Christensen Evoke

[Major Wader]

Thinking about a 7mm Backcountry, and Christensen is the only factory option I have found with a 16" barrel.

Does anyone have any feedback on the new Evoke? I have a Ridgeline that I am happy with, so not concerned about the maker.

Looking for opinions, as well as actual weight on a 16" rifle. Internet info varies.

 

[wpeach1912]

You’re not gonna find much love for Christensen on here. Preferred and I’m sure a few others make prefits for 7BC. You’d probably be better off going that route with an action you already have

 

[Maurygold]

Thinking about a 7mm Backcountry, and Christensen is the only factory option I have found with a 16" barrel.

Does anyone have any feedback on the new Evoke? I have a Ridgeline that I am happy with, so not concerned about the maker.

Looking for opinions, as well as actual weight on a 16" rifle. Internet info varies.

Do not. Under any distance at all. For any reason. What so ever. Get a Christensen.

They are hot garbage.

7mm backcountry is not a great round and will likely have lots of trouble getting ammo.

Get a seekins in 7 prc. Trust us. You can easily shoot to 1200 yards and kill anything you want with the prc.

Again. Do not. Get a Christensen.

 

[Major Wader]

I don't want a 7mm PRC. I have a 280 Ackley already, which happens to be a Christensen. It shoots well, and I have had no issues with it. I have shot long range with it and am very confident in the rifle and the round. Some of them might suck, but mine is accurate, and I have killed several critters with it up to about 650 lbs.

The attraction of the 7mm BC, for me anyway, is that it does with a 20" barrel what the 7 PRC does with a 24". Which means it is still significant with the 16" barrel. Primary purpose of the rifle I am considering is hunting in stands or blinds where the shorter length really makes a difference, and I try to use a suppressor whenever possible.

Since I have other rifles for long range shooting, this one would be for hunting only. I would likely buy 5-10 boxes of ammo and kill critters as long as I can still move to do so.

Also didn't really want to buy a $2000-$3000 rifle that I would only hunt with in certain circumstances, which is why I mentioned the Evoke @ about $850.

 

[Maurygold]

I don't want a 7mm PRC. I have a 280 Ackley already, which happens to be a Christensen. It shoots well, and I have had no issues with it. I have shot long range with it and am very confident in the rifle and the round. Some of them might suck, but mine is accurate, and I have killed several critters with it up to about 650 lbs.

The attraction of the 7mm BC, for me anyway, is that it does with a 20" barrel what the 7 PRC does with a 24". Which means it is still significant with the 16" barrel. Primary purpose of the rifle I am considering is hunting in stands or blinds where the shorter length really makes a difference, and I try to use a suppressor whenever possible.

Since I have other rifles for long range shooting, this one would be for hunting only. I would likely buy 5-10 boxes of ammo and kill critters as long as I can still move to do so.

Also didn't really want to buy a $2000-$3000 rifle that I would only hunt with in certain circumstances, which is why I mentioned the Evoke @ about $850.

Then buy a tikka in 7 or 300 prc or even 300 wsm or win mag and chop the barrel - you don’t need the speed so there’s zero advantage to the bc and plenty of disadvantages to a overpressured round that won’t be around for long.

Both the Christensen and BC are very poor choices. If you came here to justify it you’re not going to find that. If you want sound advice on what do read the paragraph above and stop supporting Christensen.

 

[Big Phish]

If you are having a tough time finding more information on a 7bc then how do you know or believe the bullshit balistic for it. Sounds like a dead in a toilet cartridge that wont be around long.

 

[TheBigCountry]

7mm BC is the latest “long range Fudd” cartridge.

As the wisdom of @diggler1833 hss stated, you can get better results out of the 28 Nosler if you want a super fast barrel burner, but the Nosler has more after market support like brass availability

 

[Ronws]

I am the stupidest person here but from what I can see, 7 BC is basically trying to one-up the 7 PRC. Especially as the 7 PRC is no longer getting 3k MV out of the specified 24" barrel.

