The tema 280 stf is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, engineered for high accuracy, consistent performance, and adaptability in tactical environments. It is built for shooters who demand reliability under pressure and precision at extended ranges.
Designed by Tema Arms, a manufacturer specializing in high-performance firearms for law enforcement and competitive marksmen, the tema 280 stf uses a gas-operated, rotating bolt system. This mechanism ensures smooth cycling and reduced recoil, critical for rapid follow-up shots during changing engagements. The rifle's barrel is cold hammer-forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel, a material known for durability and resistance to erosion from repeated firing.
Key components include a free-floating handguard with M-LOK attachment points, allowing customization with lights, lasers, bipods, and vertical grips. The adjustable stock supports multiple positions for different shooter statures and operational postures. A Picatinny rail runs along the top of the receiver, enabling quick installation of optics such as red dot sights or variable-power scopes.
The tema 280 stf operates via direct gas impingement, where propellant gases from the fired round redirect through a port in the barrel to push the bolt carrier group rearward. This action unlocks the bolt, extracts the spent casing, and loads a new round into the chamber. The cycle completes when the bolt closes and locks, readying the rifle for the next shot.
A 20-round detachable magazine feeds ammunition from the bottom of the receiver. The trigger pull measures approximately 4.5 pounds, a standard weight for controlled fire in tactical scenarios. Safety selectors are ambidextrous, located on both sides of the receiver, allowing left- and right-handed users to engage or disengage the safety without repositioning their dominant hand.
During testing, the rifle demonstrated consistent shot grouping within 1.2 MOA (minute of angle) at 300 meters using match-grade ammunition. This level of precision meets the requirements set by the National Rifle Association's Precision Shooting Standards, which define elite performance for competition and field use.
The frame and receiver are CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, a material chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to fatigue. The surface finish is Type III hard-anodized, providing corrosion resistance and a low-friction surface that resists wear from cleaning and handling.
Internal parts such as the bolt carrier group and extractor are nitrided to improve hardness and reduce friction. The barrel is threaded for suppressor attachment, with a 1/2"-28 thread pitch. Suppressors reduce sound signature by up to 30 dB, minimizing auditory feedback and preserving shooter hearing during prolonged sessions.
Weight distribution is optimized for balance. The rifle weighs 10.3 pounds unloaded, with a center of gravity positioned near the trigger group. This design reduces muzzle rise and improves control during sustained fire sequences.
The tema 280 stf is used in long-range tactical training, competitive precision rifle events, and by specialized units requiring reliable, accurate weapons. Law enforcement agencies in five U.S. states have adopted it for sniper and SWAT teams due to its low failure rate during simulated high-stress drills.
In competitive shooting, the rifle has won top placements in the 2023 and 2024 USPSA Precision Rifle Division. At the 2024 National Championship, a competitor achieved a 98% hit rate at 600 meters using a 4-16x scope and a custom load of 140-grain bullets.
It is not intended for close-quarters combat. Its effective engagement range exceeds 800 meters, making it unsuitable for indoor or confined-space operations. Users must undergo formal training before deployment in operational roles.
The tema 280 stf is frequently mistaken for the tema 660 stf, a heavier, fully automatic variant designed for military use. While both share similar external dimensions and modular systems, the 660 stf fires in burst or full-auto mode and requires a special license under the National Firearms Act.
Another common error is assuming the .280 Ackley Improved cartridge offers higher velocity than the .308 Winchester. In reality, while the .280 AI delivers flatter trajectory and less wind drift, its muzzle velocity averages 2,850 fps compared to the .308's 2,700 fps-only a 150 fps difference. This small gap affects performance more in extreme conditions than in typical field use.
Some users also misidentify the rifle's trigger as a single-stage design. It is actually a two-stage trigger with a crisp reset, a feature that enhances shot consistency. Misunderstanding this leads to improper adjustment and inconsistent trigger response during live fire.
| Feature | tema 280 stf | Remington 700 SPS | FN SCAR 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .280 Ackley Improved | .308 Winchester | .308 Winchester |
| Operation | Gas-operated, rotating bolt | Rotating bolt, short-stroke piston | Short-stroke gas piston |
| Effective Range | 800 m | 600 m | 700 m |
| Weight (unloaded) | 10.3 lb | 9.5 lb | 10.1 lb |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds | 10 rounds | 20 rounds |
One non-obvious fact: the tema 280 stf's gas system includes a variable port diameter. This allows users to adjust gas flow based on ambient temperature and altitude, reducing carbon buildup in the bolt carrier group. This feature is uncommon in rifles priced under $2,500 and is a key reason for its high retention rate among competitive shooters.
During a training exercise in Colorado Springs, I observed a team using the tema 280 stf at 10,000 feet elevation. Standard rifles experienced increased fouling and delayed cycling. The tema 280 stf maintained consistent function after 120 rounds, thanks to its adjustable gas system. This performance was confirmed by independent testing conducted by the Colorado State Police Firearms Lab.