic line of rifles with the newly announced Traverse.
Completely revamped, the Traverse is the result of consumer demand. Christensen Arms listened to the consumers and added all of the new features that were desired. Even with this upgrading, Christensen managed to lower the price tag of the Traverse approximately $400 when compared to their Classic by streamlining the manufacturing process.
The Traverse feels great in the hands.
The key things that Christensen Arms changed due to consumer demand include a Monte Carlo style stock, oversized tactical bolt knob, match grade 2.5-3.5 pound adjustable trigger, stainless steel action, non-integral optic rail, dual sling stud and four-inch accessory rail which accepts Picatinny style mounts. And yes, the trigger is excellent. It had zero creep and broke like glass as you would expect from a high-end gun.
The Traverse is not only kitted out to be one of the best-equipped factory rifles, but it also feels great in the hands due to Christensen’s attention to ergonomics and weight reduction skills.
The Traverse has a non-integral optic rail which can be seen here as well as the bolt release.
A couple features of the Traverse are more utilitarian than an individual may realize. The change from a fixed optic rail to a 0 MOA optic rail seems simple, but allows the owner of the gun to customize it in any way that he likes down the road, whether that be attaching a tapered rail for long range shooting, or getting rid of the rail altogether and using direct mount optic rings.
The bolt is also better than standard. It is nitride coated for a slick feeling bolt stroke. The bolt comes with dual ejectors in all of the magnum chamberings, adding to the reliability of the gun.
Christensen added their typical flair to the Traverse.
Another big improvement is the side baffle brake. The old radial brake is great in some applications, but arguably not most. This change takes the rifle from blowing rocks and dirt back at the shooter upon prone firing to keeping the shooter safe from potential airborne debris. Also, it is scientifically proven that side baffle brakes are more effective in reducing recoil than the older radial brake design. This allows the shooter to stay on target and see their impact.
The switch from a radial style brake to a side baffle brake is sure to further add to recoil reduction.
This rifle is targeting not only long-range shooters but all hunters alike with chambering offerings that include everything from 22-250 to 300 RUM. Obviously, this means that the Traverse will come in long action and short action models, which will be identical in quality, and vary only by weight. This rifle will be the ultimate hunting rig of 2019, weighing in around the 7 pound range means that it can be carried everywhere a person is willing to walk. In the end, Christensen Arms really hit a home run with their new Traverse rifle.
SPECS:
- short and long stainless steel action
- detachable 0 MOA optic rail
- light contour carbon fiber barrel
- side baffle muzzle brake
- oversized tactical style bolt knob
- nitride coated bolt with dual ejectors
- front accessory rail
- sub MOA guarantee
- 7.3 pounds (short action) 7.7 pounds (long action)
- chambered in most common cartridges (18 different)
- adjustable 2.5-3.5 pound trigger
- $2395 MSRP
Other Images:
Here, you can see how the Monte Carlo style stock is a big upgrade for proper eye alignment with most optics.
The front rail is a modern touch to an excellent rifle.