CHRISTENSEN ARMS VTAC-15
Posted May 19, 2023
Introduction
The Christensen Arms VTAC-15 is an AR-15 style rifle manufactured by Christensen Arms, a well-known gun maker based in Montana. The company’s mission is to make rifles that combine performance, accuracy, and lightweight components while remaining cost-effective. After extensive research and development, they released the VTAC-15 in 2020. This rifle has been a hit with gun enthusiasts because of its innovative features and reliable performance.
Design
The VTAC-15 has an exterior design that mirrors AR-15 rifles, though Christensen Arms has made several modifications to the platform in order to improve its performance. The receiver is machined from an aluminum billet and features an enlarged trigger guard and flared magazine well for increased comfort and faster reloads. The rifle is also fitted with an adjustable gas block which allows for the tuning of the rifle’s action to a shooter’s ammunition selection and condition.
At the heart of the VTAC-15 is Christensen Arms’ own patented handguard design that enables users to attach an array of aftermarket accessories like optics, lasers, and flash suppressors without making any modifications to the gun itself. This feature makes it an excellent choice for tactical or competition shooting. The rifle also comes with Christensen Arms’ own handguard and proprietary tube-style buffer tube.
Ergonomics
The VTAC-15 has an ergonomic design that is slightly bigger than typical AR-15s, making it more comfortable for larger shooters. It has an adjustable buttstock with a comfortable cheek weld for a better sight picture and improved accuracy. The rifle also has an enlarged magazine well and enlarged trigger guard that make it comfortable to use with or without gloves.
The adjustable gas block is mounted under the front quad rail, which improves the balance of the rifle and makes it better suited for shooting with a scope. The handguard is also light and well suited for use with a magnified optic or micro scale red dot sight.
Performance
The VTAC-15 has been optimized for accuracy. Christensen Arms has outfitted the rifle with a high-quality trigger that has a clean break and a crisp reset. This makes the rifle easier to shoot accurately and adds to the user’s ability to quickly and accurately fire multiple rounds. The adjustable gas system, which is controlled by a small knob located on the side of the receiver, also allows for tuning of the action for smoother operation.
The rifle can be chambered in the popular .223 Wylde cartridge, which is known for its accuracy and performance. It is also fitted with a 1 to 8-inch twist barrel that is made from 416R stainless steel and is designed to provide superior accuracy and longer barrel life.
The VTAC-15 is also a lightweight rifle, with the complete rifle weighing just 6.1 lbs (2.8 kg). This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to carry a light rifle, or those that operate in more rugged environments where weight is a major factor.
Value
The VTAC-15 is priced in the mid-range of the AR-15 market. At roughly $1,200, it is an excellent choice for someone looking for a well-made AR-15 that will serve for years to come. The rifle is well-made and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers the rifle and any parts or accessories purchased from Christensen Arms, ensuring that customers will receive any needed service or repairs at no cost.
Conclusion
The Christensen Arms VTAC-15 is an excellent rifle for anyone looking for an AR-15 that provides performance, accuracy, and lightweight components while also staying within a reasonable price range. Its unique design features make it a great option for tactical and competition shooters, and its adjustable gas system and optimized trigger make it easier than ever to shoot accurately and consistently. It also comes with a lifetime warranty from Christensen Arms, ensuring that customers will be able to enjoy the rifle for many years without having to worry about costly repairs or service. With all these features and its competitive price, the VTAC-15 is an excellent option for anyone looking for an upgraded AR-15.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very lightweight and sleek design
- Made with high-end materials
- Uses direct gas impingement which is reliable and very accurate
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can be pricey depending on additional add-ons
- Some parts may need to be upgraded/replaced for optimal performance
- Not readily available in most gun stores
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is a fan of Christensen Arms rifles and enjoys medium to long range shooting should consider purchasing a CHRISTENSEN ARMS VTAC-15. It is designed to be an optimal choice for precision shooters and competitive shooters looking for customizable features and a lightweight design.
However, those who are looking for a rifle that will stand up to a lot of use and abuse or require reloading after frequent rapid firing, should look at other options. The CHRISTENSEN ARMS VTAC-15 is not designed for either of these scenarios and may not perform optimally in either situation.
Comparisons
| Feature | CHRISTENSEN ARMS VTAC-15 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas System | Direct Impingement | Short Stroke Gas Piston System | Mid-Length Gas System | Short Stroge Gas Piston System | Adjustable Gas System |
| Caliber | 300 AAC Blackout | 450 Bushmaster | 5.56 NATO | 6.8 SPC | .308 Win |
| Length | 28.75"-30.75" | 28-30” | 28-30” | 28-30” | 28-30” |
| Stock | Magpul CTR | Fixed Stock | Collapsible Stock | Adjustable Stock | Fixed Stock |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | 6-7 lbs | 6-7 lbs | 6-7 lbs | 6-7 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Direct Impingement Gas Operating System
• 16-Inch 416R Stainless Steel Barrel
• Choice of 15 Different Hammer Forged or Button Rifled Barrel Contours
• 5R Barrel Rifling
• Melonite Coated Gas Block and Barrel
• 12-Inch Free Float Christensen Arms Handguard
• Rated for Full-Auto and Reaches Sub-MOA Accuracy
• Magpul Grip
• Ambidextrous Safety Selector
• Magpul-Style Trigger Guard
• High Quality Mil-Spec Lower and Upper Receiver
• A2-Style Flash Hider
• Weight of 6.5 Pounds
Popular Accessories
PRECISION Rifles
Common accessories for Christensen Arms VTAC-15 Precision Rifles include optics such as scopes and red dot sights, slings, bipods or monopods, suppressors/muzzle brakes, handguards, lasers, flashlights, stock or forends, grips, and trigger components.
Accuracy
The Christensen Arms VTAC-15 is one of the most accurate AR-15 rifles on the market. It features a free-floating, match-grade barrel for increased accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency. The gun is designed around Christensen Arms' Advanced Thermal Barrel Technology which helps keep the barrel at a lower operating temperature, meaning that it won't heat up faster and your shots will be consistently accurate with every shot you take. In addition, the VTAC-15 utilizes a two-stage match trigger, mil-spec upper receiver, and an adjustable gas block to ensure that your shots stay on target and are as accurate as possible. Various tests have found that the VTAC-15 is capable of producing consistent groups of sub-MOA (less than 1-inch at 100 yards) with high-quality match ammunition, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting or competition.
