CA Ridgeline Issues

[SabinoCarl]

You’d think for what they cost there’d be no issues at all?

Hi Rifge86,
I could not agree more, but in manufacturing there are “lemons”. This happens to cars, much more expensive than a rifle, and happens to all rifle brands. The importance is how the company handles any warranty claim!

 

[JBahr]

SabinoCarl,

My rifle was from the original product run in 2014. Seems a lot of the rifles that have issues have components from that era. CA gave me a new barrel, new trigger assembly and new stock. I noticed a minor hairline fracture in the forearm before I sent it back and I included that in my report. Seems they thought it was worth replacing. Didn't get much of an explanation as to what they found that was out of spec but happy that they just took care of it. They also shot it and provided a detailed report. I didn't have to plead with them to do any of this, they just stepped up and did the right thing and did it quickly. Call them and detail your issues, they'll take care of you.

I did not go through break in on the new setup. There are lots of opinions out there as to whether or not that makes a difference on a rifle. I did find that my groups really started to tighten up around the 500 shot mark. I shoot hand loads now and have an effective range to 850 yards. The rifle is capable of more, no doubt.

Hope that helps.

 

[SabinoCarl]

SabinoCarl,

My rifle was from the original product run in 2014. Seems a lot of the rifles that have issues have components from that era. CA gave me a new barrel, new trigger assembly and new stock. I noticed a minor hairline fracture in the forearm before I sent it back and I included that in my report. Seems they thought it was worth replacing. Didn't get much of an explanation as to what they found that was out of spec but happy that they just took care of it. They also shot it and provided a detailed report. I didn't have to plead with them to do any of this, they just stepped up and did the right thing and did it quickly. Call them and detail your issues, they'll take care of you.

I did not go through break in on the new setup. There are lots of opinions out there as to whether or not that makes a difference on a rifle. I did find that my groups really started to tighten up around the 500 shot mark. I shoot hand loads now and have an effective range to 850 yards. The rifle is capable of more, no doubt.

Hope that helps.

Hey JBahr,
I am grateful for your reply and glad your rifle reaches 850yards. I am glad to hear CA took care of you!
I sent in for an RMA yesterday, with a very detailed report on my issues. Do you remember who you talked to? Do you have any advice on how best to communicate with CA?
Their website says that they will respond in 24-48 hours, and so I assume 2-3 business days.
I have not called them, just emailed via the CA warranty portal.

Just curious, but as a hand loader, have you found the CA carbon barrel to like light loads or hot? Light grain rounds or heavy? Or now after your 500 rounds, does it take both?

I am hoping for a super light 130grain for deer and a heavy 180-200 grain for elk.

Again, your response was super appreciated and I thank you for any further advice!
Thank you
Carl

 

[JBahr]

Definitely call them, give them a voice and a call log to attach to your warranty claim. I cannot remember who I talked to, been a while.

My 300 WSM seems to like the max loads with the jump I have set. Not sure what caliber you are shooting or how it will like heavy or light loads. I had dreams of doing two loads as well but just settled on one.

Good Luck!

 

[SabinoCarl]

Definitely call them, give them a voice and a call log to attach to your warranty claim. I cannot remember who I talked to, been a while.

My 300 WSM seems to like the max loads with the jump I have set. Not sure what caliber you are shooting or how it will like heavy or light loads. I had dreams of doing two loads as well but just settled on one.

Good Luck!

Hi

 

[SabinoCarl]

Hi

Hi JBahr,
Again thank you for the reply. I sent the rifle back to Christensen yesterday.

i shoot a 300WSM just same as you I believe, hence my question on the grain weight you are having the most luck with?

 

[swampthing]

A friend just bought a ridgeline 300wsm. I asked him how it shot and he reported heavy bolt lift and tough extraction with factory ammo. He said a couple primers even fell out! Said it was producing sub moa groups though!

 

[JBahr]

This is the first I'm hearing of a possible caliber specific issue. I've had no issues since my rifle returned.

Regarding Load Development... for your reading pleasure:

300 WSM Load Development

Last year I took a decent bull using factory Nosler Trophy Grade 180 Accubonds and my 300 WSM CA Ridgeline. I was a little confused with the performance of the AB. My first shot from 175 yards, freehand, was high lungs, shattering the opposite side scapula. The bull took off and disappeared...

www.rokslide.com

 

[swampthing]

I spoke to my friend about his 300wsm today and got some info which does lead to "caliber specific" . He spoke with the Christianson dealer up here in BC. He got info that the 300wsm comes loaded "very hot" in factory ammo. The conversation spoke of the wsm having to compete with the well established 300 win mag. The dealer told him to handload to about 2800fps and tell your buddies its shooting faster! He has a few groups in now with great accuracy and no hard bolt lift

 

[CCooper]

I am on my second CA ridgeline currently. As I found with the first (26 Nosler) the bed work was sub-par for my liking. It took a trip to the smith for a re-do on the bedwork and a little trigger adjustment, as well as barrel crown touch-up and base bedding. It now shoots factory 140 accubonds @ .5 MOA. Good enough for me. The second rifle (300 WM) got the same treatment before firing. Haven't had a chance to work up a load for it yet (bow hunted last year) but it will be sending 215 bergers per @Broz. I have found no matter what I purchase new these days I need to budget a couple hundred $ with the smith to get things to my liking and accurate. It sucks with a rifle at this price point, but you are getting a lot of features for the money with a ridgeline IMO.