So, Federal uses an alloy case and higher pressure to get 3k MV out of a 20 inch barrel, which some consider more reasonable for hunting.

It's not necessarily more precise and it is pushing the same bullets. But sometimes speed is not going to improve precision.

I never had a 7 or magnum before, so I got the 7 PRC and I am pleased with it. Even at reported velocities of 2850 ish, the precision is there. Considering the impact velocity and bullet performance as a hunter are my biggest concerns, I could kill a deer dead at the distances I have to me which are far below 500 yards, even.

And if someone has a 7 RM and has done with it and the lighter bullets, I would say fine, that guy does not need a 7 PRC or 7 BC. 7 PRC was made for guys like me that want a decent shooting rifle with factory ammo.

But I have already read here and seen a number of videos of accuracy and precision problems with Christensen Arms.

I know the OP has a CA in another caliber that he is happy with. And maybe he will get lucky.

But I think that @Maurygold is right. We are not going to talk the OP out of a CA rifle. He just wanted some confirmation. Instead, he got valid input that he can either heed or ignore.

What would be interesting is if he gets one and it does well, he needs to show the paper here.

 

[diggler1833]

OP: Are you seeking consensus, or are you looking for the opinions of others with experience (or similar) in your particular cartridge and rifle of choice?

I view Christiansen the same way I do a Bergara; you can get a great-shooting one or end up with a dud, or something in between. There is just too much of a disparity from one rifle to the next man. Been that way for a decade too.

Since you have a .280 Ackley, you aren't going to be adding a whole lot to your repertoire. A 16", 7BC will probably scratch your itch for the new hawt-ness... but are you gaining anything over a 24", .280 Ackley? No. And since you'll have to wear ears for a 16" magnum rifle anyway... it is starting to look like the only real reason to purchase is simply because you want to.

^ Nothing wrong with that either. Your money, use it how you want. I think though that you'll probably enjoy it less as time goes on. I say this having overlapped several cartridges before myself.

 

[Major Wader]

I genuinely wanted feedback, and I got it.

Most appreciated.

What is the perceived/experienced issue with CA? The one I have owned, and a couple more I have shot, have been accurate, with no real issues. I did know of one that got sent back for stick extraction, but that was resolved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Regarding 7mm BC, there are a number of folks who have confirmed or exceeded stated ballistics.

That said, I could care less what the headstamp reads. Is there another cartridge that can do 195's at 2850 from a 20" barrel? The only thing I ever disliked about a 7mm Rem Mag was the long barrel. Same with 270 Weatherby, and 300 WM. Had all of these, and sold all, because the long barrels were a monumental pain in small trucks, UTV's, box blinds, and ladder stands.

I haven't bought anything yet, and absolutely could change my mind. Also willing to admit that I might be chasing unicorns.

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Major Wader]

OP: Are you seeking consensus, or are you looking for the opinions of others with experience (or similar) in your particular cartridge and rifle of choice?

I view Christiansen the same way I do a Bergara; you can get a great-shooting one or end up with a dud, or something in between. There is just too much of a disparity from one rifle to the next man. Been that way for a decade too.

Since you have a .280 Ackley, you aren't going to be adding a whole lot to your repertoire. A 16", 7BC will probably scratch your itch for the new hawt-ness... but are you gaining anything over a 24", .280 Ackley? No. And since you'll have to wear ears for a 16" magnum rifle anyway... it is starting to look like the only real reason to purchase is simply because you want to.

^ Nothing wrong with that either. Your money, use it how you want. I think though that you'll probably enjoy it less as time goes on. I say this having overlapped several cartridges before myself.

Looking for a shorter option with similar killing power to the 280 Ackley. The overall length with a suppressor is the only negative to my current setup. My current .280 Ackley is about 53" with the suppressor attached.

When I am in short range situations (150 yards and under), I actually hunt with a .308 Win bolt action pistol with a 12 inch barrel and a suppressor, or a 16" lever action in .45-70. Just looking for similar overall length, but enough ass to reach out further.

