I've been on the fence between the Mesa and the Ridgeline in 6.5 PRC. The reason I am looking at the Christensen Arms is the sub-MOA guarantee with factory ammo. I have several rifles that I reload for and get sub-MOA but I want a hunting rifle that I can grab a box of ammo anywhere and shoot it. I've talked to Christensen about this guarantee and it applies to factory ammo, not reloads. If it doesn't shoot, send it back and they will look at it. So far, everyone I have talked to has seemed very nice and helpful.
- The Mesa and Ridgeline are the same rifle with exception of the barrel. The stock is the same but opened up to accommodate the CF barrel.
- I have several Trigger Tech triggers in other rifles and they are better than Timney IMHO. Jewel triggers break a little cleaner but are not sealed like the Trigger Tech. That is something I think about in a hunting rifle.
- The spot bedding is just for the recoil lug. Like mentioned, it's better than no bedding at all but the rifle would probably benefit from a full bedding job. I don't know how that will affect warranty.
- The stock is ok. It flexes when you put enough pressure on it but it's not junk like most factory plastic stocks. I'm guessing the Mesa stock is stiffer because the barrel channel is not as wide. With the action being a Rem 700 clone your options are unlimited.
- The magwell is to spec but there is always Wyatts... Also, if it's shooting sub-MOA with factory ammo, why mess with it?
- Advertised weight is 6.5 lbs. I watched a guy weigh one at the store and it was 7.5 lbs on his fish scale. The Ridgeline was 1lb heavier also. Shame on Christensen for this.
- The Mesa is a steel barrel so will start to walk when it heats up after multiple shots but all pencil barrels do.
- The muzzle brake is radial and will kick up dust when prone but the threads are standard so a diff brake could be installed. Rifles like the Browning X-Bolt have metric threads.
I don't own one but have shot a couple at the range. The Mesa is nice but I prefer the CF barrels on the Ridgeline which is why I'm looking at it. Both were tack drivers in 6.5 CM and 7mm Mag. I don't think you will be disappointed with the Mesa.
Now on to the fun debate. Sure, you could spend more money and get a better rifle but you already stated your budget. I think you could also get a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 CM and shoot factory ammo under MOA six days till Sunday for only $370. Every one of those I have seen at the range is unbelievably accurate. Bottom line is get what you like. Visual appeal means a lot. The way it feels in your hands and when you shoulder it means a lot. A Tikka might fit your buddy perfect but you won't shoot it well at all. You have to make the final decision based upon your preferences. If you get a rifle because somebody told it to and you don't like it, you will regret it, sell it later and buy what you want and will have wasted time and money. Buy once, cry once is a hard lesson to learn.
