Seekins Havak Element vs Christensen vs Fierce Carbon Rogue

[doc1059]

As I prepare to retire off active duty with 25 years I have my sights set on a "forever" rifle. Primarily for whitetail but want the option to go out West.

I have narrowed down my search between the Seekins Havak Element, Christensen Arms Ridgeline Carbon and a Fierce Carbon Rogue.

Hands down the research shows Seekins far and away based on other reviews. Seems to be a lot of negative reviews on Christtensen Arms quality and customer service. Though feels great in my hands.

The Seekins Havak Element is exactly what I am looking for: short, light weight and a shooter from what I hear. But the "palm swell" on the Seekins felt awkward in my hands the first time I handled one. Not sure I can get past the palm swell perhaps? It's a great gun with a big price tag, just wanted to see how others went with the "fit test"?

 

[bmart2622]

I literally had the same exact feelings toward the palm swell on the Seekins stock when I first held it. I got over it quickly and now prefer it over any of my other stocks

 

[Tikkamike]

I have all 3 of these rifles and the Rogue is by far my favorite

 

[martyj]

I think Seekins has some good ideas and mine shoots very well.

 

[marksman1941]

Seekins. I've played Christensen Roulette and it sucks. When they work they're great, when they don't they're trash. No middle ground, and the second scenario shouldn't be a thing for the price point they sell at. Fierce are typically good but CS is rough to deal with when you do have a problem

 

[WAP1T1]

Seekins all the way. I had the same decision to make and I didn't feel like chancing $3k...

 

[Azhunter10]

I have the Carbon Rogue in 6.5PRC, shoots great NOW! It went back 3 times before they finally just put a new barrel on it.

If I could do it all over again, I would definitely go with the Seekins

 

[waspocrew]

I went with an Element in 6.5 PRC. I've only shot a few boxes of factory ammo, but I'm already impressed. Looking forward to handloading for it soon. This will be heading to the NWT for Dall sheep with me in 2026.

5 shots Norma 143 Golden Target at 100 yards:

5 shots Nosler 142 ABLR at 100 yards:

 

[Nimrod]

Seems to be a lot of negative reviews on Christtensen Arms quality and customer service.

I work part time as a gunsmith at a small town gun shop we sell several guns and do a lot of special orders. Every single Christensen rifle that has been ordered through the shop has been returned for a fairly serious defect of one king or another, most of them are chamber related. We have sold several Seekins rifles also and have never had one returned. We have only sold a couple of Fierce rifles but as far as I know the owners were happy. I personally took a sip of the Christensen Kool-Aid, bought a Ridgeline in 6.5 PRC the chamber was so bad it wouldn't extract a fired round, I had to beat it open. I sold it to the shop owner and we recut the chamber with the AW2 reamer, I suppose it's okay now but soured me forever. Seekins for my money, hands down.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Out of the three mentioned. Seekins.

What about a custom?

 

[WAP1T1]

Interesting theme here.

I spoke to the manager of a local gun store, he owned 4 older Christensen rifles, says he would never buy another one based on issues he's seen and experienced.

One first time out to 300 yds with Havak Element 7 PRC, 5 round grouping at the end of the day, hot barrel with Federal TA 170gr. The Seekins just seems to work and action is awesome.

 

[DuckHunt]

First, thank you for your service!

As to the choices presented, I presently have the Christensen Ridgeline FFT in 7mm RM and have no problems. It is a shooter too! I bought mine because a cousin loves his in 28 nosler. His is a shooter as well. This coming season will be my first with the Ridgeline and really looking forward to it. I think it is ready too.

Target is 100 yards with 1-inch squares.

 

[gearguywb]

I have had a couple of Seekins (and looking for a new one). They have all been quality builds and shoot well

 

[Mark37082]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service. I have considered all the rifles you mentioned in the past. I am shocked by the number of problems reported by CA. It just proves that great ideas and marketing are only part of the business plan. Attention to quality manufacturing and service are critical to long term success. Forever rifles now start with a top notch gunsmith for me.