 

[Maurygold]

Looking for a shorter option with similar killing power to the 280 Ackley. The overall length with a suppressor is the only negative to my current setup. My current .280 Ackley is about 53" with the suppressor attached.

When I am in short range situations (150 yards and under), I actually hunt with a .308 Win bolt action pistol with a 12 inch barrel and a suppressor, or a 16" lever action in .45-70. Just looking for similar overall length, but enough ass to reach out further.

A gunsmith can make any barrel you want short. You lose zero accuracy and only 25fps per inch.

The tikka and seekins are among the best factory rifles out and for $100-$150 can be any length you want. If you already have the 280 step up to a 300 prc, wsm, or win mag and chop it.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Looking for a shorter option with similar killing power to the 280 Ackley. The overall length with a suppressor is the only negative to my current setup. My current .280 Ackley is about 53" with the suppressor attached.

When I am in short range situations (150 yards and under), I actually hunt with a .308 Win bolt action pistol with a 12 inch barrel and a suppressor, or a 16" lever action in .45-70. Just looking for similar overall length, but enough ass to reach out further.

You don’t need a super whizz bang magnum. Especially one that will destroy not only your barrel fast, but ears in such a shirt barrel

Use a quality bullet and put it where it counts. A 300 PRC comes to mind with a Nosler Accubond or similar bullet. But at the range your mentioned, 150 yards, even something like a 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18.5” barrel would be a great round to consider. It’ll still be good for longer shots

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-roughtech-superlite-65-creedmoor-20-1-8-bbl-roughtech-ember-tungsten-4

 

[Major Wader]

I'm covered at 150 yards. Goal for this rifle would be as a dedicated hunting rifle, 200-400 yards in the previously mentioned ladder stands/box blinds. I have other rifles for this, just looking for a shorter option, as my current rifles are all 22-26" barrels, and the added length of the suppressor makes them inconvenient in those situations. The rifle I am trying to find would never be used for open country spot & stalk.

Rifle would likely never be fired without a suppressor, and would not likely see more than 15-20 rounds per year after the initial zero.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I'm covered at 150 yards. Goal for this rifle would be as a dedicated hunting rifle, 200-400 yards in the previously mentioned ladder stands/box blinds. I have other rifles for this, just looking for a shorter option, as my current rifles are all 22-26" barrels, and the added length of the suppressor makes them inconvenient in those situations. The rifle I am trying to find would never be used for open country spot & stalk.

Rifle would likely never be fired without a suppressor, and would not likely see more than 15-20 rounds per year after the initial zero.

Get a Tikka T3 lite on sale at europtic, and have the barrel chopped to 18”
And threaded. 6.5 Creed is perfect for that range. No need for a magnum

https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-lite-65-creedmoor-synthetic-jrtxe382For

Ruger even has the new Ranch rifle with a 16” barrel that could fit what you are wanting

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanchGenII/specSheets/46928.html

 

[Ronws]

I genuinely wanted feedback, and I got it.

Most appreciated.

What is the perceived/experienced issue with CA? The one I have owned, and a couple more I have shot, have been accurate, with no real issues. I did know of one that got sent back for stick extraction, but that was resolved quickly and with minimal hassle.

Regarding 7mm BC, there are a number of folks who have confirmed or exceeded stated ballistics.

That said, I could care less what the headstamp reads. Is there another cartridge that can do 195's at 2850 from a 20" barrel? The only thing I ever disliked about a 7mm Rem Mag was the long barrel. Same with 270 Weatherby, and 300 WM. Had all of these, and sold all, because the long barrels were a monumental pain in small trucks, UTV's, box blinds, and ladder stands.

I haven't bought anything yet, and absolutely could change my mind. Also willing to admit that I might be chasing unicorns.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Adn on the converse, I can understand your point, as well and there are some valid considerations. Same as when I decided to get a 7 PRC. It pushes heavy for caliber bullets at (initially) a high speed. And since my consideration is impact velocity, it retains more for a longer distance. Adam at Who Tee Who said it best in his drop chart. Most 7s and .30 cals are within an inch or so to about 500 yards. Then 7 PRC shines past 500 yards.

