Most hunters grew up with a .22 rifle. For me, it was a Winchester Mannequin 61, however for a lot of gen-Xers, it was a Marlin Mannequin 60 or a Ruger 10/22. No matter your technology, it’s unlikely you grew up with a .22 rifle just like the Bergara B-14R Carbon. The Bergara is just not your run-of-the-mill .22 rifle. It’s a purpose-built, precision taking pictures machine—and the most effective taking pictures .22 rifles I’ve ever fired.Â
Bergara B-14 R Specs and Overview
- Size: 38-inches
- Weight: 8.1 kilos (marketed) 8.29 kilos (precise)
- Barrel: 18-inch, Bergara carbon fiber wrapped w/1 in 16 twists, threaded at ½-28
- Motion: B14R (left-hand model in .22 LR solely)
- Set off: Bergara, single stage (2.5 kilos as examined)
- End: Black Cerakote
- Inventory: Bergara HMR inventory
- Capability: 10 (AICS-style .22 LR)
- Obtainable Chamberings: .22 LR (examined), .17 HMR, .22 WMR
- Value: $1329.00 ($1349.00 left-hand)
Bergara affords a full line of rimfire rifles that features two semi-automatics and 4 bolt-actions. Within the bolt class, the 4 choices embrace two BMR and two B-14R rifles. The BMR rifles are of a extra conventional design and are compact and light-weight when in comparison with the B-14R rifles. The 2 B-14R rifles have a long-range precision-rifle vibe. Each the BMR and B-14R rifles are provided with both a metal or carbon barrel.
The cylindrical motion used on the Bergara B-14R is dimensionally equivalent to a short-action Remington 700, proper right down to the motion screws and recoil lug. This makes the motion suitable with aftermarket Remington 700 shares. Equally, the motion may also settle for Remington 700 scope bases and aftermarket Remington 700 triggers. Out of the field, the B-14R comes with a single-stage Bergara set off, which tripped crisply and persistently at 2.5 kilos. The 18-inch barrel is a carbon fiber wrapped 4140 chrome moly Bergara barrel with a match chamber, and the muzzle is threaded at a ½-28 pitch. It’s shipped with a thread protector, comes with a one-piece optics rail, and the bolt has a floating head, an outsized knob, and a cocked indicator.
The inventory is equivalent to the inventory used on the Bergara centerfire B-14 HMR rifle, which is a well-liked rifle for long-range taking pictures. Which means that you probably have a type of, the B-14R rimfire might successfully function a sub-caliber coach. This inventory options an adjustable size of pull with spacers, and a quick-adjust comb to assist your eye discover the middle of your optic whereas sustaining a very good cheek weld. There are additionally two ahead sling swivel studs – one for a sling and one other for a bipod – and a single rear stud. The inventory additionally has quick-detach sling sockets on the suitable and left facet, on the butt and forend. The grip is at almost 90° and the rifle feeds from an AICS-sized, 10-shot journal.
How the Bergara B-14R Carried out Throughout Our Riflescope Check
I examined this rifle throughout our 2022 riflescope check. I mounted each riflescope we evaluated the B-14R so I might consider the adjustment capabilities and precision of the optics. In whole, I evaluated 18 totally different scopes and fired greater than 400 rounds of Federal Gold Medal Goal. I picked this load as a result of it delivered one of the best precision within the check rifle. It averaged proper at a half-inch for 5, five-shot teams at 50 yards. I examined two different hundreds, and the typical for all teams fired with all three hundreds was a good 0.618-inch.
Pretty much as good as that is, it’s not one of the best efficiency I’ve seen from a .22 rifle. A Vudoo Gun Works Raven I as soon as examined averaged lower than 4/10ths of an inch for 15 teams with three totally different hundreds. Nevertheless, a brand new Vudoo rifle will price greater than twice as a lot because the Bergara B-14R Carbon. Is 2/10ths of an inch value $1500? That’s an vital choice as a result of $1500 will purchase a whole lot of .22 LR ammunition and/or a really good riflescope.
Simply as vital as on-target precision is reliability. The rifle didn’t have a single hiccup throughout the entire check or after the 100 further rounds I fired beforehand. I by no means oiled or cleaned the rifle, or a lot as wiped the mud off it.
What’s the Bergara B-14R Meant to be Used For?
NRL22 matches have gotten fairly standard. Within the Base Class, the MSRP of your rifle and riflescope mixture can’t exceed $1200.00. That locations the B14 R Carbon within the Open Class proper out of the field. However its configuration and functionality for positive precision ought to assist you to carry out admirably there. However, not all of us wish to take part in formal competitions; we’re glad to impress ourselves or our pals whereas plinking on the vary. In that venue, it’s best to be capable of exhibit reasonably spectacularly with the B-14R.
There’s in fact small sport looking, and this rifle has some software there as nicely. Although when you add an applicable optic to the rifle, it could be a bit too heavy and cumbersome for traipsing by way of the squirrel woods. Nevertheless, on a gopher or prairie canine city, this rifle could be a terror out to the ballistic limits of the .22 LR—or the 17 HMR and 22 WMR, that are alternate chamberings.
Learn Subsequent: The New .22 Competitors Craze
Relating to weapons, there’s one indisputable fact: Each hunter wants a good-shooting .22 rifle. The Bergara B-14R Carbon might not have the nostalgic enchantment or off-hand nimbleness of the Marlin mannequin 60 or Ruger 10-22 that your daddy grew up with—it’s extra of a Gen-Z rifle for the brand new millennium. But it surely does have the power to ship excessive precision on course and affords a whole lot of adjustability for shooter consolation.Â
