Christensen Arms rifles are known for their cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship. Since 1995, the Christensen family has been building supremely accurate bolt-action rimfire and centerfire rifles for mountain hunters, whitetail hunters, and precision rifle shooters. That performance often comes with a price tag not everyone can afford.
However last year, Christensen Arms introduced its first sub-MOA rifle for under $1,000. The Evoke, available in four different models and 11 chamberings, was Christensen Arms’ answer to hunters and shooters looking for a flat-shooting, affordable, entry-level rifle. But making a bolt-action rifle accessible, accurate, and easy to carry (until it’s time to shoot) was no simple task. Many price-point rifles promise sub-MOA performance but don’t deliver when it matters most. Christensen Arms built the Evoke so more shooters could get their hands on a premium rifle.
“The Evoke lineup offers hunters world-class, attainable firearms that embody our dedication to craftsmanship and innovation regardless of what, or where, they hunt,” Christensen Arms CEO Vic Keller says. “The Evoke is the result of our passion for building American-made rifles that prioritize performance and precision. We’ve sacrificed nothing in the development of the Evoke line—we want premium rifles accessible for everyone.”
This innovative rifle is offered in four models: the Evoke, Evoke Mossy Oak, Evoke Hunter, and Evoke Precision. Every Evoke rifle includes Christensen Arms Precision Machined Receivers, adjustable TriggerTech triggers, a detachable box magazine, Remington 700 optics bases, and a section of Picatinny rail on the forend to attach a bipod or other accessories. The barrels are made of 416R stainless steel, include an RFR-style muzzle brake, and are threaded for a suppressor.
Though each Evoke rifle is built with standard features, every platform variant is slightly different. The base model Evoke and Evoke Mossy Oak (wrapped in Bottomland) are available in all 11 chamberings, from .243 up to .300 PRC. Christensen smartly offered both models in .350 Legend for whitetail hunters in straight-wall-only states.
The Evoke Hunter, which features Christensen’s proprietary Hunter Camouflage pattern, was built with an optics-ready Picatinny rail installed at the factory. Competitive shooters new to Precision Rifle Shooting can get started with the Evoke Precision, which features an adjustable cheek riser, 0-MOA Picatinny scope base, proprietary Christensen Arms Hex Camouflage pattern, and a forward ARCA rail section.
“The four unique Evoke configurations represent an opportunity for a wide range of hunters and shooters to experience the quality of Christensen Arms,” Keller says. “Like all Christensen Arms rifles, the Evoke delivers an impressive list of premium components, as well as innovative, thoughtful, shooter-friendly features and detail-obsessed engineering suitable for diverse hunting environments.”
A rifle’s weight plays a significant factor in whether or not it’s a viable option to take afield. If you can’t comfortably carry a rifle all day, it doesn’t matter how well you shoot it. Christensen Arms was mindful of this, keeping the weight of the Evoke to 7.7 pounds. This is a good, practical weight for an all-around hunting rifle.
The polymer stock’s ergonomics provide added comfort, with a raised comb for a better cheek weld when the shooter is looking through the scope. The 90-degree pistol grip also makes it easier to squeeze the adjustable trigger. Christensen sets the trigger weight at around 3.5 pounds at the factory, but it can be lightened to 2.5 pounds. Trigger creep is essentially non-existent when shooting the Evoke.
All Evoke actions come standard with Two-lug bolts and a 90-degree bolt throw. Christensen barrels are also hand-lapped at the factory, which removes minor tool marks from the bore to help reduce fouling and improve accuracy.
“If you were to include all the upgrades that come standard on the Evoke to another gun manufacturer’s rifle, you’re looking at an increased cost of about $400 to $500,” says Christensen Arms Brand Ambassador Jeff Bradley. “You’re also getting a limited lifetime warranty and an action guarantee when you buy the Evoke.”