But I liked that it can push bullet the weight of a .30 cal fairly fast and is a good choice for unknown distances.

I can see the reasons you might value the 7 BC. It is also pushing heavy bullets, some heavier than I would try in 7 PRC or even my .308s. Heaviest I have shot so far is a 180 gr hunting round in one of my .308s that has a 20 inch medium bull barrel in a composite stock.

And a shorter rifle to include a suppressor while make it easier for tight quarters. I hunt in dense woods on public land with my rifle cradled across my arms, The 7 PRC in chassis with a 24 inch barrel and muzzle brake is about as long as I would want to get but I have also snagged a branch with the 20 inch barrel.

I think more of the advice here has been against having a CA rifle more than it would be about choice of cartridge. That being said, I have seen a lot of hay made out of one or two blemishes or duds. A person gets one bad copy and now everything from them is crap.

So, good luck to you and definitely I would like see groupings and even a harvest with that.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

They should rename it to 7mm Darwin.

A Christensen in 7mm Darwin should be called PSGWSP. ( Play stupid games win stupid prizes)

If your stuck on 7mm Darwin buy the giessele rifle at least it won't blow up on you.

Just an FYI...hunters chasing velocity numbers tend to be the shittiest and most unsuccessful hunters in my experience. Off all the guys I know who kill trophy bull elk almost yearly....they tend to go down in calibers. ( 6.5cm, 6.5 prc, .270 and 7-08). Yahoos trying to kill little deer with a 300prc must have small dicks or something. Just an honest observation.

 

[Major Wader]

They should rename it to 7mm Darwin.

A Christensen in 7mm Darwin should be called PSGWSP. ( Play stupid games win stupid prizes)

If your stuck on 7mm Darwin buy the giessele rifle at least it won't blow up on you.

Just an FYI...hunters chasing velocity numbers tend to be the shittiest and most unsuccessful hunters in my experience. Off all the guys I know who kill trophy bull elk almost yearly....they tend to go down in calibers. ( 6.5cm, 6.5 prc, .270 and 7-08). Yahoos trying to kill little deer with a 300prc must have small dicks or something. Just an honest observation.

Everyone else, however critical, has brought genuine information that I will use to make an informed decision.

Except you.

You came with attitude and ignorance. And you and your "honest observation" made insulting comments about the "shittiest and most unsuccessful hunters".

Since you know nothing about me or what I have accomplished, and you still brought this ignorant bullshit, please go fuck yourself. Bring an audience if you wish.

I have killed critters with numerous calibers from .22-250 up to .45-70. All of them died. Including the ones shot with a 243, 7mm-08, 280 Ackley, 257 Roberts, 25-06, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win mag, several handguns, and numerous other rifle calibers. From 25 to 425 yards. Been almost 15 years since I have had a season with no kills, and that's because I took a few years off from hunting for personal reasons..

I am simply looking for a shorter rifle to do what I already do, and have successfully done for several decades. I have been faithful to a single woman for over 38 years, but I can freely have some variety in my hunting rifles without damaging my relationship.

I am only looking for the next great thing, and it might be a unicorn. I have chased those before, and was happy after.

Posts in this thread have lead me to consider other options, including moving to a 20" 7mm PRC. Your smartass comments, however, simply led me to ignore anything you ever post in the future.

Just an FYI... Again, go fuck yourself.

 

[supercorndogs]

All the critters you killed died! Fascinating.

 

[powdahound76]

Get the 7 BC.
Awesome hunting round. Built around running a short barrel.
I would go 18”.

Personally, I would not go Christiansen.
More miss than hit for accuracy.
Lotta ways to skin the cat on a good rifle.


Depending on critters, dont discount a short 6.5 creed and a lighter bullet.
123 Scenar at 2840 from a 16.5” and h4350 with a below max load.